Author: newsdesk

  • Constitutional Amendment Bill: What was the govt trying to do?

    Constitutional Amendment Bill: What was the govt trying to do?

    The coalition government remained unsuccessful last week as it tried to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill amidst protests by opposition party and senior lawyers. The Government failed to get the magic number to pass the bill with JUI-F President Fazal ur Rehman holding the key. Fazl took the centre stage as opposition and coalition government raced to meet with him to get his support. Ultimately, the government postponed the sessions of Parliament on Sunday indefinitely as the government’s cajoling did not convince JUI-F’s Fazal ur Rehman.

    However, what exactly was the secretive amendments bill? The Current breaks it down for you:

    Article 17

    When the government decides to ban a political party if it threatens the sovereignty and integrity of Pakistan, the government shall refer the matter to “Federal Constitutional Court” instead of the Supreme Court

    Article 63A

    Votes given by members of Parliaments against their party directions will be counted and not disregarded.

    Article 175

    Seniority principle for appointment of Chief Justice of Pakistan revised. Under the amendments, the CJP would be appointed based on the recommendation of National Assembly Committee.

    Section 46

    No Court including the Supreme Court or the proposed Federal Constitutional Court would have the authority to call into question any amendment or provision of Constitution made by the Parliament.

    Article 179

    The retirement age for a judge of the Federal Constitutional Court has been raised from 65 to 68 years. Additionally, if a former Supreme Court judge is appointed to the Federal Constitutional Court, they shall hold office for a term of three years. It has also been added that the term of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (CJ SC) shall be three years unless they resign, are removed from office, or attain the age of 65 years.

    Article 184

    All petitions, appeals, or review applications against judgments passed under Article 184, whether pending or filed before the Supreme Court even prior to these constitutional amendments, will now be transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court for adjudication.

    Article 184

    All appeals, petitions, or review applications arising from orders or judgments by High Courts passed under Article 199 (mostly matters related to federal and provincial governments), which are pending before the Supreme Court, shall be transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court for adjudication.

    Article 185

    Any appeal from High Court involving matters of constitutional interpretation would also be heard by the Federal Constitutional Court and not the Supreme Court.

    Article 189

    Decisions made by the Federal Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court on questions of law will be binding on all courts in Pakistan, including the Supreme Court itself.

    However, decisions made by the Supreme Court on questions of law will be binding on all courts except the Federal Constitutional Court.

    Article 190

    All executive and judicial authorities to act in aid of the proposed Federal Constitutional Court. The requirement to act in aid of Supreme Court has been removed.

    Article 192

    The number of High Court judges will now be decided by the Parliament.

    Article 193

    Eligibility criteria for a High Court judge changed as the person must have been an advocate of the High Court for 15 years and have held a judicial office for 15 years instead of 10 years.

    Article 199

    The High Court shall not make any orders against armed forces personnel performing functions under any law related to national security.

    Article 200

    The President would have the authority to transfer a High Court judge on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission.

    Article 202

    The rules for practice and procedure that the High Court may establish are now subject to the Constitution and Parliament, rather than just the Constitution and law.

  • India to face China in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy final today

    India to face China in Asian Hockey Champions Trophy final today

    India will face China in the final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy today.

    India will look to win their fifth Asian Champions Trophy, defeating hosts China.

    In the first semi-final, China defeated Pakistan on a penalty shoot-out to qualify for the final for the first time. In the second semi-final, India defeated South Korea.

  • KP discontinues testing service for hiring govt employees under scale 9

    KP discontinues testing service for hiring govt employees under scale 9

    The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has abolished the Educational Testing and Evolution Agency (ETA) test for jobs below Scale 9.

    The Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa issued a notification in light of the decision of the provincial cabinet.

    The notification says that except for Police, Finance Department, Jail, Forest, Excise and Rescue recruitment in other departments will not be done on ETA. Apart from these six departments, all other departments are authorized to make recruitments in Scale 9 on their own.

    The announcement further states that recruitments in autonomous institutions will also not be done through ETA.

  • Sindh Culture Minister takes action over missing artwork

    Sindh Culture Minister takes action over missing artwork

    Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Minister for Culture and Tourism in Sindh, has formed a two-person investigating commission to investigate the disappearance of painter Safdar Ali Soomro’s artwork .

    The Director General of Antiquities and the Director General of Culture make up the committee which will conduct a thorough investigation and provide a comprehensive report on the missing artwork

    Minister for Cultural Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said, “We have initiated a comprehensive investigation, and further action will be taken based on the findings. Any negligence or misconduct will be addressed accordingly.”
    Big Bang issued a statement on their Instagram account, saying,

    “As artists and producers ourselves, our sympathies go out to the concerned individual. This being said, Big Bang Entertainment would like to clarify that we have no involvement in this matter. The location for this specific shoot was rented, and as per our agreement, all assets present, including the painting in question, belonged to the venue owners.”

    “Unfortunately, this is beyond the control of our production team, and we encourage the artist to directly address the matter with the concerned parties. We hope for a swift and fair resolution and expect all stakeholders to respect the unprecedented success and acclaim Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum has organically achieved these past few weeks.”

    Safdar Ali Soomro, a talented artist from Daharki in Ghokti, Sindh, never imagined that his paintings would be featured in the smash hit drama Kabhi Mein Kabhi Tum.

    The trending serial has captured the hearts of viewers both in Pakistan and abroad, with its characters and storyline receiving widespread praise.

    However, an unexpected twist occurred when artist Safdar Ali Soomro recognized his lost paintings hanging in the background in one of the episodes.

    In an exclusive conversation with The Current, Safdar shared the story of his missing artwork. Graduating from the University of Sindh with a focus on fine arts, Safdar created 16 paintings for his thesis, all in blue monochrome, under the theme ‘Innocent Faces.’ These works were displayed at his university’s Benazir Art Gallery, after which he sought exhibitions in Karachi.

    “After the display, I took my paintings to Karachi to explore the market. I had already participated in two or three local exhibitions while I was at the university. I saw an ad on Frere Hall’s social media inviting artists to submit their paintings for an exhibition. I submitted my paintings to their Sadeqain Art Gallery, and they made an entry in their book. I might have received a receipt, but I don’t have it anymore.”

    Before bringing his paintings to Karachi, he had already showcased his work in a few university exhibitions.

    Safdar submitted his paintings to Frere Hall, but to his dismay, he was informed that they had gone missing. Seven years later, in 2024, he was surprised to see his artwork featured in episode 17 of Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum.

    “ I want to say that whoever’s paintings they are, they should get the credit. No third party should take credit for my work. I am the owner of those paintings, and I have proofs and my signature on them,” Soomro added.

    The Current reached out to Big Bang Productions, who clarified that they had nothing to do with the paintings and only paid rent for the scene shot at Frere Hall. The problem now lies at Frere Hall’s doorsteps, with many questions still unanswered.

  • ‘Constitutional amendments will destroy Pakistan’s future,’ warns Imran Khan

    ‘Constitutional amendments will destroy Pakistan’s future,’ warns Imran Khan

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said that new constitutional amendments will jeopardise the country’s future.

    Talking to journalists in Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, founder Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said that the formation of a new Federal Constitutional Court is originates from the incumbent government’s fear of the Supreme Court (SC).

    He also claimed that the purpose of constitutional amendments is to keep him in jail.

    “Sitting members in government don’t want to perceive the judiciary as independent,” he added.

    He also alleged that the money and properties of those proposing the amendments are abroad.

    Criticising the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, he said, “The incumbent government wanted to destroy judiciary by reinstating CJP Isa.”

    Khan also said that he had predicted that PTI rally in Lahore on September 21 would be peaceful and historical.

  • JUI-F leader questions need for secrecy in constitutional amendments

    JUI-F leader questions need for secrecy in constitutional amendments

    Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader Hafiz Hamdullah has questioned the need for secrecy in the constitutional amendment drafts that were being prepared for voting in parliaments.

    Appearing in the Geo News programme Geo Pakistan, Hamdullah expressed concern over constitutional amendments, stating, “The coalition parties and opposition parties are completely unaware of the constitutional package that the government proposed. The real draft of the amendments is hidden.”

    He remarked that if the amendments are in Pakistan’s interest, why is the government being secretive.

    He further said, “Poori hakumat Maulana Fazlur Rehman kay haan ya na par khari hai,” and asked suspiciously, Do the amendments aim to make the judiciary independent or control it?

    Responding to party dispute with the incumbent government over proposed amendments, he clarified, “JUI-F’s basic disagreement over constitutional amendments is based on judges extension. JUI-F will answer if the government share a draft with us.”

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s Advisor for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has declared meetings with Chief JUI-F Maulana Fazlur Rehman productive.

    Speaking with the media in the parliament house, Sanaullah disclosed that the Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto, along with Chief JUI-F Rehman, have decided to widen the scope of consultation, which Sanaullah declared beneficial for democracy.

  • Law minister says can bring new legislation in assembly to avoid ‘delayed justice’

    Law minister says can bring new legislation in assembly to avoid ‘delayed justice’

    Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar told the National Assembly that legislation is underway to take disciplinary action against judges who do not decide cases within a year.

    Responding to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser’s speech in the session, Nazir Tarar said that Parliament has the authority to enact legislation within the constitutional framework.

    “Asad Qaiser is very ‘respectable’ for me as he used to be sitting on the speaker’s chair.

    Shedding light on the contents of the supposed draft, Tarrar said it had “not yet been presented before the federal cabinet as a draft nor in the CCLC (Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases)”

    Addressing the opposition, he added that further scrutiny is still to be done. “We will send you the draft only when our work is done.”

    Defending the proposed constitutional package, the law minister said, “25 crore people have given us the authority, we have to decide the direction of the country and not the Chief Justice deciding the rate of sugar or the installation of electricity poles.”

    Azam Nazir Tarar asserted that he wanted to propose a constitutional court, which was immediately linked to the tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan wrongly.

    That constituional court will act like a judicial commission comprising of a chief justice and 7 to 8 judges, he said. All the provinces will be represented in this constitutional court.

    “We want our judges to be held accountable and their performances be reviewed on yearly bases,” Tarrar stated. Additionally, he also said that this will remind the judges enjoying privileges more than anyone else to know that they have to decide for the matters of people from low-income strata to wrap up soonerwhich otherwise don’t happen as it is said, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”

    “Because of our weaknesses, we want our cases to go to the Supreme Court and be resolved there because we cannot resolve these cases by sitting together,” the Law minister commented, targeting the community of politicians.

    The Law Minister said that right now the government is bringing the package of Criminal Code which includes 90 different amendments from arrest to registration of FIR, entry of challans, role of prosecution and bails and judgments of cases, time of trial. A judge will be required to decide a case in one year of the trial time otherwise there will be disciplinary action against that judge.

    “I challenge that the opposition can ask any lawyer council about this package and if it is rejected, I will be responsible,” claimed the law minister.

    Earlier,PTI’s Asad Qaiser, while expressing his opinion in the National Assembly session, had questioned the intentions of the treasury benches stating that if the minister does not have the package, then where has this draft came from.

    Asad Qaiser exclaimed, “Is the opposition an enemy of this country? We want you bring the amendments and discuss them here in the House first. Legislation in the dark of the night or in a secretive manner is a stain on the face of the Parliament.”

  • Babar and Kohli to play in the same team?

    Babar and Kohli to play in the same team?

    Imagine the excitement for cricket fans if Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, along with India’s Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, played on the same team.

    This dream union could soon become a reality. But how and when could this happen, if at all?

    According to the Indian media, an important development is coming from the cricket circles: talks to start the famous cricket tournament ‘Afro-Asia Cup’ once again are starting.

    If anyone does not know what the Afro-Asia Cup is, let us tell them that this tournament was played in 2005 and 2007, and two teams (Asia XI and Africa XI) participated.

    The Asia XI included cricketers from Asian teams, including Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka, while the Africa XI had players from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and neighbouring countries.

    After two successful editions, this tournament could not continue due to political tension between Pakistan and India.

    The 2008 Mumbai attacks badly affected the cricketing relationship between Pakistan and India, and this is the reason why the two countries do not even play series against each other.

    However, according to Indian media, this Afro-Asia Cup tournament is likely to be restarted after Jay Shah becomes the new chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in December this year.

    Indian media say that the new season of the Afro-Asia Cup can be held in T20 format.

    If the final decision is made, the cricketing world will likely see a moment in 2025 that has never happened before. The teams of Pakistan and India are playing on the same team, and then possibly Babar and Kohli are on the same team.

    The Asian XI of the first Afro-Asia Cup in 2005 included many famous Asian cricketers, including Virender Sehwag, Shahid Afridi, Muhammad Yousuf, Abdul Razak, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahila Jayawardene, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Nehra.

  • Highest price in Pakistan’s history: Gold rate climbs to Rs268,000 per tola

    Highest price in Pakistan’s history: Gold rate climbs to Rs268,000 per tola

    24-karat gold price, on first trading day of the week, resumed its record high run and surged by Rs1,700 per tola after an increase in global bullion rates.

    The recent surge in yellow metal’s price has pushed the gold rate to Rs268,000 per tola, which is the highest price ever recorded for the precious metal in the history of Pakistan.

    It is worth noting that in the previous session, gold price in the local market rose by Rs400 per tola and settled the day at Rs266,300 per tola, which was the record high rate at the time for yellow metal in the country.

    On the other hand, the global rate of gold also climbed on Monday as the per ounce price was quoted at $2,587, including a premium of $20, reflecting an increase of $10.

    More to follow..

  • Maryam Nawaz halts pink salt export; industry leader concerned

    Maryam Nawaz halts pink salt export; industry leader concerned

    Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure that the export of pink raw salt is halted.

    Chairing a meeting to review proposals on maximising revenue from the export of pink salt, she stated, “Pink salt is like a treasure trove for Pakistan.”

    She ordered the preparation of a plan to form a value-added industry of pink salt aiming to generate up to thirteen billion dollars in the next three to five years and suggested a comprehensive strategy to improve the export of pink salt.

    For the extraction of minerals in Punjab, CM Punjab Maryam directed to ensure the safety of mining workers and advised them to use modern technology for better output.

    The Founding Chairman of the Salts Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), Ismail Suttar declared the announcement “immature.”

    Suttar said, “It is very unfortunate to witness repeated mistakes by the government, leading the industry towards a destructive path.”

    “I am surprised at such a remark from the Office of the Chief Minister without considering the opinion of the salt industry stakeholders,” he concluded.