AGP defends Justice Babar Sattar amid social media campaign

Rejecting the social media campaign targeting Islamabad High Court (IHC) Judge Babar Sattar, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Awan has said that the judge's financial matters are clean and beyond reproach. In an exclusive conversation with The Express Tribune, Awan mentioned that he was a partner with Justice Babar Sattar in a law firm and, as a partner, he had thoroughly reviewed all the documentary records of Justice Babar Sattar's financial affairs before he was nominated a judge of the high court. He also disclosed that the services of a chartered accountant were enlisted to scrutinise Justice Sattar's documentary records, which were subsequently presented to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). Justice Sattar had also distanced himself from any business ventures. Furthermore, AGP clarified that if anyone were to lodge a complaint with the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) against Justice Babar Sattar, he would resign from his position and defend him. Mansoor Awan mentioned that Justice Babar Sattar had informed the then chief justice of the IHC about his possession of a green card, pointing out that there is no legal impediment for a judge to hold dual nationality. Read also: IHC slams online campaign against its judge There is no legal obligation for a judge to disclose their dual nationality status the AGP added. AGP stated that he would ask the government to instruct the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to take action against individuals involved in campaigning against Justice Babar Sattar. Last week, the IHC said that a "malicious campaign" was underway against Justice Babar Sattar on social media, which involved the unauthorised disclosure of confidential information and documents belonging to the judge. Justice Sattar is among the six IHC judges who have raised concerns about interference in judicial matters by the country's intelligence agencies.

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Restoration of ancient relic nears completion

National Heritage and Culture Division, Department of Archaeology and Museum has completed 80 per cent excavation and cleaning work on Mai Qamro Mosque and Muqarab Khan Tomb located in a small village ‘Bagh Jogian’ in the vicinity of Islamabad. The Mosque is believed to have been built by Mai Qamro, Hathi Khan Ghakkar’s wife, a Ghakkar dynasty scion in which women occupied a prestigious and influential position. According to DOAM, this Mosque was constructed in the early 16th century, a great specimen of Ghakkar architecture. It was built on a rectangular plan and crowned with three squat domes. The southern dome of the mosque has caved in but the two others are in fairly good condition. It is noted for its three arched entrances. The central entrance is flanked by two recessed arches which lend an amazing beauty to the façade of the structure. Above the arched entrance, one finds a beautiful cut-brick ornamentation. Such embellishments cannot be found elsewhere in Potohar. Dressed stone has been used to construct the mosque. Formerly, it was plastered, traces of which are still visible on the façade of the mosque. Parts of the boundary wall of the mosque have survived the ravages of time. The northern boundary is still standing. The remains of the southern and eastern walls are also visible. Published in The Express Tribune May 1st, 2024.

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FBR orders blocking SIM cards of over half-a-million non-filers

In a major development, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday issued legally-binding instructions to the relevant departments to block mobile phone connections of over half-a-million non-filers, as its campaign to voluntarily register retailers also falls apart with only 75 retailers availing the scheme. The tax machinery also faced another setback on Tuesday when its 10-month tax collection fell short of the goal by around Rs40 billion. Against the July-April target of Rs7.414 trillion, the FBR provisionally collected over Rs7.38 trillion. There was a 31% increase in the collection during the 10 months period. The developments came on the heels of growing resentment within the tax machinery over the government’s decision to remove 25 allegedly corrupt and inefficient officers. The general body of the customs officers met on Tuesday and the 450 officers from grade 17 to 22 considered the options to either go on strike or file en masse applications to go on leave. The FBR has issued the Income Tax General Order (ITGO) to disable the mobile phone SIMs of 506,671 persons who were not appearing on active taxpayer list but are liable to file the Income Tax Returns for Tax Year 2023 under the provisions of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, according to an announcement by the FBR. Read: FBR plans to block mobile SIMs of tax evaders One person may have more than one SIM card and all of those connections will be cut off with immediate effect, said a senior FBR official. He said that about 1 million to 1.5 million SIM cards would be blocked because of the FBR order. It is the first major, much-needed step that the FBR has taken after all its reminders and tax notices could not convince the people to fulfil their statutory obligation. Under the act of parliament, every person earning Rs600,000 annual income or owning at least 1,000cc car or a house is liable to file the annual tax statement. The FBR had served tax notices on 2.4 million such non-filers and in the first phase it had blocked the SIM cards of over half a million who had taxable income and were earlier filing statements but did not file this time. Out of these, 450,000 individuals were identified by the FBR and the remaining 50,000 by using the third-party data of their expenditure and consumption patterns. Malik Amjad Zubair Tiwana, the chairman of the FBR, said that the government was fully committed to go after non-filers and the process would not end at just 500,000 people. For the tax year 2023, so far only 4.5 million people have filed their annual returns as against 5.9 million filers for tax year 2022. The FBR said that mobile SIMs of these individuals will remain blocked until restored by the FBR or the Commissioner Inland Revenue having jurisdiction of the person. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and all telecom operators have been directed to ensure compliance of the FBR’s orders with immediate effect. Read: SIM cards of 0.5m non-filers to be blocked The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) -- the joint civil-military body -- would seek regular updates from the FBR and the PTA. The telecom operators are mandated to furnish a compliance report to the FBR by May 15, 2024, to provide transparency and accountability in the enforcement process. This strategic initiative underscores the FBR's commitment to fostering a culture of tax compliance and accountability among taxpayers, said the FBR. Retailers registration scheme falls apart The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also launched a compulsory tax registration scheme to bring in about 3.2 million retailers who remain outside the tax net. It had given one-month time to these retailers to voluntarily register with the tax machinery –a deadline that lapsed on Tuesday. Till the last date, only 75 retailers got registered with the FBR, said the officials. This shows the stubbornness on the part of the retailers who are hell bent on staying away from the tax system. The FBR has said that it would move legally against the retailers who still remain outside the tax net. The scheme had initially been launched only in six cities –- Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Rawalpindi. Some of the non-filer retailers might be among those whose SIM cards were blocked with immediate effect. Tax collection The FBR collected Rs7.38 trillion during the first 10 months of this fiscal year, short of the goal by about Rs40 billion. For April, the government had set the tax target at Rs707 billion while the ten-month was Rs7.414 trillion. But the FBR is still confident of achieving its Rs9.415 trillion annual target despite a slump in imports. Income tax collection amounted to Rs3.52 trillion during the first 10 months of this current fiscal year. Sales tax and the custom duties again remained the weakest areas. The sales tax collection reached over Rs2.5 trillion. The FBR collected Rs452 billion in FED. It collected Rs897 billion in custom duties. The customs is constantly falling short of its targets due to restrictions on imports. Customs Officers resent The prime minister last week removed 25 officers of the FBR serving in grade 21 and 22 from their positions due to adverse reports against them by three premier intelligence agencies. However, there is a strong resentment against the decision and the Customs General Body met on Tuesday to formalise a strategy to deal with the new situation. Out of these 25 officers, 11 belonged to the Customs Service. The customs officers opined in the meeting that they did not have an issue with the government’s decision but they objected to lack of transparency in the process. Senior most customs officers have been affected by the government’s move, including their Member Customs Operation, Member Legal and Director General of Customs Intelligence and Investigation. Some of these had been promoted to their next pay scales by the last government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In the next phase, the prime minister is planning to remove grade-20 officers of the Customs and Inland Revenue Service based on the same criteria. This has now created uneasiness among the grade 20 officers. The Customs Officers discussed the options of going on indefinite strike and submitting applications for leave from the duty. A meeting of the Customs Officers Association will now take place to pick one of these options.

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Govt slashes petrol price by Rs5.45 per litre

The federal government on Tuesday slashed the price of petrol by Rs5.45 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) by Rs8.42 per litre due to a decline in international oil prices, effective from May 1. The Finance Ministry, in a statement, underscored that these revisions align with the recommendations of the fuel regulator, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA). The latest petrol price stands at Rs288.49 per litre, marking a decrease from its previous rate of Rs293.94. Similarly, the cost of HSD has been revised to Rs281.96 per litre, down from the earlier Rs290.38 per litre. Read more: Fuel prices likely to be slashed on May 1 The reduction in petrol prices is expected to lead to increased consumption, especially amid the ongoing gas crisis in the country. Petrol serves as an alternative to compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles, and the current situation may result in a surge in its usage. Similarly, the price of kerosene oil has been reduced by Rs8.74 per litre whereas the tariff of light diesel oil (LDO) has been slashed by Rs5.63 per litre. Kerosene oil is widely used in stoves in remote areas where liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is not readily available, while LDO is an essential component in industries. In the last fortnightly review of petroleum prices on April 15, the federal government raised the price of petrol by Rs4.53 per litre, and the price of HSD was increased by Rs8.14 per litre.

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PM, Saudi crown prince agree to enhance cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh, expressing satisfaction over the progress made on decisions taken during their meeting in Makkah earlier. According to a statement from the Pakistan Minister’s Office (PMO), both leaders agreed to further enhance cooperation in various sectors. PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to the Saudi prime minister for sending a high-level delegation under the leadership of the Saudi foreign minister to Pakistan and for considering sending further delegations to Pakistan to explore investment opportunities in the country. The premier also thanked the crown prince for the warm hospitality during his visit to the kingdom and for arranging comprehensive programmes for Saudi investment in Pakistan by Saudi ministers. Also read: With investment in mind, PM lands in KSA on first foreign visit since election The situation in Gaza was also discussed during the meeting. The prime minister extended an invitation to the Saudi crown prince to visit Pakistan. Earlier this month in another meeting between the two leaders in Makkah, PM Shehbaz discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest with the Saudi crown prince.  According to the state-run Saudi Press Agency (SPA) Mohammed Bin Salman received Shehbaz at Al-Safa Palace, in the presence of Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. “They had the Iftar meal with HRH the Crown Prince,” it added. The Prime Minister’s Office said in its handout that after the Iftar meal, the prime minister and the Saudi crown prince sat for a one-on-one meeting. It added that the prime minister conveyed his best wishes for the health and well-being of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Later, a high-level Saudi delegation visited Pakistan, where multiple agreements were signed between the two brotherly countries.

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WASA gets Rs60m for silt cleaning

The Punjab government has released Rs60 million to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) for the silt cleaning of 15 small and large rain drains spread throughout the city before the onset of the monsoon season. The agency had requested Rs70m for the purpose. Additionally, the WASA has demanded Rs80 million for the cleaning of the eight-kilometre stretch of Nullah Leh in urban areas. A summary has been sent to the Punjab Cabinet for consideration in the next meeting. Credible sources told The Express Tribune that there are indications that funds amounting to Rs60m will be released to facilitate the silt cleaning of Nullah Leh. However, the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board and Chaklalahla Cantonment Board will release the funds for silt cleaning within 10km of the Nullah Lai in the cantonment areas. Furthermore, the Cantonment Boards have formally requested a grant of Rs50m from the federal government. Sources in WASA confirmed to have received Rs60m after Rs10m was cut for the silt cleaning of storm drains. The allocation of funds for the proper cleaning of Nullah Leh is anticipated to take place during the first week of May. The silt cleaning contract awarding process will be finalised between May 15 and 20, with the official commencement of the silt cleaning campaign scheduled for the final week of May. The authorities have decided to conduct a complete silt cleaning this season. The contract for the project will be granted to two or three major companies, with each company being assigned specific areas for silt cleaning. The agency will be in charge of monitoring the cleaning operations and the decision has been made to employ heavy machinery for silt cleaning. All obstructed hilly areas will be levelled and made smooth to ensure the proper flow of rainwater into the Nalla Leh during the monsoon season. In the high-risk areas of Gawalmandi Bridge, Dhok Rata Bridge, Pirwadhai Bridge and Khayaban Sir Syed Bridge, the drainage systems will be enhanced to prevent water from spilling into settlements. Cleaning will be done before the onset of pre-monsoon rain and silt cleaning will be continuing throughout the rainy season from June 15 to August 31. Published in The Express Tribune, April 30th, 2024.

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Nawaz’s job to ‘rein in’ leaders bent on dividing PML-N

PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif should have taken notice of the statements being given by party leaders Rana Sanaullah and Javed Latif, whose public positions were damaging for its federal government, an official close to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told The Express Tribune on Sunday. The official added that these two leaders recently tried to fan the flames of an internal strife within the PML-N by making a case for Nawaz's return to party presidency. PM Shehbaz is fully aware of this position in the party and recognises the authority of his elder brother Nawaz in every respect. Nawaz’s personality is such that he does not need to resort to such a petty move to take back the party presidency. The official continued that Nawaz could at any moment instruct his younger brother Shehbaz, the incumbent president, to make the necessary arrangement to hand him back the position and it would be done. Therefore, he continued that there was no need for such poorly planned optics. He said there were no differences between the two brothers although such moves did cast shadows of doubt and gave fodder for criticism to the party’s rivals. Read also: Sanaullah requests Nawaz to take helm of PML-N amidst internal strife The official said that the news conference by Sanaullah was not well received in Islamabad, but PM Shehbaz was firm on his stand of resolving the party’s affairs internally. He said during a meeting, when another PML-N man tried to talk against these leaders, particularly about Sanaullah, the premier snubbed him. PM Shehbaz told the PML-N leader that despite their public positions, they were senior men and had tremendously served the party. The official said PM Shehbaz had never even allowed his team to respond to these matters. He said that they knew it for a fact that there was no camping behind this but if it was allowed to happen unchecked, an impression that a certain campaign was taking place against PM Shehbaz would gain traction – at least in the media. Read: PML-N leaders engage in public spat About Ishaq Dar being appointed the deputy prime minister, the official said without mincing words that the move was meant to satisfy his ego. If it makes Dar happy, then let it be, he added. He said the deputy premier was not an official position so apart from a titular impact, this served no other purpose. When asked about the reason behind the move, he cryptically replied that usually when someone was unsatisfied with a certain position and went around complaining about it, it necessitated handing down a pacifier to such an individual. This post is nothing more than a pacifier, he claimed. Federal Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal as well as Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar were contacted for comments, but to no avail.

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AI innovations dominate job fair

The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to pervade various facets of life, with even undergraduate students in Pakistan opting to explore AI in their final year projects (FYP), showcased at a recent job fair. A premier science and engineering institution in the country organised its annual job fair, inviting industry stalwarts to evaluate students’ product prototypes, with AI emerging as a prevalent theme. As the academic year concludes, universities like FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences host job fairs, offering a platform for industry experts to assess students’ FYPs, foster connections, and evaluate the talent pool entering the job market. The FAST’s Job Fair 2024 featured over 200 student projects, predominantly centred on AI-driven solutions. Among the standout projects was ‘FASTrack’, an AI-powered Applicant Tracking System (ATS), drawing significant attention for its innovative approach. This initiative offers a unique, intelligent algorithmic system which is able to comb through a database of resumes and return tier-ranked lists of candidates in accordance with the specific requirements of an employer’s entered job description. Designed by junior students, ‘FASTrack’ garnered interest from various companies like Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) and Transworld, with some expressing interest in the acquisition. “This is the kind of project I would expect from students at a top engineering university in Pakistan,” said United SOL, HR manager, Saeed Yaqoob while engaging with FASTrack’s product. Another project programmed an application that enables mobile phone cameras to read photoplethysmography (PPG), making it accessible for users to measure their vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, heartbeat and more. Yet another, AI product, ‘LLM-Konnect’, also used natural language processing to offer companies and businesses easily implementable chatbots that also generated insightful data and analytical reports on demand. From AI applications in the medical field and assisted learning to business solutions, the range of products showcased by students at the job fair demonstrated that young, aspiring engineers in Pakistan are keen on working with the latest technologies and contributing to their advancement. However, several professionals visiting the fair, while recognising the students’ talents and ambitions, noted a shortfall in the kind of guidance they should be receiving at universities. As Zohaib Adnan from Antematter put it, “There remains a huge gap between what these students are taught, and what the industry is looking for. Integrating the industry with institutions is the only solution to this problem.” While students’ projects were displayed in booths set up on the university’s grounds, a total of 176 companies were present on campus as well. Professionals who had been invited to set up their recruitment drives in the university’s classrooms included major companies such as Jazz, Afiniti, Quest Labs, the US Embassy, and many more. FAST’s Job Fair 2024. PHOTO: EXPRESS Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2024.  

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Quest for redemption: Is PTI seeking NRO?

As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) flashes mixed signals with its conflicting statements, one thing remains crystal clear: the former ruling party, following in the footsteps of its predecessors, is desperate to talk to the powerful stakeholders to reclaim its once-cherished political territory. Despite facing barbs and jibes suggesting that PTI was merely angling for a backdoor deal or a convenient NRO, political pundits suspect a deeper game is afoot. The frantic appeals from certain PTI leaders to engage with the army chief and the spymaster stem from a belief that no one else holds the keys to PTI's salvation but these powerful stakeholders. Renowned political expert, Zaigham Khan, said that PTI has always wanted to talk to the establishment but its approach has remained different. From the time when Imran Khan was ousted, the political expert noted, PTI tried to engage by putting pressure on the establishment, military leadership and the judiciary. The purpose was that the powerful quarters should engage Imran Khan on his terms, Zaigham said, recalling that the military was the addressee of the party’s protests and rallies and its demands were also directed at the establishment only. “The essence of it was that I am right and the others are wrong and you are morally bound to support me than these [other parties] people,” Zaigham said, “essentially, it’s a way of dialogue but he [Imran] went way ahead in his method of putting pressure and it had severe repercussions.” Read more: Imran gives PTI go-ahead for talks Right now, Imran definitely wants to talk to the establishment and that’s what has been conveyed to the party leaders. His other consistent position is that PTI will not talk to other political parties, he said, saying it has been consistent with his past narrative. Zaigham said that Imran also knows that other political parties can’t deliver what he has been demanding. Frankly, he added, the other political parties wouldn’t even want to give a lending hand to him right now as PML-N is happy to see him behind bars because it is “very unpopular” and if space is given and PTI returns, it would be a bad news for PML-N. “The game between PTI and PML-N is at a stage where the winner takes all,” Zaigham said, adding that PML-N knows either they or PTI will survive. “In this situation”, he added, “PTI wants to talk to the military.” Though PTI still wants to exert pressure, he said that it has reviewed its strategy a bit, especially, after reentering in the democratic process, taking government in a province, becoming a part of the National Assembly, and taking PAC and other committees’ chairmanships. According to Zaigham, initiating dialogue is the optimal path forward. However, PTI's preference lies in engaging solely with the establishment, dismissing broader dialogues such as the charter of democracy advocated by PML-N and PPP. PTI contends that the timing for such expansive discussions is not opportune, particularly with Imran Khan incarcerated and in a precarious position. But, he incorporated that Imran wouldn’t prefer dialogue over his narrative if he came out. Suggesting a way forward, he said, the situation should be diffused; PTI should get its democratic rights and other parties, despite having reservations about Imran’s populist or authoritarian style of politics or his being acting as a demagogue, should deal with him through democratic means and providing themselves as democratic alternatives, in which they are failing. “That’s something they need to correct,” he concluded. Also read: PTI denies receiving invitation for reconciliation talks Another renowned political analyst, Majid Nizami, said that an important phase of parliamentary democracy in the shape of elections has just concluded and parliament as well as cabinet is functional; the country has a new head of state; and since things can’t naturally remain in an intensified position forever; they are needed to be normalised. If we look at the timeline of the 2018 elections, the expert said, it is evident that things were extremely difficult for PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif before the elections but, after the elections, they started to ease out within a few months. “Definitely,” Nizami said, “PTI and establishment both want to tackle the situation now and CBMs – confidence-building measures – should be started so that no further instability comes in.” Ruling out the factor that Imran’s prolonged incarceration triggered the recent debate about PTI-establishment talks, Nizami said that the political history of the past two three decades shows that no big political movement took place right after the elections which led to the ouster of the newly-elected government. “That is why people in PTI and establishment’s quarters want to normalise things now,” Nizami said, adding that PTI will definitely talk to the establishment as it has never been an anti-establishment party and its differences were only with some personalities of the establishment. “They [PTI] never ignored the role of the establishment; in fact, they support it,” Nizami said. Therefore, he added, “If PTI engages in talks with the establishment then it is definitely ready to strike a deal or get an NRO; whatever you name it.” Frankly, he said, given the authority and control that the powerful quarters exercise, they won’t feel the need to respond to PTI’s frantic calls for talks. However, he incorporated, that people close to the establishment want de-escalation and one sign of it was the recent relief that PTI leaders got from courts when they came out of hiding after the elections. “Things are going towards the normalisation phase after the elections,” he reiterated. Suggesting a way out of coming out of the current political turmoil, Nizami said that political parties should strengthen themselves and sit across the table. “Instead of talking to the then PTI government, PML-N had also talked to the establishment before PDM came to power,” Nizami recalled, “PTI also wants to do the same; it wishes to talk to powerful quarters instead of talking to PML-N and PPP.” To end the process of going in circles, he concluded, that political parties should sit together instead of looking towards establishment or GHQ.

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Karachi experiences hottest day of the year on Sunday

As temperatures soared, Karachi experienced its hottest day of the year on Sunday, with the mercury hitting a scorching 37 degrees Celsius, Express News reported. Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted that Sunday marked not only the hottest day in the port city but also one of the most humid, with sea breezes disrupted. The humidity levels reached 45 per cent, making the heat more intense than the recorded temperature. The maximum temperature in the city was recorded at 37 degrees Celsius, marking a significant increase of 2.9 degrees compared to the previous day's high of 34.1 degrees. Read: Bangladesh reels under longest heat wave in 76 years Warnings from the PMD's early warning system have indicated that Balochistan may face a temporary heatwave, attributed to the influence of northern winds. The mercury is forecasted to rise to 39 degrees Celsius on Monday in the region. In Sindh province, PMD highlighted the likelihood of hot and dry weather prevailing. Despite this, Chief Meteorologist, Syed Sarfaraz, reassured the public, stating that there are currently no signs of a heatwave, with humidity levels ranging from 10 to 20 per cent in the air. Sunday saw other parts of Sindh also grappling with high temperatures. PMD reported that Chhor recorded the highest temperature at 41 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Shaheed Benazirabad, Mithi, and Mohenjo Daro, all hitting 40 degrees Celsius.

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FIA arrests female suspect in bank account fraud

In a significant breakthrough, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a female member of a gang involved in online fraud, targeting citizens' bank accounts. The gang members defrauded numerous individuals of substantial amounts. According to FIA officials, the gang came up with the scheme by exploiting vulnerabilities in online banking systems, facilitating unauthorised transfers from victims' accounts to those controlled by the perpetrators. The arrested woman used to call the customers’ banks via mobile phones, extract essential information to execute fraudulent transactions. The agency’s ongoing investigation uncovered the gang's activities, revealing that they have illicitly obtained millions of rupees through their fraudulent practices. The arrested woman, shared crucial details with the agency, including her involvement in the withdrawal and transfer of Rs1,880,000 from a single bank customer's account. Further revelations from the suspect highlighted the gang's modus operandi, which relied on technological prowess and deceptive tactics. By utilising audio recordings resembling legitimate bank calls and employing various proxies, the criminals impersonated bank representatives to fool victims. After gaining access to a target's account, the gang immediately transferred large sums to controlled accounts within a 48-hour window, evading detection. The FIA spokesperson said that the arrest of the woman and the information obtained will be very important in arresting the other gangs involved in this type of fraud. FIA Cybercrime Circle will soon arrest other accused and produce them in court. Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2024.

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Achakzai gets breather as arrest warrant suspended

A judicial magistrate suspended the arrest warrant against Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai, providing temporary relief until the next hearing. The local court's decision to suspend the arrest warrant came in response to an application filed by President Quetta Bar Association, Qari Rehmatullah, along with other lawyers. Presiding over the proceedings, Judge Kamran Baloch granted the suspension of the arrest warrant and adjourned the hearing to May 31. Achakzai's defence counsel, Advocate Qari Rehmatullah, argued that the charges against his client were motivated by malice. He emphasized that Achakzai was not even present in Quetta during the raid mentioned in the FIR. Rehmatullah further elaborated, suggesting the possibility that individuals close to Achakzai's residence might have utilised the land in question, given Achakzai's frequent absence from Quetta due to his political engagements in Islamabad. The suspension of the arrest warrant provides a temporary reprieve for Achakzai as legal proceedings continue. The next hearing is scheduled to take place on May 31. "The decision to suspend the arrest warrant was made during a court session, wherein Magistrate Nine deemed it appropriate to withhold the warrant until further proceedings," Naseebullah Kasi, one of the lawyers challenging Achakzai's arrest warrants, informed Express Tribune. Read also: Arrest warrants issued for Achakzai This move effectively postpones any potential legal action against Achakzai until the upcoming hearing. "The court is expected to declare this case null and void very soon," Mr Kasi claimed. Achakzai, a candidate in the presidential election, found himself entangled in legal troubles when he was charged under sections 448 (house trespass) and 447 (criminal trespass) in a First Information Report (FIR) lodged at Gwalmandi police station on March 11. Allegations surfaced from officials of the local administration, Quetta, and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), accusing Achakzai of unlawfully occupying government land and obstructing official duties. The incident occurred when his security guard reportedly resisted a team of officials who were conducting a raid on a plot of land opposite Achakzai’s residence. Subsequently, the guard was apprehended, and it was discovered that he was in possession of a firearm without a license, as per details outlined in the FIR. The issuance of the warrant came after Achakzai, the chief of PkMAP, failed to make an appearance in court on April 22 for a hearing regarding the FIR. The judicial magistrate, while issuing the arrest warrant, had then instructed the police to present Achakzai before the court on April 27.

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Sherry urges parties to welcome Zardari’s call for unity

Senator Sherry Rehman, the Parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has emphasised the importance of mutual respect and collaboration among political parties to foster a conducive environment for the country’s progress. She echoed President Asif Ali Zardari’s invitation to all political parties for a fresh start, urging collective action to move past bitterness and division. The Senator kicked off the debate in the Senate on the president’s speech, commending President Zardari’s address to the joint sitting of the Parliament marking the commencement of the parliamentary year following the Feb 8 elections. In her remarks, she reiterated the president’s message of turning a new page in history to address national challenges effectively and said, “We all should welcome President Zardari’s address to the joint session of Parliament, where he called on all political leaders to turn a new page, hold dialogue and aim for a much needed a political reset. His stress on political dialogue, unity and an end to polarisation for the country’s sake is the only way forward in these challenging circumstances.” She further said it is important to remember why we are in parliament, which is not to score political points but what the president said is to turn a new page to overcome national and critical economic and social challenges. Reflecting on the legacy and resilience of the PPP leadership, Sherry said, “I am proud to say that the PPP has never degraded the dignity of the country and the state. After the death of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto faced severe hardships yet she never created problems for the country and the people. Zardari was in jail for 14 years. Yet, Asif Ali Zardari never took political revenge from anyone and there was no political prisoner in his previous tenure.” The Senator emphasised the importance of mutual respect and collaboration among political parties to foster a conducive environment for the country’s progress. She echoed Zardari’s invitation to all political parties for a fresh start, urging collective action to move past bitterness and division. “President Zardari invited all the political parties for the new beginning, he believes we can reset the political atmosphere to reflect more light than heat if we want to, but it will need all of us to step back and decide what matters the most, and he meant all of us. We don’t want bitterness and differences. We have to respect each other for a true new beginning. It is in this house that we can build the future of the country. We want an end to the politics of recriminations and accusations and hatred because it does not help the people of this country who are looking to us to at least make a start to solve their daily problems,” she maintained. Sherry cautioned against the politics of hatred and animosity and called upon all stakeholders to heed the president’s call for a new legacy based on unity and cooperation for a brighter Pakistan. Published in The Express Tribune, April 27th, 2024.

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Launching ceremony of Hangor-class submarine held in China

The launching ceremony of the first Hangor-class submarine constructed for the Pakistan Navy took place in China’s Wuhan. The navy said in a statement. It said that the Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as the chief guest. While addressing the ceremony he highlighted the importance of maritime security under the prevailing geo-strategic environment in the region and commitment of Pakistan Navy to contribute to ensuring safe and conducive maritime environment for all. He added that Hangor-class submarines with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors will play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Read more: Keel laying of second Hangor-class submarine held at Karachi Shipyard While acknowledging the tireless efforts of China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC), he expressed satisfaction with the project's progress. He also highlighted that the project will surely add a new dimension to the ever-tested Pakistan-China friendship. The statement said that the government of Pakistan signed a deal with CSOC of China for acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan. Under the contract, four submarines will be built in China whereas the other four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under Transfer of Technology (ToT). These submarines will be fitted with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to engage targets at standoff ranges. The launching ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from Pakistan and China including representatives of Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd.

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JI chief urges timely Iran-Pakistan pipeline

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has urged the authorities concerned for the timely completion of the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project while cautioning the United States against “meddling” in Pakistan's internal affairs. Addressing attendees at the "Meet the Press" event at Mansoorah on Thursday, the JI emir underscored the significance of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's recent visit to Pakistan. Read also: Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline remains stalled under cloud of sanctions Emphasising the need for swift action, he called for the implementation of agreements signed between two neighbouring nations. Rehman declared that the JI would pursue the issue of extensive election rigging before the Supreme Court.

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Cop selling drugs apprehended

The head constable of the Elite Force was arrested by Gujar Khan police and 1800g of hashish was recovered from his possession. The police report has revealed that the head constable posted at the Elite Force headquarters in Rawalpindi had been involved in the nefarious drug trade for two years. Rawalpindi SSP Operations Hafiz Kamran Asghar said that there is no place for criminal elements in the force. “Along with legal action against the head constable, departmental action is also being taken,” he said. Head Constable, Taqdees-ul-Islam of the Elite Force was arrested from Gujar Khan area on charges of drug peddling. A case was registered against the accused in Gujar Khan police station on the statement of Sub-Inspector Naveed Aslam, in which he had reported that he was on patrol when he checked Taqdees-ul-Islam as he was riding a motorcycle, he found 1800g of hashish with him, after which he was taken into custody. On the other hand, the report had said that the accused was a head constable in the Elite Force and was posted at the Rawalpindi Elite Headquarters. The accused had allegedly been involved in drug smuggling and drug selling business for the past two years. On suspicion, the police had previously sent someone to purchase drugs from him, thus confirming his participation in the illegal activity. According to sources, there was chaos among the officers at the police station due to the involvement of the Head Constable of the Elite Force in the drug trade. Even though, at first attempts were made to suppress the matter at the police station, when the information reached the officers, they gave orders to register a case against the accused immediately. Rawalpindi SSP Operations Flight Lieutenant Retd Hafiz Kamran Asghar rejected the extension of any leniency to the accused. He said that elements involved in criminal activities have no place in the force. The process of self-accountability is ongoing in the force. Along with legal action, departmental action has also been initiated against the accused head constable. Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th, 2024.

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IHC orders Bushra’s medical tests from private lab

Reports surfacing about a deterioration in the health of party founder Imran Khan’s spouse, Bushra Bibi, on Wednesday echoed in the National Assembly, with the government assuring the opposition of affording her best medical treatment available in the country. Separately, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) directed the authorities concerned for the medical examination of Bushra Bibi from a private lab in Islamabad and submit the report of the examination in the court before the next date of hearing. Bushra Bibi is currently incarcerated in the couple’s Banigala residence, which was declared a sub-jail for her, after their conviction and sentencing in the Toshakhana case. Her husband Imran Khan and several PTI leaders had claimed that the former first lady had been slow poisoned in the sub-jail. Responding to a point of order raised by Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub about her health, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar informed the National Assembly that on the request of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership the medical tests of Bushra Bibi were conducted in one of the best private hospitals of Islamabad. He said that due to objections raised by the PTI leadership regarding government hospitals, Bushra Bibi’s tests were got conducted from the private hospital. Read also: PTI sounds alarm over Bushra Bibi's health He said there was no reason for referring Bushra Bibi to another hospital of PTI’s choice as all her tests were clear. He regretted that the PTI leadership had exaggerated her health issue. Meanwhile, hearing a petition filed for the medical examination of Bibi, wife of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, over poisoning allegations, IHC Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb summoned the advocate general of Islamabad raised the question as to why the court order was not implemented. State Counsel Abdul Rehman appeared in the court and apologised for the absence of the advocate general. The court adjourned further proceedings on the matter with direction for medical axamination of Bibi submission of the report of the till Monday. Separately, an IHC bench, led by Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and including Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri heard the bail application of the PTI founder in the £190 million reference, filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Read: PTI, doctors at odds over Bushra Bibi’s medical reports Latif Khosa, the lawyer for the petitioner, told the court that Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) had frozen the money, adding that a total of £171 million was remitted to Pakistan after tax deductions, with the condition that Pakistani cabinet would give approval for the refund. He explained that Shehzad Akbar, former adviser to the then prime minister, placed a note before the cabinet, which was approved. He said that the former prime minister approved the return of the money, and then it was transferred to the Supreme Court account. Khosa told the court that former prime minister Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were not the beneficiary in the matter. He added that the amount that was sent to the Supreme Court account was returned to the government of Pakistan on November 23, 2023. Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri inquired how the money came into the account of the Supreme Court, whether the money was obtained through crime and why it was frozen in Britain. The lawyer replied that it was suspicious money, but was cleared later. Khosa further explained that 458 kanals of land for the Al-Qadir University in Suhawa was first transferred to Zulfi Bukhari and then to a trust, in which Imran and Bibi were the trustees. He told the court that students were studying in the university. The hearing was put off till April 29. Also, Islamabad’s District and Sessions Judge Shahrukh Arjamand heard the appeals against the conviction of Imran and Bibi in the Iddat Nikah case. During the hearing, the lawyer for Khawar Maneka, Bibi’s ex-husband, argued on the case. He will continue arguments on the next hearing on April 30.

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All IHC judges agree on agencies' ‘interference'

Islamabad High Court judges on Tuesday unanimously acknowledged that intelligence agencies were “interfering” in their judicial functions. A full court meeting was held at the IHC under the chairmanship of its Chief Justice Aamer Farooq in view of the Supreme Court's decision wherein proposals were sought from high courts as how to protect the independence of judiciary from the “interference” of agencies. Earlier, both the Lahore and Peshawar high courts held full court meetings to discuss the matter. It has been learnt that the IHC full court meeting was held in a pleasant environment. All eight judges of the IHC agreed that the interference of agencies in judicial functions would not be tolerated. They also decided to chalk out new standard operating procedures (SOPs) on how the judiciary would respond in case the agencies “meddle” in its affairs in the future. Sources told The Express Tribune that inspection judges were not empowered in the past. Now they have been given the authority to recommend to the IHC CJ on what action to take against those who interfered in the functions of the judges of district courts. They will share their proposals as to how the independence of judiciary can be secured. On March 25 this year, six IHC judges wrote a letter to the Supreme Judicial Council seeking guidance to counter the interference of intelligence agencies in their affairs. They also suggested holding a judicial convention on this subject. Instead of giving an 'institutional response', the Supreme Court, by majority, approved the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate into the six IHC judges’ letter. Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa also held meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss this matter. However, former CJP Tassaduq Hussain Jillani recused himself from heading the inquiry commission in this issue. Following his recusal, the top court took suo motu notice of the matter. During the first hearing, CJP Isa justified all his steps after the six IHC judges’ letter. However, SC’s Justice Athar Minallah dissented with his steps and held that the burden was on the executive to ensure that nobody was interfering with judicial functions. It is being witnessed that a malicious drive has started against Justices Athar Minallah and Babar Sattar of the IHC, one of the six judges who wrote that letter, on social media. Their family details are being shared on social media but the government institutions are silent on this campaign. Interestingly, when CJP Isa faced criticism on account of the SC’s January 13 order, the government formed a joint investigation team (JIT) to inquire into the matter. Superior bars, which were raising their voice in favour CJP Isa after the January 13 order, are silent on the malicious online campaign against the IHC judge and Justice Minallah. A lawyer believes that the government needs to understand that the executive always loses the battle with judges as was witnessed in the cases of former CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry and the incumbent one, Justice Isa, in these matters. A debate is raging as to whether or not the judges have gained more independence during CJP Isa’s tenure. It is a fact that CJP Isa could not give an appropriate institutional response in the matter of the six IHC judges’ letter. It is a major test for the judiciary as to how the independence of the IHC judges will be secured in the coming days. Lawyers believe that the six IHC judges have achieved their purpose as the issue of the intelligence agencies’ “interference” has been highlighted through suo motu proceedings. If the inquiry commission had worked, then its findings could have come against the six IHC judges. In a related development, the IHC has decided to send Judge Abual Hasnat Zulqarnain, who presided over the proceedings of a special court established to hear the cases filed under the Official Secrets Act and handed down 10-year jail sentences each to PTI founding chairman Imran Khan and party vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, back to his respective department. Special Courts Inspection Judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has sent a recommendation to the IHC CJ. The recommendation stated that the services of Judge Zulqarnain should be returned to the LHC.  

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Four detained for FBR official’s murder

Police arrested four suspects in connection with the murder of the Federal Board of Revenue’s assistant director and recovered his body from a graveyard in Tarnol. The police recovered the victim's body and transferred it to the District Headquarters Hospital for autopsy. The deceased was abducted ten days ago for a ransom of Rs10 million within the limits of RA Bazaar police station on the third day of Eidul Fitr. Mohammad Shafiq, a resident of Kamalabad, and brother-in-law of the victim lodged an FIR with the R.A. Bazaar police two days after Rehmatullah went missing. He left his house on Friday morning saying he was going to visit his friends and he would be back in the evening. But, he did not return and his mobile phone was switched off due to which his family got worried, therefore, they lodged an FIR with the R.A Bazaar police. SSP Operations Rawalpindi Hafiz Kamran Asghar formed a team which was led by DSP Mirza Javed. The team received help from the Organised Crime Unit of Rawalpindi Police and the Technical and Intelligence Department. During the investigation, the police collected evidence indicating that the kidnapper's mobile phone was being used in the Chiniot area, confirming his connection to Hyderabad. It was revealed that the kidnapper was married and lived with his wife and daughter in Hyderabad. Law enforcement agencies broadened the area of investigation and also covered Chiniot, Hyderabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Faisalabad. At the same time, the police learned that the deceased’s ATM was in use in Westridge, Rawalpindi. Subsequently, the police sought help from the National Database and Registration Authority to identify the suspect by obtaining images from the bank's CCTV cameras. Ultimately, the police apprehended an individual identified as Sadiq from Dhoke Hassu, who confessed to his crime and said that he collaborated with Waheed and two other men, who have also been arrested. One of the suspects was a close friend of the deceased, said the police, adding that the perpetrators used the deceased’s ATM card and mobile phone to extort money. The police spokesman reported that the weapons and the vehicle used in the crime were retrieved from the suspects, identified as Waheed Gul, Sadiq, Muhammad Bahadur, and Abdullah. Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed that they abducted Rehmatullah, killed him and buried him immediately. SSP Operation Hafiz Kamran Asghar emphasized that all necessary legal procedures will be followed to ensure that the accused are punished. No matter how cruel the accused are, they cannot escape from the grip of the law. Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2024.

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Webinar urges collaborations for EV transition

Experts at a webinar on Pakistan’s Electric Vehicles (EVs) market potential have called for optimised funding and stakeholders’ collaboration for the EV transition in the country. They said shifting from existing fuel-based automobiles to EVs was elusive without an optimised funding stream and stakeholders’ collaboration at the government and private sector levels. The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) as part of its webinar series organised an online discussion on “Pakistan’s Electric Vehicle Market: Challenges, Opportunities, and the 2030 Agenda”. Dr Naveed Arshad, who is an Associate Professor at LUMS, said that battery technology is evolving and requires research and development along with enhanced capital and technical resources, where the latter could be chipped in through academia. Ahmed Sajeel from Deewan Motors BMW said that the Japanese automobile companies are resisting EVs which is unsustainable in the prevailing milieu as the international automobile industry has decided to shift towards EVs. Shell’s Midhat Waris said that Shell Global has the largest EV setup having over 1,000 EV charging stations across the world and has piloted its EV rapid chargers in Pakistan. The company’s biggest EV charging station has been launched in China with a capacity of 250 charging points, she added. Engineer Asim Ayaz of the Engineering Development Board (EDB) said the Ministry of Industries and Production has given licenses to 34 two and three-wheeler manufacturers, whereas, other private partners are also jumping into EV manufacturing. He underscored that the current issue is the lack of financing facilities for customers at the national level as EVs are more expensive due to batteries’ cost than fuel-based vehicles. Dr Aazir Anwar Khan said that the EVs would have a huge impact on the middle class mostly relying on two or three-wheelers. The country intends to transition from fuel-based vehicles to EVs directly, and since the outlook is positive and transitional the country needs private funding to run these systems, he added. Abdul Hadi from the auto industry said that his company started converting fuel-based cars over EVs like Suzuki FX, Mehran, and Bolan in 2021, whereas the running cost of the EV is exponentially low. Dr Khalid Waleed said that linking EVs with national trade and power sector could help resolve the problem, whereas hybrid EVs could be a way forward. The regulatory environment must be accommodating for local assembly and manufacturing infrastructure that needs to be fostered and sustained whereas the latter is the key part, he added. Published in The Express Tribune, April 23rd, 2024.

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COAS meets Iranian president, calls for improved border coordination

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Monday met President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, who is on a three-day visit to Pakistan, the military said in a statement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the discussion primarily focused on matters of mutual interest, notably regional peace, stability, and border security. It said that both sides concurred on the necessity to bolster bilateral cooperation while jointly striving for regional stability and economic prosperity. Read more: Pakistan, Iran set $10b target for bilateral trade COAS described the Pakistan-Iran border as "the border of peace and friendship," emphasising the need for improved coordination along the border to prevent terrorists from jeopardising the longstanding brotherly relations between the two neighbouring countries. President Raisi emphasised that by fostering cooperation between the two armed forces, Pakistan and Iran can attain peace and stability for both nations and the region.

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Ministry approves promotion of 529 teachers

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has approved the time-scale promotion of as many as 529 teachers of federal government educational institutions working under the ambit of the Federal Directorate of Education. According to the notification issued the other day, 529 teachers have been given time scale promotion in the next grade, which includes vice principals, principals, and associate professors of schools and colleges. As per details, the meeting of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) to develop the time scale for the teachers of government educational institutions was held on January 5, 2024, but the notification was delayed due to various reasons. Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani directed to issue notification by immediately approving the recommendations of DPC. Leaders of Federal Teacher Organisations, Fazal Mola, Malik Ameer Khan, Mansoor Shah, said that teachers have the basic right to development, which will improve their performance. According to the notification, 13 principals were given Grade 21, 90 assistant professors have been promoted to grade 19, and 173 vice principals have also been promoted to grade 19. Similarly, 103 assistant professors and principals have been promoted to grade 20, while 8 deputy headmistresses have been also promoted to grade 20. Teachers leaders Fazal Mollah, Malik Amir Khan, and Mansoor Ali Shah, in a joint statement, have said that Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani has given basic rights to teachers by promoting them. They said that the Secretary of Education has implemented the best reforms in the education system, the results of which will be seen soon, adding, that empowering the heads of the institutions will be an important milestone for the best performance of the employees of the institutions. Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2024.

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Authority destroys 200 kgs of unhealthy meat

The Food Control Cell of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board took action against food safety violations and destroyed 200 kgs of substandard meat and sealed a manufacturing unit involved in producing low-quality ketchup on Saturday. The crackdown, conducted in areas like Dhok Syedan, Misaryal Road, Hasnain Street, and Tench Bhatta, targeted the illicit sale of unhygienic meat, sourced from unauthorised slaughterhouses lacking official approval seals. The food control cell's staff confiscated and incinerated 200 kilograms of subpar mutton and beef in a public display, simultaneously issuing hefty fines and challans to offending butchers. Additionally, a significant quantity of tomato ketchup from a substandard and counterfeit factory was seized in the Sadar Coal Centre area of Rawalpindi. Alongside the confiscation of ketchup, the equipment used in its production was impounded, and the dubious factory responsible for the inferior product was promptly shut down. The enforcement action extended to private markets where food items were being sold without adherence to hygiene regulations, including missing date menus and expiry labels. Such non-compliant items were seized and disposed of on a large scale. In response to these violations, Cantonment Executive Officer Syed Ali Irfan Rizvi issued strict directives to the food control cell, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy toward unhygienic food sales within the Cantt area. Those found flouting hygiene laws and peddling unhealthy foodstuffs face severe penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. These measures aim to deter price-gouging practices and ensure public safety. Furthermore, the food control cell has instructed meat vendors not to trade in sick or unfit animals, underscoring the board's commitment to upholding food quality standards. Multiple teams under the cell's purview continued inspections and sampling procedures, submitting samples to the Cantt laboratory for evaluation. Any deviations from quality norms, whether substandard or compliant, will result in appropriate legal actions against the responsible parties, reinforcing the cantonment board's dedication to curbing the production and sale of unsafe food products, officials said. Published in The Express Tribune, April 21st, 2024.  

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PIA operations to Dubai restored

The Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) operations to Dubai and Sharjah on Saturday were restored after 31 flights had been cancelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the past four days because of the unprecedented torrential rains in the Gulf region. Sources said eight PIA flights fly to Dubai on a daily basis. However, they added that 21 flights to Dubai were cancelled in the past four days. Heavy rains in the famous Gulf destination from April 16 severely affected the PIA’s operations to the region. In an open letter to customers from Emirates President Tim Clark, he wrote that the ongoing week had been one of the toughest for the airline operationally, as record storms hit the UAE. “I would like to offer our most sincere apologies to every customer who has had their travel plans disrupted during this time,” he added. Read also: Dubai airport diverts flights as 'exceptional weather' hits Gulf Clark noted that on April 16, the UAE experienced its highest rainfall in 75 years. “Lashing storm winds and rain disrupted activity across the cities. Our 24/7 hub in Dubai remained open, with flight movements reduced for safety, but flooded roads impeded the ability of our customers, pilots, cabin crew, and airport employees to reach the airport, and also the movement of essential supplies like meals and other flight amenities. We diverted dozens of flights to avoid the worst of the weather on Tuesday, and over the next three days we had to cancel nearly 400 flights and delay many more, as our hub operations remained challenged by staffing and supply shortages.” He noted that to free up resources and capacity to manage impacted customers as a priority, Emirates had to suspend check-in for passengers departing Dubai, implement an embargo on ticket sales, and temporarily halt connecting passenger traffic from points across our network coming into the city. “We deployed additional resources to aid our airport and contact centre teams with rebooking and put on additional flights to destinations where we identified large numbers of displaced customers. We sent over 100 employee volunteers to look after disrupted customers at Dubai Airport departures and in the transit area, prioritising medical cases, the elderly and other vulnerable travellers. To date, over 12,000 hotel rooms were secured to accommodate disrupted customers in Dubai, 250,000 meal vouchers have been issued, and more quantities of drinking water, blankets, and other amenities” The Emirates president further wrote that since Saturday, the airline’s regular flight schedules had been restored Read: PIA eyes profit with EU flights resumption “Passengers previously stranded in the airport transit area have been rebooked and are en route to their destinations. We have put together a task force to sort, reconcile, and deliver some 30,000 pieces of left-behind baggage to their owners.” Separately, the PIA has decided to make the French capital of Paris a hub for its European flight operations. As the PIA is likely be given the nod to resume its flights to European destinations after four years, the national carrier has stepped up its plans for this purpose. According to sources, the PIA management is confident that the European Air Safety Committee meeting on May 14 to 16 will allow the airline to resume its operations to Europe. The resumption of the PIA flights to European countries will generate billions of rupees annually. The national carrier has lost Rs120 billion so far because of the ban on its flights to European countries imposed in July 2020.

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Bilawal seeks tripartite dialogue on terror

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday demanded the government to initiate tripartite dialogue with neighbouring countries to curb the menace of re-surging terrorism. “The suicide attack in Karachi is a reminder that the menace of terrorism is once again rising in Pakistan. The federal and provincial governments will have to take action against terrorists and ensure to engage the neighbouring countries to take action against them,” the PPP chief said while talking to the media outside the Parliament House. The PPP chief said that as a foreign minister he had held a tripartite dialogue at the foreign ministry among the foreign ministers of China, Afghanistan and Pakistan, adding, “We should have similar efforts to eliminate terrorists.” Bilawal welcomed the action taken by the National Assembly speaker against opposition members over trying to disrupt the parliamentary proceedings. He criticised the opposition lawmakers belonging to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying that PPP was not afraid of any “forest monkeys”, rather these people were afraid of an unarmed girl, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, therefore, they resorted to ruckus during her oath taking in the National Assembly. “The [Pakistan] Peoples Party is never afraid of such tactics. For three generations we have fought against dictators like Gen Zia and Gen Musharraf and have defeated them through democracy. We will still face them democratically,” Bilawal said. The PPP chief stressed that people's representatives should fulfill their responsibilities but regretted that the current the opposition did not want to play its due role in parliament. Instead, he added the opposition’s objective was to take NRO – a reference to political amnesty granted by Gen Musharraf in 2007 – for their leader. The PPP chief stressed that people's representatives should fulfill their responsibilities but regretted that the current the opposition did not want to play its due role in parliament. Instead, he added the opposition’s objective was to take NRO – a reference to political amnesty granted by Gen Musharraf in 2007 – for their leader. “The opposition's style of protest was undemocratic. Their behavior undermined the sanctity of the house. Unfortunately, because of their behavior, the speaker was forced to suspend the membership of the two opposition members.” Bilawal praised the address of President Asif Zardari, who is also the co-chairman of the PPP, to the joint sitting of parliament on Thursday. “The Peoples Party made history yesterday and President Zardari addressed the joint session for the record seventh time yesterday,” he said. “President Zardari highlighted the issues, whose resolution is the need of the hour. President Zardari gave the message yesterday that we have to forge unity to solve the problems of Pakistan. We should think of the country instead of our political differences. We should think about this people.” When asked about Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s announcement of protest in Sindh, Bilawal said that Fazl had been given a wrong impression by his party people that he lost the elections in Sindh because of rigging. “He should protest in Dera Ismail and Peshawar and not in Sindh.”

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‘Shoe heist’ shocks parliament

The hallowed halls of parliament found itself embroiled in a bizarre incident on Friday as thieves slipped past security, leaving officials and journalists in a barefoot bind. Security personnel were left scratching their heads when shoes mysteriously vanished from the parliament premises, sparking a flurry of concern. Upon learning of the incident, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq promptly intervened, demanding a report from the security detail. The drama unfolded as worshippers, including MNAs, journalists and parliamentary staff gathered at the mosque within the Parliament House for Friday prayers. However, as the faithful bowed their heads in prayer, miscreants seized the moment to make off with over 20 pairs of shoes from the mosque’s doorstep. Also read: Beggars’ territorial dispute lands in Karachi court Reports indicate that over 20 pairs of shoes vanished during the prayer session, leaving worshippers dismayed as they concluded their prayers and prepared to depart for their respective duties. The theft left worshippers high and dry, forced to walk away shoeless, and causing chaos as they scrambled for alternatives. Reacting swiftly to the breach, the National Assembly speaker expressed grave concern over the security lapse and promptly ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. According to insider sources, the security personnel assigned to the area were conspicuously absent at the time of the theft, compounding the gravity of the situation. In response to the speaker's directives, the joint secretary admin and sergeant at arms have been tasked with conducting an inquiry into the incident, with efforts underway to identify the perpetrator(s) through CCTV footage surveillance.

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Medics to face action for ignoring patient

The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department Punjab has recommended departmental action against the Medical Superintendent of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Gujar Khan and other staff for being declared guilty of misconduct and dereliction of duty. The hospital is currently working under the District Health Authority (DHA). The action has been recommended against the MS under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline, and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, while the action has also been recommended against the hospital's junior pharmacy technician, female pharmacist, in-charge nurse and pharmacy manager under departmental rules. A warning has also been issued to the female head nurse, the director of emergency and a doctor not to show any neglect in their duties in future. Earlier, departmental action was proposed against the said officials by the Khushab Chief Executive Officer under the PEEDA Act. In a complaint filed by one Qamar Shehzad, the attendant of patient Sabir Hussain, it was stated that the patient needed life-saving drugs and an injection of heparin which was not available in the hospital. The hospital staff failed to provide the injection contrary to the rules. The complainant blamed MS Dr Sarmad Hussain Kiyani, director of emergency Dr Saad Ahmed, pharmacy in-charge Asma Kanwal, pharmacist Yusra Noor, charge nurse Atiya Khalid and dispenser Umar Ahmed in his application. In the first inquiry, Principal Medical Officer and CEO Khushab Dr Muhammad Akbar accused all the staff, including the MS, of showing misconduct, incompetence and negligence and recommended action against them under the PEEDA Act. On behalf of the Secretary Specialized Health and Medical Education, Rawalpindi DHA Chief Executive Dr Ijaz Khan Gulhoko as the Convener of the inquiry committee and DDHO Dr Safdar Malik and Consultant Anesthetist Kamran Zia Qureshi as members held the new inquiry. The MS and other staff were held responsible for the negligence. The inquiry team also issued warnings to head nurse Saima Khursheed, director of emergency Dr Saad Ahmed and Dr Sultan Mehmood. It should be noted that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had removed Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Murree MS Dr Abdus Salam from the position on a number of public complaints. After the CM’s intervention, the DHA is now reviewing and redressing the grievances of patients admitted to tehsil headquarters hospitals, primary health centres and rural health centres across the district. In this regard, the already pending complaints of the patients have also been taken out and steps have been taken to resolve them. Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2024.

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Wildlife dept recovers several wild animals from mela

The Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) has recovered several wild animals that were being unlawfully used for entertainment purpose at the Eid Mela (fair) near Kala Pul on Korangi Road. A team of game wardens, led by Inspector Ijaz Nodani, confiscated two monkeys, a honey badger, an eagle, and a fox that were put on display at the Eid Mela. Honey badger rescued from the Eid Mela at Kala Pul. PHOTO: EXPRESS Sindh Wildlife Department's Chief Conservator Javed Meher confirmed the rescue, saying that such activities are in violation of wildlife protection laws. The animals, originally sourced from Punjab, were being exhibited without proper authorisation despite prior warnings from wildlife authorities. Legal proceedings are underway against the Mela organisers. The rescued animals will be shifted to the care of zoo management for rehabilitation and proper care. Read also: Wildlife dept rescues protected animals, birds Meanwhile, the Sindh Wildlife Department has thwarted an attempt to smuggle nine birds through a passenger bus near Babrol Bypass in rural Sindh. Acting on a tip-off, a team of wardens, in collaboration with authorities in Sukkur and Khairpur, intercepted the bus and prevented the illegal smuggling of the birds to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. According to Deputy Sanctuary Warden Adnan Hamid Khan, the birds, known as corners, were intended for smuggling from Balochistan to Karachi and then onward to Kohat. Despite two casualties among the birds, the department apprehended the bus driver and other accomplices involved in the smuggling attempt. Fox rescued from the Eid Mela at Kala Pul. PHOTO: EXPRESS During investigations, the accused, identified as Farid and Rafiullah, confessed to their involvement in the illegal wildlife trade, for which they received payment from a third party. A case has been registered against them under the Protection of Wildlife Sindh 2020. Published in The Express Tribune, April 19th, 2024.

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Inquiry reveals police negligence in rail tragedy

A preliminary report on a recent train tragedy underscores the criminal negligence exhibited by the relevant Railway Police officials. However, it also found no evidence implicating the accused policeman, Constable Mir Hassan, in the death of a female passenger. Maryam Bibi, a beautician, embarked on a journey from Karachi to spend Eid holiday with her family in Jaranwala, Punjab, via Millat Express on April 7. During the journey, the woman reportedly endured torture by Constable Hassan near Hyderabad, as evidenced by a video of the incident and media reports. Two days later, her body was discovered near the Chani Goth railway station in Punjab's Rahim Yar Khan district. Read more: Cop who thrashed woman in train granted bail Initially, her family presumed her death to be an accident resulting from falling off the train. However, the emergence of the video footage compelled railway authorities to establish a fact-finding committee to probe the death. According to Pakistan Railways spokesperson Babar Raza, the committee concluded that Constable Mir Hassan was present in Hyderabad at the time of her death. Sources indicate that the committee has conducted an initial inquiry into the incident and submitted its report to the Pakistan Railways chairman. Also read: Video reveals woman pushed to death from train During the compilation of the report, the committee interviewed train staff, eyewitnesses, and passengers aboard the train on April 7. The report states that Constable Mir Hassan's involvement in the woman's death could not be substantiated. It attributes the woman's demise to falling or jumping from the train. However, the constable was found responsible for assaulting the woman passenger. On April 12, an FIR was lodged against Mir Hassan, initiating formal proceedings. Duty Officer ASI Tanveer Ahmed of Railway Police Station Hyderabad failed to take action despite the commotion involving the woman passenger and was unsuccessful in resolving the matter with the assistance of women police officers on duty. SHO Ghulam Hussain of Railway Police Station Hyderabad also neglected to address the issue by visiting the train, displaying extreme criminal negligence, as per the report.

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Lahore flights delayed as Dubai Airport flooded

Bad weather and heavy rains wreaked havoc on several flights bound for Lahore on Wednesday, as a deluge inundated Dubai International Airport, causing widespread disruption at the world's busiest airfield for international travel. Flights from and to Lahore were significantly delayed, with Emirates Airlines' flight EK-625 experiencing a six-hour delay, while Air Blue's Lahore-Dubai flight PA-416 was postponed for a staggering nineteen hours. Furthermore, PIA flight PK-186 from Sharjah was cancelled, further exacerbating travel woes. The arrival of Emirates Airlines' flight EK-624 was delayed by seven hours, while Emirates Airlines' Flight EK-623 departed Dubai six hours behind schedule. Read also: Dubai airport diverts flights as 'exceptional weather' hits Gulf The unprecedented rainfall, described by the state-run WAM news agency as a "historic weather event," began late Monday and intensified on Tuesday, drenching Dubai with over 5.59 inches of rain within 24 hours. This exceeded the average annual rainfall of 3.73 inches at Dubai International Airport. At the airport, flooded taxiways and halted arrivals marked the extent of the disruption, with passengers facing challenges navigating through the floodwater to reach terminals. Operations at the airport were briefly halted for about 25 minutes on Tuesday afternoon, with all arrivals diverted until weather conditions improved. As of late Wednesday morning, both the airport and flagship carrier Emirates continued to advise travellers against unnecessary visits to the airport, as flight check-in remained suspended.

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Opposition threatens to join farmers' protest

The opposition in the Punjab Assembly came down hard on the provincial government on Tuesday over not purchasing wheat from farmers at a fair price. The opposition members warned that they would stand by the farmers if they took to the streets in protest against the government’s wheat policy. The treasury benches had to face embarrassment at several occasions during the proceedings, especially over the absence of the ministers and secretaries of the departments whose business came under discussion. Senior lawmaker Sami Ullah Khan from the treasury benches also drew the attention of the house towards non-seriousness of the bureaucracy in responding to queries of the members. Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, who arrived late, had to apologise over a wrong reply submitted by the department to a query put by treasury lawmaker. Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Channar also expressed his displeasure over the absence of the ministers and secretaries, wondering how progress could be achieved if things remained unchanged. He warned that such behaviour would not be tolerated. The deputy speaker ruled that the ministers and secretaries whose business was on the assembly’s agenda were bound to be present. The education minister revealed that the government was going to introduce in the near future a teacher recruitment policy and establish a high school in every union council. Responding to another question, the minister said around 700 schools were operating in old buildings and the government was making a comprehensive plan to address the issue. During the discussion on the wheat procurement price, the opposition lawmakers termed the government policy flawed and detrimental to the agriculture sector. They said the wheat policy would crush the farmers. The legislators said the wheat should be purchased from farmers at better prices. If the farmers were not paid adequately, they would stop cultivating wheat, they warned. Opposition Leader Ahmed Khan Bhachar criticised the government over announcing a decrease in bread prices, depriving farmers of appropriate wheat price and a police raid at the wedding of PTI’s former minister Mian Aslam Iqbal’s daughter. He said the government had proved itself an enemy of the farmers through its policies. He said the people were being deceived under the garb of relief, adding that on one hand the Roti price had been reduced by Rs4 while on the other hand the petrol price had been increased. He said the PML-N was going to destroy the agriculture sector through its flawed polices. The opposition leader warned that there would be a wheat crisis by November and a mafia would purchase wheat at Rs2,500 per maund, which would create severe problems. He said the opposition strongly rejected the government’s wheat policy and would stand by the farmers if they would come on the roads to protest. Concluding the debate, Food Minister Bilal Yaseen denied that the government had introduced an anti-farmer policy. He said the government’s purchase rate was Rs3,900, which was the highest in Punjab. The minister said the wheat harvest in Punjab was higher than other provinces so the government could fix the support price without a problem. He said purchase of one million tonnes of wheat would not even amount to 10 per cent of the country's produce. He vowed that the farmers would be protected at any cost and accusing the government of being anti-farmer was incorrect and immature. He said the government planned to launch a farmer’s card to resolve issues related to fertiliser. Funds were borrowed from banks at the time of wheat purchase but the Eid holidays had delayed the process by a day and the matters had been settled. Responding the criticism from the opposition, he said the government had sufficient wheat sacks to deal with any untoward situation. After completion of the agenda, the deputy speaker prorogued the session for an indefinite period. Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2024.

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Authorities handcuffed as one-wheeling remains rampant

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) police finds itself handcuffed to issuing mere Rs 100 tickets to those recklessly engaging in the perilous act of one-wheeling, as it struggles to contain the rampant danger posed by such stunts. Meanwhile, as the authority grapples with the burgeoning crisis, the call for stricter legislation grows louder from the shattered families left to mourn the senseless loss of promising lives. According to details, a staggering 80% surge in road accidents this year stems from motorcycle mishaps, leaving shattered families to grapple with the aftermath of high-speed bike stunts. Limbs are lost, dreams dashed, as young lives are tragically cut short due to the allure of reckless thrill-seeking. Two years ago, tragedy struck 19-year-old Nauman's household on Independence Day, as he and his friends indulged in daredevil stunts. Racing down University Road, Nauman's joyride turned fatal when he collided with an electric pole, succumbing to his injuries. His family, still reeling from the shock, demands stricter laws to prevent further tragedies. Nauman's brother, Faheem Khan, expressed to The Express Tribune his deep concern, saying, "I shudder to think of how many households have been devastated by this deadly game. My brother, at an age meant for pursuing studies, had his life cut short due to reckless one-wheeling on a bike.” Read also: Strict measures in place against one-wheeling, unauthorised parking “We call for stricter legislation and punishment to prevent further tragedies from tearing families apart,” he added. Asif, another victim of reckless speed, now grapples with a broken arm that robs him of his ability to work and his father's peace of mind. Asif's father, Liaquat, shared with The Express Tribune, "The villagers and I repeatedly warned my son against one-wheeling and speeding, but he refused to heed our advice. Now, it's incredibly challenging for him to carry out daily tasks, such as going to the shop or working. He feels immense shame for his actions and is unable to ride a motorcycle due to his injured arm." Likewise, Wasif’s brush with death in the Chuha Gujar area of Peshawar left him battling deep head injuries with his memory forever scarred by the trauma Even a year after the incident, Wasif's memory continues to be significantly impacted by the accident. As a result, his family made the decision to get rid of the motorcycle. The scourge of one-wheeling extends beyond the capital city, infiltrating districts like Peshawar, Charsadda, Mardan, and beyond. However, despite the gravity of the issue, legislative loopholes leave law enforcement struggling to contain the menace. Read: One-wheelers rule roads as police spectate silently Areas like Chamkani and Gulbahar have become hotbeds for such antics, with weekends witnessing a surge in reckless behaviour. While traffic police make feeble attempts to curb the menace, the lack of stringent laws renders their efforts futile. Sources within the Peshawar police revealed that traffic authorities in the city only issue fines to 30 to 40 youths each month due to legal constraints. The paltry fines fail to deter repeat offenders, who brazenly return to the highways to engage in the deadly game once more. However, the traffic police merely seize the bikes and release the riders. Fines ranging from Rs100 to Rs300 are imposed, with payment demanded the following day at court. After disposing of their bikes, these individuals resume their one-wheeling escapades on the highways once more. Taqleen, a young man apprehended for one-wheeling in Peshawar's Tahkal area, recounted to The Express Tribune how his friends intervened to rescue him upon his capture. Subsequently, authorities impounded the motorcycle, and Taqleen faced a fine of Rs300 imposed by the court. Caught in the cycle of thrill and consequence, young men like Taqleen find themselves ensnared by the allure of danger, rescued by friends only to face a slap on the wrist from authorities.

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PM foresees Saudi delegation's visit as catalyst for enhanced cooperation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said the visit of the Saudi high-level delegation led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud would usher in a new era of very close cooperation in coming months. Speaking at a dinner hosted by him in honour of the Saudi foreign minister and his delegation, the prime minister said the Saudi delegation's visit has conveyed a message of hope and happiness to the people of Pakistan. https://ift.tt/EwubWl3 The visit would help promote trade and climate dialogue between the two countries, besides investment for mutual advantage, he added. “I am very happy to know that today’s discussion took place successfully and there has been a very satisfactory progress between the two sides as areas of mutual interest have been highlighted.” Also read: Saudi Arabia vows to bolster investment in Pakistan PM Shehbaz expressed the hope that multi-billion dollar agreements would be signed between the two sides and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman would likely to visit Pakistan to grace the occasion. He said the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) was a model that had been carved out in 2023. It was a very robust mechanism supervised by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Apex Committee in which the Chief of Army Staff was a prominent member along with politicians and others, he added. https://ift.tt/ZWUOD5w The Saudi foreign minister, on the occasion, said the two brotherly countries were initiating a new phase of bilateral partnership, including real and tangible economic cooperation. He assured that Saudi Arabia would work hand in hand with Pakistan in promoting bilateral economic relations.

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Murree to have more tourist spots

More tourist spots should be developed in Murree and Kotli Sattian and a comprehensive plan should be made for the development of the Murree. This was discussed in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, in which they were given a detailed briefing regarding various projects. Murree has become a concrete jungle, said Nawaz Sharif, adding that the construction standards have not been taken into consideration. He said that the construction of hotels, and buildings on land sliding points can be dangerous. The ancient beauty of historical buildings is destroyed, he added. Bad structures are distorting the natural beauty of Murree, said Maryam. A ban on the use of plastic bags was also ordered in Murree and other tourist places. The site was examined for building a state-of-the-art hospital in Murree. The proposal to issue permit cards to enter vehicles in Murree was considered. In-principle approval was given for a water supply scheme to bring water from river Jhelum to Murree. The maintenance and filtration plant of the existing water scheme was also discussed in the meeting. The officials also talked about measures to run cable cars and modern trams for parking in Murree. Banning the entry of vehicles into Murree was considered. It was directed to ensure the presence of parking in every building. Illegal buildings in Murree were identified and directed to demolish them immediately. Motorway-style clean toilets will be constructed in Murree. The Solid Waste Management Authority and Parks and Horticulture were approved for Murree. The final plan for the removal of encroachments in Murree has been approved. It was decided to make the general bus stand functional and close the illegal bases in Murree. The roads of Murree were approved to be made one-way and widened. The officials also directed the immediate construction and repair of Murree roads and the removal of potholes. The extension of Jhikagli Chowk was also reviewed in the meeting. Published in The Express Tribune, April 16th, 2024.

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Anti-dengue drive resumes in low spirit

The anti-dengue campaign has kicked off in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad after three weeks’ gap. After the completion of Ramazan ration distribution, the campaign is moving slowly because of the non-availability of available ingredients. Authorities have planned to enforce the Anti-Dengue Act in Rawalpindi district. The Punjab health department has yet to provide anti-dengue kits, spray pumps, and spray solutions to the Rawalpindi officials. The number of dengue patients in the district has climbed to six. The recruitment process for 1,500 dengue patrol workers and 300 entomologists in the anti-dengue team is still continuing. Earlier, the anti-dengue campaign was temporarily halted a week before the start of Ramazan to focus on the distribution of ration bags among the needy as all dengue patrol workers were included in the free ration squad. With the dry season approaching in Rawalpindi next week following recent rains, concerns grow among the officials and citizens about the breeding and spread of dengue larvae. The anti-dengue campaign has resumed at a slow pace after several anti-dengue workers obtained leaves due to their involvement in the ration distribution campaign. On the other hand, anti-dengue meetings are also being resumed. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has given strict orders to continue the campaign throughout the Eid holidays with a special plan. From January 1 to March 28, a total of 195 houses in Rawalpindi were found to have dengue larvae during inspections. During this period, 33 cases were filed, 35 properties were sealed, 78 challans were issued, and a total fine of Rs115,000 was imposed. However, due to a lack of workers, prompt action against 79 source reports, indicating a high presence of dengue larvae, couldn’t be taken despite passing two weeks. There are reports of increased larvae presence in those areas. All under-construction buildings, plazas, ponds, cemeteries, self-growing five-foot weeds, hemp, and bushes in Rawalpindi have been declared breeding grounds for dengue larvae and mosquitoes. The DC has issued orders to the Chief Officer of the Municipal Corporation to immediately trim bushes and hemp plants and spray them with poison. Furthermore, strict directives have also been issued to promptly dispose of rainwater from tyre shops, junkyards, containers, and discarded tyres. The DC has instructed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District Education Authority (DHA) to address issues such as water leakage from roofs, standing water in grounds and pots, and cutting overgrown grass in both government and private schools. Additionally, the establishment of special dengue wards in allied hospitals has been ordered soon. The DC has further asked all the concerned departments to provide updated reports of the ongoing anti-dengue campaign. A strict order has also been issued to start the third-party checking of dengue larva search daily. If larvae are discovered during these inspections, action will be taken against the field teams that declared the areas clear. Published in The Express Tribune, April 15th, 2024.

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Measles outbreak imperils children in K-P

In developed nations across the globe, a comprehensive immunisation program is key to preventing childhood diseases and ensuring a healthier future generation however, in Pakistan’s northern province, a lack of manpower and resources for carrying forth the vaccination campaign against the recent measles outbreak, has left many parents worried for the health of their little ones. One such parent is Bakhtwar Gul from South Waziristan, who shared his anxieties for his children’s health following the recent measles outbreak in Khyber-Pakhtunkha (K-P) which has claimed the lives of 14 innocent children so far. “In our area, no vaccinators are normally available to administer the measles vaccine to our children. Whenever an outbreak occurs, the Extended Programme on Immunisation (EPI) sends a mobile team for a small duration but throughout the year no such efforts are made,” revealed Gul. In his defence, Hasan Ali, an EPI vaccinator claimed that for several days, the EPI vaccinators were in protest. “The government only allocates Rs300 for our monthly fuel expenses. We have to travel to risky terrains which are miles away and such a small amount of money can hardly buy one litre of petrol. Moreover, the government also does not give us risk allowances and other resources to facilitate routine immunisation,” regretted Ali, who urged the government to assist vaccinators so that a significant percentage of the target population can be immunised. According to Dr Muhammad Hussain, President of the Pakistan Paediatric Association KP- Chapter, measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world since every infected person can spread the virus to as many as 18 other people. “This airborne virus stays in the atmosphere for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room and can hence spread rapidly through homes, schools, clinics and hospitals. Unfortunately, the vaccination rate against measles in Pakistan is less than 60 per cent,” disclosed Dr Hussain, who further added that the measles vaccination should be administered to all children under 5 years of age. Read also: Measles claims over 13 lives in K-P Expanding on Dr Hussain’s postulations, Dr Hamid Bangash, a paediatrician opined that the government must aim to vaccinate at least 70 per cent of children through its routine immunisation against measles. “Vaccines are the only way to reduce the severity of the disease, which causes rashes to appear on the child’s skin, 7 to 18 days after exposure to the virus. Alongside rashes, a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes are also common symptoms, while in the most severe cases, death can also occur,” warned Dr Bangash, who urged the government to resolve the issues faced by the EPI vaccinators in order to strengthen the program. As per sources from the K-P Health Department, this is not the first time the EPI has landed under scrutiny for its fruitless handling of the measles vaccination campaign since even during the Covid-19 pandemic, EPI vaccinators were unable to carry on the measles vaccine drive due to their newly assigned duty of administering the Covid-19 vaccine. As a result, 50 per cent of the target children were missed from routine immunisation during the pandemic. According to sources obtained by the Express Tribune from the EPI, a total of 3,538 cases of measles affecting children between the ages of two to five are suspected in K-P, out of which 1,236 have been confirmed in areas like D. I. Khan, Tank, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, North and South Waziristan, Peshawar, Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera and Swat. Furthermore, during the first quarter of 2024, 26,725 children have been vaccinated in response to the outbreak while an additional 200,000 children were given the measles vaccination during the Intensified Outreach Activity. Speaking to the Express Tribune on the matter, Dr Muhammad Arif Khan, Director of EPI K-P said, “The EPI has forwarded the request to extend the travel expenses of outreach vaccinators, but they were declined due to a shortage of resources and funds. A special initiative called ‘Big Catch-up’ is underway in Jun 2024 for bridging the immunity gap in children older than 23 months.”

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Accused in Sarabjit Singh attack case shot dead in Lahore

Amir Sarfaraz alias Amir Tamba, an accused involved in the murder of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh in Kot Lakhpat jail in 2013, has died during treatment for gunshot wounds in a hospital on Sunday. He was shot by two unidentified suspects at his residence in Islampura earlier in the day. Junaid Sarfaraz, the younger brother of Amir, said that his brother was inside the house on the first floor at Ganga Street and the gate of the house was open. Suddenly, two unidentified motorcyclists approached and shot the victim. One of the unidentified suspects was wearing a face mask while the other was wearing a helmet. Amir received serious bullet injuries and was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment but he succumbed to his wounds. Reportedly, Amir had received four bullet injuries, two in the chest and two in the legs. In 2013, Amir along with another suspect Mudassir had been accused of murdering an Indian death row prisoner Sarbajit Singh detained in Kot Lakhpat jail convicted for involvement in bombings in Lahore in the ‘90s. Amir and Mudassir had attacked the victim with iron rods and bricks. Read also: Indian govt orchestrated assassinations in Pakistan: report A murder case was registered against them but the accused persons were exonerated of the murder charges due to lack of evidence. Last year in October, unidentified suspects shot dead a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) leader Shahid Latif, along with his security guards in a mosque in Daska. Latif was accused of being the mastermind of Pathankot airbase attack in 2016. Shahid was arrested in the ‘90s after he along with others had infiltrated Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK). He was detained in jail along with main JeM leader Masood Azhar until being released in 2010. IG Punjab Dr Usman Anwar while holding a press conference at his office had said that a rogue agency of a neighbouring country had orchestrated the attack and they had arrested all the accused persons involved in the attack. In June 2021, a car bombing occurred outside the residence of Hafiz Saeed, the leader of the banned organisation Jamat ul Dawat (JeD), resulting in multiple casualties. Pakistan had accused India's state agency RAW of being behind the attacks.

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