Asma Jahangir Group wins SCBA presidential elections

The Independent Group, famously known as Asma Jahangir Group, on Tuesday won the annual election of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) for the year 2023-24 by 464 votes against the Professional Group, according to unofficial results. Elections were held at 12 polling stations across the country from 9am-5pm. The Asma Jahangir Group was declared victorious on 13 out of 17 seats, including the SCBA president and secretary seat until the filing of this report. As many as 3,756 members of the bar exercised their right to vote. The Independent Group was founded in 2010 when the late human rights activist Asma Jahangir decided to run for president of the SCBA. After a nail-biting contest, she won the polls and became the first female president of the SCBA. Meanwhile, the Professional Group played a key role against General Musharraf’s Legal Framework Order 2002 as well as the lawyers’ movement in 2007 when the late president suspended the then chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. During this year’s elections, the Asma Jahangir group fielded Shahzad Shaukat Advocate while its rival Hamid Khan-led Professional group nominated Mian Abdul Quddus for the office of the president from Lahore. Shaukat was backed by former federal law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and ex-SCBA president Ashan Bhoon. According to unofficial results, Shaukat notched a total of 1,706 votes whereas Quddus bagged 1,242 votes across the country. For the SCBA secretary position, Asma Jahangir Group’s Ali Imran Syed was declared victorious after bagging 1,447 votes. His rival Salman Mansoor managed to secure 1,373 votes. Read also: Shaukat defeated Quddus in Lahore by a margin of 146 votes after securing 611 votes. His rival had managed to get 465 votes. From Bannu, the winning candidate bagged 34 votes whereas his challenger received only one vote. In Multan, the Asma Jahangir-backed candidate bagged 98 votes while Quddus got 81 votes. In Quetta, Quddus took lead by securing 103 votes whereas Shaukat grabbed 73 votes. In Abbottabad, 43 votes were cast in Shaukat’s favour while 22 came in Quddus vote bank. In Sukkur, the Asma Jahangir Group candidate got 41 votes whereas his rival received 12 votes. In Bahawalpur, Shaukat won with a majority of 40 votes after bagging 60 votes. His rival managed to secure only 20 votes. The winning candidate received 22 votes in Dera Ismail Khan while his opponent got 12 votes. In Hyderabad, Shaukat defeated Quddus by 33 votes. He clinched 56 votes whereas his rival grabbed 23 votes. In Karachi, Shaukat lost by a margin of 25 votes. He managed to secure 168 votes while Quddus got 193 votes. In Peshawar, the Asma Jahangir Group contender bagged 129 votes while his opponent got 100 votes. In Islamabad also, Shaukat was declared victorious after bagging 371 votes against his rival’s 210 votes. Last year, the Professional Group had won the SCBA polls.

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Ex-Pemra chief accuses Gen Faiz of media manipulation during Faizabad sit-in

In a startling revelation, Absar Alam, the former chairman of the Pakistan Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra), has submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, alleging that the former Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt-Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed, exerted pressure on him and manipulated the broadcasting landscape during the Faizabad sit-in organised by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) in 2017. In his affidavit, Alam stated that Gen Faiz consistently put pressure on the media regulatory authority, as well as television channels, by altering the channel numbers and controlling broadcasts through cable networks. According to the former Pemra chairman, Gen Faiz pushed for action against prominent media figure Najam Sethi and advocated for a complete ban on Hussain Haqqani. Despite these pressures, Alam and his team did not comply with Gen Faiz's instructions, he maintained. Read More: Enforcing Faizabad sit-in verdict could have prevent Jaranwala: CJP Alam further revealed that in April 2017, he had formally informed then prime minister Nawaz Sharif, then army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, and the then chief justice of the Supreme Court, Saqib Nisar, about the ongoing situation. In his communication, he highlighted that Pemra officials were being subjected to undue pressure due to their refusal to implement these instructions, emphasising that such coercion was illegal. During the Faizabad sit-in on November 25, Alam recounted how he received a request from the Ministry of Interior to shut down a private TV channel. Read More: ISI challenges SC's Faizabad sit-in verdict He complied with the request, but this action triggered a series of inquiries from Gen Faiz and his subordinates. They questioned the closure of the private TV channel and demanded an explanation. Gen Faiz and his team reportedly issued an ultimatum: either reopen the broadcasting of the private TV channel or halt the broadcast of all TV channels. In response, Alam asserted that he did not yield to any illegal orders. He clarified that the decision to close the channels was made in accordance with the written policy instructions of the federal government

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Senators urge diplomacy for ceasefire in Gaza

The Senate began debate on the situation in Gaza on Monday with members condemning Israeli bombardment of the innocent Palestinian people and urging the government to take steps for a ceasefire through strong diplomacy. Senators Raza Rabbani, Yusuf Raza Gilani, Ghafoor Haidari, Manzoor Kakar, Tahir Bizenjo, Mushtaq, Ali Zafar and others spoke on the Gaza situation during the session, chaired by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani. Read More: Pakistan to send humanitarian aid to Gaza The senators said that the Palestinian issued could not be resolved until Palestine was a free state with Jerusalem as its capital. In this regard, they stressed the need for waking up United Nations, Organization of Islami Cooperation (OIC), Arab League and human rights organisations. “Israel is backed by America, Britain and European countries, but the Muslim world is a silent spectator,” Haidari said. “There are UN resolutions on this war, but not even one resolution is being implemented. Pakistan should endeavour for a ceasefire through strong diplomacy.” Read More: JI leaders, workers arrested for planning ‘Gaza March’ outside US embassy Senator Rabbani lamented the absence of ministers. He pointed out that the foreign minister simply marked his attendance and the left. He added that the foreign minister should have stayed in the house during the debate in the house. Later, the chair summoned the foreign minister to the next session. Senator Mushtaq said that white phosphorus bombs were being dropped by Israel in Gaza. Senator Manzoor Kakar said that Muslim countries were to blame for the brutalities being unleashed against the Palestinian people. “This will continue until we stand up and become one voice,” he added. Former prime minisiter Yousuf Raza Gilani called for unity for the Palestinian cause. He said that the Arab countries boycotted a meeting of the US President. The debate on Palestine was ongoing when the session adjourned until Tuesday.

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PIA set to run more flights after credit line extended

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) said on Monday it should be able to run more flights in the coming days as the state oil company extended a credit facility, allowing it to fund fuel purchases. Since Oct 15, 349 PIA's domestic and international flights have been cancelled because of disruption to fuel supplies. "The PIA's disrupted operations are heading toward restoration after an improved fuel supply," the airline said in a statement, adding that it has scheduled 45 flights for Monday. "The flight operations are expected to come back to normal routine in next few days with more improvement in the fuel supply," the airline said. The airline has accumulated billions of dollars in losses and liabilities, which the caretaker government says it can no longer fund, and has been in dispute with the PSO over payments. Read also: PIA commits to paying Rs1.35b to PSO In a statement on Monday, the PSO said "to further support the national carrier" it had extended the credit facility by Rs500 million. It added the PIA’s outstanding balance to the PSO was Rs26.8 billion ($97.37 million). The PSO had earlier this month suspended the credit facility, and the PIA had been paying Rs100 million against daily purchase of fuel. Pakistan said in August it would privatise the airline as part of a fiscal discipline plan agreed under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout. The airline has long been in the crisis. PIA flights to Europe and the UK have been suspended since 2020 after the European Union's Aviation Safety Agency revoked the national carrier's authorisation to fly to the bloc following a scandal over pilot licences.

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Bugti calls for parliamentary debate on missing persons

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti stressed the need for negotiations to resolve the ongoing sit-in outside the Parliament House led by the Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), urging senators on Monday not to compare Palestine with Balochistan. Speaking here at the Senate, he said that while the BNP-M had initially been granted permission for a press conference and a token protest at the Islamabad Press Club, they subsequently moved their demonstration to the Red Zone, where they continued to stage a sit-in. Bugti told the house that BNP-M chief Akhtar Mengal was a seasoned politician and his party had been part of various governments over the last decade. “If the Baloch are suffering, then he should have spoken while being a part of government,” Bugti said. Read More: Aitzaz moves SC against citizens going ‘missing’ “It is not appropriate to compare Palestine with Balochistan. We want to talk to them but don't make it a propaganda tool and use it for the election campaign,” the minister said. He urged debate in parliament on the missing persons issue, saying that it was interconnected with incidents of self-disappearances. Earlier, speaking on the issue during the Senate session, Senator Raza Rabbani highlighted the protesters’ concerns, particularly regarding the chronic problem of missing persons and alleged death squads operating in Balochistan. Rabbani stressed the need for swift action to put an end to such issues, suggesting that parliament should address the matter through legislation. In his speech, Bugti proposed that the legislation could be enacted within the next two to three months after elections to address these pressing concerns. Read More: Enforced disappearances: Chief executives ‘may be tried under Article 6’ Reiterating the right to peaceful protest, the minister assured that the demonstrators, including experienced politicians and workers, would not face any form of mistreatment. He also stressed the need for curbing activities of miscreants and insurgency in Balochistan. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)  

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Fly Jinnah permitted to operate on global routes

The government has granted permission to Fly Jinnah – a first low-cost carrier owned and operated jointly by Lakson Group and Air Arabia Group of the United Arab Emirates – to operate on international routes. According to caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, the approval was given by the federal cabinet on the recommendation of the aviation ministry. Fly Jinnah will now be able to carry out flight operations in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkiye and the UAE. The airline is celebrating its first anniversary on Oct 31 (today), marking a year of exceptional service and outstanding achievements. Over the past 12 months, Fly Jinnah has established itself as a preferred airline for passengers. It is operating a network of domestic flights, connecting major cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta, through air links. Read also: Fly Jinnah introduces unique mobile app Since taking to the skies with its inaugural flight on Oct 31, 2022, Fly Jinnah has consistently prioritised operational excellence and customer services. During its first year, the airline operated more than 4,370 domestic flights, ensuring a hassle-free and comfortable journey for the passengers. In order to facilitate the travellers, Fly Jinnah developed a user-friendly mobile app through which the passengers could easily book flights, track their journey and access other essential services. The Civil Aviation Authority recognised Fly Jinnah’s commitment to operational excellence, noting its punctuality and consistency during its extraordinary flights and declared it the country’s top airline. As Fly Jinnah enters its second year of operations, it continues to expand its reach to set new trends for the aviation industry, enhance the overall travel experience, and deliver benefits to the passengers.

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Fazl urges rulers to break free from ‘American slavery’

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has said that the era of the United States’ superpower status was over, urging Pakistani rulers to break free from the bonds of American slavery and stand up against it. Citing the open support of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Israel, he questioned why Pakistani leaders were not openly declaring support for the Muslims of Gaza. Speaking at the Al-Aqsa Flood Conference in Ayub Stadium, Quetta, on Sunday, the JUI-F emir expressed concerns about the worsening situation of the Palestinian people and criticised the world's silence toward Israel's injustices. "If we don't stand with the oppressed people of Palestine today, we should be prepared to accept that we were slaves yesterday and are still slaves today,” he added. He further warned that if rulers continued to “show cowardice”, the Pakistani nation would rise against them. He lauded the conference which he said aimed to send a clear message to Israel and the United States that Pakistan stood in solidarity with its Palestinian brothers. The honour of the Pakistani people is tied to the honour of the Palestinians, he declared. Furthermore, the JUI-F chief alleged that the “global Jewish lobby's agenda in Pakistan has been defeated”, a strong message to those “who sought to influence the country”. Maulana Fazl further criticised the US for its treatment of the mujahideen in Afghanistan. He highlighted the stark contrast between the alleged disregard for human rights by the US. He alleged that the US's justification for attacking Afghanistan was based on the belief that the mujahideen had no human rights and were undeserving of even prisoner rights. The JUI-F criticised Israel for adopting a similar stance towards the mujahideen of Hamas, claiming that they too were being denied basic human rights. "There is a stark division of ideology in the world," he stated. Directing his words towards Pakistan's rulers, the Maulana declared that the US was no longer a superpower, urging the rulers to break free from the bondage of American slavery. He pointed out the open support shown by Indian PM Modi to Israel and questioned why Pakistan's rulers were not openly standing with the Muslims of Gaza. In a direct challenge to their authority, he stated firmly, "Pakistani rulers should relish their luxurious lives in their palaces; they do not represent us."

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Two remaining abducted footballers return home

The two remaining kidnapped footballers on Sunday returned to their homes in Dera Bugti district of Balochistan after successful negotiations between the abductees’ family members and the abductors. Caretaker Provincial Minister for Information Jan Achakzai confirmed that Babar Ali and Sheraz Khan had safely returned home, and that all the missing football players had been recovered. On Sept 9, six footballers were kidnapped by unidentified armed men in the Kachhi canal area of Sui tehsil of Dera Bugti while they were on their way to Sibi to participate in the All Pakistan Chief Minister Gold Cup Football tournament. Read More: Balochistan: why a black hole? Subsequently, an operation was launched for the recovery of the athletes. Last month, four of the six footballers were recovered and handed over to their families. However, the kidnappers had at that time refused to release the remaining two footballers. Family members and the Levies sources confirmed the release of the remaining two players on Sunday morning.    

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Two soldiers martyred in exchange of fire with terrorists in Awaran

Two soldiers of Pakistan Army embraced martyrdom on Sunday during an exchange of fire with terrorists in Khoro area of Balochistan’s district Awaran, the military said. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistani troops effectively engaged the terrorists' location and resultantly two terrorists were also killed while two others sustained injuries. Read more: Soldiers martyred in Waziristan gun battles laid to rest However, during intense exchange of fire, 37-year-old resident of district Okara Naib Subedar Asif Irfan and 22-year-old resident of district Sargodha Sepoy Irfan Ali having fought gallantly embraced martyrdom. The statement said that sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area. Security Forces are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve, the statement further said.

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No let-up in Kurram unrest

The situation in Kurram on Saturday remained critical as intermittent clashes between two religious groups failed to subside. According to reports emanating from the district’s Parachinar town, life came to a standstill as the rival groups continued to target each other for the fifth day of the conflict – triggered by a controversial video that went viral on the social media -- launching around 100 mortars at each other. The authorities concerned tried to broker a ceasefire through holding of jirgas but their efforts did not bear any fruit and they failed to stop the clashes between the two sides. The death toll is mounting with each passing day during the five straight days of violence. The authorities, in an effort to contain the violence, suspended all cellular and internet services in the district. Educational institutions stayed closed in Kurram as well and vehicular traffic to the district has been suspended too. Read More: Eight teachers gunned down in Kurram The two religious groups – one based in Parachinar's Khar Kalay village and the other in Baleech Khel -- continued to exchange fire. The police said the firing had been continuing since Friday night using heavy weapons. They added that the members of the religious groups residing in Parachinar's Boshehra and Dandar villages had reached a ceasefire. The police claimed that three people had been killed and four others injured in these incidents of firing. However, the reports from the area dispute these figures. According to them, the unrest in Kurram since five days has claimed at least 12 lives and injured several others. A day earlier, at least seven people were killed in the conflict -- five of them in Parachinar’s Boshehra village and two others in Khar Kalay and Baleech Khel. On Thursday, four people were killed and six others injured when gunshots were fired on two passenger buses heading from Peshawar to the tribal district’s Parachinar town. The buses were attacked at Charkhel area of Lower Kurram. The victims included two brothers, who went to Peshawar for medical treatment. Read More: Five tribesmen killed in Kurram clash The passenger vehicles were being brought from Thal town in Hangu district to Parachinar under government security when they were targeted. On Tuesday, four people, including their relative, who had just landed in Peshawar from Qatar, were travelling to their homes in Parachinar when unidentified men, riding a motorcycle, fired at them near Bara Pull in Badaber. Police confirmed that one of them had died. (With input from APP)

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Elahi’s legal woes continue as ACE recovers 'illicit money' from his home

Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, the former chief minister of Punjab and PTI leader, continues to face legal challenges as a magisterial court extended his two-day physical remand on Saturday. The extension comes as part of ongoing investigations by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE), which claims to have recovered Rs4.1 million from Elahi's residence. The recovery is linked to a case against him, alleging that he amassed money through illegal appointments within the Punjab Assembly. Elahi vehemently denied the ACE's version, expressing his bewilderment regarding the alleged recovery and its connection to corruption. Magistrate Imran Abid has requested a report on the progress of the investigation for the next hearing. During the proceedings, the lawyer representing the Anti-Corruption Establishment argued that they intended to retrieve more essential documents from Elahi's possession after finding the said amount. They requested an extension of Elahi's physical remand for further investigation. Read More: Elahi medically unfit to move, court told In response, Elahi's counsel, Amjad Pervez, questioned the timing of the ACE's disclosure, suggesting that it was omitted during the previous remand. He pointed out that it seemed unlikely for Elahi to engage in such activities for a relatively small sum of Rs4.1 million. He also inquired about when the anti-corruption officials arrived at Elahi's house. The magistrate referred to the details being mentioned in the "zamni," and Elahi's counsel requested permission to review it. He argued that the "zamni" indicated that the amount was recovered based on Elahi's disclosure, but it lacked information about the exact timing of the events. Elahi's counsel contended that this seemed to be an attempt to baselessly implicate Elahi in corrupt practices and urged the court to dismiss the case. The Anti-Corruption lawyer suggested addressing any irregularities in the trial court. Elahi's counsel questioned the validity of the allegations, particularly regarding the recruitment process in the Punjab Assembly, which he maintained had followed proper procedures. The Anti-Corruption lawyer proposed that any irregularities in the recovery should be addressed in the trial court. Read More: Elahi’s remand extended in vandalism case While the Anti-Corruption department sought a twelve-day physical remand, the court ultimately extended it by two days. In response to these developments, Elahi expressed his astonishment at the reported discovery of the funds and vehemently denied any connection to the retrieved money. He emphasised that his service to the nation had always been guided by a sense of duty and rejected any insinuations of financial embezzlement. Elahi clarified that nobody had visited him on the previous night, dismissing the narrative presented by the Anti-Corruption department. He admitted to being unaware of the source or circumstances surrounding the amount, which he believed had been "managed" to tarnish his reputation.

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ECP to hear objections on delimitations from Nov 1

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that it will begin hearing objections on the delimitation of constituencies starting November 1. The commission has appointed two benches to handle the proceedings. The first bench, set to operate on November 1, will hear objections to the delimitation of several districts, including Islamabad, Shikarpur, Khuzdar, Sialkot, and Rajanpur. Meanwhile, the second bench will handle objections related to constituencies in Kurram, Attock, Jhelum, Nankana Sahib, Kohat, and Korangi districts. On November 2, the ECP will continue to hear objections on the delimitations of various districts, including Malir, Sanghar, Swat, Haripur, Chakwal, and Pashin. In addition, objections will also be addressed regarding the delimitation of districts such as Mardan, Karachi East, Musa Khel, Lodhran, and Hub. Read More: ECP scolds govt for political inductions It is pertinent to note that a total of 680 objections have been submitted to the ECP. A day earlier, it confirmed that the upcoming polls will not be delayed, stating that a schedule will be issued once the delimitation of constituencies is finalised. Following the completion of the first phase of the delimitation process, the ECP spokesperson stated that the second phase would be concluded after objections to the preliminary delimitations were raised. The spokesperson reassured that there is no ambiguity in the ECP's decisions, and all necessary preparations for the elections have been completed. The ECP will consider all objections before finalising the delimitation process and publishing a list expected by the end of next month. PTI prohibited funding Separately, the ECP also announced that it will hold hearings on two important cases in the coming days. According to the cause list released on Friday, the ECP has scheduled a hearing for the PTI prohibited funding case on November 1. During this hearing, the electoral watchdog will carefully review the evidence pertaining to the political party's alleged foreign funding, which is prohibited under the law. In addition, the ECP will hear the case regarding the removal of the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister in the caretaker cabinet on October 31. Read More: Polls date to be decided by ECP: Interim PM Meanwhile, in an effort to provide convenience to the general public, ECP has decided to keep all field offices open on Saturday. This decision allows the public to address any concerns they have regarding vote registration, transfer, exclusion, and the correctness of data during official working hours. The spokesperson for the electoral watchdog shared that the period for registration, transfer, exit, and data validation will remain open until October 28. To ensure a smooth process, the four provincial election commissioners have been given the necessary instructions to assist the public in these matters.

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SC clarifies procedure act appeal rules

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued a circular for public awareness regarding the judgment about Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act 2023. The circular said that the appeal against Article 184/3 could be filed as an ‘intra court appeal’. The lawyers and the litigants have been asked to file the appeal as an intra-court appeal. Read More: SC gives up CJP’s powers It stated that Section 5 of the Practice and Procedure Act provided a right of appeal against decisions under Article 184/3. It should be noted that the top court had upheld the said act and rejected the petitions against it.

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'Concerned citizens' urge NCHR to prevent violation of Afghan refugees' rights

A delegation of ‘concerned citizens’ comprising prominent figures from various spheres of Pakistani society convened on Thursday to meet with Rabea Javeria Agha, Chairperson of the National Commission of Human Rights (NCHR). Their primary objective was to press the human rights watchdog to address the violations of human rights faced by Afghan refugees, who were recently ordered to be expelled by the caretaker government. The delegation brought together influential individuals such as Farhatullah Babar, President of the Human Rights Cell of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP); Afrasiab Khattak, former Senator and member of the National Democratic Movement (NDM); Senator Mushtaq Ahmad of Jamat-e-Islami; and human rights activists including Saba Gul Khattak, Barrister Umer Gilani, Amina Masood Janjua, and Advocate Supreme Court Imran Shafiq. In a formal display of their commitment to this pressing issue, the delegation also presented a petition to Chairperson Rabea Javeria Agha during their meeting at her office. The petition underscored that earlier this month, the unelected caretaker government took a surprising departure from Pakistan's four-decade-old policy of protecting Afghan refugees, regardless of their documentation status. This abrupt decision, attributed to the so-called "apex committee," a body lacking legal or constitutional standing, was found to be in violation of the cabinet's decision made in February 2017 by the elected government. Read More: Pakistan to evict 1.1m illegal Afghan refugees The delegation argued that the apex committee's decision not only contravened established court judgments but also ran counter to the Tripartite Agreement between Pakistan, UNHCR, and Afghanistan. It further violated international treaties ratified by Pakistan and recommendations put forth by the Human Rights Committee of the National Assembly late last year. Moreover, the delegation contended that the decision conflicted with the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) plus regime, which had previously granted Pakistan preferential export facilities to European Union countries. They criticised this decision as "thoughtless and knee-jerk," asserting that it led to police-initiated campaigns against Afghan refugees across the country, resulting in widespread reports of harassment, bribery, and extortion. The petitioners vehemently rejected the notion that all foreigners in Pakistan without valid visas should be subject to deportation. They argued that this simplistic view failed to consider the fact that many "illegal" and undocumented refugees had no other choice due to the government's reluctance to issue them the necessary documents. Read More: Crackdown rattles Afghans in Pakistan The delegation also highlighted Pakistan's recognition of the constitutional right to asylum, a principle reaffirmed by the Islamabad High Court in the well-known case of Raheel Azizi vs State. Key respondents in the petition include the Federation of Pakistan, Secretary of the Interior Division, Coordinator of the "Apex Committee," Director-General of Immigration and Passports, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, NADRA, and UNHCR. In their appeal, the petitioners called on the UNHCR to intervene and prevent the Federation from detaining and forcibly deporting Afghan asylum-seekers who possess valid documentation or whose asylum applications are pending before UNHCR, with particular emphasis on safeguarding Afghan human rights defenders. The meeting with the NCHR serves as a notable milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect the rights and dignity of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, underscoring the importance of upholding the principles of international humanitarian law and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable populations in the region.

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Teenagers die in building collapse

A two-storey building collapsed in Dharamkot Khas, a town on the outskirts of Daska, killing two teenagers who were buried under the debris. On getting information, local rescue vehicles and firefighters reached the spot and started a rescue operation. Later, a special rescue vehicle and an ambulance from Gujranwala district also reached the spot. The District Emergency Officer, Naveed Iqbal, also reached the spot and commanded the operation himself. After over three hours of struggle, the rescuers pulled out the bodies from under the debris. The deceased were identified as Abdullah, 18, and Hasnain, 16. The teenagers belonged to poor working class families. Hasnain had three brothers and five sisters while Abdullah a brother and two sisters. Six rescue emergency vehicles participated in the operation. Chaos was created in the area after people heard the news of the death of two teenagers. It was said that the house was built only a month ago. Local people alleged that poor materials were used in the construction of the house due to which, first the upper part of the house collapsed and then the lower floor also collapsed. The funeral prayers of the teenagers were offered in their native village Dharamkot. A large number of people participated in the funeral prayers. In 2021, six members of a family had died after the roof of a house collapsed in Shadbagh in Lahore. The victims included women and children and the family had been living in the house situated off the Imam Ghazali Road, Wasanpura, for the last six years. Construction work had been going on the first floor. The ground floor’s roof was made of girders. The family members had been asleep at midnight when suddenly the construction area collapsed and fell on the roof of the ground floor. It could not sustain the burden and caved in with a heavy thud. The family members had gotten trapped under the debris. The roof collapse had spread confusion and panic in the neighbourhood. The local people had rushed towards the site. The site of the accident was covered with dust and debris. Rescuers had rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. The teams of the urban search and rescue unit had taken part in the operation. To remove the debris, the rescuers had to cut the grills with heavy cutters to get access to the victims. After hectic efforts, they had made a way to get to the victims. The victims had been evacuated and shifted to the Kot Khawaja Saed Hospital. Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2023.  

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Pakistan sticks to eviction of illegal immigrants despite pressure

Pakistan will not show any flexibility in its decision to deport all foreigners living in the country illegally despite pressure being exerted by certain countries to review the move. “We are sticking to our decision. There will not be any flexibility. All foreigners living in the country illegally will have to adhere to the October 31 deadline,” a senior government official while requesting anonymity told The Express Tribune here on Wednesday. Pakistan has decided to evict an estimated 1.7 million foreigners mostly Afghans residing in the country illegally. They have been given an October 31 deadline to leave or face deportation. Officials said that certain countries after Pakistan’s move approached the government seeking review of the decision. In order to allay their concerns, the government gave foreign diplomatic missions detailed briefing about the plan. According to officials, envoys were assured that the crackdown was only against those who had been living in the country illegally. They were told that no action would be taken against the people having refugee status or had valid documents. Aslo read: UK collaborates with Pakistan to transport Afghan refugees to London The US and certain European countries were worried that Pakistan’s policy might lead to eviction of thousands of Afghans, who had been working for the US and its allies and currently had been living in Pakistan. Several thousands of such Afghans have been waiting for the visas to immigrate either to the US or European countries. Pakistan has assured the US and other European countries that those Afghans would not be touched. However, the government has asked such countries to expedite their visa process. The crackdown against illegal immigrants has become a subject of debate in the country and outside. During the recent world cup match between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the Afghan opener dedicated his man of the match award to Afghans being deported from Pakistan. Ibrahim Zadran’s comments ignited debate with many Pakistanis reminding him that the crackdown was only against those who were living in the country illegally. People also drew attention towards Pakistan’s generosity in hosting millions of Afghans for decades. Despite criticism and opposition by certain countries and international organisations, Pakistani officials were adamant that the government would not reverse its policy.

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ATC remands Elahi in ACE custody

The Anti-Corruption Establishment of Punjab (ACE) took former chief minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Chaudhry Parvez Elahi into custody on Wednesday after the anti-terrorism court (ATC) of Islamabad approved its request for a transit remand. Elahi was not produced in the ATC for the transit remand hearing. Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain accepted the request and handed over Elahi to the ACE authorities on a one-day remand. Later, an anti-corruption team took him into custody from the Adiala Jail and took him to Lahore. The ACE had initially moved a civil court for the custody of Elahi. However, the court had rejected the request, saying that the former Punjab chief minister was under the custody and the ATC Islamabad should be approached. Elahi was in Adiala Jail on judicial remand in the Judicial Complex attack case. Read also: Court extends Elahi's judicial remand till Nov 21 in judicial complex riot case In the same case, the ATC issued perpetual arrest warrants for 10 PTI leaders, namely Murad Saeed, Omar Ayub, Ali Amin Gandapur, Shibli Faraz, Farrukh Habib, Hammad Azhar, Ali Nawaz Awan, Hassaan Khan Niazi and Umar Sultan. Judge Zulqarnain said that the permanent arrest warrants were being issued after the accused’s continuous absence from the court. He said that the accused had been declared proclaimed offenders, therefore, they should be arrested and brought to court.

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Sheikh Rashid discharged from hospital

Former interior minister and Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has been discharged from the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology Hospital, with doctors instructing him regular use of prescribed medicines along with complete bed rest. On Monday night due to chest pain, Rashid was shifted to the RIC Hospital, where after initial medical examination, he was kept under the supervision of doctors. According to RIC Hospital sources, the former interior minister was discharged from the hospital after a second medical examination. Rashid was told that he would be informed about the final results of heart readings taken on the machine, various test reports after consulting senior doctors. Read also: LHC gives police till Oct 26 to produce Sheikh Rashid After being discharged from the hospital, the AML chief left for home. The hospital sources said that the doctors instructed Rashid to take prescribed medicines regularly along with complete bed rest. At the hospital, various tests, including ECG, were taken, while various heart readings were also recorded through the machine. After checking the reports, the senior doctors will form a final opinion regarding the treatment.

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Minister for upgrading police on scientific basis

Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti has emphasised for capacity building of the police on scientific basis and equipping them with modern technological gadgets to effectively curb criminal activities. Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of assistant superintendents of police at the National Police Academy on Monday, he underscored the crucial role and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the stability and socioeconomic development of the country. The interior minister appreciated the sacrifices of police personnel in the war on terrorism, saying the blood of police martyrs was rewriting the history of Pakistan. He expressed the confidence that the passing-out officers would prove themselves the torch bearers for protection of rights of vulnerable groups irrespective of colour, caste, religion and ethnicity.

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FO given nod to invite foreign observers for polls

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has finally given go ahead to the foreign office to start sending invitations to international observers for the general elections that are due early next year. The decision to formally invite foreign observers was taken at an Inter-Ministerial meeting held at Election Commission Secretariat here on Monday. Special Secretary Dr Syed Asif Hussain, Zafar Iqbal Hussain and other senior officers attended the meeting. Senior officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Federal Board of Revenue and other related institutions were also in attendance. Apart from this, the joint election commissioners of the four provinces, who were appointed as focal persons regarding the observers, also participated in this meeting. As per the official handout, the secretary election commission said the ECP had decided that international observers from all over the world will be welcomed in Pakistan under the “Open Door” policy. “They will be given access to the electoral process,” read the statement. The ECP directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately invite all international observers to come as observers in the elections. The foreign office was asked to complete the process within a week. Also read: EU against ‘third force’ influencing polls The meeting also directed the foreign office to make sure interested foreign observers get the visa within a week and there shouldn’t be any hindrance in this regard. The ECP secretary issued instructions to the Ministry of Interior and other institutions to ensure the security of all international observers and to complete all security related matters within two weeks. The Federal Board of Revenue was directed that international observers, including representatives of the media, declare all equipment, cameras and other essential goods exempt from customs duty and ensure all possible support to them. In this regard, an action committee will be formed in next 15 days. Earlier, there was uncertainty surrounding whether Pakistan would invite foreign observers this time as the European Union (EU) decided not to send an observer mission due to non-invitation from Islamabad. The commission later clarified that it always sent invitations closer to the election date. However, the EU this time would send an expert mission instead of an observer mission.  Expert mission comprises only a few people compared to the 50-member EU observer mission deployed in the previous elections. The EU deployed a fully-fledged observer mission during the last three elections in Pakistan. Part of the reason EU is not keen to send an observer mission is due to previous difficulties faced by its observers as well as non-implementation of suggestions put forward by the mission.

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Pakistan allays West's concerns on deportation plan

Pakistan has allayed concerns of the Western nations over its plan to evict all foreigners living illegally in the country after some states feared that deportees might face reprisals from the Afghan Taliban government. Official sources told The Express Tribune that after Pakistan's crackdown against illegal immigrants, Western countries approached the government seeking clarity with certain nations seeking review of the decision. Pakistan has given all foreigners residing illegally in the country until Oct 31 to leave voluntarily or face eviction. There are about 1.7 million such foreigners, as per the government estimates. Majority of them, however, are Afghan nationals. Some families have already packed their bags and left to avoid any action. However, certain European countries and the United States are worried that the plan may affect thousands of Afghans, who are waiting for their immigration in Pakistan. Last week, a group of former US diplomats and representatives of resettlement organisations asked Pakistan not to deport thousands of Afghans who have been waiting for US visas under an American programme that relocates at-risk Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban rule. The appeal in an open letter signed by 80 former US officials, dignitaries, and resettlement groups came weeks after Pakistan announced a crackdown on migrants living illegally in the country, including 1.7 million Afghans, telling them to return to their home countries by Oct 31 to avoid mass arrest and expulsion. Last week, the United Nations said such forced deportations of Afghans could lead to human rights violations — including the separation of families. However, Pakistan denies targeting Afghans, saying the focus is on people who are in the country illegally, regardless of their nationality. Under the US rules, applicants must first relocate to a third country for their cases to be processed. The process can take up to 14 to 18 months and cases are processed through resettlement support centres, according to the Associated Press. Thousands of Afghan applicants have been waiting in Pakistan for more than two years for the US officials to process their visa applications. The delay in approving the visas and resettlement has left Afghan applicants in a highly vulnerable position as they contend with economic hardship and lack of access to health, education, and other services in Pakistan. In the letter sent to Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, dozens of former US officials and representatives of resettlement organisations asked Pakistan to stop its plan to deport Afghans who entered the country following the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan in 2021. Read also: The legal status of Afghans “We want Afghans to know that powerful people in the US and Americans from across the nation stand with them,” Shawn VanDiver, president and founder of #AfghanEvac, a nonprofit organisation, said. “We appreciate Pakistan for providing refuge to our allies following America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, but this decision will only cause chaos and make a bad situation worse. We urge Pakistan to work with us to resettle qualifying individuals in the US, not send them back to Afghanistan where they face certain doom,” the letter said. It said Pakistan’s decision to deport Afghans would impact individuals, including former interpreters, journalists, women leaders and others “who face significant risks if returned to Afghanistan”. “These deportations will not be consistent with Pakistan’s humanitarian tradition, and if pursued, will certainly adversely impact Pakistan’s relationship with the United States and could cause lasting damage to Pakistan’s reputation among the international community,” the letter added. “Further, it is simply inhumane to treat these vulnerable neighbours in such a manner,” it said. To address concerns of the western countries, the interior ministry recently invited diplomats to brief them about the Pakistani plan. Officials clarified that the plan was not meant to target refugees or those who are residing in the country with valid documents. Sources said Pakistan assured the US and other Western countries for not resorting to any action against Afghans waiting for immigration but told them to expedite their visa process. Pakistan's efforts to deport all illegal immigrants are seen in the context of both security and economic reasons. Observers believed the policy also reflected a change in Pakistan's policy on Afghanistan.

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Bushra Bibi's brother escapes ACE arrest

The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab raided the house of a brother of former first lady Bushra Bibi overnight, however, no arrest was made, an ACE spokesperson said on Sunday. According to the spokesperson, the ACE was conducting raids to arrest fugitives wanted in various cases of corruption, including several former lawmakers. He added that the crackdown on fugitives would continue till their arrest. The overnight raids were conducted in Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpattan districts to arrest former members of the National Assembly, Rai Hasan Nawaz and Rai Murtaza Iqbal, former Punjab Assembly member Naeem Ibrahim, and a political leader Saleem Sadiq. Read also: ACE gets transit remand of Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband A raid was also conducted to arrest Ahmed Mujtaba, brother of former first lady Bushra Bibi, wife of former prime minister Imran Khan. “However, all the accused escaped from the spot and no arrest could take place,” the spokesperson added. “Anti-corruption crackdown is ongoing to arrest fugitive suspects. The DG [director genera] anti-corruption has directed for speeding up the efforts to arrest the accused, and stressed that all the wanted accused will be arrested and brought to justice,” the spokesperson said.

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Bushra Bibi's brother escapes ACE arrest

The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab raided the house of a brother of former first lady Bushra Bibi overnight, however, no arrest was made, an ACE spokesperson said on Sunday. According to the spokesperson, the ACE was conducting raids to arrest fugitives wanted in various cases of corruption, including several former lawmakers. He added that the crackdown on fugitives would continue till their arrest. The overnight raids were conducted in Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpattan districts to arrest former members of the National Assembly, Rai Hasan Nawaz and Rai Murtaza Iqbal, former Punjab Assembly member Naeem Ibrahim, and a political leader Saleem Sadiq. Read also: ACE gets transit remand of Bushra Bibi’s ex-husband A raid was also conducted to arrest Ahmed Mujtaba, brother of former first lady Bushra Bibi, wife of former prime minister Imran Khan. “However, all the accused escaped from the spot and no arrest could take place,” the spokesperson added. “Anti-corruption crackdown is ongoing to arrest fugitive suspects. The DG [director genera] anti-corruption has directed for speeding up the efforts to arrest the accused, and stressed that all the wanted accused will be arrested and brought to justice,” the spokesperson said.

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Gas prices may shoot up by up to 193%

In an effort to secure a $700 million tranche in the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) review under the $3 billion standby loan agreement, the caretaker government has taken steps to meet prior conditions including a proposal to increase gas tariffs for various sectors by up to 193 per cent in the next month, Express News reported. The proposal is expected to be presented in the upcoming Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting scheduled for Monday. According to sources, the Petroleum Division's proposal outlines a substantial 193 per cent increase in gas tariffs and a 172 per cent hike in gas prices for domestic consumers. Additionally, it suggests a 193 per cent increase in gas prices for other consumer categories and a notable adjustment in fixed monthly charges for protected consumers, rising from Rs10 to Rs400. The proposal also calls for increasing the gas tariff for the CNG sector to Rs4,400 per MMBTU. However, it has been suggested that gas prices for power plants and commercial bread-makers to remain unchanged. Read More: Higher gas prices to harm steel, cement industries Pakistan is on track to secure the IMF’s first economic review under its $3 billion loan programme in November, paving the way for the release of the second tranche of $700 million, despite some missed targets and challenges in implementing promised reforms. A recent report from Topline Research titled ‘Pakistan IMF Loan Review: Funding Requirement, Primary Deficit, Gas Pricing & Monetary Policy’ highlights that while Pakistan has faced obstacles in meeting certain benchmarks, there is a high probability that it will receive the next IMF tranche. Read More: IMF allows leeway on electric bills, raises gas prices by 50% The IMF’s Executive Board may grant a waiver if it believes the programme remains viable, and missed structural benchmarks and indicative targets are assessed in the context of overall programme performance. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor, in his post monetary policy briefing on September 14, 2023, confirmed that all quantitative performance targets required by the IMF programme related to the SBP, including Net Domestic Assets (NDAs), swaps and net international reserves have been met. Similarly, the finance ministry has expressed its commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline and achieving primary balance targets. Pakistan secured a nine-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) from the IMF worth $3 billion in June 2023, marking a significant achievement after the failure to revive the previous $6 billion programme on the same day. The SBA exceeded expectations in terms of both duration and size.

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PM’s BRF participation reaffirms commitment to CPEC

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar recently concluded his significant visit to China, which reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to timely completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative, besides profusely advocating the need for collective efforts for regional connectivity and shared prosperity. The prime minister had been to Beijing, China to participate and address the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. Xi opened the Forum with about 140 nations in attendance. Besides PM Kakar, the dignitaries at the forum included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Papua New Guinean Prime Minister James Marape, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Addressing the high-level BRF titled ‘Connectivity in an Open Global Economy’, Prime Minister Kakar appreciated President Xi’s vision for creating a global community with shared future and the BRI which held immense significance for global connectivity, common development and shared prosperity. The visit coincided with another milestone in the bilateral ties as the two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of CPEC. In his address, the caretaker prime minister highlighted the crucial role of CPEC in generating new economic opportunities in Pakistan. Underscoring its salience for Pakistan’s robust economic development, he endorsed the Chinese proposal for developing CPEC as a corridor of growth, innovation, livelihood, green economy, openness and inclusiveness. Read also: CPEC made Pakistan into trade, transit hub: PM Kakar He also underlined the need for a united global response to address complex transnational challenges faced by humankind and to prevent backsliding on the gains achieved under the UN Sustainable Development Goals and 2030 Agenda. He emphasised the urgency of addressing infrastructure gaps in the developing world by investing in transportation, energy, and digital economy. On the sidelines of the forum, he also met with the leaders of different countries, including Russia, Kenya, and Sri Lanka. He also held meetings with Chinese President Xi and Premier Li Qiang as well as the senior leadership of the Communist Party of China and discussed ways forward to deepen bilateral relations. During his meeting with the Chinese president, the two sides discussed various dimensions of the multi-faceted Pakistan-China relationship, reaffirming their longstanding and steadfast friendship, all-weather strategic cooperation, economic and trade ties and CPEC. Kakar, in a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Li, reaffirmed the time-tested and iron-clad friendship between Pakistan and China and agreed to further strengthen high-level dialogue and engagement. “In a warm and cordial atmosphere, leaders of the two countries had in-depth exchanges of views and reached extensive consensus on strengthening the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, practical cooperation in various areas, and international and regional issues of mutual interest,” a joint statement said. Read: Pak-China relationship cornerstone of foreign policy: PM Kakar The two sides reaffirmed that mutual trust remained at the core of China-Pakistan relationship. During an interaction with the Chinese think tanks and scholars, the prime minister termed CPEC a manifestation of strategic relationship which proved as a “catalyst of growth, poverty alleviation, and jobs creation”. Caretaker prime minister also held a meeting with President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, on the margins of third BRF. The two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation with a special focus on trade, investment and energy and expressed satisfaction with the steady expansion of Pakistan-Russia relations. On the sidelines of the BRF, the caretaker prime minister met President of Kazakhstan Kassym Jomart Tokayev and President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe. He also met Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of 3rd Belt and Road Forum and discussed the Gaza situation. Besides, the prime minister held meetings with the leading Chinese companies and encouraged their corporate executives to explore the vast investment potential of Pakistan.

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Emotional exchange as Imran speaks to his sons from Adiala Jail

In compliance with a court directive, Imran Khan, the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was granted the opportunity to have a heartfelt telephonic conversation with his sons while being incarcerated in Adiala Jail on Saturday. The emotional exchange left both of Khan's sons, Qasim and Sulaiman, deeply moved, Express News reported. During the call, the former prime minister was observed smiling and offering words of consolation to his sons in an effort to uplift their spirits. According to sources within the jail, this special telephonic interaction took place via WhatsApp, commencing at 4:30 pm and lasting until 5:00 pm. The arrangement was made in accordance with the orders of Special Court Judge Abul Hasnat Zulqarnain. It's worth noting that the same judge had issued the order on Wednesday, permitting Imran Khan to engage in telephonic conversations with his sons, who reside in the United Kingdom with the former PM's ex-wife, Jemima Goldsmith. Also read: Imran allowed telephonic contact with sons The application for this arrangement had been submitted by the PTI chief through his counsel, Shiraz Ahmed Ranjha. Imran Khan is currently detained at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail and is facing trial under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. He is accused of allegedly misusing a diplomatic cypher during his last days as prime minister. Prior to his incarceration at Adiala Jail, Imran had been held at Attock Jail after his conviction in the Toshakhana case on August 5. Subsequently, the Islamabad High Court suspended his sentence, but he was not released and was shifted to Adiala Jail due to his judicial remand in the cypher case under the Official Secrets Act. Notably, the superintendent of the jail had initially refused to allow Imran Khan to communicate with his sons, citing the prohibition of phone calls for individuals charged under the Official Secrets Act, as per the jail manual. However, the court emphasized the need for the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be provided for arranging such telephonic conversations, and the matter was to be discussed once the SOPs were received. Imran Khan's counsel raised concerns about the delay in providing the SOPs and also expressed the desire to send an indoor cycling bike to the PTI chief for exercise within his prison cell. The judge acknowledged his previous directive to provide the exercise machine to the accused.

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PIA switches to plan B to maintain flight operation

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), which is currently facing a fuel crisis, on Friday carried on with its plan B – limited operations – as several of its flights were cancelled yet again. The state-run airline’s two-way flights from Karachi to other cities continued to be cancelled and most of them were delayed. The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has refused to provide jet fuel to the cash-strapped PIA over lack of payment of its outstanding dues, adding to the national flag carrier’s serious financial woes. Two PIA flights from Karachi to Islamabad – PK 308 and PK 368 – were cancelled. Similarly, the national airline’s flights from Karachi to Dammam, Muscat, Lahore, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan and Quetta were also unable to take off. Read More: Cabinet invokes emergency for PIA Further, two flights from Islamabad to Karachi – PK 319 and PK 369 – were cancelled as well. Four more Islamabad flights – to and from Sukkur and Quetta – were also included in the cancellation list. Several flights were unable to take off on time. The departure of flight PK 743 from Karachi to Madina was delayed by 6:20 hours. Flight PK 735 from Islamabad to Jeddah, scheduled to take off at 11am, had been delayed by 14 hours. Similarly, a flight from Multan to Madina would depart at 12pm with a delay of 4:25 hours. The PIA was operating 48 flights on Friday, 32 of them on international routes while 16 domestically. The national flag carrier’s priority profitable destinations include Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, Canada, China and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur. Read More: A debt-free PIA to go under the hammer According to the PIA’s management, the airline was purchasing fuel for flights on profitable routes. Of the outstanding dues, the PIA had paid a sum of Rs530 million to the PSO so far. The PIA was making more payments to the PSO on a daily basis and avoiding operating less profitable flights. The airline would need to pay at least Rs100 million to the PSO daily to continue normal operations. The national flag carrier had paid Rs100 million, Rs125 million, Rs150 million and Rs195 million to the PSO on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday respectively. In a statement issued by the PSO, it said the national airline had been provided fuel worth Rs3.45 billion between Oct 1 and 18. It added that the PIA’s current month’s liabilities had reached Rs2.11 billion so far.

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Pakistan joins China’s club of lunar base partners

Pakistan has joined China’s expanding club of partners in an ambitious project to build a research station on the moon’s south pole. Jointly with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar witnessed the signing of an initial cooperation agreement in Beijing on Wednesday. The China National Space Administration said on Friday cooperation would cover areas including the engineering and operational aspects of the Chinese lunar base programme. Read More: Pakistan’s space programme: Achievable goal or impossible dream? China, which aims to become a major space power by 2030, has already secured cooperation from Russia, Venezuela and South Africa. It has fixed a target to land its astronauts on the moon by the end of this decade. The timeline to build an outpost on the south pole coincides with NASA's more ambitious Artemis programme, which aims to put US astronauts back on the lunar surface in December 2025, barring delays. 

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SC likely to resume hearing military trial case

A five-member larger bench of the apex court is expected to hear the constitutional petitions challenging the trial of alleged May 9 rioters in military courts next week. Led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, the bench is likely to include Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar, and Justice Ayesha Malik. The same judges were also part of the six-member bench led by former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial that was previously handling this matter. It has been reported that the roster for this larger bench has been issued, and the case is likely to be listed for a hearing on Monday. Earlier, on Thursday, CJP Qazi Faez Isa mentioned that the SC would be taking up petitions regarding holding general elections within 90 days and those challenging trials of civilians in military courts. He stated, "Cases seeking timely general elections and those related to trials of civilians in military courts will be listed soon. Difficult cases are about to come up in the Supreme Court, and it will be tough to schedule other cases during this period," while hearing a matter related to Pak Arab Refinery. Despite the petitioners' requests, the six-member SC bench adjourned the military trials case for an indefinite period on August 3. During the last hearing, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan was defending the trial of civilians in military courts and said the matter of providing an appeal on facts and law against conviction by a court-martial is under serious consideration, seeking further time in this regard. Previously, the same bench had disposed of the civil society members' application for the constitution of a full court, stating that it was the sole prerogative of the CJP to constitute a full court. The order mentioned that forming a full court bench wasn't feasible during the summer vacations, and some judges were unavailable or had declined to hear the petitions. Counsels for the petitioners may once again request the larger bench to constitute a full court. One of the petitioners, Junaid Razzaq, submitted an application for an early hearing of the petition. The petitioner claims that the commencement of military court trials for civilians is a clear violation of the apex court's August 3 order and requested that the case be scheduled for the third week of October. Additionally, the petitioner filed an application urging the Supreme Court to immediately halt the military court's proceedings in his son's case. If the five-member bench led by Justice Ijazul Ahsan gives a decision in the military trial case, and an appeal is filed against it, then a larger bench comprising other judges will hear the matter. Lawyers believe that both cases—the petitions seeking timely elections and those seeking cessation of military court trials—are very crucial as they involve the interests of the security establishment.

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Private airlines up fares as PIA in a fix

Taking advantage of the state-run Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) fuel crisis, private air carriers have increased their fares. According to travel agents, private airlines have started charging an additional fare of up to 30% on domestic flights. During the PIA’s crisis, private airlines have started charging passengers up to Rs77,000 for a return ticket to Karachi. They are charging the one-way fare from Karachi to Lahore between Rs35,000 and Rs49,000. Similarly, the private airlines have jacked up their one-way fare from Karachi to Islamabad to between Rs55,000 and Rs61,000. The private airlines could not hike the fares of international flights because of the decrease in the number of overseas passengers. Besides, foreign airlines have also reduced their fares on international routes. The PIA’s domestic flight schedule had been adversely affected for the last one week. The travel agents said that the number of passengers travelling domestically had increased because of the disruption of national airline’s flights. Read also: PIA cancels another two dozen flights On the other hand, the private airlines said there had been a difference in demand and supply because of the additional number of passengers. The passengers have demanded that the government should fully resume the flights of the national airline. The Pakistan State Oil (PSO) has refused to provide jet fuel to the cash-strapped PIA over the lack of payment of its outstanding dues, adding to the national flag carrier’s serious financial woes. The current fuel crisis has led to the cancellation of more than 19 national and international flights by the PIA, with over 20 domestic and international flights experiencing unusual delays. The PIA flights from Lahore to Islamabad, scheduled to depart on Wednesday night, were unable to take off. Karachi to Islamabad flights PK 368 and PK 369 were also cancelled. The flight from Karachi to Lahore was delayed by more than four hours. Flights to Islamabad from Dubai were delayed by over 3.5 hours. The flight from Islamabad to Abu Dhabi, scheduled for 3:40 pm, was delayed by 3:40 hours. Flight PK 283 from Peshawar to Dubai was delayed by more than 10 hours. Similarly, flight PK 257 from Peshawar to Sharjah experienced a delay of eight hours. Flight PK 325 from Islamabad to Quetta was delayed by more than nine hours. Flight PK 301 from Karachi to Islamabad was delayed by 2.5 hours. Peshawar to Riyadh flight PK 727 was delayed by five hours. Read: Financial crisis takes a toll on PIA passengers Flight PK 223 from Faisalabad to Dubai was delayed by 15 hours. Flight PK765 from Multan to Riyadh was delayed by nine hours. Flight PK 715 from Multan to Madina was delayed by three hours. Flight PK 739 from Multan to Jeddah was delayed by three hours. Flights from Sialkot to Jeddah and Sharjah experienced delays of over nine hours. On Tuesday, PIA's Karachi to Turbat flight PK 501, scheduled to depart at 7 am, was rescheduled for 1 pm because of the delayed fuel supply. An Islamabad to Karachi flight, scheduled to depart at 7 am, took off after a 3-hour delay. Similarly, the Lahore to Islamabad flight scheduled at 7 am was delayed by 2.5 hours. The flights of the national airline from Islamabad to Dubai also experienced several hours of delay. Over 14 flights were cancelled on Monday because of the lack of fuel. The PIA on Thursday paid Rs150 million to the PSO purchase fuel for 33 flights, most of them on international routes. After the current situation, the PIA is increasing the amount of money to buy fuel from the PSO. The national flag carrier had paid Rs100 million, Rs125 million, and Rs150 million to the PSO on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, respectively. However, the airline will need to pay at least Rs100 million to the PSO daily to continue normal operations.

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PIA cancels another two dozen flights

On Wednesday, the cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had to cancel a total of 24 domestic and international flights due to a limited supply of fuel by Pakistan State Oil (PSO). Only 26 of PIA's flights departed for their respective destinations on that day. According to official sources, on Wednesday, PIA paid Rs150 million to PSO for fuelling these 26 flights. On Tuesday, PSO had provided fuel for only 13 PIA flights, including 10 international and 3 domestic routes, upon payment of Rs125 million. Over the last two days, on October 17 and 18, 44 flights of the national flag carrier were cancelled, affecting approximately 6,000 passengers. Among them, 4,000 were international travellers, and 2,000 were passengers on domestic flights. State-run PIA, long accused of being bloated and poorly managed, has seen its funds drying up as the government grapples with a balance of payments crisis caused by crippling debt repayments. Speaking to AFP, Athar Awan, a deputy spokesman for PIA, said these flight cancellations were "due to non-availability of fuel." "The reason for the disruption in fuel supply is non-payment of dues because PIA is facing a financial crisis and cannot pay the dues to PSO on time," a PIA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the news agency. Decades of mismanagement and instability have hobbled Pakistan's economy, and this year, Islamabad was forced into yet another bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avert default. Read also: Financial crisis takes a toll on PIA passengers A senior official at PSO said the state-owned fuel supplier was "providing fuel only for flights that PIA has prioritized." He, too, spoke on condition of anonymity. This week, PIA agreed to pay the oil firm Rs100 million every day to cover its dues, the PSO official said. "On Wednesday, PSO received a payment of Rs150 million in return, and 26 flights were refuelled," the official added. In a statement, the airline said it expected normal service to resume from Thursday after paying for fuel "from its own resources." The airline did not provide further details. Bloomberg previously reported that PIA had liabilities of Rs743 billion (around $2.5 billion), exceeding its total assets by five times. As reported by The Express Tribune on October 14, PIA has sought additional borrowing of over Rs7 billion from banks due to concerns about the potential partial or complete suspension of its flight operations resulting from a severe financial crisis. According to the report, PIA wrote to the Aviation Division, requesting an immediate loan of over Rs7 billion from banks. The letter also noted that the government of Pakistan's guarantee includes the option for the airline to secure a loan of Rs7.5 billion. (With addition from AFP)

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$5.3m Japanese grant for Sindh’s schools

Japan has announced 794 million Japanese Yen (approximately $5.3 million) in new grant assistance for the reconstruction of educational facilities in flood-affected areas of Sindh. A signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Islamabad, where Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Wada Mitsuhiro, and officials from both countries were in attendance. Ambassador Wada expressed his optimism that this project would help create a conducive environment for children to continue their education, even in the aftermath of future floods. He highlighted Japan's commitment to supporting education in Pakistan's flood-prone regions. Read more: 'Japanese agency providing funds to upgrade 58 public schools in Sindh' Kinoshita, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), spoke at the event, emphasizing that this new grant aid project is not only focused on constructing school buildings but is also dedicated to building a brighter and more resilient future for the next generation of Pakistan. It is worth noting that this marks the fourth grant aid project through which Japan is aiding the enhancement of educational infrastructure in the Sindh province.

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Pakistan, China agree to further cement bilateral ties

Pakistan and China on Wednesday agreed to further strengthen high-level dialogue and engagement besides deepening the political, economic, education, science and technology, cultural, and people-to-people relations. The bilateral ties were discussed in a bilateral meeting between Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Kakar and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the sidelines of Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing. Accompanied by the ministers and senior officials, the two leaders reaffirmed the time-tested and iron-clad friendship between Pakistan and China. PM Kakar extended felicitations to the Chinese leadership on the successful holding of the Third Belt and Road Forum (BRF). Noting the depth and breadth of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the prime minister termed it as a project of immense significance for the world in terms of connectivity and shared prosperity. The two leaders discussed bilateral collaboration in the context of CPEC and prospects of further deepening economic linkages. PM Kakar underscored the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s economy and noted with satisfaction its expansion into new areas of development – including industrial development; livelihood projects; ICT; mining and minerals exploration and agriculture. He expressed the confidence that Chinese investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) will contribute in diversification of Pakistan’s export basket and expansion of its industrial base. Premier Li Qiang underlined the steady growth of bilateral cooperation and noted the positive momentum of CPEC projects. He hoped that leadership consensus would give further boost to trade and economic relations between the two countries. The two prime ministers also witnessed the signing ceremony in which several MoUs/Agreements were signed in areas of commerce, communication and transport including MLI, connectivity food security & research, media exchanges, space cooperation, urban sustainable development, capacity building, mineral development and industrial cooperation, climate change, vaccine development.  

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UN rights experts call on Pakistan to axe plans for mass deportation of Afghans

 UN human rights experts on Tuesday called on Pakistan to refrain from deporting Afghan nationals after the federal government ordered all illegal immigrants, including 1.73 million Afghan citizens, to leave or face expulsion. Pakistani authorities, who have given illegal immigrants until Nov. 1 to leave, linked the measures to their allegations that "Afghan nationals were involved in several suicide bombings this year". "We urge Pakistan to uphold the absolute and non-derogable principle of non-refoulement and prevent collective expulsion and forced return," the experts, a group of UN special rapporteurs, said in a statement. Read More: Afghan refugees urged to abstain from political activities in Pakistan "The lack of domestic asylum laws and procedures does not absolve states of their obligations to uphold the principle of non-refoulement under international human rights and customary law," it argued. Pakistan has received the largest influx of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979. Pakistan's diplomatic mission to the UN in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the experts' statement. Pakistan's Caretaker Federal Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said this month that some 1.73 million Afghan nationals in Pakistan had no legal documents to stay, while the country was home to a total of 4.4 million Afghan refugees. Read More: Crackdown rattles Afghans in Pakistan Pakistan accuses Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using Afghan soil to train fighters and plan attacks inside Pakistan, a charge Kabul denies. The UN experts said Pakistan should continue to host Afghan nationals who fled for safety and stop forced returns.    

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Maryam promises big for Nawaz’s return

Deliberating on the vision of party supremo Nawaz Sharif to steer the country out of the economic crises, PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday maintained that they would incentivise the industrialists and the business community while introducing reforms in the bureaucracy and the FBR. The PML-N leader was speaking to the representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Lahore. Speaking on the occasion, Maryam, who is also the party’s chief organiser, stated that their agenda was to restore the economy and rid the country of debt and the people of inflation. She stressed that Nawaz would implement the “charter of economy” and “rebuild institutions”. Strong economic institutions,rule of law and ease of doing business translates into better per capita income for the masses. @MaryamNSharif pic.twitter.com/r4dynYsBwx — PMLN (@pmln_org) October 17, 2023 The idea of charter of economy was initially proposed by PML-N leader and former finance minister Ishaq Dar in 2017 to "draw up a common economic vision for 2018-2023". The intent behind the proposed charter was to plan a long-term economic policy with consensus to bring the country out of the debt trap, ensuring that no party does politicking in the name of economic issues and that no new government would scrap all the steps of the previous government so that consistency is maintained. The PML-N chief organiser highlighted that they would introduce reforms in the bureaucracy and the FBR and remove the concerns of the business community by “ending the NAB’s vengeance”. Read more: Welcome Nawaz in Sindhi topi, Ajrak: Maryam She vowed to incentivise the traders and the industrialists and encourage the mushrooming of small businesses. Hailing the achievements of her father, she claimed that the agriculture sector was boosted during Nawaz’s regime, which resulted in increase in its production. “Cultivators were given electricity on a discounted rate on agriculture tubewells and the textile industry was awarded with special incentives,” she said. “Nawaz Sharif is the name of an era of progress and development.” The PML-N leader asserted that Nawaz brought an end to the power crisis and established LNG terminals. “He gave a new life to the industry by supplying gas and would resort to the same practice after coming back.” Also read: Nawaz to rescue nation once again: Maryam She pledged to provide relief to all the classes including the youth, women, labourers, farmers and the industrialists, affirming that a plan for the “fastest development” of the IT, agriculture, minerals and other sectors had been prepared. Nawaz had reached London in November 2019 in an air ambulance to seek medical treatment for multiple diseases after the Lahore High Court (LHC) allowed him to leave Pakistan. He was allowed to go abroad for four weeks after his brother and PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif submitted an undertaking in the court assuring the party supremo’s return once his health improved. In the four years that transpired, Nawaz was declared a proclaimed offender in the Al Azizia Steel Mills and Avenfield graft cases for his continuous absence from proceedings. The Supreme Court had disqualified Nawaz from holding public office in 2017 for not declaring a receivable salary.            

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PM seeks Kenyan president’s help in Arshad Sharif murder probe

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar called on Kenyan President, Dr William Ruto, during their meeting in China on Tuesday, urging him to expedite the findings of the ongoing investigation into the tragic murder of Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif in Kenya. Arshad Sharif, a highly regarded journalist and news anchor, lost his life while in Kenya on October 23 last year. "The prime minister respectfully requested President Ruto's support in facilitating the completion of the report by the Special Joint Investigation Team on the case of the late Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif," stated the PM Office in a press release following the meeting. Caretaker Prime Minister’s meeting with President of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto. Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and President Dr. William Ruto of Kenya met on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation being held in Beijing, China. The two… pic.twitter.com/CyOS0KTziZ — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) October 17, 2023 In addition to discussing this critical matter, the two leaders engaged in fruitful discussions about various facets of bilateral cooperation on sidelines of Belt and Road Forum. Both expressed their strong commitment to bolstering the ties between their respective nations, particularly in the realms of trade, investment, education, and enhancing people-to-people connections. The leaders emphasised the importance of economic collaboration and articulated their unwavering determination to fully harness the potential of bilateral trade. Read More: FIR of journalist’s killing registered on SC orders Prime Minister Kakar underscored Pakistan's active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its eagerness to enhance collaboration with fellow BRI member nations, Kenya included. Their mutual objective is to identify and launch new projects and initiatives, signifying Pakistan's dedication to promoting development and mutual prosperity through increased cooperation and partnerships. Had a productive meeting with the President of Kenya @WilliamsRuto on the sidelines of the 3rd Belt and Road Forum. We had fruitful discussions on further strengthening Pakistan-Kenya ties with a focus on deepening economic cooperation. #BRI10Years pic.twitter.com/yyMjspIN1a — Anwaar ul Haq Kakar (@anwaar_kakar) October 17, 2023 President Dr William Ruto expressed his keen interest in benefiting from Pakistan's expertise in areas such as agriculture and healthcare. Prime Minister Kakar warmly extended an invitation to President Ruto to visit Pakistan at an early, mutually convenient date, an invitation that was graciously accepted. In return, President Ruto invited the prime minister to visit Kenya at his earliest convenience. Both leaders agreed to finalise these visits through diplomatic channels.

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ECP summons caretaker ministers on 26th

The country's election oversight authority has admitted a petition seeking the removal of certain members of the caretaker federal cabinet on grounds of alleged partiality. It has summoned these ministers—Fawad Hassan Fawad, Ahad Cheema, and Tauqeer Shah—to a hearing scheduled for October 26. The request was filed by Syed Aziz Uddin Kakakhel. The petitioner contended that the role of a caretaker government is to conduct elections in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner. He argued that the mentioned ministers were not qualified to hold their positions due to their affiliations with leaders of a particular political party. Read More: ECP orders removal of govt officials On October 10, a five-member bench led by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Raja Sikandar Sultan and comprising the ECP's four provincial members heard the petition and later reserved its verdict. On Monday, the ECP released its decision, declaring the petition maintainable. On October 10, the ECP also heard a petition seeking the removal of former prime minister Imran Khan as the chairman of the PTI party. Read More: ECP locked horns with PTI throughout year In November of last year, the ECP disqualified the PTI chief as a lawmaker for one term due to his failure to disclose gifts acquired from the official gift repository during his term as prime minister in his statement of assets and liabilities. When a trial court convicted Imran Khan in the same case on August 5, the ECP issued a notification stating that the former premier was disqualified for five years. Another application listed for hearing sought action against the PTI, citing ongoing funding from foreign entities.

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Panel to investigate fake passport scandal

The Federal Ministry of Interior has established a committee to investigate the alleged issuance of over 12,000 Pakistani passports to Afghan nationals residing in Saudi Arabia. Led by the Director-General of Passports, the committee includes the Deputy Secretary of the Interior Ministry, as well as senior officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA). The committee's mission is to identify the officials responsible for passport issuance and to pinpoint deficiencies in the system. Their findings will be submitted to the ministry within 15 days. The Ministry of Interior took action in response to Saudi Arabian authorities' revelation that they had seized over 12,000 Pakistani passports from Afghan citizens. Riyadh also formally communicated this matter to Islamabad. Read also: Saudi Arabia recovers 12,000 fake Pakistani passports It became evident that these passports were obtained by Afghan citizens through collusion with passport officials at multiple passport centres in Pakistan. Last month, the government issued an ultimatum to individuals residing in Pakistan illegally, instructing them to leave the country by the end of October. This action led the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) to express concerns about Afghan profiling and a "narrow view of national security." Last week, the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) reassured that Afghan nationals staying legally in Pakistan would neither be harassed nor arrested.

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Low women turnout a pressing challenge ahead of polls

With the general elections just around the corner, the low turnout among female voters remains a persistent challenge as Pakistan has suffered from an endemic low voter turnout in general and women voter turnout in specific, casting a shadow over efforts to enhance women’s engagement in the electoral process. Experts and researchers point to societal, economic, and mobility-related factors as they call for a renewed push to encourage women’s active participation in politics, saying the ongoing challenge raises vital questions about representation and inclusivity within the nation’s political sphere. Research shows that overall turnout rates for the elections in 2008, 2013, and 2018 have been 45 per cent, 54 per cent, and 50 per cent, respectively. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), it was reported, that the women voter turnout in the 2018 general elections stood at 40 per cent with 21 of 46 million registered women voters participating in polling. “Pakistan suffers from an endemic low voter turnout in general and women voter turnout in specific,” Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) President Ahmed Bilal Mehboob said, “Only 40% of women vote on the average. A lot needs to be done at a societal level to address these issues.” Read More: Number of women voters increases slightly The PILDAT chief said that NADRA, ECP, civil society, political parties, international organisations and governments have worked hard to get women to obtain CNIC in order to register as voters. The PILDAT chief said that the number of women not registered as voters has, therefore, been declining as a percentage of total registered voters. At the heart of the problem is women not getting their CNICs, Mehboob said, because they don’t need one unlike men who travel abroad, open bank accounts, seek driving licences, and arms licences, and buy or sell property for which they need to have CNIC. Sadly, he added, these women are not part of the mainstream of society though they are hard-working productive members of society. Read More: ECP sees over 120m registered voters in country “I think political parties need to do more to mobilise their workers at a grassroots level to motivate such women to get CNIC,” Mehboob said, saying this will almost automatically result in registration as voters. However, he said, registration as a voter is just one step; actually casting a vote is another. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)’s former senator Farhatullah Babar said that women voters are victims of double jeopardy, saying over 10 million of them without Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) are automatically disenfranchised due to CNIC being mandatory for voter registration. Secondly, the veteran politician said, that voter turnout of women is also low by over 10 per cent compared to men voters. Thus, he said, over 13 million women were out of the voting exercise in the 2018 election. To put it in context, Babar said, the party winning the 2018 election got about 17 million votes, saying imagine the impact on election outcome if women voters were enabled to vote. “Voting is a citizen right,” he said, “by making it contingent upon CNIC the right of a person has been made into his obligation. Here in lies the problem.” Recently, PPP’s Malaika Raza had said that roughly 10 million women in the country do not possess a CNIC, rendering them ineligible to be registered as voters, and called on the authorities to register the disenfranchised women in the electoral rolls. Malaika, the general secretary of the human rights cell of PPP, while expressing serious concerns over the significant number of ‘missing women’ said that utmost efforts should still be made to include these women in the electoral rolls so that they could take part in the upcoming general elections slated to be held in January next year. “Inclusion of 10 million women can turn around the whole election results,” Malaika said. Natalya Rahman and Sarah Thompson, both PhD candidates in Political Science at Stanford University, found out in their study that when women’s mobility is constrained by a lack of male accompaniment or they expect to travel along a predominantly male route, their likelihood to turn out decreases. The study implies that strategies to increase women’s political participation in developing democracies should take the role of women’s mobility seriously. For the 2018 election, they noted, the ECP made a variety of reforms to encourage women’s participation, including making it mandating that at least 5 per cent of each political party’s nominated candidates be women and that the election results would be nullified if women’s turnout was below 10 per cent. They said that researchers have shown that the gender gap in turnout in Pakistan’s 2018 election was 9.1 per cent, or 11 million votes, saying “this number of votes is roughly equivalent to the entire population of Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city.” Dr Hamida BiBi, a lecturer at Bacha Khan Medical College Mardan, stated in her research paper titled “Causes of Low Turnout of Women in the General Elections: A Case Study of District Peshawar” that ideological, economic and patriarchal mindset are the main factors that hinder women participation in the electoral process.

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Pakistan ‘finalising modalities’ to send humanitarian aid to Gaza

Pakistan on Monday announced immediately dispatching humanitarian assistance to Gaza, as Israel continued to pound the densely populated territory with air strikes and was preparing for the ground offensive. “In the wake of indiscriminate Israeli aggression and siege of the Gaza Strip, the already oppressed people of densely-populated Gaza are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance,” read a statement issued by the foreign office here. In view of the human tragedy unfolding in Gaza, the government of Pakistan decided to immediately dispatch humanitarian relief assistance to Gaza, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian brothers and sisters, according to the statement. “The government is coordinating with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, relevant UN agencies, the Government of Egypt and Pakistan Missions abroad to finalise modalities of delivery,” it added. 🔊: PR NO. 1️⃣9️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ Dispatch of Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza pic.twitter.com/O2OB0BOAEL — Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) October 16, 2023 Around 2.3 million Palestinians are facing humanitarian catastrophe as Israeli forces on one hand continued with their brutal assault and at the same time cut off water, electricity and other supplies. Despite the announcement, it is not clear whether Pakistan would be able to send the assistance as other regional countries have been barred by Israel from doing so. Egypt, the next door neighbour of Gaza, wants to send relief goods through Rafah Crossing in exchange for allowing American and other foreigners standard in the besieged territory. However, Israel hasn’t yet agreed to the proposal. Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Sunday termed Israel's ongoing actions against Palestinians as "genocide." "Certainly, Palestine is a very, very, important issue for us. We will certainly discuss the ongoing situation. There is absolutely no doubt that Israel has committed aggression," Jilani told reporters at a news conference. The foreign minister referred to the air strikes conducted by Israel targeting the civilian population which resulted in the death of several innocent men, women and children. Read also: Interim FM Jilani calls out Israel for 'committing genocide' He lamented that the besieged residents of Gaza did not have access to food, water or health facilities. “This is a situation that can be equated with genocide. Matter of fact it is a genocide being conducted by Israel against the poor people of Palestine.” He added that Pakistan’s position was that Israel must respect United Nations resolutions which recognised the right of self-determination. “We also feel that this is also the result of seven decades of illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.” He also said that “any attempt to equate Israel, which is an aggressor, with the Palestinian struggle, is unacceptable for Pakistan.” He said that Pakistan demanded that the Palestinian right to self-determination be respected. He called for recognising Palestine as a separate state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. “That remains Pakistan’s consistent position with regards to this particular issue,” he said. As the Israeli ground offensive in the densely populated Gaza strip looms large, the Executive Committee of the OIC will meet in Saudi Arabia on October 18. Pakistan is part of the executive Committee and Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani will be attending the extraordinary session.

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Study reveals burden of new recruits on national budget

A recent study conducted by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has brought to light the significant financial burden placed on the national budget by newly recruited individuals ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 22. The study, titled "Lifetime Cost of Public Servants," also uncovered that politicians often make promises of public employment without taking into account the government's role in creating new opportunities rather than solely offering jobs. However, the study also suggests that by providing employment opportunities, particularly within their own political party or patronage network, politicians can build a base of supporters who are more likely to vote for them in elections. According to the study's findings, the net present value of a Grade-1 employee hired in July 2023 would amount to Rs8, 17, 27 million. This includes various components such as salary, pension, perks, benefits, and operating costs. In a similar vein, it was calculated that the state of Pakistan would need to allocate Rs49 million for a Grade-17 officer over a thirty-year period. Read also: Economy hit by internet shutdown: study These figures raise questions about whether the country possesses sufficient revenue streams to support this compensation for the next 30 years. The statement underlines the importance of pausing and reflecting on the implications of adding a new worker to the system. It is crucial to remember that the state of Pakistan and the government will be responsible for covering the cost through taxation. The statement emphasizes the necessity for long-term planning to help Pakistan break free from its debt spiral. It suggests that the institute carefully consider the cost-effectiveness of retaining an employee before making a decision. "PIDE has proposed a prudent and cost-effective approach before making decisions about retaining employees. This way, the institute can assess how it can afford to sustain the person's employment throughout their working life." The statement underscores the need for governments to assess the long-term financial consequences of immediate job creation and find a balance between short-term benefits and sustainable fiscal policies. While immediate job creation can have positive effects, it is equally important to recognize that rapid job creation can have negative repercussions, the press release stated.

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