SC hears review plea on PTI founder's defence right

A three-member bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Ayesha Malik, on Thursday heard a review petition filed by the PTI founder against the termination of his right of defence in a defamation case. During arguments, the PTI founder's counsel Ali Zafar told the court that under the law, a plaintiff must file an application to have the defendant's right of defence struck off. He said no such request had been filed in the present case. The trial court had taken suo motu notice to terminate the defence despite having no legal authority to do so, he argued. Sitting on the bench, Justice Hashim Kakar observed that the PTI founder had submitted his initial reply four years late. Justice Malik asked whether the trial court had taken any action or imposed a fine over the delay in submitting the reply. Zafar responded that although the court had the authority to proceed against the defendant for not filing a reply, that power was never exercised.

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Sindh slams the brakes on spending

The Sindh government has tightened austerity measures further in a bid to prepare for potential energy challenges, unveiling a series of cost-cutting and energy-saving steps aimed at reducing government expenditures while maintaining essential public services. In this regard, an important meeting of the Austerity Committee, chaired by Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, was held on Thursday. During the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on the efficient use of energy, reducing government expenditures, and improving resource management without affecting public service delivery. The committee decided to cut fuel allocations for government officers by 50%, while 60% of government vehicles will be grounded. However, this decision will not affect the operational vehicles, including police mobiles, ambulances, fire brigade vehicles and other essential service vehicles. سینئر وزیر سندھ شرجیل انعام میمن کی زیر صدارت قائم کفایت شعاری کمیٹی کا اہم اجلاس منعقد ہوا، جس میں صوبائی وزراء سعید غنی، سید ناصر حسین شاہ، ضیاء الحسن لنجار، مکیش چاولہ سمیت متعلقہ حکام نے شرکت کی۔ اجلاس میں فیصلہ کیا گیا کہ سرکاری افسران کو فراہم کیے جانے والے فیول میں 50… pic.twitter.com/j7M3jeAYuY — Sindh Information Department (@sindhinfodepart) March 12, 2026 The secretary of general administration has been authorised to ground government vehicles and directed to submit daily reports to the committee. A formal proforma will also be prepared to record the registration numbers and details of the grounded vehicles. The committee made it clear that if any department violates these instructions, the concerned vehicle may be taken into custody. To ensure implementation, a monitoring committee comprising secretary of general administration and the secretary excise has been formed. The committee will compile a comprehensive list of all grounded vehicles. The meeting also reviewed the scrutiny and recovery of vehicles allocated to government projects, known as project vehicles. Committee members directed that details of all such vehicles be obtained and that steps be taken to recover them at the earliest, with a report to be submitted. Additionally, it was decided that government offices would operate normally for four days a week, while Fridays will be designated as work-from-home. Furthermore, all schools across the province will remain closed from March 16 to March 31, although examinations will continue according to their scheduled timetable and will not be postponed. Addressing the meeting, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the aim of these decisions is to reduce energy consumption without affecting public services, and all departments must strictly implement the austerity measures. Provincial ministers Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, and Mukesh Kumar Chawla, along with other relevant officials attended the meeting.

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'Citizens free to question state policy'

People cannot be stopped from disagreeing with or dissenting from the government under any law, as long as they remain within the boundaries set by the Constitution, legal and political experts have opined. As the government has openly warned people against dissenting from its current foreign policy, arguing that it creates confusion among friendly states about Pakistan's stated position, political and legal analysts have termed the move a "crude form of repression". They say such measures are often a hallmark of fascist and totalitarian regimes. The state treats dissent as the first stage of mutiny and therefore spares no effort to suppress it, they said, adding that the government cannot coerce its people into pledging allegiance to its policies as citizens have every right to question and dissent from state policy. Former Supreme Court judge Wajihuddin Ahmed said the claim that the Constitution does not permit people to question state policy, particularly regarding the country's foreign relations, is incorrect and reflects ignorance of the basic principles of the Constitution. He said people can disagree with any decision of the state according to their understanding, as long as they remain within the ambit of the law. He added that citizens are not duty-bound under the Constitution to have faith in the government's decisions. On the contrary, he said, the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of expression. Former caretaker Punjab chief minister and senior political analyst Hasan Askari said it was not surprising that the government treats dissent as anti-state. Under the present setup, he said, the question of what is legal and what is not becomes largely irrelevant. He added that, unfortunately, those in power can get away with almost anything. Even in matters related to political differences, the government resorts to the same corrosive measures to deal with the opposition, Askari maintained. He said "this was not a political government, so public opinion does not matter to it". The former caretaker Punjab chief minister noted that Pakistan should avoid involvement in any regional conflict and maintain a neutral policy. Senior journalist Salman Abid observed that the state wants to rid the country of any opposition. He said the government believes its decision-making should not be subject to public scrutiny and questioned who actually decides state policy, noting that even parliament was not taken on board in the matter at hand. He stated that "decisions taken behind closed doors, without any public input", are expected to be fully backed by the state. He added that if someone chooses to disagree with state policy, there is no clear way to voice that dissent. He further said this shows that Pakistan has learned nothing from its past mistakes, noting that many policies the current government criticises were once state policies themselves. He warned that such "oppressive measures" will only further alienate people from the state.

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Ministry flouts PM's directive

The Religious Affairs Ministry has expressed its inability to accept the transfer of the remaining Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak-PWD) staff, it emerged on Wednesday. The Senate Standing Committee on Housing discussed the issue of merging employees of the Public Works Department (PWD) into various government institutions, with the ministry drawing sharp criticism for expressing inability to absorb the staff. The meeting, chaired by Senator Nasir Butt, was attended by Federal Minister for Housing Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada and the housing secretary. Officials of the Religious Affairs Ministry told the committee that they could not take PWD employees into their ministry. The stance prompted a strong reaction from the housing minister, who reprimanded the ministry's officials that they could not go against the prime minister's orders. "The Ministry of Religious Affairs arranges free Hajj for its own employees but is refusing to take other employees," Pirzada said. Senator Butt also warned that if the ministry did not accept PWD employees, the committee would seek to end the free Hajj facility currently provided to the ministry's staff. He added that if the employees were not adjusted, he would raise the matter before the prime minister. The deputy director general of the FIA informed the committee the issue of PWD employees would be resolved soon. Senator Butt noted that the FBR and the Cabinet Division had already addressed this issue. The chair said that efforts were afoot to ensure that employees receive their salaries before Eid. Pirzada also appreciated the role played by Senator Butt, calling his efforts regarding the adjustment of PWD employees commendable.

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TTAP urges govt to consult Parliament, opposition on defence deals amid regional tensions

The Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan (TTAP) on Wednesday demanded that the government consult Parliament and the opposition on the country's defence agreements and policy matters to ensure that national security decisions were taken with consensus. The demand was made during a joint session of the opposition parliamentary parties of the National Assembly and Senate, which was held at Parliament House. قرارداد پاکستان تحریک انصاف اور اپوزیشن جماعتوں کا مشترکہ پارلیمانی اجلاس قومی اسمبلی اور سینیٹ کی مشترکہ اپوزیشن پارلیمانی پارٹی کا اجلاس مورخہ 11 مارچ 2026 کو پارلیمنٹ ہاؤس اسلام آباد کے کمیٹی روم نمبر 2 میں منعقد ہوا۔ اجلاس میں ملکی سلامتی، خطے کی صورتحال اور پاکستانی عوام… pic.twitter.com/FQxyBLv4aP — Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (@TTAP_OFFICIAL) March 11, 2026 Following the meeting, the alliance unanimously adopted a resolution, taking into account national security, the regional situation, and the sentiments of the people. It said the participants of the meeting expressed deep concern over the alarming situation in the region while strongly condemning the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, describing them as a clear violation of international law and state sovereignty. “Every sovereign state has a fundamental right to self-defence and that respect for state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law is essential for global peace and stability”, the statement reads, urging Muslim countries not to allow their territory, airspace or resources to be used against any other country under external pressure. Read: Trump says Iran war will end ‘soon’ as there is ‘practically nothing left to target’ Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after US and Israeli air strikes last week assassinated Iran’s former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, triggering a wave of retaliation from Tehran and widening the conflict across the region. In response to the strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks on US military bases in several Gulf countries, significantly expanding the scope of the confrontation. Pakistan's leadership has since ramped up its diplomatic efforts to play its part in managing the tensions, particularly between Iran and the Gulf states. “Pakistan should continue to play its role in fostering fraternal relations with Muslim countries, promoting Islamic solidarity, and prioritising diplomacy, negotiations, and peaceful means to reduce regional tensions,” the declaration emphasised, citing Article 40 of the Constitution. The meeting's participants paid tribute to the martyrs, including Khamenei, and strongly condemned all incidents targeting civilian populations. They congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran and extended best wishes for his tenure while expressing hope that “under his leadership, Iran would advance internal stability, development and national unity, while contributing positively to peace, stability and cooperation in the Muslim world”. Also Read: PM Shehbaz, Iranian president reaffirm bilateral cooperation amid Mideast conflict The opposition also called on the government and the international community to take immediate and effective diplomatic steps for a ceasefire, reduction of tensions, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. It further expressed concern over rising tensions with Afghanistan, urging both countries to resolve issues with patience, restraint and diplomatic means while ensuring the safety of ordinary citizens. It stressed that Afghan refugees in Pakistan should be treated with dignity and respect in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards. The resolution reaffirmed the commitment to continue the struggle for democracy, constitutional supremacy and protection of citizens’ rights in Pakistan, calling on all political and social sectors to unite and play their part in this national mission. The opposition parties firmly expressed that the imprisonment of PTI founder Imran Khan was politically motivated and baseless, and urged that it be annulled through the judicial process. They also expressed concern over his health, saying that he has not been provided adequate medical facilities in prison, necessitating two transfers to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences within a short period for treatment, along with continuous follow-up.

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Senate committee passes motion picture bill

The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday unanimously passed "The Motion Picture (Amendment) Bill, 2024". The committee met at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, Islamabad on the requisition of members. The members present unanimously nominated Senator Sarmad Ali to preside over the proceedings. The body unanimously passed "The Motion Picture (Amendment) Bill, 2024" introduced by Murtaza Solangi, the then Minister for Information and Broadcasting, after a brief discussion.

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Five Pakistanis among 6 arrested in Bahrain over sharing videos linked to Iran attack

Bahrain's interior ministry has said the country’s Anti-CyberCrime Directorate has arrested six Asians, including five Pakistanis, for filming, publishing and reposting videos related to Iran’s attack on the kingdom, it emerged on Tuesday.  On Monday, Bahrain reported that an Iranian drone attack on the island of Sitra injured 32 people overnight, as Gulf nations faced new attacks while Tehran continued its retaliatory strikes across the region as revenge for strikes by the United States and Israel. In a statement shared on its Police Media Centre website on Monday, the ministry said the Anti-CyberCrime Directorate had identified and arrested the six individuals after they filmed, published, and reposted videos showing the effects of what it described as “treacherous Iranian aggression”. The sixth individual hailed from Bangladesh. The statement accused the suspects of “expressing sympathy with and glorifying those hostile acts in a manner that harms security and public order”. Read: Dozens wounded in Bahrain as Gulf suffers missile, drone attacks It said the videos were circulated through their social media accounts, contributing to misleading public opinion and spreading fear among citizens and residents. “Legal procedures have been taken, and the suspects have been referred to the public prosecution,” the statement added. The statement also urged the public “to obtain information from official sources and refrain from circulating or reposting unverified videos or news to avoid legal accountability and to help safeguard the nation’s security and safety”. On Sunday, the ministry had warned people against photographing vital sites and facilities and publishing them on social media, describing it as aiding Iranian aggression and a punishable act. Anyone who betrays his country & cooperates in the aggression against Bahrain by photographing vital sites & facilities & publishing them on social media to be use in Iranian aggression is an accomplice in this aggression and will be punished according to the law. — Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) March 7, 2026 “Anyone who betrays his country & cooperates in the aggression against Bahrain by photographing vital sites & facilities & publishing them on social media to be used in Iranian aggression is an accomplice in this aggression and will be punished according to the law,” the ministry said. Following the Monday attack, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Bahrain’s FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani to discuss the recent developments in the Middle East. The two leaders conveyed grave concern over recent attacks in the region, including in Bahrain. Dar had reiterated Pakistan’s support for Bahrain and its citizens, emphasising the importance of de-escalation, dialogue and initiatives to promote regional peace and stability.

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