Listing dowry articles in 'Nikah Nama' part of SC's family law reforms

The Supreme Court has outlined key family law reforms, including revising the Nikah Nama to include a column for dowry articles and proposing stricter penalties for unregistered marriages, as part of its broader judicial reform agenda detailed in its report Redefining Access to Justice 2025. Under the family law reforms, the apex court has recommended clearly defining key terms such as 'maintenance' and 'dower' in the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance (MFLO) of 1961 to eliminate ambiguities that often lead to inconsistent judgments in family courts. The reforms also propose enhanced penalties for unregistered marriages to strengthen women’s legal protections and ensure accountability in matrimonial matters. The report further suggests allowing the transfer of family law cases to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) to streamline proceedings and improve case management across jurisdictions. The Redefining Access to Justice 2025 report highlights that the family law reforms are part of an inclusive law reform process involving senior advocates, judges, and the Advisory Committee on Law Reforms, which is steering multiple legal modernisation initiatives. Alongside legal reforms, the Supreme Court has also prioritised digital transformation to enhance transparency and public accessibility. More than 16,000 e-filings, 7,200 e-affidavits, and over 24,000 certified copies have been processed electronically across registries, while 54,473 judgments have been digitised for archival purposes with QR code authentication and NADRA integration for verified credentials. A National Judicial Information Dashboard now provides real-time monitoring of cases, and a public facilitation system—including an online feedback portal, anti-corruption hotline, and information centres—has been launched to strengthen citizen engagement. Through these judicial and digital reforms, the Supreme Court aims to build a justice system that is transparent, accessible, and responsive to contemporary social realities.

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Cop suspended for assaulting Australian national in Lahore

A police constable has been booked and suspended from duty after allegedly assaulting an Australian national of Pakistani origin in the Bhatti Gate area of Lahore. According to the First Information Report registered at Tibbi City Police Station under Section 155-C of the Police Order 2002, the complainant, Khawaja Zeeshan — an Australian citizen of Pakistani descent — stated that around 3 am on October 24, he had stopped near Bhatti Gate to buy juice when three policemen on motorcycles approached him. Zeeshan alleged that one of them, Constable Zaheer Iqbal, verbally abused and physically assaulted him, punching and kicking him before snatching his car keys and mobile phone. The constable then allegedly drove Zeeshan’s car to the Bhatti Gate Police Station while the complainant was dragged there and threatened with being shot if he tried to resist. The FIR further stated that upon checking his vehicle later, Zeeshan found that 3,000 Australian dollars were missing, which he accused Constable Iqbal of stealing. His niece, Maria Asim, and her husband arrived at the police station after he managed to contact his family, witnessing his condition and securing his release. Zeeshan later contacted Rescue-15, following which Tibbi City Police officials advised him to undergo a medical examination. His medical report from Mian Munshi Hospital confirmed signs of physical assault. Taking notice of the incident, DIG Operations Lahore Faisal Kamran ordered the registration of a case and directed immediate suspension of Constable Zaheer Iqbal. “No one is allowed to take the law into their own hands. Any officer found guilty of abusing authority will face strict departmental and legal action,” DIG Faisal said in a statement. He also ordered the SP City Division to conduct a detailed inquiry and sought an explanation from the SHO Bhatti Gate for failing to prevent the misconduct. The DIG reiterated that Lahore Police has a strict accountability system and warned that officers misusing their authority “have no place in the department.”

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Record water reserves avert Rabi shortage

The government has set a wheat production target of 29.68 million tonnes for the 2025–26 Rabi season. The Federal Committee on Agriculture (FCA), chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, reviewed the performance of the 2025–26 Kharif crops and approved production targets for the upcoming Rabi crops. The meeting was attended by provincial agriculture ministers, secretaries, and senior officials from both federal and provincial departments. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research has proposed a wheat production target of 29.68 million tonnes over an area of 9.65 million hectares. Production targets for gram, potato, onion, and tomato have been set at 393, 8,916, 2,788, and 659 thousand tonnes, respectively. The ministry has also finalised the wheat policy to ensure that farmers receive fair support prices, allowing them to cover production costs and earn reasonable profits. The minister said the policy reflects the government's commitment to protecting farmers' interests and achieving self-sufficiency in staple food crops. The committee also reviewed seed availability for Rabi crops. The Director General, Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSC&RD), informed that the availability of certified seed for Rabi 2025-26 will remain satisfactory. Regarding water availability, the IRSA advisory committee anticipated no shortage of water for Punjab and Sindh during Rabi 2025-26. The provinces have been allocated 33.814 million acre-feet (MAF) of water. During the meeting, the Committee was informed that sugarcane production for 2025-26 is provisionally estimated at 84.7 million tons from an area of 1.146 million hectares, showing an increase of 5.5% in area and 5.9% in production over the targets fixed by the FCA. Rice production for 2025-26 is estimated at 9.417 million tons from an area of 3.039 million hectares, indicating an increase of 21.9% in area and 2.7% in production over the set targets. Similarly, mungbean production for 2025-26 is estimated at 150.8 thousand tons from an area of 170.6 thousand hectares, showing an increase of 22.9% in area and 1.2% in production compared to last year. In line with the government's agenda for promoting the agriculture sector, Rana Tanveer Hussain appreciated the State Bank of Pakistan's efforts to enhance the flow of agricultural credit. The SBP allocated an indicative agricultural credit disbursement target of Rs. 2572 billion for FY 2025, which was 16.3% higher than the preceding year's disbursement of Rs. 2250 billion. Currently, 47 financial institutions are providing agricultural loans to farmers, including 5 major commercial banks, 13 medium-sized domestic private banks, 6 Islamic banks, 2 specialized banks (ZTBL & PPCBL), 11 microfinance banks, and 10 MFIs/RSPs. During FY 2025, the lending institutions disbursed Rs. 2577 billion, achieving 100.2% of the overall annual target and recording 16.3% growth compared to Rs. 2215 billion disbursed in the corresponding period last year. The Committee was also informed that the supply of Urea and DAP fertilizers is expected to remain stable during the upcoming Rabi season (November–December 2025). Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said that the government under the leadership of the Prime Minister is fully committed to strengthening the agriculture sector, ensuring food security, and uplifting the living standards of farmers through better price mechanisms, access to credit, and availability of quality inputs. He emphasized that the agriculture sector is the backbone of the national economy, and its stability directly contributes to national growth, rural prosperity, and employment generation. The Minister appreciated that despite the challenges of floods, climate variations, and global market fluctuations, all provinces have shown commendable performance in achieving better-than-expected results during the Kharif season. He also acknowledged the joint efforts of provincial departments and farmers for their dedication and resilience in maintaining productivity under difficult circumstances. Rana Tanveer Hussain said that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research would continue to implement reforms for modernizing agriculture through research, innovation, and sustainable practices. The purpose of the Federal Committee on Agriculture is to review crop productivity across the provinces, assess challenges faced by the agriculture sector, and finalize production targets and policy directions for upcoming crop seasons. The Metrological Department informed that overall, below-normal precipitation is expected in most parts of the country during November and December, while near-to-normal rains are expected in January 2026. The department clarified that the rumours circulating on social media regarding an extremely cold winter are baseless and false. In his concluding remarks, Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated the government's resolve to ensure food security through coordinated federal–provincial efforts. He said that farmers are the backbone of the country's progress, and their prosperity remains a top priority of the government. The Minister also underscored the importance of timely policy implementation, improved irrigation management, mechanization, and increased investment in research and development to ensure sustainable agricultural growth.

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Pakistan stands at heart of regional trade routes: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan stands as a “unique tri-junction” of economic corridors linking China, Central Asia and the broader Middle East, serving as a vital connector of markets and people while opening new avenues for trade and energy cooperation. Addressing the concluding session of the two-day Regional Transport Ministers Conference — themed “Regional Connectivity: Opportunities for the Region” — the premier underscored Pakistan’s central geographic and economic role in regional integration. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Communications, brought together transport ministers and delegates from 20 countries, along with representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO), and the International Road Transport Union (IRTU). “This would strengthen our common stake in peace and reinforce efforts for development in the region,” Shehbaz said. “Let us together sow the seeds of cooperation so that we may harvest the fruits of development and prosperity for our people, our region, and beyond.” Read More: PM urges Qatari investment under SIFC, lauds Doha’s role in Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire Highlighting the significance of CPEC and other transnational rail and road initiatives, the PM said these connectivity projects would help synergise regional economies and usher in a new era of enhanced trade, economic, and energy cooperation. “For centuries, the present-day Pakistan has thrived on connectivity — from the ancient Silk Road to today’s Belt and Road Initiative,” he noted. “Shifting geopolitical dynamics and the growing dominance of economic priorities have breathed new life into this ancient corridor, transforming it from a relic of the past into a strategic necessity for our future.” PM Shehbaz said Pakistan’s geography, linking the warm waters of the Arabian Sea and the Persian Gulf, placed it at the confluence of China, the Eurasian land bridge, and the Middle East. He said the country’s long coastline made Gwadar and Karachi ports key transit points on the maritime Silk Road. Lauding the vision of his brother and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, the premier said the signing of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor had been a transformative step that connected markets across China, Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. Also Read: SP among three martyred in Hangu blasts as police kill two terrorists in operation He said, Pakistan is now entering an “exciting” new phase of CPEC 2.0 focused on promoting business-to-business partnerships, attracting Chinese investment, and deepening mutual prosperity. In addition, the prime minister mentioned several ongoing rail projects, including the Trans-Afghan Railway and the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul corridor, as well as plans to enhance air connectivity with Central Asian states under frameworks such as the TIR Convention. Calling connectivity “not just about roads and railways,” he said, Pakistan was also investing in digital infrastructure to prepare for the fourth industrial revolution. “We may not have black gold, but our youth — 60% of whom are between 15 and 30 years of age — are our greatest asset,” he remarked. In his closing remarks, Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan said the participants had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen connectivity as a path to shared prosperity. He said the conference emphasised creating new linkages, developing innovative financing mechanisms, and fostering partnerships with international financial institutions. The participants, he added, also called for liberal visa schemes, improved road safety measures, and stronger collaboration to achieve sustainable regional growth.

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Afghan Transit Trade to remain shut until border situation improves: FO

The Foreign Office has clarified that the Afghan Transit Trade remains closed and will stay shut until there is a significant improvement in the security situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Speaking at the weekly press briefing, FO spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said the decision was prompted by recent armed attacks launched from across the border that claimed Pakistani lives. “We feel for the hardships faced by traders and businessmen. Ordinary people are also affected because of non-availability of commodities,” Andrabi said. “But at the border points with Afghan Transit Trade, armed attacks were carried out against Pakistan, killing Pakistanis. This pains us gravely. For us, the lives of Pakistanis are more important than any commodity traded.” The spokesperson emphasised that national security and the protection of Pakistani citizens are more important than any trade-related concerns. “We have to have a very clear priority on Afghan Transit Trade and our security. Pakistani lives and our security matter the most,” he stated. Andrabi appreciated the constructive role of Qatar and Turkiye in mediating recent discussions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, describing them as a “first step towards ensuring regional peace and stability.” He said the talks focused on immediate measures to end cross-border terrorism emanating from Afghanistan and to restore peace along the border. The FO spokesperson added that Pakistan looks forward to establishing a “concrete and verifiable monitoring mechanism” during the next round of talks, scheduled to be hosted by Turkiye in Istanbul on October 25, 2025, aimed at curbing terrorist activities from Afghan soil. “As a responsible state, committed to regional peace and stability, Pakistan does not seek escalation,” Andrabi said, urging the Afghan Taliban authorities to honour their international commitments and take verifiable action against terrorist groups, including the TTP/FAK and BLA/FAH. Pakistan condemns Israel’s West Bank annexation plan The FO also strongly condemned Israel’s attempt to extend its so-called “sovereignty” over parts of the occupied West Bank, including illegal Israeli settlements, through a draft law introduced in the Israeli legislature. Andrabi termed the move a “flagrant violation of international law and UN resolutions”, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. “We also reaffirm our unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, including the establishment of an independent, sovereign, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital,” he stated. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to working with regional and international partners to uphold the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people and to ensure peace, justice, and dignity in the region. Transcript of the Weekly Press Briefing by the Spokesperson, Friday October 24,2025 https://t.co/9tsABLEtYm pic.twitter.com/v0Oae5XApy — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 24, 2025 During the briefing, Andrabi also shared details of the visit of Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister to Pakistan. The Polish DPM expressed his country’s keen interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in various sectors, noting that Polish investment in Pakistan’s petrochemical industry currently exceeds $500 million. He also suggested collaboration in water treatment technologies and lauded Pakistan’s efforts in promoting regional peace and stability. The Polish deputy prime minister called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who highlighted the decades-long cordial relations between the two nations. The PM praised Poland’s industrial advancement and expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, defence, education, labour, and other fields of mutual interest. Both sides also discussed regional and international developments, including peace efforts in the Middle East and Ukraine. The PM reiterated Pakistan’s stance on the peaceful resolution of disputes, including Kashmir, through dialogue, diplomacy, and relevant UN resolutions, reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to international law and humanitarian principles.

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Federal Cabinet proscribes TLP under anti-terror law

Endorsing a request from the Punjab government, the federal government on Thursday banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), declaring it a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The decision - taken during a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif - followed deadly clashes during recent anti-Israel protests near Lahore that left several people dead. According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the federal cabinet "unanimously" approved the ban. During the meeting, the Ministry of Interior presented a summary based on the Punjab government's recommendation, with senior provincial officials joining via video link. The cabinet was briefed on the TLP's violent and terrorist activities across the country. Officials informed the meeting that since its establishment in 2016, the group has been involved in multiple incidents of unrest and violence, causing widespread disruption and loss of life. It was recalled that in 2021, the then government had also banned the TLP, but the decision was revoked six months later after assurances from the group that it would abstain from violence and disorder. However, the cabinet was informed that the TLP had once again violated those commitments by resorting to violence and incitement. The briefing noted that past protests and rallies by the group had resulted in the deaths of security personnel and civilians alike. After reviewing the briefing and Punjab's recommendations, the federal cabinet unanimously concluded that the TLP was engaged in terrorism and violent activities, and therefore declared it a proscribed organisation under the Anti-Terrorism Act. Earlier in the day, Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari outlined the Punjab government's recent law and order measures following a TLP protest earlier this month. She said the government had suspended the licences of 28 weapons dealers, while shops of several unlicensed dealers had been sealed. "There is a zero-tolerance policy on buying and selling of weapons, and as I said earlier, no licence for weapons will now be issued in Punjab," she added. The minister further stated that over one million people in the province currently hold weapons licences. "In a province where so many people are licensed to carry arms, you can imagine how challenging it is to maintain peace," she remarked. She added that 47,918 security companies in Punjab possess weapons licences, while various institutions collectively hold over 42,000 licences. Bokhari also shared details of weapons and ammunition allegedly recovered from individuals associated with the TLP. Displaying related images on a screen, she said TLP protesters had seized weapons, ammunition, and other items from police during previous demonstrations. "This is their modus operandi. They surround police, snatch vehicles, weapons and tear gas guns from them and use them later. "In the 2021 [protest], they robbed 3,498 tear gas shells, 23 tear gas guns, 326 anti-riot kits, two 12-bore pistols and 11 submachine guns," she said. Pointing to one of the pictures on the screen, she added that they matched the bullets that were shot at police during the TLP's recent protest. According to Bokhari, TLP activists damaged eight police vehicles and snatched a submachine gun, two 12-bore pistols, 945 bullets during their recent protest. Moreover, the minister said the protesters had snatched 197 helmets, 22 kits, 130 "safety sheets", one tear gas gun and 984 tear gas shells, all of which were part of anti-riot gear. They even damaged Safe City cameras, Bokhari added. She further said that a special prosecution cell was working on cases pertaining to the TLP, in which 559 suspects had been sent on physical remand. Among them, 161 were sent to jail and 190 were on judicial remand, she added. Moving on actions taken regarding social media posts, she said a total of "75 links" had been blocked for sharing hateful and inciting material and 107 people had been apprehended. Bokhari further said citizens could give tip-offs to police about "the extremist party" and "illegal citizens, be it Afghans or anyone else", by calling 15 police helpline. Their calls would be transferred to a special cell and the informants' name would be kept secret, she assured. She stressed that "dala culture", too, would not be tolerated. "Giving a call for strike and forcing shops, business and transport to shut down is totally unacceptable. Cases will be registered under terrorism laws [against those involved]," she further warned. Bokhari also emphasised that there was a province-wide ban on posters, pamphlets, branding or any other kind of publicity of "extremist mobs". About Afghan refugees, she said combing operations had been initiated to identify those lacking the necessary documents, who would then be shifted to centres established at the district level. They would then be sent back to their country in a respectful manner. This would also apply to others residing in Punjab "illegally", she said, adding that "information was being collected about illegal citizens doing business in Punjab so that they could also be repatriated". In this connection, the minister warned that renting or leasing out properties to "illegal citizens" or letting them stay at one's residence was a crime and action would taken over it. "The Punjab government has taken a decision on this and it is being implemented." She also said the Punjab government had requested the Centre to regularise weapons' factories.

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Four years on, K-P yet to enforce Domestic Violence Act 2021

Four years after the passage of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2021, the provincial government has yet to establish the mandated district-level committees meant to curb domestic violence against women. The law, passed by the K-P Assembly in 2021, aimed to provide a legal framework for protecting women from domestic abuse and ensuring swift redressal of complaints. The amendment bill was introduced by Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Nighat Orakzai, who also played a key role in drafting it. At her insistence, the law stipulated that each district committee be headed by a female member of the provincial assembly. In districts where no woman MPA is elected, the Deputy Commissioner was designated to serve as committee chairperson. However, despite the legal requirement, the formation of these committees has been repeatedly delayed. Sources revealed that the Social Welfare Department raised procedural objections, halting the process. Former minister for social welfare Syed Qasim Ali Shah confirmed that the decision to form the committees had been finalised and an official notification was under preparation when the provincial cabinet was dissolved. “The process will resume once the new cabinet is in place,” he said. Also Read: K-P Women’s Commission urges inclusion of women in upcoming Jirga Chairperson of the K-P Commission on the Status of Women (KPCSW), Dr Sumaira Shams, also acknowledged delays, stating that the commission has formally approached the government to resolve the objections. “There were concerns over the nomination of assembly members, as some women legislators have been assigned committees outside their home districts,” she noted. Meanwhile, the provincial assembly has issued a notification naming women MPAs for representation in district women protection committees. The list includes Sitara Afrin for Dera Ismail Khan, Aiman Jaleel for Mohmand, Madina Gul Afridi for Khyber, Rabia Shaheen for Kurram, Nilofer Begum for Bannu, Naheeda Noor for Bajaur, Arifa Bibi for Lower Chitral, and several others across the province. Some legislators, however, have voiced concerns about being excluded from committees in their own constituencies. MPA Rehana Ismail told The Express Tribune that she had contacted the Assembly Secretariat regarding objections from members who were assigned to other districts. It may be recalled that this year in January, four years after the passage of legislation, K-P government finally established committees to end violence against women in the province. Due to the lack of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's female Members of the Provincial Assembly, the committees will be headed by woman members from the opposition, with one committee to be headed by the Deputy Speaker. The K-P Assembly had passed a law in 2021 to prevent domestic violence against women. At the time, Orakzai had proposed an amendment to the law to ensure that committees formed under it would be headed by woman members of the assembly. The House had approved the amendment. In 2023, Orakzai had raised the issue of the law’s non-implementation. The issue had also been raised in the Standing Committee on Social Welfare. After Orakzai had raised her voice on the matter, the government had made rules of business which had been approved by the then-provincial cabinet.

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