Rs300m crystal meth haul disguised as dry fruits seized at Karachi airport

In a significant operation at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, the Pakistan Customs Drug Enforcement Cell on Saturday uncovered a stash of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as "crystal ice", with an estimated street value of Rs300 million. The narcotics were concealed within three baskets of dry fruits that were originally sent from Afghanistan to Bahrain and subsequently returned to Pakistan. Read More: Customs foil bid to smuggle 46kg ice drug to Australia The contraband, which had been dispatched to an individual named Gulbaz Khan residing in Bahrain, returned unattended. Under international law, the parcel could not be opened without proper authorisation from the intended recipient. According to Collector Shafiq Ahmed, who is stationed at Jinnah International Airport's terminal, it is suspected that Gulbaz Khan, possibly out of fear of legal consequences, chose not to receive the parcel and decided to send it back. The bags of dry fruits, originally dispatched from Mazar Sharif, Afghanistan, were attributed to an individual identified as Rafi, hailing from Afghanistan. As Pakistan shares a border with Afghanistan, the bags of dry fruits arrived at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport. The plan was to transport the goods back to Afghanistan via Peshawar. However, vigilant officials from the Customs Drug Enforcement Cell, noticing irregularities that raised suspicions of hidden contraband, decided to investigate further. Subsequently, their inspection led to the discovery of 14.5 kilograms of high-quality crystal meth concealed among the fruits, thwarting a potential smuggling operation. Collector Shafiq Ahmed shared that a case has been registered based on the complaint filed by a customs preventive officer. Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.

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Soldiers martyred in separate terror incidents laid to rest

The Pakistan Army’s soldier, who embraced martyrdoms in separate incidents, at Parachinar in Kurram district (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) and Sambaza, area of Zhob (Balochistan) on September 28 and 29, respectively, were laid to rest on Saturday with full military honours in their related hometowns. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that soldiers who thwarted the terrorist attacks while embracing martyrdoms were identified as Havaldar Abdul Sattar, a 36-year-old resident of Dera Ghazi Khan; Lance Naik Mohammad Adnan, a 30-year-old resident of District Tank; Lance Naik Azam Khan, a 28-year-old resident of Lucky Marwat; Lance Naik Ghairat Gul, a resident of Kurram Agency; and Sepoy Nadeem Khan, a 29-year-old resident of Kohat. Read More: Six terrorists killed in 'complex clearance op' at Balochistan FC camp: ISPR Military and civil officials, relatives of the martyrs and people from different walks of life attended the funeral prayers in large numbers. 🚨#ISPR Havaldar Abdul Sattar (age 36 years, resident of Dera Ghazi Khan), Lance Naik Muhammad Adnan (age 30 years,) who were martyred in two different shooting incidents with terrorists in Sambaza and Parachinar areas of Zhob on September 28 and 29. Resident of District… pic.twitter.com/9XyrYZLpSL — Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) September 30, 2023 “These sacrifices of our martyrs strengthen our courage and gives us determination in the war against terrorism and the blood of the martyrs will not go in vain,” the ISPR said.

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‘Terrorists will not be spared’, COAS assures families of Mastung martyrs

A day after the tragic and deadly blast in Mastung, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited CMH Quetta on Saturday to express solidarity with the injured and the families of the victims. General Munir assured the affected families of full cooperation and support, emphasising that terrorists, their abettors, and facilitators would not be spared at any cost. During his visit, the army chief met with those injured in the Mastung incident and the families of the victims, who are receiving comprehensive medical care provided by the Pakistan Army. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media wing, issued a statement detailing General Munir's visit and his words of reassurance. General Munir took the opportunity to commend the bravery and resilience of the Balochistan Police and Law Enforcement personnel, who have been at the forefront of countering terrorism in the region. Also read: Security forces suffer highest casualties in 8 years: report The COAS, currently on a visit to Quetta, was briefed on the recent terrorist attacks in both Mastung and Zhob. The briefing was attended by key officials, including the Federal Minister of Interior, Chief Minister of Balochistan, and prominent Provincial Ministers, as well as senior civil and military officials. Together, they offered Fateha (prayers) for the martyrs of the Mastung, Hangu, and Zhob incidents. In a poignant tribute to the martyrs, General Munir remarked, "Such incidents of Terrorism on 12 Rabiul Awwal depict the ill intent of the Khawarij, who have the backing of State Sponsors of Terrorism. These terrorists and their facilitators, having no link with religion and ideology, are proxies of the enemies of Pakistan and its people." He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the security forces and the nation to confront these forces of evil, asserting that operations against terrorists would continue without pause. General Munir further emphasised, "The people of Pakistan have rejected terrorists' pseudo ideology and propaganda of their backers and are fully committed to peace, economic progress, and human development. This commitment causes distress to the forces of evil both inside and outside Pakistan." Upon his arrival in Quetta, the COAS was received by Chief Minister Balochistan and Commander Balochistan Corps.

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12 Rabiul Awwal terror attacks prompt worldwide condemnations

The global community has united in condemnation of Friday’s terrorist attacks that rocked Pakistan, with world leaders and nations expressing their heartfelt condolences, solidarity, and denunciation of violence. The two attacks, which occurred in Balochistan's district Mastung during an Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) procession and in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district a day earlier, have claimed the lives of many innocent victims, including a police officer. Russian President Vladimir Putin led the international response, denouncing the acts of terror and expressing his sympathies to the victims' families. President Putin emphasised the barbaric and inhuman nature of terrorism and called for the perpetrators of this crime to face retribution. He also reaffirmed Russia's commitment to strengthen anti-terror cooperation with Pakistan. 🇷🇺🇵🇰✉️ President Putin extended his condolences to @ArifAlvi and PM Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar on the terrorist attack in Balochistan province. 💬 Killing people during a religious ceremony is further evidence of the barbaric and inhuman nature of terrorism. 🔗 https://t.co/g9me79i1Lz pic.twitter.com/VBL8graSAB — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) September 30, 2023 The US Embassy in Islamabad took to social media to condemn the attacks, expressing solidarity with the Pakistani people and their right to practice their faith without fear of terror. They pledged to stand with Pakistan in the face of these heinous attacks. “The Pakistani people deserve to gather and celebrate their faith without the fear of terror attacks like the ones today in Balochistan and KP. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. We will continue to stand with Pakistan in the face of these vicious attacks.” -DB — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 29, 2023 Turkey joined the chorus of condemnation, with its Foreign Ministry expressing deep sorrow over the attacks and praying for the deceased and a swift recovery for the injured. The Turkish government pledged to continue supporting Pakistan in the fight against terrorism. Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, unequivocally condemned the attacks. Read More: 'It was like a doomsday,' victim's family member says of Mastung blast The Saudi government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, decried the "cowardly terrorist attacks" and reiterated its strong stance against violence and terrorism. They extended their sincere condolences to the victims' families and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. #Statement | The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the cowardly terrorist attacks that took place in several provinces of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which resulted in the killing and injury of many people. pic.twitter.com/mAiYvkFgd7 — Foreign Ministry 🇸🇦 (@KSAmofaEN) September 29, 2023 The UAE decried the "criminal acts" and reaffirmed its unwavering opposition to terrorism and violence that threatens security and stability. Kuwait voiced its support for Pakistan's efforts to maintain internal security. Bahrain expressed its support for Pakistan, offering condolences to the relatives of the martyred and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also stood firmly against the attacks, condemning them for their destabilizing impact on security and stability. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres added his voice to the international condemnation, urging the arrest of the perpetrators behind these heinous attacks. He conveyed his condemnation during a regular briefing at UN Headquarters in New York. Other countries, including Iran, Iraq, France, and Algeria, also denounced the Mastung terrorist attack and expressed their support for Pakistan's efforts to combat such criminal acts and ensure security and stability in the region.

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Security forces suffer highest casualties in 8 years: report

Pakistan's security forces have experienced their highest casualties in eight years, with at least 386 personnel losing their lives in the first nine months of 2023, according to a report released by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). The report, covering the third quarter of 2023, also reveals a troubling 57% surge in violence nationwide. In the CRSS Security Report for Q3 2023, it is highlighted that among the 1,087 violence-related fatalities recorded this year, security forces accounted for 36% of the casualties, marking an eight-year high. This figure includes 137 army personnel and 208 police personnel. The rise in violence is particularly concentrated in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan. Over the past five years, these regions have witnessed a consistent and alarming increase in violence, with 92% of all fatalities occurring in these two provinces in the first nine months of 2023, compared to 72% in 2019. In the third quarter of 2023 alone, 445 lives were lost, and 440 people were injured in 190 terror attacks and counter-terror operations. K-P and Balochistan bore the brunt of this violence, accounting for nearly 94% of all fatalities and 89% of recorded attacks during this period. The report also highlights a 57% surge in violence during Q3 2023, with fatalities increasing from 284 in Q2 to 445. Balochistan recorded a staggering 131% increase in violence, while K-P saw a 28% rise. Conversely, Punjab reported a substantial 67% decrease in violence, while Sindh witnessed a 283% rise in incidents, though the number of fatalities in Sindh remained relatively low. Also read: December '22 deadliest month for security personnel in a decade The majority of casualties in Q3 2023 resulted from terrorism, with 141 terrorist attacks causing 318 fatalities and 381 injuries to civilians and security personnel. However, security operations lagged significantly, with only 49 operations conducted, resulting in 127 outlaws killed and 59 injured. Civilians were the hardest-hit group during this quarter, accounting for nearly 58% of all casualties, followed by security personnel at nearly 23%. The outlaws constituted only about 20% of all casualties during this period. According to the report, the first nine months of 2023 have revealed alarming trends in the security forces' losses, with fatalities reaching an eight-year high, exceeding levels seen in 2016 and reaching the highest point since 2015. Percentage of security forces’ fatalities among all victims of violence this year has also hit an 11-year high, standing at nearly 36%. Furthermore, the data since 2021 indicates a consistent rise in security forces' fatalities, raising concerns about the ongoing security challenges facing the nation.

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FIR lodged as PML-N senator accuses PTI lawyer of assault on TV

In a shocking turn of events during a live television broadcast, a physical altercation broke out between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Afnanullah Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawyer Sher Afzal Marwat. The incident occurred during Express News anchor Javed Chaudhry's talk show "Kal Tak," a few days ago, leaving viewers and the media community in disbelief. The altercation, captured in a viral video clip widely shared on social media, occurred as the two guests, Senator Afnanullah Khan and Sher Afzal Marwat, engaged in a heated argument during the show. The dispute escalated quickly, resulting in Marwat physically assaulting Senator Afnan. پی ٹی آئی وکیل شیر افضل اور ن لیگی سینیٹر افتان اللہ میں ہاتھا پائی#Expressnews #Pakistan #News #AfnanUllah #KalTak #SherAfzal pic.twitter.com/XtMsPr44Pv — Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) September 28, 2023 According to the spokesperson of Islamabad Capital Police, a case has been registered under sections 506 and 352 of the Pakistan Penal Code at Abpara police station following Senator Afnan's request. In his application to the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Islamabad, a copy of which is available to The Express Tribune, Senator Afnan alleged that Marwat had assaulted him, slapping him three times during the altercation. The senator claimed he had to seek medical treatment for injuries to his face and head as he fell unconscious during the altercation. Javed Chaudhry, the host of the talk show, expressed his astonishment at the turn of events. He noted that while verbal sparring is not uncommon on political talk shows, he never expected a confrontation to escalate to physical violence. Also read: When guests engage in a physical altercation Supporters of both the PML-N and PTI immediately took to social media, attempting to claim victory for their respective representatives in the skirmish. However, the majority of the physical altercation remains obscured in the available video clips. Both Senator Afnan and PTI lawyer Marwat took to social media to present their versions of the incident. Senator Khan claimed that Marwat had initiated the attack, but he had only responded appropriately. "While I firmly believe in non-violence, I am a dedicated soldier of Nawaz Sharif (PML-N supremo). The lesson that Marwat received is a critical reminder for all members of PTI, particularly Imran Khan. They won't be able to show their faces and they would have to wear tinted glasses [to hide scars]," Senator Afnan stated in a tweet. On his YouTube channel, Javed Chaudhry asserted that Afnan had effectively subdued Marwat, bringing the situation under control. In response, Marwat accused the TV host of spreading misinformation regarding the incident. He refuted claims that Senator Afnan had gained the upper hand during the scuffle, stating that Afnanullah Khan had fled the studio and sought refuge in a nearby room. Following the registration of the case against him, Marwat questioned the narrative built by certain media personalities, including Javed Chaudhry, and called for clarification on the "black belt" narrative surrounding Senator Afnan. "Will Waseem Badami, Javed Chaudhry, and Mansoor Ali Khan clarify their position on the narrative of Black Belt Afnan? Senator Afnan has completely denied you in his complaint as you all claimed in your various V-Logs that the winner was a black belt. However, Black Belt claimed in his complaint (a complaint shared with me by Mishal Yousafzai) that he was brutally beaten, suffered injuries, and was rendered unconscious. This black belt narrative has seriously damaged public confidence in your professional integrity. Do you all have something to say about this?" Marwat wrote on his official X handle. کیا وسیم بادامی، جاوید چوہدری اور منصور علی خان بلیک بیلٹ افنان کے بیانیے پر اپنا موقف واضح کریں گے؟ سینیٹر افنان نے اپنی شکایت میں آپ کو مکمل طور پر جھٹلایا ہے جیسا کہ آپ کے مختلف V-Logs میں آپ سب نے دعویٰ کیا تھا کہ فاتح بلیک بیلٹ تھا۔ تاہم، بلیک بیلٹ نے اپنی شکایت (مشال… pic.twitter.com/smfD0T6kx6 — Sher Afzal Khan Marwat (@sherafzalmarwat) September 29, 2023  

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Mastung's grim toll reaches 53 as CTD registers bombing case

The Balochistan Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Saturday registered a case against unknown attackers for the Mastung bombing as the tragedy's death toll reached 53.. The First Information Report (FIR) for the blast during an Eid Miladun Nabi procession includes provisions of murder, attempted murder, terrorism and the explosives act, reported Express News. The province has also declared a three-day mourning period for the martyrs of the attack. Read At least 50 killed, scores injured in blast near Eid Miladun Nabi procession in Mastung A spokesperson from the Civil Hospital Quetta confirmed that seven severely injured individuals are being cared for in the intensive care ward of the hospital while 17 injured are undergoing treatment at Ghousbakhsh Memorial Hospital, and 25 victims have been discharged so far. Hangu suicide blast case Similarly, police in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa also registered a case regarding the suicide blast in Hangu's police lines against unknown terrorists, based on the complaint filed by SHO Doaba. The charges include provisions related to terrorism, murder, and attempted murder. The FIR stated that two unidentified motorcyclists opened fire on the policemen and the police station gate as soon as they arrived. The on-duty officers returned fire and a police official kill one of the attackers. Read At least five dead in suicide attack on mosque in K-P's Hangu It added that one of the attackers detonated his suicide vest after gaining entry. Police have also recovered body parts of the bomber, which have been sent for DNA testing. Twin blasts in Mastung and Hangu claimed at least 57 lives on Friday. In Balochistan's Mastung, a suicide bomber targeted a religious procession and killed 53 people including a senior police official.  In Hangu, at least five people, including a policeman, were killed and 12 others were injured when a suicide bomber exploded inside a mosque. The mosque situated inside the Doaba Police Lines, was targeted by two suicide attackers, said DPO Nisar Ahmed. "The first one was killed at the gate of the police lines while trying to gain entry and the second attacker managed to enter the mosque and blew himself up inside."

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Imran, Qureshi nominated as accused in FIA’s cypher case challan

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) nominated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday as accused in the challan submitted to the special Official Secrets Act court in the cypher case, Express News reported. The FIA urged the court to initiate proceedings against the two and impose penalties on both of them. The investigative agency has reportedly not included former finance minister and PTI leader Asad Umar among the accused. Former principal secretary and PTI leader Azam Khan's statements, under Sections 161 and 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, as the FIA's witness have also been attached to the challan. The challan highlights that the former prime minister had the cypher in his possession and allegedly misused classified state information. He has been accused of not returning the copy of the cypher. Furthermore, the challan maintains that Qureshi delivered a speech on March 27 and assisted the PTI chairman. The transcript of the speeches given by Imran and Qureshi on March 27 have also been attached in the challan. Additionally, the FIA also submitted a list of 28 witnesses to the court, with statements of 27 of them attached to the challan. Among the witnesses listed in the special court's challan are former foreign secretaries Asad Majeed and Sohail Mehmood. Moreover, Additional Foreign Secretary Faisal Niaz Timrizi has also been listed as another key witness by the FIA. Read Cypher case: Imran, Qureshi's judicial remand extended till October 10 Outlining the process of a diplomatic cypher reaching the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and landing into the hands of a prime minister, the FIA has included as witnesses the entire chain of officials in the foreign ministry as well as the Prime Minister's Office. According to sources, copies of the challan in the cypher case are likely to be provided to the PTI chairman and Qureshi during the next court hearing. Subsequently, a date for indictment will be determined. A copy of Azam Khan's statement under Section 164 has already been submitted to the court. Whether the court permits access to this statement to the defence or merely allows their legal representatives to read it remains at the court's discretion. Cypher saga On March 27, 2022, before facing a vote of no-confidence, former premier Imran had taken out a piece of paper – allegedly a diplomatic cypher – from his pocket and displayed it at a public gathering in Islamabad, claiming it was evidence of an "international conspiracy" to topple his government. The FIA initiated its probe into the so-called “cypher-gate” on July 19 after the PML-N-led coalition government announced an official inquiry against the former PM and his close associates for violating the Official Secrets Act, 1923 for illegal possession of a classified document. The agency arrested Qureshi, who had served as the country’s foreign minister during the PTI’s rule, on August 19. An FIA Counter Terrorism Wing team interrogated Imran on August 26 inside Attock Jail in connection with the case. The agency announced Imran's arrest on August 29 – right after his three-year jail sentence was suspended in the Toshakhana case.

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Security forces kill wanted terrorist in Mardan operation

A wanted terrorist was killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Mardan district, the military said in a statement on Friday. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a high-value target, terrorist ring leader Faisal, was killed in the Katalang area of the district. The statement said that the killed terrorist was actively involved in numerous terrorist activities and was highly wanted by law enforcement agencies. Weapon and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorist, it added. Read: Army most popular institution in Pakistan: Gallup survey In another encounter with terrorists in the general area of Parachinar, Kurram district, Pakistani troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location. However, 33-year-old resident of Kurram district Lance Naik Ghairat Khan, having fought gallantly against the terrorists, embraced martyrdom. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” the statement further said. Earlier in the day, at least four soldiers were martyred when an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists was thwarted, said a statement by ISPR. Also read: Four soldiers martyred in cross-border terrorist attack from Afghanistan The skirmish took place near Sambaza in District Zhob, a region close to the Pak-Afghan border. Security forces acted swiftly to repel the militants attempting to breach Pakistan's borders, added ISPR.  The martyred soldiers were identified as Havildar Sattar, Lance Naik Sher Azam, Lance Naik Adnan and Sepoy Nadeem. The military's media wing further said that three TTP militants were also killed in the exchange of fire, while several others sustained injuries.

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Call for press freedom in run-up to polls

As the situation of journalists in Pakistan worsens in the run-up to the general elections, 16 media organisations on Tuesday launched a crucial appeal to the key mainstream and regional political parties involved in the election campaign to commit to concrete measures in favour of press freedom. As Pakistan is about to hold general elections and political parties draft new election manifestos to offer voters a package they would like support for as they go to the polls, the country’s leading press clubs, national and provincial unions of journalists, Paris-based global media watchdog organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and RSF’s Pakistan partner Freedom Network call on mainstream and provincial heads of contesting parties to pen their commitment to defending freedom of expression and protection of journalists in their party manifestos. “Impunity for crimes against journalists and media is very high in Pakistan, which was among the five countries included in a pilot project of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. “RSF’s Pakistan partner Freedom Network’s Annual Impunity 2022 Report stated that there were “no convictions in 96% of journalist killings in the past 10 years,” the joint letter said, according to a statement issued by the RSF Pakistan representative. It said: “Such a high percentage of impunity for crimes against media practitioners and assistants is alarming and puts journalists in extreme danger for practicing journalism, thus, denying citizens of Pakistan their right to know and access information – the two fundamental rights enshrined in the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan, guaranteed by articles 19 and 19A.” The letter stated: “In the run-up to elections, the ball is now in the court of the political parties as regards defending press freedom, as well as journalistic independence and pluralism, as fundamental guarantees of a functioning democracy. Pakistan’s press clubs along with journalists unions, press freedom organisations and editors body for electronic media, call on the leaders of the main political parties to make a concrete commitment to our proposals, starting with the search for legislative guarentees for the protection of journalists and the fight against impunity for crimes of violence against them.” The PPP, PML-N, PTI, JUI-F, JI, ANP, MQM-P, PkMAP, BAP, BNP-M, QWP, PML-Q, Hazara Democratic Party and NP were delivered the joint letter.

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May 9 accused will ‘not contest polls’

Former federal interior minister and senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah has said that they will not allow the accused of the May 9 tragedy to contest elections. Addressing the workers during the party meeting on Thursday, Sanaullah said that PTI Chairman Imran Khan had become a victim of his arrogance and was now saying that he was not allowed to contest the election, while he was also demanding an apology for contesting the election. “There is no law in the world that you commit a crime and then become an amnesty seeker for contesting elections.” He said that those who committed the crime of May 9 tragedy must be held accountable and “we will not allow the accused involved in the incident to contest the election”. The PML-N leader said, “Our aim is to take Pakistan out of the economic and political crisis under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif.” Sanaullah said that Nawaz would return to the country on Oct 21 and address the nation at the Minar-i-Pakistan. “With his return, Pakistan will start a new journey of development.”

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Zardari, Gillani summoned in gifts case

An accountability court in Islamabad has summoned former president Asif Ali Zardari and former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani on October 24 in connection with a case related to allegedly illegal use of the state’s gift repository, Toshakhana during the PPP’s rule between 2008 to 2013. The administrative judge at Islamabad’s Accountability Court-3, Muhammad Bashir, on Wednesday issued summons for the two politicians, ordering them to appear in the court in person. In 2020, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a reference against Zardari, Gillani and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. It accused former PM Gillani of extending illegal benefits to Zardari and Nawaz by allowing them to retain three luxury vehicles presented as gifts by foreign dignitaries. NAB claimed that Gillani relaxed procedures related to submission of gifts in the Toshakhana to favor the politicians. It said the accused “through dishonest and illegal means for their personal benefit and interest” retained the vehicles "against a nominal payment of 15 percent of the total value”. It added that Zardari made the payments for the vehicles through bank accounts of the Omni Group chief executive and his son “for which he has no plausible justification.” Read also: Courts kick off scrutiny of NAB cases “It was established during investigation that these amounts are in the context of illegitimate laundered proceeds for the benefit of the accused,” the reference read. The reference said that Gilani, in connivance with Zardari and Nawaz, “dishonestly and illegally relaxed the procedure for the acceptance and disposal of gifts […] which stipulate that vehicles shall not be allowed to be purchased by the recipients”. “The accused [Gilani] floated and suppressed the law and the procedure to grant undue concession, and benefits resulting in wrongful loss to the national exchequer,” the reference added. Interestingly, an accountability court on December 21, 2022 returned the reference to the national graft buster in view of the amendments made to the National Accountability Ordinance, 1999 by the last PML-N led coalition government. The Supreme Court of Pakistan, however, struck down sections of NAB law amendments on September 15, 2023 paving way for revival of dozens of references, inquiries and investigations against politicians of almost all major political parties.

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Five more schools handed over to NGO

Hot on the heels of Muslim Hands - an INGO that has taken over 1,150 schools in the Rawalpindi division - another non-profit organisation named Development in Literacy (DIL) has successfully acquired five major schools worth billions of rupees. According to sources, a formal agreement has been reached between the provincial education authorities and DIL for the management of these schools. The schools that have come under DIL's control include the historic Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School Bagh-e-Sardaran, situated on valuable land. Additionally, DIL has taken over the Government Girls Higher Secondary School Noor Islamia Syedpur Road, which is also located on prime commercial land. Furthermore, Girls High School Shimla Satellite Town B Block, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, and Government Girls Higher Secondary School Anwarul Islam have all been placed under contract with DIL. The decision to transfer these schools to NGOs has raised concerns among the principals, teachers, non-teaching staff, students, and parents. The transition of control is expected to be completed in the first week of October, leaving the management of these Rawalpindi schools in the hands of Muslim Hands and DIL. While education officers express their reservations about this move, they are obligated to comply with government directives. Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2023.  

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Ex-MNAs given three more days to file asset details

A three-member bench headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja on Wednesday gave three more days to the former members of the National Assembly, particularly Hammad Azhar and Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak of the PTI -- to submit their financial statements to the electoral watchdog. The decision came as Barrister Gohar Ali appeared before the bench on behalf of the PTI and assured it that the remaining former party MNAs would submit their financial statements to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by the end of the day. He pointed out that Shehryar Khan Afridi, Shaukat Ali Yousafzai and other former PTI lawmakers had already submitted their financial statements to the commission. The bench told him that Hammad Azhar and Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak had yet to file their financial statements. To this, the lawyer told the bench that their financial statements would be submitted to the ECP by the end of the day. The bench warned that they would give their ruling if the statements were not handed over to the commission. Later, the bench gave three more days to the MNAs, who had not yet submitted their financial statements to the ECP, to proceed with the move. It also reserved its judgment in the case. “As a mandatory requirement under Section 42A of the Representation of the People Act 1976 and Section 25A of the Senate (Elections) Act 1975, all members of parliament and provincial assemblies are required to submit to the ECP annual statements of assets and liabilities of themselves, their spouse and dependents,” said an official of the commission. In January this year, the ECP suspended the membership of 271 lawmakers over their failure to submit details of their assets and liabilities. According to details, the election watchdog suspended the membership of the lawmakers after they failed to submit the mandatory statements required to be filed at the end of year. The parliamentarians suspended by the ECP included 136 members of the National Assembly, 21 from Senate, 54 from K-P Assembly, 48 from Sindh Assembly and 12 from Balochistan Assembly. A day later, the commission restored the membership of then Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and former PTI dissident lawmaker Noor Alam Khan among 25 parliamentarians in the National Assembly and the Senate as they submitted their annual financial statements.

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Nawaz ready to ‘forgive and forget’

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif's persistent efforts to convince his elder brother, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, to reconsider his demand for holding former military officials accountable for their "unconstitutional actions" seem to have borne fruit. A well-informed source within the party claims that the three-time former prime minister is now inclined towards adopting a more conciliatory stance. He intends to prioritize the country's economic stability and uphold constitutional principles. The source, on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the change of heart was purely an outcome of the discussion between the two Sharif brothers. He added that the feedback from the party was also negative about Nawaz’s demand for the accountability of former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa and ex-director general of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, The PML-N source said it was thought that taking this narrative forward would put the party on a collision course with the establishment, as this institution had never accepted the accountability of its incumbent or former bosses. Besides, it would raise questions about Shehbaz’s government enjoying a smooth working relationship with then army chief Gen (retd) Qamar. The PML-N source said Nawaz would focus on the economy, unemployment, inflation, and supremacy of vote. He added that the talk of Gen (retd) Bajwa and Lt-Gen (retd) Hameed’s accountability would gradually recede into obscurity, adding that this narrative had been “neutralised”. He claimed that there was an understanding that in case the PML-N returned to power, Nawaz would opt for the Centre with Shehbaz returning to Punjab like before. The PML-N source denied the impression that Shehbaz had rushed to London at the behest of Rawalpindi—a metonym for the establishment. He continued that the change in stance had nothing to do with the statements given by the caretaker government. A party leader said according to his observation, other than Shehbaz, a soft warning from the interim set-up of a possible arrest on his return to the country might have persuaded Nawaz to alter his future course of action. Nawaz is scheduled to return to the country on October 21. He added that the statements from the caretaker set-up on its own had no real impact or meaning but knowing the powerful “puppeteers” behind it, this could not have been seen as an “idle” threat. The PML-N leader said he personally did not have any interaction with the leadership in London but his understanding after his conversation with those who had met Nawaz was that the party would stay clear of this quagmire. PML-N leader Javed Latif, when asked about the decision to abandon the demand for Gen (retd) Bajwa and Lt-Gen (retd) Hameed’s accountability, said those involved in hatching conspiracies should be held accountable by the institutions themselves. He added without holding the powerful responsible, there was no way the nation could move ahead in the right direction. When again asked if the PML-N was backing down from its demand of holding the ex-army chief and the former spymaster responsible for their “actions”, he reiterated that the institutions should employ a mechanism for self-accountability. Latif, while answering a question about a possible shift in narrative, abstained from even mentioning the former army chief or the ex-ISI director general. Another PML-N leader denied the impression that Nawaz would abandon his narrative of accountability. He said the party supremo firmly believed that without accountability, a fresh start was not possible. However, he agreed that in the short-run, Shehbaz might have managed to convince his brother to remain quiet over the issue but that might change depending on the kind of reception he received on his return to the country.

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Pakistani pilgrims attend 755th annual Urs at Kaliyar Sharif

In a heartwarming display of interfaith harmony and spiritual unity, a group of 107 Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) joined the 755th annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Khawaja Allauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir (RA) at Kaliyar Sharif, India. The Pakistan High Commission in India made this announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday, highlighting the significance of this cross-border pilgrimage. The 755th annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Khawaja Allauddin Ali Ahmed Sabir (RA) was held at Kaliyar Sharif, in which a group of 107 Pakistani Zaireen also participated.@ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/bpcxDgsYTE — Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) September 27, 2023 Aizaz Khan, Charge d’ Affaires at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, paid his respects at the revered dargah of the 13th-century Sufi saint, which is celebrated as one of India's most sacred shrines. As a symbol of goodwill and solidarity, Charge d’ Affaires Aizaz Khan, on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, placed a traditional chaddar at the dargah. Following this gesture, he and the visiting Pakistani pilgrims engaged in special prayers, offering their heartfelt supplications for the well-being and prosperity of Pakistan. Mr. Aizaz Khan, Charge d’ Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi also paid obeisance at the dargah of 13th century Sufi saint, which is known as one of the most revered shrines in India. pic.twitter.com/8MdHV3EE1p — Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) September 27, 2023 Upon their arrival at the dargah, Charge d’ Affaires Aizaz Khan and the Pakistani pilgrims received a warm welcome from Sajjada Nasheen Hazrat Shah Ali Manzar Aijaz Quddusi Sabri, the custodian of the shrine. Expressing his gratitude, Aizaz Khan extended his thanks to all those who contributed to the warm reception at the shrine, particularly commending the administration for their efforts in facilitating this auspicious visit. The annual Urs Mubarak, a week-long spiritual event, commenced on September 25 and will continue until October 2, 2023, at Kaliyar Sharif. After placing the traditional chaddar on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, Charge d’ Affaires and the visiting Zaireen offered special prayers for Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/Hs0lM1qWGw — Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) September 27, 2023 This sacred occasion serves as a beacon of spiritual enrichment, drawing devotees from various corners of the world. The participation of Pakistani Zaireen in the Urs Mubarak exemplifies the deep-rooted tradition of interfaith harmony and people-to-people connections between India and Pakistan. This pilgrimage is conducted under the framework of the 1974 India-Pakistan protocol on visits to religious shrines, fostering a sense of unity and shared spirituality transcending national boundaries.

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Minallah questions judges’ hiring process

Supreme Court judge Athar Minallah has declared that chief justices’ power to initiate names for appointment of judges to high courts and the apex court is ultra vires the Constitution. "Pursuant to powers conferred under Article 175-A (4), the [Judicial Commission of Pakistan] has made the Rules of 2010 to regulate its procedure,” noted Justice Minallah in relation to the commission — the JCP — that has a key role in elevation and appointment of judges to the superior judiciary. Rule 3, he added, confers powers on the chief justices, as the case may be, to initiate nominations in the JCP but the commission does not have prescribed objective criteria in this regard. “The initiation of nominations relates to identifying eligible persons to be considered by the commission. This is the most crucial stage because it deprives the commission of exercising its inherent duty of identification of the eligible candidates. “Rule 3 creates a bottleneck by allowing the chief justices to regulate the entire process and that too in the absence of predetermined objective criteria. “The commission contravenes the terms of its powers and fails in pursuing the objective for which they have been conferred. Rule 3, therefore, is ultra vires Article 175A of the Constitution," the judge noted. A three-member SC bench led by Justice Munib Akhtar and comprising Justice Sayyed M Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi and Justice Athar Minallah had heard the federal government's petition against a verdict of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) in a case related to appointment of judges to the high court. The PHC had set aside the decision of the Parliamentary Committee on Judges Appointment and ordered the government to implement the JCP’s recommendation regarding appointment of three additional judges to the PHC. The SC bench by majority of 2 to 1 rejected the federal government petition and upheld the PHC verdict. "There is no indication in the decision of [Parliamentary] Committee that any independent vetting was done by [it] with regard to the antecedents, character, and integrity [of the judges]… “Instead the Committee relied entirely on the pre-discussion and deliberation of the members of the Commission [JCP] made prior to finalizing the recommendations. “The committee’s act of remanding the matter to the [JCP] for reconsideration was not only against the command and mandate of Article 175A of the Constitution, but also transgression of the enabling rules and the hierarchy identified and demarcated for the functioning of the [JCP] and Committee. “Hence, in our view, the learned High Court [PHC] rightly set aside the decision of the Committee," said the majority judgment authored by Justice Naqvi. Justice Athar Minallah, however, took exception to the majority verdict and wrote a 36-page dissenting note, highlighting the flaws in the process of judges’ hiring. The SC judge noted that the Parliamentary Committee on Judge Appointment and the JCP are forums created by the Constitution to perform a public duty: to appoint each judge on merit. "They are not adversaries and no one is superior to the other. Both have been created to perform a duty of paramount public importance that has consequences for every citizen and their rights and freedoms. “This duty can only be performed in accordance with the intent of the framers of the Constitution and mutual respect by both forums for each other. “The objective for which the power has been conferred on the [JCP] is to identify, evaluate and then decide to make a nomination for each vacancy on merit.” He said the public confidence cannot be reposed in the JCP merely because of its composition; rather it depends on the transparency and credibility of its proceedings. "The [Parliamentary] Committee is worthy of respect because of its unique representative character. Its role as a forum of democratic accountability and oversight is because it represents the stakeholders of the judicial organ of the state; the society and the litigant." Justice Minallah noted that the additional attorney general had rightly pointed out during arguments that the time has come to revisit the jurisprudence laid down in the Munir Bhatti case. "The judgment is binding on this bench but with profound respect and reverence it seems that proper assistance was not extended. This court ought to recognize the unique representative character of the Parliamentary Committee and its role as a forum created for democratic accountability and oversight. "It represents the litigants and the people, who are the sole stakeholders of the judicial organ of the state. It is their interest that is of paramount importance because they suffer when an appointment is not made on merit. "The mode of appointment, exclusively controlled and regulated by the judges, particularly by the Chief Justice[s], has eroded the independence of the judiciary as has been evident from its historical role.” The SC judge noted that a deeply entrenched institutional culture that does not value independent judges enables the power wielding judicial hierarchy to flout merit if the process is not transparent. "In such an eventuality, the system loses its capability to ensure that the judges are appointed on merit, ie, the best amongst the eligible persons. “The independence of judiciary, therefore, can only be secured, advanced and protected when the process of appointment of judges at each stage is so transparent and free from unfettered discretionary powers exercised by individuals that each appointment is seen by a reasonable observer without a legitimate doubt to have been made on merit." He said despite being a creation of the Constitution, the Supreme Court had repeatedly validated acts of high treason and had allowed the legitimized usurpers to tamper with its provisions. The governance of the country, the judge added, under the authoritarian and oppressive regimes, pursuant to abrogation or subversion of the Constitution for most of its history would not have been possible without the collaboration of the judiciary, particularly this court. “The dissolution of the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) by the president under Article 58(2)(b), rather than being resisted, was endorsed by this court. “The chosen representatives fell prey to the mischief under Article 62(1)(f) and many were disqualified for life even for such trivial errors as omission to declare details of an expired identity card.  Three elected prime ministers and scores of chosen representatives were disqualified." He noted that the appointment of judges of the high court during the legitimized rule of Field Marshal Ayub Khan was subject to the latter's satisfaction obtained pursuant to interviewing the candidates. "There is no jurisprudence of this court that would reflect friction between the judicial consultees and the validated authoritarian regimes over appointment of judges of constitutional courts. “There is also no jurisprudence to suggest that the judicial branch during such periods may have had legitimate apprehensions regarding erosion or undermining of the independence of the judiciary because of the significant role of the validated authoritarian executive". He said a deposed elected prime minister was sent to the gallows and questions were later raised regarding the impartiality and independence of the judiciary, so much so that a Supreme Court judge also publicly supported the perception. "The chosen representatives were held guilty and sentenced under the law of contempt because of their speech but restraint was exercised against the powerful undemocratic forces even when the contemptuous acts were grave in nature." Justice Minallah pointed out that extraordinary restraint was also displayed when the Area Commander of Multan, during the second martial law, issued a notice to two serving judges of the Lahore High Court to show cause why proceedings should not be taken against them for “contempt of Martial Law”. He said a few judges who showed courage by upholding their independence and rendering verdicts according to their conscience were subjected to being prosecuted by their fellow judges merely because the powerful forces were displeased with the judgments. Justice Minallah said the lawyers’ movement of 2007 had aimed at ensuring that the Constitution was upheld and supremacy of parliament was respected but the judicial activism and the jurisprudence developed after restoration of judges did not appear to be consistent with the movement’s stated aims. “Some of the jurisprudence of this court may also give the appearance of being inconsistent with democratic values, eg, observations supporting Article 58(2)(b)14 or relating to the parliamentary form of government," he added.      

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Poliovirus found in Karachi, Hangu sewage samples

The National Institute of Health has said that Pakistan reported two poliovirus cases this year and 27 positive environmental samples. Traces of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) have been found in sewage samples collected from Hangu and Karachi. According to the Pakistan Polio Laboratory at the National Institute of Health, a sewage sample collected from the Keamari area of Karachi on Sept 5 and two samples collected from Hangu on Sept 6 tested positive for WPV1. The lab, which is also the World Health Organization’s Regional Reference Lab, stated that the virus isolated from all three sewage samples was genetically connected to the YB3A cluster circulating in neighbouring Afghanistan. Federal Minister for Health Dr Nadeem Jan vowed to stamp out poliovirus from the country, saying: “Viruses move with people and can infect vulnerable children anywhere. We are launching a nationwide polio vaccination campaign in October to build children’s immunity.” The minister urged the parents to ensure that their children under five years of age were immunised in this campaign and their routine vaccinations were up to date. The minister said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were one epidemiological block with historical ties and widespread population movement, and both the countries were united in their fight against this crippling virus. Read also: Interruptions in polio programme Federal Health Secretary Iftikhar Shallwani said, “The polio programme has mounted efficient responses to all detections so far and is well prepared to deal with the virus anywhere in the country.” He said, “Community ownership and engagement have been critical to eradication in all countries that have wiped this disease out. “As a nation, we remain united for the cause of a polio-free Pakistan so that our children have the chance to live a life free of the disease.” A national polio campaign is scheduled to start from Oct 2 to vaccinate over 40 million children under the age of five against polio. All children in Hangu and Karachi will be vaccinated during this drive. Pakistan has so far reported two polio cases and 27 positive environmental samples. Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus mainly affecting children under the age of five. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this crippling disease. Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, his/her protection against the virus is increased. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free, besides the two endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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Farrukh appointed as PTI’s spokesperson

In significant changes to its team, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced Farrukh Habib as its new spokesperson. According to a party notification, the senior leader has been appointed as the spokesperson for West Punjab while Rauf Hassan has been appointed as the PTI secretary information, a key role within the party. Shoaib Shaheen, a member of the party's legal team, has been given the responsibility of handling all legal affairs pertaining to the party and former prime minister Imran Khan. Read more: Four PTI female workers rearrested after release The changes come in the face of continued pressure and a crackdown on the PTI with the incarcerated party chief grappling with legal woes. The PTI has also witnessed an exodus of key figures who once held key portfolios. Meanwhile, in a statement, the party vehemently condemned the re-arrests of its male and female party workers and activists right after their release from prison. Also read: PTI slams PM over polls sans PTI remarks A spokesperson for the party criticised these oppressive actions, stating that there seemed to be no limit to the cruelty prevalent in the country. This, he argued, was “a funeral march for Islamic values”, where the law was being used as a weapon to crush the rights and liberties of individuals. He demanded that the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa should immediately take notice of the brutality of the state machinery and provide protection to the basic constitutional rights of their families.

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Petroleum crisis looms as prices soar globally

As the country grapples with the onslaught of rising petroleum prices, policymakers are scrambling to find a way to combat the growing crisis and secure the nation’s energy future. Globally, petroleum prices continue to surge, which have had a significant impact on the Pakistani market. Currently, 90% of petroleum products in the country are imported, with a mere 10% of production taking place domestically. The shortage of petroleum reserves in Pakistan also remains a cause for concern. In 2014, the country had 387.49 barrels of crude oil reserves, which dwindled down to a mere 92.91 barrels in 2023. This drop is further exacerbated by the decline in oil wells, with the number decreasing from 100 in 2014 to a paltry 47 today, the insiders revealed. Read more: Russia delivers first batch of LPG to Pakistan Sources revealed that the stark reality is that Pakistan has a demand of over 26 million metric tons of petroleum products, while it can only produce 1400 million metric tons. This growing gap between demand and production is a ticking time bomb that needs immediate attention. The situation is aggravated by the departure of international petroleum companies from Pakistan. Since 2010, a staggering 11 companies have closed their operations in the country, leaving a void that needs to be filled urgently. Experts believe that the return of these international players is crucial for the country's economic growth and to reduce the overall rate of inflation. Comparatively, a silver lining in the crisis is that Pakistan's petroleum prices are lower than those of its neighbouring countries. However, this advantage is nullified by the increasing dependence on costly imports. Insiders suggest that one possible solution to alleviate the country's petroleum woes is to improve the railway and public transport systems, as well as introduce electric vehicles.

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NADRA resumes registration of transgender persons

The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) has announced the resumption of registration for transgender persons, bringing a sigh of relief to the minority community after a three-month halt. The decision was made in a notification issued on Monday, withdrawing Nadra's earlier order to halt the registration process in response to a verdict by the Federal Shariat Court (FSC). Rida Qazi, Nadra Public Engagement Director, stated that the printing of 'X' National Identity Cards (NICs) for transgender individuals will now resume following instructions from the authority. She said that as the matter is now in the apex court the authority was constitutionally obligated to print 'X' NICs for transgender persons based on recommendations from its external legal advice wing. Nayyab Ali, the director of Transgender Rights Consultants Pakistan, applauded Nadra's decision and congratulated the transgender activist community for their unwavering efforts. The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) also commended Nadra for its "prompt response" in reactivating the NIC registration process for 'X' gender category. NCHR chairperson Rabiya Javeri Agha emphasized the importance of a valid NIC in ensuring the provision of various rights, particularly for marginalised communities in Pakistan. The FSC's ruling in May 2023, which went against the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018, had led to Nadra halting the 'X' NIC registration for transgender individuals. However, this decision faced opposition from the legal community, civil society, and human rights activists. In response, Secretary General of the PPP Farhatullah Babar challenged the FSC verdict in the Shariat appellate bench of the Supreme Court in July. Considered a landmark law, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, enacted by the National Assembly in 2018, was intended to provide legal recognition and protection to transgender individuals and punish discrimination against them in various domains of life. In September 2022, the FSC heard petitions challenging the legislation, with Mushtaq Ahmed, a Senator from Jamaat-e-Islami, and Orya Maqbool Jan, a TV anchor, joining transgender individuals Almaas Boby and Bubbly Malik as parties in the case. Simultaneously, the Intersex Persons (Protection of Rights) (Amendment) Bill, 2022, sought amendments to the law, specifically targeting sections that were deemed contrary to Islamic and constitutional principles. In May 2023, the FSC struck down the law and ruled that certain sections, including the definition of 'gender identity' and 'transgender person', were against Sharia law. The FSC also declared sections related to the recognition of transgender identity and inheritance rights to be in violation of Sharia law.

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PTI, JUI-P to move towards alliance with like-minded parties

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Pakistan (JUI-P) agreed on Monday to move forward towards an alliance with other like-minded parties which could work for a better future of the country and the people. According to a PTI spokesperson, both sides held talks here and discussed the overall political situation. They urged that after the elections, the elected representatives should be given the opportunity to rule in Pakistan and take the country out of the current dire situation. The PTI delegation was led by former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser; while the JUI-P was represented by its Amir Maulana Muhammad Khan Sherani, and included Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan and Maulana Abdul Khaliq. Separately, reacting to the absence of PTI chairman Imran Khan in court proceedings, the party decried the protracted delays in the hearings of numerous cases against the former prime minister and termed it a “cruel strategy”. The spokesperson said that preventing Imran’s court appearances represented an effort to subvert justice and subject him to vindictive political retribution. The PTI appealed to Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa to ensure that all cases against Imran were heard on merit and expedited to reach conclusion. Additionally, the spokesperson welcomed the safe return of renowned vlogger Imran Riaz Khan. He applauded Khan's family for their resilience during a challenging period and urged a swift and secure return of all other missing citizens.

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CJ Isa signals an end to case adjournments

The country's top judge has made it clear that now neither the trend of continually adjourning cases will persist at the Supreme Court, nor will litigants have to wait for months to obtain a court order. "This message from us is for everyone: the practice of adjourning cases to a later date will no longer work. Now, there's no need to wait six to eight months to receive a court order, as was the case in the past," Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJ) Qazi Faez Isa noted on Monday. Justice Isa, who has taken some revolutionary measures after being sworn in as CJ on September 17, including allowing the live broadcast of full court proceedings on a law that seeks to limit the top judge's powers, was leading a three-member bench hearing various civil and criminal cases. During a case hearing, Justice Isa remarked that people should dispel the misconception that they can get their cases adjourned using various pretexts. "The number of pending cases in the Supreme Court is quite high, and here, notices should be issued at the first hearing, and arguments should be presented at the next." Read CJP Isa overshadows his predecessor’s entire tenure In a case related to a property dispute, an interesting conversation took place between the chief justice and the litigant. When the CJ asked the litigant, Sabqatullah Jan, why his lawyer had not shown up, he replied that lawyers are very expensive and that he wants to withdraw the case. "We have reached an out-of-court settlement with the other party," he said. When the CJ asked, "Should we draft your statement and dismiss the case?" The litigant replied in the affirmative. The court accepted the request, and the case was dismissed. A bench led by CJ Isa also heard the plea of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) who was dismissed after a murder accused under his watch escaped from a hospital. During the hearing, when the petitioner's lawyer presented the argument that his client went to the hospital's canteen for Sehri (pre-dawn meal during Ramazan), when the accused escaped, the CJ took exception. "The petitioner could have had his Sehri in the ward where the accused was admitted. Your client left his duty post, and as a result, the accused managed to flee." "I'll give you an example from Courtroom 1 of the Supreme Court. Imagine if police officers assigned for the security of my court leave their posts to have a meal, and an attack takes place. "Would such a situation be acceptable? Negligence of this kind provides terrorists with an opportunity. If, in the presence of your client, the accused had engaged in a scuffle and fled, the situation would have been different. The police are an organized force that operates under rules and regulations," he said. The court later rejected the ASI's appeal against his dismissal. During the hearing of a case related to taxes, the CJ asked the petitioner's lawyer why he had not filed a reply despite the court's direction issued in March last year. "Propaganda is spread against the Supreme Court that tax cases worth billions are pending here, but in tax cases, your situation is such that a response couldn't be filed in one and a half years." The bench later imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the petitioner."

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SJC receives senior judge’s opinion on Justice Naqvi

The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), the constitutional forum that can hold judges of superior courts accountable, has received the opinion of Supreme Court Senior Puisne Judge Sardar Tariq Masood on complaints filed against one of his fellow judges, Sayyed M Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi. According to sources, Justice Masood has reviewed the complaints in detail and sent his legal opinion. The SJC chairman, incumbent Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJ) Qazi Faez Isa, will decide about summoning a meeting of the council based on Justice Masood’s opinion. Justice Masood had recently recommended that no actions were required on complaints lodged against some current and former Supreme Court judges under Article 209 of the Constitution: two former CJs, Saqib Nisar and Ata Bandial, as well as Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Ayesha Malik. Formed under Article 209 of the Constitution, the SJC is empowered to hold inquiries into complaints about alleged misconduct of superior court judges. The council comprises the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the two most senior judges of the Supreme Court, and the two senior chief justices of the high court. Individuals and some bar associations started filing complaints against Justice Naqvi after the judge, as part of a division bench on February 16, requested former CJ Bandial to take suo motu notice of the delay in announcing polls in Punjab. Responding to a letter from the SJC secretary, one of the complainants, Mian Dawood, a lawyer, reiterated his claims on March 29 that Justice Naqvi violated the SC judges’ code of conduct issued under Clause (8) of Article 209 of the Constitution while submitting copies of various documents, including sale deeds. He claimed that the SC judge had committed misconduct, allegedly making illegal assets and amassing wealth through his front-men. He also claimed that the SC judge and his family members were found “involved in malpractices and misuse of power in a criminal-designed pattern during his service.” “He (Justice Naqvi) uses his position to facilitate his sons and a daughter studying abroad and getting financial gains from Zahid Rafique, owner of Future Holdings. “There is a general discussion in the bar rooms that the sons of Justice Naqvi approach aggrieved parties of the Lahore High Court and the Supreme Court in criminal cases, demanding hefty amounts in lieu of getting facilitation and favorable decisions from the LHC and the SC through Justice Naqvi. “Properties of Justice Mazahir Naqvi in different cities and housing societies are held by a benamidar, who also acts as his front man.” The complainant alleged that the SC judge "openly flaunts his relations with the PTI and its leader Imran Khan" and has "influenced" and "manipulated" legal cases, adding that "cases are being fixed" in his court.

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Senior State Dept official arrives today

US Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter would arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday (today) for talks with a host of Pakistani officials and to observe the consular operations at the US embassy and its consulates, the embassy said in a statement on Monday. The statement said that the Assistant Secretary Bitter would visit Islamabad and Karachi, besides undertaking a trip to Dhaka in Bangladesh from September 25 – October 2. “Her trip underscores our deep and sustained commitment to the protection of US citizens overseas and the facilitation of legitimate travel and immigration to the United States,” the statement added.  

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PTI claims Sanam Javed, other female activists rearrested after release

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday claimed that Sanam Javed, one of the party's staunch activist, and other female supporters were rearrested after the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) ordered their post-arrest bail in Lahore Jinnah House Attack case two days earlier. However, so far, there has been no confirmation by the Punjab government over the claim made by the PTI. The party based its claim on a video posted by journalist Mughees Ali at the social media platform X, where he, without quoting the source, asserted that Sanam and others were again taken into custody. صنم جاوید سمیت دیگر رہا ہونے والی خواتین پھر گرفتار، پولیس کی گاڑی میں سے آواز آئی جی دوبارہ گرفتار کر لیا۔۔۔!!!pic.twitter.com/bZF8dwgne3 — Mughees Ali (@mugheesali81) September 25, 2023   In the video, a prison van could be seen at Kotlakhpat Jail which passes before the media persons with hands visible from its top, possibly of the said individuals. Someone, in the meantime, asks "again arrested" to which he receives a reply in affirmation in an apparent feminine voi Read More: PTI’s detained women workers deny mistreatment The PTI has slammed the government for allegedly flouting the court's order and held that the alleged re-arrest of its female activists was the display of fascism. "Absolutely shameful how lawless Pakistan has become and how Courts orders are being violated continuously. Female Political prisoners in Pakistan continue to have their fundamental rights violated. The Pakistani women have shown utmost courage, resilience, grit & resolve in the face of unprecedented fascism, tyranny & oppression. It’s time to end this brutality," the party said on its official X handle. Absolutely shameful how lawless Pakistan has become and how Courts orders are being violated continuously. Female Political prisoners in Pakistan continue to have their fundamental rights violated. The Pakistani women have shown utmost courage, resilience, grit & resolve in the… https://t.co/QfBUg4o6mU — PTI (@PTIofficial) September 25, 2023 PTI leader and former state minister Farrukh Habib while giving his take on the development termed the act based on malafide intention. He wondered that when Sanam was languishing in jail for four months, and when she was not wanted in any other case, then why she was rearrested at the time when her release order was to be executed. قیدیوں والی وین سے صنم جاوید کی آواز سن سکتے ہے جی جی جی again arrested. ان نہتی خواتین سے خوفزدہ ہے۔ جب یہ 4 ماہ جیل میں تھی اور کسی اور مقدمہ میں بھی مطلوب تھی تو انکی گرفتاری پہلے ڈال لیتے لیکن یہ سب کچھ بدنیتی کی بنیاد پر کیا جارہا ہے pic.twitter.com/skYH32WuVn — Farrukh Habib (@FarrukhHabibISF) September 25, 2023   On Saturday, the Anti-Terrorism Court granted post-arrest bail to nine PTI workers and dismissed pleas of 39 allegedly involved in creating a law and order situation, chaos, and attacking the Jinnah House following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in May. Read More: ATC extends remand of Khadija Shah, others in Jinnah House attack case Judge Arshad Javed granted bails to Sanam Javed, Shah Bano, Ashmia Shujah, Rubina Jameel, Mubeen Qadri, Syed Faisal Akhtar, Ali Hassan, Afshan Tariq, and Muhammad Qasim. The prosecution had placed its arguments that the accused persons were fully involved in creating law and order situation and that was substantial evidence of their involvement in the attack on Jinnah House. It requested the court to dismiss their bail pleas. However, the counsels for the accused contended that the accused persons had been implicated in a forged case merely to humiliate them despite the fact that they had nothing to do with this case. They requested the court to grant them bail. The ATC judge after hearing detailed arguments, granted bails to nine and dismissed the post-arrest pleas of 39 accused persons, including Khadija Shah.

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New Hajj policy to offer shorter stays in holy land

The religious affairs ministry planned to introduce a shorter duration of Hajj journey in the new policy, which would soon be presented before the caretaker federal cabinet for approval, Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed told a Senate panel on Monday. During a meeting of the Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, the minister said that the Saudi Arabian government had decided that only 46 companies would conduct the Hajj operations from Pakistan, adding that the government could not do much about it. Committee member Maulana Abdul Karim told the meeting that there would be problems if the operations of 905 companies were reduced to 46 companies. Minister Ahmed replied: “We cannot do much about it, but we can request for a leniency for one year.” Maulana Faiz Muhammad, also a committee member, suggested that the new plan should be implemented from next year, adding that “we have to solve the problem” by talking to the Saudi Arabian authorities. The minister said that he had asked the Saudi Arabian authorities to review the decision, but they did not agree. He added that a letter could be written to the Saudi Arabian government to inform it that there could be some difficulties in implementing the decision because it had been taken suddenly. Read also: Pilgrims to get improved services during Hajj: minister Ahmed said that the Saudi Arabian government was planning to increase the number of pilgrims to 10 million. He also said that currently, the Road to Makkah project was running only from Islamabad but the Saudi Arabian government had decided to include Karachi in the project during the next Hajj. Ahmed informed the committee that the Hajj Policy 2024 would be presented to the cabinet for approval soon. He said that there was a proposal to reduce the duration of the Hajj journey from 45 days to 18-20 days from next year. The minister informed the committee that the government would try to ensure that the Hajj expenses of the short duration remained equal to that of the regular duration. He said that it would be up to the pilgrims, whether they choose to stay long or less in Saudi Arabia. The regular Hajj package usually consisted of 35 to 50 days, which included the cost of accommodation, hotel, food and transportation. The committee chair suggested the shorter duration should spread over 30 days. The minister replied that the suggestion would be considered. Dilating further on the new Hajj scheme, the minister said that every pilgrim would be given two suitcases, adding that the suitcases could be located through the QR codes in case of losing them. He also said that the government would provide mobile SIM for 45 days which would be used for video calls.

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UK investors show keen interest in Pakistan

The investors of the United Kingdom’s capital and financial market in a meeting with Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday expressed their keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan. The leaders of the notable investment firms who met the prime minister in London included Fidelity International Limited (FIL), Wellington Management, Ashmore, Jefferies International, Redwheel Capital, Switex Industrial SA, Oxford Frontier Capital, GuarantCo, JP Morgan, Kalrock Capital, and UBL UK. Prime Minister Kakar informed the delegation about Pakistan’s current economic landscape, highlighting the government measures for external account improvement. He said that recent administrative actions strengthened the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, fostering optimism for stability. He said positive indicators, including inflows from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and friendly nations, contributed to reduced inflation, stabilised reserves, and revival of industrial growth. The prime minister spoke about the foreign direct investment potential in Pakistan’s key sectors and the positive impact of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), exceeding expectations and stabilising the economy and currency. Read also: Govt woos investors to inject capital into startup fund Prime Minister Kakar also highlighted economic improvements such as reduced inflation with expected sustained decline, and upcoming growth in agriculture and industry. He mentioned improved trade after removal of restrictions on imports and fiscal measures for monetary support and medium-term inflation targets. The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s pro-investment efforts, introducing the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). This initiative, led by the prime minister himself, streamlines investment processes, attracts investments in key sectors, and fosters long-term growth by simplifying the business landscape. The British investors enquired about the continuity of the IMF programme in Pakistan and reform efforts from short- to medium-term. The prime minister assured them that Pakistan had expressed its commitment to the IMF programme by undertaking reforms committed with the IMF.

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Minus-one formula echoes again

Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar's remarks on the possibility of fair elections without Imran Khan and his party members on Sunday once again raised the spectre of the infamous "minus-one formula" that has haunted the country’s political battleground for decades. In an interview with The Associated Press, the caretaker premier said that fair elections can take place without Imran or hundreds of members of his party who are jailed because they engaged in unlawful activities including vandalism and arson – a reference to the violence that rocked the country following the former prime minister’s initial arrest in May in Al-Qadir Trust case. However, the interim PM added that the thousands of people in Imran’s party who didn’t engage in unlawful activities, “will be running the political process, they will be participating in the elections”. Political observers were quick to detect that the approach appeared to eerily align with the strategy of the "minus-one formula," which entails the removal of a party leader while encouraging others to seize power. Read ​​​​​​PM's statement of holding polls sans Imran prompts sharp reaction from PTI The formula, which has plagued the country’s political scene, involves the removal of leaders by external powers, leading to a power vacuum and political division within the targeted party. For decades, political figures ranging from prime ministers to lesser-known politicians have fallen victim to this strategy due to their perceived transgressions. From the assassination of Liaquat Ali Khan to the controversial hanging of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, the formula has frequently shaped Pakistan's political trajectory. Even in recent years, the imprisonment of Nawaz Sharif just prior to the 2018 elections underscored the influence of the minus-one formula. Moreover, the interim prime minister's comments come amid speculation swirling rampantly lately that Imran Khan could be the next target of this notorious formula, given his strained relationship with powerful stakeholders. In fact, Imran himself raised concerns about this possibility last September, suggesting that "imported government and its handlers are so petrified that the nation is standing firmly behind PTI, they are desperately moving on minus-one formula.” Thus, with PM Kakar's statement and the country's political history in mind, the question of whether the upcoming elections can proceed without Imran Khan looms large. Currently, Imran finds himself behind bars after being convicted in the Toshakhana case. Although he was granted bail, subsequent arrests in other cases have prevented his release.‘PM should be non-partisan’ Read more PM Kakar calls for alliance to keep check on India's ‘rough behaviour’ “Prime Minister being the head of government shouldn’t have given such a statement; he should adopt a non-partisan approach and refrain himself from giving such statements,” eminent scholar Professor Dr Hassan Askari said, adding “better selection of words comes with experience.”The professor emeritus recalled that the minus-one formula has frequently come into play from the time of military rulers like Ayub Khan to Zia-ul-Haq to Pervez Musharraf till now but it has never worked in Pakistan. Several politicians have been removed in the past on different grounds, he said, Imran is now being removed on May 9 incidents. Professor Askari explained that the minus-one formula leads to the expulsion of a certain politician and the inclusion of a politician who is more obedient, adding that it also leads to a co-option process where one continues to pursue an agenda; and finally, it leads to “carefully managed elections” to produce a desirable result. “How do you ensure free elections by excluding a party leader like Imran Khan,” he questioned, saying PTI is one of the leading political parties in the country. “We are repeating the same thing knowing that things wouldn’t lead to long-term stability,” Professor Askari pointed out, adding “By expulsion, you can’t deny reality.” He regretted that the process of removing politicians that started since independence hasn’t changed yet, saying some have comfortably beaten Ziaul Haq as the only difference is that they didn’t flog people on taking part in politics like Zia. Among other things, PM Kakar said he expects parliamentary elections to take place in the new year, dismissing the possibility that the country’s powerful military would manipulate the results to ensure that jailed former premier Imran Khan’s party doesn’t win as “absolutely absurd.”PM Kakar said it’s the Election Commission of Pakistan that is going to conduct the vote, not the military, and Khan appointed the commission’s current chief, so “why would he turn in any sense of the word against him?” On elections, the PM said that his government “will provide all the assistance, financial, security or other related requirements” when ECP sets an exact election date. The ECP has so far announced that elections will be held in the last week of January. To a question in the interview, whether he would recommend that judges overturn Imran's conviction so he could run in the elections, PM Kakar said he wouldn’t interfere with decisions by the judiciary and stressed that the judiciary should not be used “as a tool for any political ends.”

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SC issues proposed cause list for Oct

The Supreme Court’s proposed cause list for the four weeks commencing from October 2 (Monday) has been issued. The move is aimed at enabling lawyers, advocates-on-record and the parties to fully prepare for their cases and attend the court. In their recent meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and senior puisne judge Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, the office-bearers of the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) requested that the monthly proposed cause list should be issued. According to a statement, conceding to this request, every effort will made to issue the SC’s proposed cause list in advance for four weeks falling within the month. The proposed cause list is available on the apex court’s website -- https://ift.tt/qAWfnFk but adjustments therein may be requested. In the interest of transparency, the number of cases filed each week and disposed by the SC will also be issued. In the week starting from September 18, 2023 (Friday) to September 22 -- both days inclusive -- 225 cases were filed and 205 (excluding CMAs [[civil miscellaneous appeals]) were disposed of. According to the cause list published on the apex court’s website on Friday, five benches of the top court will take up nearly 400 cases next week. According to the list, the five benches for the judicial week from September 25 to 28 would be led by CJP Isa, Justice Masood, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel. A total of 395 cases of various civil, criminal, and tax natures have been scheduled for hearing before these five benches. They include the Faizabad Dharna review case, which will be taken up by a three-judge bench led by CJP Isa himself on September 28. The highest number of cases, 160, has been fixed before a two-member bench led by Justice Masood. The CJP-led bench will hear 55 cases. The remaining three-judge benches will take up 60 cases each. After meeting with the CJP and Justice Masood, the PBC said a committee had been formed to chalk out a policy for fixing the hearings of cases of those litigants who had been waiting for years to receive justice. PBC Executive Chairman Hassan Raza Pasha also told the media outside the SC building that a policy would be prepared to schedule criminal and land grabbing cases for hearing.

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SJC asked to snub complaints against two SC judges, two ex-CJPS

Supreme Court’s senior puisne judge Justice Sardar Tariq Masood, who is also a member of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), has recommended to the body to dismiss the complaints against two serving SC judges and two former chief justices of Pakistan. Some citizens filed a complaint against Justice Ijazul Ahsan as well as ex-CJPs Umar Ata Bandial and Mian Saqib Nisar on the basis of their judicial orders. They also filed another one against Justice Ayesha Malik on the same grounds. Under the SJC inquiry rules, the SJC chairman, incumbent CJP Qazi Faez Isa, referred the two complaints against the two serving judges and two retired CJPs to Justice Masood seeking his opinion. Justice Masood, after reviewing the complaints, sent his opinion to the SJC head, declaring that they were not maintainable as they were based on judicial orders upheld in the apex court. It should be noted that the matter of complaints against another judge of the apex court, Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, has also been sent to Justice Masood for his opinion. According to sources, about 10 complaints against Justice Naqvi have been sent to the SJC. Different complaints were filed by lawyers and superior bars against Justice Naqvi. In April this year, Justice Isa and Justice Masood wrote a judicial letter to Justice Bandial, then CJP and SJC head, and other members of the council to call a meeting to review the allegations of misconduct and financial corruption levelled against Justice Naqvi. In May, then CJP Bandial, as the head of the SJC, sought an opinion from a council member about the complaints of misconduct against the SC judge. According to Section 7 of the SJC Procedure of Enquiry Rules 2005, once any information in respect of inquiry into the conduct of a judge was received by any member or the council, it shall be presented to the council’s chairman, “who; shall (a) refer the same to any member of the council to look into the said information; and to express his opinion in relation to the sufficiency or otherwise of the information; (b) if the council is satisfied that the information prima facie discloses sufficient material for an enquiry, it shall proceed to consider the same”. It added that the member, to whom the chairman had referred the information, would “examine the same and ascertain if the information so received discloses specific particulars of misconduct, and provides factual details necessary to form prima facie opinion in respect of the guilt of the judge”. Thirdly, if the member forms an opinion that the information does reveal sufficient material to commence an inquiry, “he shall inform the council accordingly and the information shall be placed before the council”. Lastly, “if the member comes to a conclusion that the information is false, frivolous, concocted or untrue, he shall inform the council accordingly and may recommend action against the person who initiated the information”.

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PIA flight escapes two accidents

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Abu Dhabi narrowly escaped two accidents at the Sialkot Airport. According to aviation sources, flight PK-264 coming from Abu Dhabi to Lahore was shifted to Sialkot due to inclement weather conditions in Lahore. As soon as the report that the weather had cleared in Lahore came in, the plane took off from Sialkot but it was hit by a bird due to which the plane had to land again. Read also: Govt won’t let PIA be grounded The aviation sources said during the landing of the plane, three of its tires had burst, and the plane narrowly escaped an accident at the Sialkot Airport. The passengers left for Lahore by bus. According to the PIA spokesperson, tires had been sent from Lahore to Sialkot for the aircraft. The national flag carrier was facing another problem as several of its planes had already been grounded.

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PIA flight escapes two accidents

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Abu Dhabi narrowly escaped two accidents at the Sialkot Airport. According to aviation sources, flight PK-264 coming from Abu Dhabi to Lahore was shifted to Sialkot due to inclement weather conditions in Lahore. As soon as the report that the weather had cleared in Lahore came in, the plane took off from Sialkot but it was hit by a bird due to which the plane had to land again. Read also: Govt won’t let PIA be grounded The aviation sources said during the landing of the plane, three of its tires had burst, and the plane narrowly escaped an accident at the Sialkot Airport. The passengers left for Lahore by bus. According to the PIA spokesperson, tires had been sent from Lahore to Sialkot for the aircraft. The national flag carrier was facing another problem as several of its planes had already been grounded.

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9 accused in Jinnah House attack case get bail

Of the 63 accused persons, an anti-terrorism court on Saturday granted post-arrest bail to nine and dismissed pleas of 39 allegedly involved in creating a law and order situation, chaos, and attacking the Jinnah House following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in May.   Judge Arshad Javed granted bails to Sanam Javed, Shah Bano, Ashmia Shujah, Rubina Jameel, Mubeen Qadri, Syed Faisal Akhtar, Ali Hassan, Afshan Tariq, and Muhammad Qasim. However, the ATC judge fixed next date in pre-arrest bails of the 13 accused persons for further proceedings. Read More: Designer Khadija Shah arrested for ‘leading attack on Jinnah House’   The prosecution had placed its arguments that the accused persons were fully involved in creating law and order situation and that was substantial evidence of their involvement in the attack on Jinnah House. It requested the court to dismiss their bail pleas.   However, the counsels for the accused contended that the accused persons had been implicated in a forged case merely to humiliate them despite the fact that they had nothing to do with this case. They requested the court to grant them bail. Read More: US seeks consular access to Khadija Shah   The ATC judge after hearing detailed arguments, granted bails to nine and dismissed the post-arrest pleas of 39 accused persons, including Khadija Shah.   The Sarwar Road police had registered an FIR against the accused persons over allegedly creating a law and order, chaos, and attacking Jinnah House following the arrest of Imran.  

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Soldier martyred in North Waziristan IBO

A soldier of Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom on Saturday during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district’s Mir Ali area, the military said in a statement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an intense exchange of fire took place between the troops and terrorists during the operation. “Own troops effectively engaged terrorists’ location. However, during the operation, Sepoy Shakeel Shafqat (age 21 years, resident of District Khanewal), having fought gallantly, embraced Shahadat,” it added. ISPR said that sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve,” it further said. Also read: Six soldiers martyred in South Waziristan: ISPR Earlier this month, another soldier of Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom in a gun battle with terrorists in North Waziristan district. According to ISPR, the fire exchange took place between security forces and terrorists in general area Mir Ali, where army troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location. However, during intense exchange of fire, Lance Naik Jamshed Khan, a 28-year-old resident of Upper Dir district, having fought gallantly, embraced martyrdom, it added. Last month, at least six soldiers were martyred in a skirmish with terrorists in the Asman Manza area of South Waziristan district, ISPR said. The military's media wing added that at least four terrorists were also killed while two were injured in the fighting.

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Minister emphasises importance of exercise

Punjab’s Health Minister Dr Javed Akram underscores the significance of exercise and walking for both a healthy life and treatment of various ailments. While leading a three-day health conference in Bhurban, he joined numerous doctors in a brisk two-kilometre mountain track walk. During the journey, he highlighted the importance of physical activity and attributed many health problems to the lack of attention to physical fitness, asserting that exercise and walking are crucial in preventing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart diseases. He also called out doctors to encourage their patients to adopt healthy lifestyles. He underscored the role of doctors in promoting a healthy lifestyle as a natural means to combat diseases, stressing the significance of a balanced diet. He said he believes that every human life is invaluable, and physicians should prioritise saving lives. He said health is also wealth and most diseases can be fought with natural immunity. Dr Javed called out doctors to encourage their patients to adopt a healthy lifestyle instead of relying on medicines, which is a natural way of fighting diseases. Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2023.

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95m Pakistanis live in poverty: World Bank

Deeply concerned over the state of economy, the World Bank has urged Pakistan to take urgent steps to tax its sacred cows – agriculture and real estate – and cut wasteful expenditures in an effort to achieve economic stability through steep fiscal adjustment of over 7% of the size of the economy. The lender on Friday also revealed that poverty in Pakistan shot up to 39.4% as of last fiscal year with 12.5 million more people falling into the trap due to poor economic conditions. About 95 million Pakistanis now live in poverty. The Washington-based lender unveiled the draft policy notes that it prepared with the help of all stakeholders for the next government. The lender identified low human development, unsustainable fiscal situation, over-regulated private sector, agriculture and energy sectors as the priority areas for reforms for the next government. It proposed measures – immediately increase the tax-to-GDP ratio by 5% and cut expenditures by about 2.7% of GDP – aimed at putting the unsustainable economy back on a prudent fiscal path. However, the measures suggested were mostly in areas that had been considered as “sacred cows”. “The World Bank is deeply concerned about the economic situation of today,” Tobias Haque, the WB’s lead country economist, said. Pakistan is facing serious economic and human development crises and it is at a point where major policy shifts are required, he added. The bank’s note on strengthening government revenues showed a host of measures to improve the revenue-to-GDP ratio by 5% through withdrawal of tax exemptions and increasing burden of taxes on the real estate and the agriculture sectors. “This may be Pakistan’s moment for significant policy shift,” Najy Benhassine, the country director for Pakistan at WB, said. To a question, he said: “We hope there is a realisation of the current economic situation but the question is whether the realisation for the change in policies is across all the political parties, businesses, civil society and all those who count.” The poverty in Pakistan increased within one year from 34.2% to 39.4% with 12.5 million more people falling below the poverty line of $3.65 per day income level, according to the WB. It added that the increase in poverty was consistent with ground realities. “Pakistan’s economic model is no longer reducing poverty and the living standards have fallen behind peer countries,” Haque said. Revenues Pakistan has the capacity to collect taxes equal to 22% of the GDP but its current ratio is only 10.2% – showing a gap of more than half, according to the WB note. The lender proposed reducing distortive exemptions to generate taxes equal to 2% of the GDP. It wanted an increase in taxes on land and property to collect another 2% of GDP in revenues and generate another 1% of the GDP from the agriculture sector. The lender proposed a mandatory use of CNIC for transactions, particularly of assets. The WB recommended withdrawing income tax exemption available to the power generation projects and to the real estate investment trusts. “The revenues generated by withdrawing these exemptions are enough to fund 35,000 teachers’ salaries,” it added. The WB recommended further tightening the noose around salaried individuals by reducing the numbers of tax slabs and further reducing the income threshold for the top marginal tax brackets. It proposed increasing excise duties on cigarettes by applying a uniform rate across all brands and an automatic inflation-adjusted increase in these rates every year. It also wanted withdrawal of tax exemptions on machinery import for power generation and transmission, and withdrawal of exemptions for pharmaceutical and energy sectors. It also proposed withdrawing exemptions for food items – oil, pulses, animal, fruit and dairy. The WB proposed to lower the income tax free slab for the agriculture sector from the existing 12.5 acres and through proper categorisation of land aimed at generating taxes equal to 1% of the GDP. The farmers with land of less than 12.5 acres did not pay any tax, while those who owned up to 25 acres paid just Rs100 per acre. The ones owning from 26 to 50 acres land paid only Rs250 per tax and the rate for above 50 acres was mere Rs300 per acre. To collect 2% of the GDP taxes from land and real estate, the WB proposed harmonisation of three different valuation systems, increase in property tax rates and change in land classification for taxation purposes. At the moment, there is actual market price of a plot, then a deputy collector valuation to pay provincial tax and then FBR valuation to pay federal taxes. Expenditure cut The lender proposed reducing energy and commodity subsidies, implementing a single treasury account, and imposing temporary austerity measures in the short-term for saving about 1% of the GDP equivalent expenditures. In 2022, the federal government’s deposits in commercial banks amounted to over Rs2 trillion and due to the government’s sovereign borrowings in absence of use of this idle cash, an amount of Rs424 billion was paid in interest, the WB said. For the medium-term, the WB proposed reducing federal development and current expenditures on provincial nature projects, reducing spending on loss making entities, and improving quality of development spending to save about Rs1.4 trillion. The cumulative impact of these short- to medium-term savings is 2.7% of the GDP. Pakistan is heavily subsidising the agriculture sector, which is leading to low productivity. The government can reduce Rs328 billion spending by winding up ministries that fall in the provincial domain, it added. Another Rs70 billion can be saved by devolving the Higher Education Commission to the provinces and Rs217 billion savings can be ensured through cost sharing of BISP with the provinces, the WB said. “There is a lot of stop and go and a lot of policy reversals, which often are correlated with the political cycles,” Benhassine said. He said that the donors could only provide advice and financing and the solution would have to come from inside Pakistan. “Pakistan needs to address the human capital crisis and there is a need to recognise the scale of the problem,” Haque said. There is a need for reduction in energy subsidies. High energy prices are putting heavy pressures on the households and there is a need to address the issues of higher losses by the power distribution companies, changing the energy generation mix. “We hope this programme of discussions will help build a consensus around a path towards inclusive, sustainable, and climate-resilient development,” Benhassine said.

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