Category: Politics

News stories of Politics, for the topics that matter the most to young professionals and college students, political news reported with a different angle.

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt to challenge constitutional amendments

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt to challenge constitutional amendments

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, led by Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur, has decided to file a petition in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the federal government’s proposed constitutional amendments.

    In a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Ali Amin Gandapur, cabinet members stressed that parliament is incomplete as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has not yet received its reserved seats.

    “Federal government doesn’t have the authority of constitutional amendments,” cabinet members added.

    The KP cabinet meeting also approved a grant of thirty million rupees for the Lahore High Court Bar Association, and by relaxing the ban on vehicle purchases, the cabinet also approved ninety lac rupees for High Court judges.

    Earlier, the federal government announced the twenty-sixth constitutional amendment, which reads that the eight-member National Assembly Committee will send the names of top senior judges to the Prime Minister (PM) for the position of Chief Justice (CJ) of the Federal Constitutional Court. The committee will then choose one CJ out of three recommended names, ruling out the scenario of the most senior judge as CJ.

  • Joe Biden appreciates Pakistan’s efforts in tackling terrorism

    Joe Biden appreciates Pakistan’s efforts in tackling terrorism

    President of the United States (US) Joe Biden has highlighted the significance of Washington’s relations with Pakistan for “regional stability and security” after he received a Letter of Credence from the Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Shiekh.

    At a ceremony at Blair House in Washington DC, Biden said, “The relationship between our two countries remains important for regional stability and security. We appreciate US-Pakistan cooperation on countering terrorist threats,” a statement released by the Pakistan embassy in the US read.

    “The United States will continue to stand with Pakistan to tackle the most pressing global and regional challenges of our time,” he added.

    The US President’s statement comes at a crucial time when the US imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies and a Chinese research institute that had assisted Pakistan in developing the Shaheen Three and Ababeel missile systems.

    During a press briefing from Washington yesterday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller had stated, “We have been clear and consistent about our concerns with Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme for many years.”

  • Russia supports Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS

    Russia supports Pakistan’s bid to join BRICS

    Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk on Wednesday said that his country will back Pakistan’s endeavour to join BRICS, a bloc of the world’s five major emerging economies.

    Speaking at a press conference along with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Overchuk said, “We would be supportive of Pakistan’s request to be part of BRICS.”

    Responding to Overchuk’s statement, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar remarked, “Pakistan is extremely grateful for Russian support in our bid for BRICS membership.”

    Commenting on Russia’s visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) scheduled in Islamabad next month, Overchuk confirmed that Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend it.

    He also wished Pakistan to join the North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC), a Russian initiative to connect its economy with Asian countries.

    BRICS is an acronym for five of the world’s emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Last year, the bloc also invited Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Iran, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates.

  • ‘Get out’: Mansoor Ali Khan lambasts Afghan ambassador for not standing on anthem

    ‘Get out’: Mansoor Ali Khan lambasts Afghan ambassador for not standing on anthem

    Senior journalist and YouTuber Mansoor Ali Khan got angry at Afghan ambassador Hafiz Mohibullah Shakri for not standing up when Pakistan’s national anthem was played at the Rehmat-ul-Alameen Conference in Peshawar.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mansoor said, “The cricket you play today? If Pakistan hadn’t helped you, we would have seen how you play cricket. But today, you have so much pain in your legs that you can’t stand for the national anthem of Pakistan. If you can’t stand, get out of here. Get out of this country if you can’t stand the national anthem of Pakistan. Then there is no need for people like you here.”

    The visibily angry television anchor then said, “The government there should take care of themselves. Teach him manners. Tell him that when you step on Pakistani land, you will have to stand for the national anthem. You will have to stand up for it.”

    Afghan Consul General Hafiz Mohibullah Shakri, posted in Peshawar, is under criticism for not standing in honour of the national anthem at the ceremony organized by the provincial government in Peshawar. A resolution of condemnation against the Afghan diplomat has also been submitted to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

    However, the Afghan consulate says that not standing for the national anthem is part of the Taliban government’s policy, which has been explained to the Afghan and Pakistani governments.

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt plans to remove most checkposts

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa govt plans to remove most checkposts

    Chief Minister (CM) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur has announced the removal of several checkpoints across the province.

    Citing the convenience of the people, he stated that the KP government intends to demolish the majority of check posts and urges the public to cooperate in maintaining law and order.

    He also clarified that the government plans to reinstate the elder jirga system in KP after reaching a consensus at district-level meetings.

    In response to Afghan Acting Consul General Muhib Ullah Shakil and his aide’s refusal to stand for Pakistan’s national anthem at the Peshawar conference, Gandapur stated, “It is their policy not to stand before any anthem that includes music.”

    However, Afghan Consulate Peshawar spokesperson Shahid Ullah clarified, “The Consul General did not stand due to the music in the anthem. We have even banned our own national anthem for the same reason.”

  • Did bureaucracy scam Maryam Nawaz over electricity relief?

    Did bureaucracy scam Maryam Nawaz over electricity relief?

    The bureaucracy has scammed Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and electricity consumers over the provincial government’s announcement of providing electricity relief of fourteen rupees per unit.

    Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) sources told Geo News that electricity bill relief was only served to single-phase consumer meters, while three-phase consumer meters were exempted.

    Despite the announcement by CM Punjab of fourteen rupees unit relief for consumers, the Power Ministry advised giving relief to just single-phase meter consumers.

    LESCO sources clarified that no relief is given to three-phase meter consumers this month and explained that three-phase meters are commercial meters and, technically, do not fall in the relief category.

    Earlier, CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a fourteen-rupee relief for consumers using up to five hundred electricity units per month on their September and October bills.

    The relief was granted after the Punjab government decided to cut its development budget and subsidise the small electricity consumers.

  • Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will be the next Chief Justice of Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto clears the air

    Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will be the next Chief Justice of Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto clears the air

    Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stated that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah will replace Chief Justice Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa as the country’s next apex judge.

    Speaking to ARY News, the former Foreign Minister said, “On October 26, Justice Mansoor will become the next chief justice — no doubt.”

    Responding to the formation of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), Chairman PPP said that the Supreme Court’s workload is so heavy that it affects the judiciary’s performance.

    He added, “We waited almost 50 years for justice in Shaheed [Zulfiqar Ali] Bhutto’s murder case.”

    Expecting a constructive role from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the twenty-sixth amendments, Bhutto said, “It is difficult for [the government] to discuss constitutional amendments with PTI along with its input.”

    On the same day, appearing in the Geo News programme Capital Talk, Bhutto clarified that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) was crafting its amendments draft.

    “PPP will prepare its draft regarding the formation of the constitutional court and will share it with Maulana Fazlur Rehman,” he concluded.

  • Criticism follows after Afghan diplomats refused to stand up during Pakistan’s national anthem

    Criticism follows after Afghan diplomats refused to stand up during Pakistan’s national anthem

    Pakistani social media slammed Afghan Acting Consul General Muhib Ullah Shakil and his aide after they refused to stand up for Pakistan’s national anthem, defying diplomatic norms, at the National Rehmat-ul-Lil-Aalamin (PBUH) Conference in Peshawar on September 17.

    Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch criticised Afghan diplomats, saying, “The disrespect of the host country’s national anthem is against diplomatic norms.”

    Pakistan also lodged a strong protest with Afghan authorities yesterday over the actions of Afghanistan’s acting consul general in Peshawar towards the national anthem.

    In a short clip has since gone viral on the internet, everyone, including CM KP Ali Amin Gandapur and other officials, can be seen standing up for the national anthem except the two Afghan gentlemen who deliberately refuse to stand up as a sign of respect.

    Relations between both countries have deteriorated ever since the rise of terrorist activities in Pakistan, for which it blames neighbouring Afghanistan.

    Some netizens asked whether the Afghan diplomats would do the same if they were invited by China or Iran, while others criticised the KP government for inviting the Afghan diplomats.

    Afghan Consulate Peshawar spokesperson Shahid Ullah clarified, ” The Consul General did not stand due to the music in the anthem. We have even banned our own national anthem for the same reason.”

    Journalist Ihsanullah Tipu Mehsud wrote on X, “I have said this repeatedly; the Taliban Government functions differently from other traditional political and diplomatic entities, driven fundamentally by an ideology that shapes its state affairs, including both politics and diplomacy. Whether one likes it or not, this is the new normal.”

    Former Minster Shireen Mazari also took to X to write, “Rubbish. They are bound by diplomatic norms to stand up for the national anthem. There is simply no justification & these men should be expelled ASAP. & frankly, CM KP should apologise to the ppl for letting this insult to the nation happen on his watch.”

    One social media user wondered how CM KP Gandapur often issues threats to fellow politicians and leaders but remained quiet in front of the Afghan Taliban guests who openly disrespected the nation.

  • ‘Govt and establishment would be comfortable with Qazi Faez Isa’s extension,’ says Ansar Abbasi

    ‘Govt and establishment would be comfortable with Qazi Faez Isa’s extension,’ says Ansar Abbasi

    Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has cleared that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah would replace Chief Justice Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa as the country’s apex judge.

    Speaking to ARY News, the former Foreign Minister said, “On October 26, Justice Mansoor will become the next chief justice — no doubt.”

    Responding to the formation of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), Chairman PPP said that the Supreme Court’s workload is so much that it affects the judiciary’s performance.

    He added, “We waited almost 50 years for justice in Shaheed [Zulfiqar Ali] Bhutto’s murder case.”

    Expecting a constructive role from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the twenty-sixth amendments, Bhutto said, “It is difficult for [the government] to discuss constitutional amendments with PTI along with its input.”

    On the same day, appearing in the Geo News programme Capital Talk, Bhutto clarified that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) was crafting its amendments draft.

    “PPP will prepare its draft regarding the formation of the constitutional court and will share it with Maulana Fazlur Rehman,” he concluded.

  • Sanaullah informally discussed amendments with PTI; Gandapur calls it an attack on democracy

    Sanaullah informally discussed amendments with PTI; Gandapur calls it an attack on democracy

    Prime Minister Advisor for Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has confirmed that the government held informal talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the proposed constitutional amendments draft.

    Appearing on the Geo News programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, the PM’s Advisor remarked that the PTI leadership also envisaged that amendments would bring better results.

    He said, “The agreed amendments can be approved in the first week of October,” while the rest will be passed after securing a one-third majority in parliament.

    Responding to the formation of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), Sanaullah said, “Apex court judges are disturbed” by the number of pending cases. FCC will hear cases regarding constitutional petitions,” which would significantly elevate the judiciary’s burden.

    Meanwhile, Chief Minister (CM) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur said that approval of proposed amendments is a far distinct thing; they (the government) wouldn’t even dare to present it in parliament.

    He said, “These amendments are an attack on Pakistan’s democracy, and PTI won’t let them win.”