Bars reject IHC judges' transfers

The Lahore Bar Association (LBA) and the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) strongly criticised the transfer of three Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges to provincial high courts and the constitutional amendments, terming them a threat to judicial independence. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, LHCBA Secretary Qasim Ijaz Sammra condemned the transfers carried out without the consent of the judges and alleged that the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments had undermined the independence of the judiciary. "Lawyers will raise a strong voice against these measures and continue their struggle to safeguard judicial autonomy," he said. LHCBA President Babar Murtaza said the legal community had been resisting such amendments for the past two years, alleging that the basic structure of the Constitution had been altered. He criticized the process of judicial transfers and warned that arbitrary decisions regarding seniority could undermine institutional integrity. He also announced that lawyers would hold a protest rally against the decisions. LBA President Irfan Hayat Bajwa described the recent developments as "the darkest day in Pakistan's judicial history," rejecting the constitutional amendments outright. He claimed that petitions filed against the amendments had yet to be heard and asserted that even the Chief Justice of Pakistan had now realised a loss of authority.

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Cabinet approves Pakistan’s first National Vaccine Policy

Federal Minister for National Health Syed Mustafa Kamal on Wednesday announced that the federal cabinet approved Pakistan’s first-ever National Vaccine Policy, paving the way for local vaccine production in the country. The approval was granted during a meeting of the federal cabinet held in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair. Speaking on the occasion, the minister termed the development a major milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s healthcare system. He noted that the country had, until now, lacked a comprehensive national policy on vaccines, adding that the newly approved framework was developed through extensive consultations with key stakeholders to ensure a robust and sustainable approach. Kamal highlighted the role of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Minister of State for Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in shaping the policy. He emphasised that establishing local vaccine production capacity had become essential for the country, describing the initiative as a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the health sector. The federal cabinet also approved the formation of a special committee under the supervision of DRAP to determine vaccine prices and ensure quality standards. The policy aims to reduce reliance on imported vaccines, conserve foreign exchange, and make Pakistan self-sufficient in vaccine production. Pakistan, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, has, over the past five decades, provided life-saving vaccines to 160 million children and 130 million mothers. Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation’s vaccines chief, Kate O’Brien, said that vaccines have saved 154 million lives globally over the past 50 years, noting that more than 30 diseases can be prevented through immunisation.

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K-P jirga rejects drone strikes, announces emergency assembly session

In a rare display of political unity, a joint jirga led by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Wednesday unanimously condemned ongoing drone strikes in tribal districts, deciding to convene a series of gatherings on the issue. The jirga, which included lawmakers from both government and opposition benches representing tribal districts, was told that relentless drone attacks continued to result in repeated civilian casualties and damage to local property. Participants agreed that the current situation was no longer tolerable, with innocent lives being lost to both terrorism and drone strikes. They agreed to hold a special provincial assembly session on Thursday, a cabinet meeting on Friday, and a grand tribal jirga at the Chief Minister’s House on Saturday. وزیر اعلی خیبر پختونخوا کی سربراہی میں حکومت اور اپوزیشن کا مشترکہ جرگہ، ڈرون حملوں کی مشترکہ مخالفت#CMKP #tribalaffairs #peaceinkp pic.twitter.com/uWjqVFkL05 — Information Department KP (@infokpgovt) April 29, 2026 Addressing the gathering, CM Afridi declared that civilian deaths from both terrorism and drone attacks were unacceptable. “The people of tribal areas cannot be forced to pay the double price in the shape of their lives,” he said. “Neither terrorism nor civilian deaths in drone strikes can be justified.” The jirga rejected the recurring pattern of civilian deaths being dismissed as mistakes. Members asserted that targeting innocent citizens under the pretext of errors must stop immediately. “Despite modern technology, the continuous loss of innocent lives due to so-called mistakes is unacceptable under any circumstances,” Afridi added. “Apologies cannot compensate for lost lives. The damage is irreparable.” Read: Jirga demands end to border hostilities The chief minister announced the postponement of his Lahore visit in light of the situation. He warned that the province cannot afford further instability, stressing that “decision-makers must understand that the blood of our people is not cheap.” It was revealed during the jirga that Rs26 billion has been allocated this year to the Counter-Terrorism Department and Special Branch to further strengthen the province’s capacity against terrorism. The jirga concluded with a consensus to adopt a joint strategy transcending political affiliations, pledging unified action against both terrorism and extrajudicial drone strikes.

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Families relive distressing phone calls

The oil tanker, sailing under the Somali flag, was transporting oil from Oman to Somalia when pirates seized it on April 21. Among the ten abducted Pakistanis, eight are from Karachi. Mehwish becomes emotional recalling the moment on April 21 when she was speaking to her husband, Yasir Khan, on the phone around 4:30pm; pirates then took control of the vessel. She says her husband abruptly ended the call, stating that pirates had taken over their ship. The next call came on April 24, made from the captain's phone, during which Yasir informed her that each hostage was guarded by an armed pirate equipped with heavy and dangerous weapons. Yasir has been working as a boiler operator in the shipping industry since 2009. Mehwish says he had left the profession after their 2010 marriage because he could not bear to stay away from his children. After a 16-year gap, he rejoined and boarded the ship on the 17th of this month. Yasir's elder son, seven-year-old Bashar, is pleading for his father to be brought back to Pakistan as soon as possible. His younger son, Umar, does not fully understand the situation but knows that "pirates are robbers" who have taken his father. Each Pakistani held by the pirates has a heartbreaking story. In an audio message circulating on social media, a man named Amin can be heard crying and telling his father that pirates are about to kill him, asking him to take care of his wife and two children. Amin's wife, Ayesha, told The Express Tribune that the message was received on April 21 and that he sounded extremely distressed. Amin had recently joined the merchant navy as a fitter. He travelled from Pakistan to Oman in early December, and his son was born in the last week of December. He has not yet seen his only child. Among the captives is Rafiullah, a resident of Manora Cantt in Karachi. His brother Sanaullah said that on April 24, the pirates allowed each hostage to make a five-minute call to their families. During that call, Rafiullah revealed that the ship, its cargo, and the pirates themselves all belong to Somalia. Sanaullah added that their parents are ill, so they have not yet been informed of Rafiullah's abduction. Kashif Umar, a resident of Buffer Zone in Karachi, has been associated with the merchant navy for the past 25 years. His son Izhar Umar said their last contact was on April 23, when his father reported that food supplies on the ship had run out. Social worker and human rights lawyer Ansar Burney told The Express Tribune that rumours are circulating about ransom demands, but no such demand has been made so far. He said no formal action has yet been initiated at the government level for the release of the Pakistani captives. Out of the ten Pakistani hostages on the oil tanker "Honour 25," one belongs to Sahiwal in Punjab and another to Swabi in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The remaining crew includes four Indonesians and three individuals from India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

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Punjab bets big on tourism with first-ever investment expo

The Punjab government held its first comprehensive tourism showcase in Lahore on Tuesday, terming it a milestone in efforts to transform the province into a globally recognised tourism destination. Organised by the Punjab Tourism Department, the "Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026" brought together public and private stakeholders to promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth, marking a step towards positioning Punjab as a competitive player in the global tourism economy. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the occasion as “a historic moment for Punjab”, saying that for the first time, the province’s full tourism potential had been presented under one platform. وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نوازشریف کے ویژن کے مطابق میگنیفیسنٹ پنجاب کے بینر تلے صوبے میں سیاحت کے شعبے کو جدید خطوط پر استوار کرتے ہوئے پہلی بار پنجاب ٹورزم اتھارٹی کا قیام عمل میں لایا گیا ہے جس نے بکھرے ہوئے اور خستہ حال سیاحتی مقامات اور محکمے کو ایک چھت تلے متحد کر دیا ہے۔ اس نئی… pic.twitter.com/MRd7LO0uhA — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 “This is not just an expo. This is Punjab opening its doors to the world,” she said, highlighting the event, which included heritage cities, spiritual routes, cultural landscapes, eco-tourism destinations and investment-ready projects. Highlighting the economic importance of the sector, she said tourism was no longer a “soft sector” but a major contributor to global GDP, employment and national identity. “Today, Punjab steps forward to claim its rightful place in the global tourism economy,” she added, noting that the event also served as a platform to connect investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers, facilitating engagement on future projects. “Today, Punjab steps forward to claim its rightful place in the global tourism economy,” she added. وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نواز کے "میگنیفیسنٹ پنجاب" ویژن کے تحت صوبے بھر میں سیاحت کے فروغ کے لیے 78 بلین روپے کی خطیر رقم سے ایک جامع ایکو سسٹم تیار کیا جا رہا ہے، جس میں صرف محکمہ سیاحت کے 28 بلین روپے کے علاوہ وائلڈ لائف، فاریسٹ، ایکو ٹورازم اور مری و ٹیکسلا جیسے تاریخی شہروں کی… pic.twitter.com/Ev1VI5fXBo — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 Officials announced an investment of approximately Rs78 billion in tourism infrastructure, with development work underway across 170 sites. Of these, 60 are expected to become fully operational by December 2026. “This expo is a platform of opportunity, an opportunity for investors to partner with government, for entrepreneurs to build experiences, and for the world to discover Punjab,” Aurangzeb said. Beyond destination promotion, the government emphasised the development of an integrated tourism ecosystem linking culture, hospitality, infrastructure, and digital innovation. Join us at #MagnificentPunjab Expo 2026 and experience the vibrant spirit of Punjab like never before! From rich heritage to breathtaking landscapes, we are proudly showcasing a province full of culture, opportunity, and global potential. 📍 Expo Centre, Lahore 🗓️ 28–29 April pic.twitter.com/9bKDhbB4d1 — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 A key highlight was the alignment of tourism with emerging sectors such as film and screen tourism. “Today, the world doesn’t just travel through maps, it travels through stories. When a place is seen on screen, it becomes a destination in reality,” she said. Officials said the upcoming Punjab Film City would play a central role in showcasing the province globally. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, tourism is being repositioned as a year-round engine of economic growth, employment, and international engagement, the government said. It added that focus remained on ease of doing business, investor facilitation and public-private partnerships to unlock the sector’s full potential. The event concluded with a message of openness and collaboration. “To our international guests, Punjab welcomes you. To the private sector, Punjab stands ready to partner with you. And to the people of Punjab, this is your moment.” Officials said the Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026 marked a milestone in efforts to transform Punjab into a globally recognised tourism destination — one that is not only visited, but experienced, remembered, and celebrated.

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Punjab bets big on tourism with first-ever investment expo

The Punjab government held its first comprehensive tourism showcase in Lahore on Tuesday, terming it a milestone in efforts to transform the province into a globally recognised tourism destination. Organised by the Punjab Tourism Department, the "Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026" brought together public and private stakeholders to promote tourism as a key driver of economic growth, marking a step towards positioning Punjab as a competitive player in the global tourism economy. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb described the occasion as “a historic moment for Punjab”, saying that for the first time, the province’s full tourism potential had been presented under one platform. وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نوازشریف کے ویژن کے مطابق میگنیفیسنٹ پنجاب کے بینر تلے صوبے میں سیاحت کے شعبے کو جدید خطوط پر استوار کرتے ہوئے پہلی بار پنجاب ٹورزم اتھارٹی کا قیام عمل میں لایا گیا ہے جس نے بکھرے ہوئے اور خستہ حال سیاحتی مقامات اور محکمے کو ایک چھت تلے متحد کر دیا ہے۔ اس نئی… pic.twitter.com/MRd7LO0uhA — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 “This is not just an expo. This is Punjab opening its doors to the world,” she said, highlighting the event, which included heritage cities, spiritual routes, cultural landscapes, eco-tourism destinations and investment-ready projects. Highlighting the economic importance of the sector, she said tourism was no longer a “soft sector” but a major contributor to global GDP, employment and national identity. “Today, Punjab steps forward to claim its rightful place in the global tourism economy,” she added, noting that the event also served as a platform to connect investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers, facilitating engagement on future projects. “Today, Punjab steps forward to claim its rightful place in the global tourism economy,” she added. وزیراعلی پنجاب مریم نواز کے "میگنیفیسنٹ پنجاب" ویژن کے تحت صوبے بھر میں سیاحت کے فروغ کے لیے 78 بلین روپے کی خطیر رقم سے ایک جامع ایکو سسٹم تیار کیا جا رہا ہے، جس میں صرف محکمہ سیاحت کے 28 بلین روپے کے علاوہ وائلڈ لائف، فاریسٹ، ایکو ٹورازم اور مری و ٹیکسلا جیسے تاریخی شہروں کی… pic.twitter.com/Ev1VI5fXBo — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 Officials announced an investment of approximately Rs78 billion in tourism infrastructure, with development work underway across 170 sites. Of these, 60 are expected to become fully operational by December 2026. “This expo is a platform of opportunity, an opportunity for investors to partner with government, for entrepreneurs to build experiences, and for the world to discover Punjab,” Aurangzeb said. Beyond destination promotion, the government emphasised the development of an integrated tourism ecosystem linking culture, hospitality, infrastructure, and digital innovation. Join us at #MagnificentPunjab Expo 2026 and experience the vibrant spirit of Punjab like never before! From rich heritage to breathtaking landscapes, we are proudly showcasing a province full of culture, opportunity, and global potential. 📍 Expo Centre, Lahore 🗓️ 28–29 April pic.twitter.com/9bKDhbB4d1 — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 28, 2026 A key highlight was the alignment of tourism with emerging sectors such as film and screen tourism. “Today, the world doesn’t just travel through maps, it travels through stories. When a place is seen on screen, it becomes a destination in reality,” she said. Officials said the upcoming Punjab Film City would play a central role in showcasing the province globally. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, tourism is being repositioned as a year-round engine of economic growth, employment, and international engagement, the government said. It added that focus remained on ease of doing business, investor facilitation and public-private partnerships to unlock the sector’s full potential. The event concluded with a message of openness and collaboration. “To our international guests, Punjab welcomes you. To the private sector, Punjab stands ready to partner with you. And to the people of Punjab, this is your moment.” Officials said the Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026 marked a milestone in efforts to transform Punjab into a globally recognised tourism destination — one that is not only visited, but experienced, remembered, and celebrated.

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Pakistan, Cambodia agree to repatriate 54 nationals detained in scam raid: FO

The Foreign Office (FO) said on Tuesday that the government and Cambodia had formally agreed to repatriate 54 Pakistani nationals detained in Siem Reap province, following their arrest in a raid on a scamming compound. Reports indicate that over 200 Pakistani nationals are currently in custody in Cambodia. They were reportedly lured through deceptive means and later trafficked into illegal operations run by criminal networks. Following a crackdown by Cambodian authorities, they were arrested and remain in detention under difficult conditions. In a statement posted on his X account, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia had actively pursued the matter with the Cambodian government. “This is in line with the instructions of the deputy prime minister/foreign minister to all Pakistan’s Missions that facilitating the Pakistani community abroad is a top priority,” the statement said. I wish to state the following in response to media questions regarding detained Pakistanis in Cambodia: The Pakistan Embassy in Cambodia has actively pursued the matter with the Cambodian Government. This is in line with the instructions of the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign… — Tahir Andrabi (@TahirAndrabi) April 28, 2026 “Our embassy staff are taking steps to ensure the welfare of the detained Pakistanis,” the statement added, noting that the detainees would depart Cambodia once flight arrangements were finalised. It further said that, as a goodwill gesture, Cambodian authorities had agreed to repatriate all detainees without legal proceedings against them under the “Law on Combatting Online Scams”, which came into effect on April 7 and carried significant prison sentences and hefty fines. A multibillion-dollar scam industry has expanded in Cambodia in recent years, with thousands of people involved — some voluntarily and others coerced by organised criminal groups, according to experts. According to Amnesty International, the Cambodian government is deliberately ignoring widespread human rights abuses, including slavery, human trafficking, child labour and torture, being carried out by criminal gangs across more than 50 scamming compounds in the country. In its 240-page report last year, Amnesty said it interviewed more than 50 survivors from different countries and identified at least 53 scamming compounds in Cambodia. “Amnesty’s research reveals the horrifying magnitude of a crisis the Cambodian authorities are not doing enough to stop. Their failures have emboldened a criminal network whose tentacles extend internationally, with millions of people impacted by the scams,” the report said. Last week, the United States Treasury Department designated Kok An — a Cambodian senator who controls scam compounds across the country — as well as 28 individuals and entities in his network for defrauding Americans.

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