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 schools shifting to a new examination system

    Khyber schools shifting to a new examination system

    The District Education Office has launched a novel approach to annual examinations, emphasizing student learning outcomes (SLO) over rote memorization. This initiative aims to shift the focus from cramming to demonstrating genuine subject knowledge in exam papers.

    According to officials speaking to Dawn, the inspiration for the SLO-based exam system stems from the annual intermediate exams conducted by the board of Intermediate and secondary education. Under this system, subject specialists set uniform exam papers for all affiliated educational institutions.

    Abdur Rehman, Principal of a government high school in Jamrud and a member of the committee responsible for drafting unified exam papers highlighted that the introduction of the SLO-based system intends to discourage cramming and promote genuine understanding of subjects among students.

    He cited the poor results from last year’s grade 9–10 annual exams as a driving force behind this initiative.

    “The new exam system, which has been introduced at the school level in Khyber district for the first time, will not only help improve exam results, but it will strengthen the mental faculties of the students as well,” he said.

    Under the new system, exam papers consist of two parts: Part I comprises multiple-choice questions (short questions), while Part II includes critical questions aimed at encouraging students to provide detailed answers based on their understanding of the subjects.

    The examinations are currently underway in the district, commencing on March 4 and scheduled to conclude on March 25.

    “A three-member committee engaged at least 12 qualified subject specialists for scrutinising and proofreading new papers,” he said.

    Education expert Bahadar Khan lauded the initiative, emphasizing the quality of papers designed under the SLO-based system, which he believes will benefit both students and teachers.

    Moreover, the system is expected to reduce expenses for schools by eliminating the need for separate exam paper drafting and printing.

    Senior teacher Sharifullah Afridi from a government school in Landi Kotal also praised the new exam system.

    He also said the SLO-based exam system would do away with “laziness and indolence” among teachers and would make them more responsible regarding the discharge of their duties.

  • ‘Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood have right to appeal in cipher case,’ says Islamabad High Court

    ‘Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood have right to appeal in cipher case,’ says Islamabad High Court

    Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that the appeals of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi against their convictions in the cipher case are maintainable.

    The court invited both the prosecution and defense counsel to present their arguments starting Monday.

    Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, comprising the IHC division bench, resumed the hearing on the appeals concerning Mr. Khan and Mr. Qureshi’s convictions and 10-year sentences each in the cipher case.

    During the previous hearing, special prosecutor Hamid Ali Shah raised objections regarding the maintainability of the appeals filed by Mr. Khan and Mr. Qureshi. Mr. Shah highlighted that the Official Secrets Act, enacted in 1923, did not provide the right of appeal except during the trial proceeding. He contended that since the trial court had already convicted the two leaders, the conviction should be considered final, as there was no provision for the right of appeal.

    However, Barrister Salman Safdar, representing Imram Khan, argued that if the law did not grant the right of appeal against conviction, the court should consider this as a case of first impression.

    He emphasized that the former prime minister and former foreign minister were convicted under the law used to prosecute espionage suspects. Mr. Safdar pointed out that superior courts had ruled in numerous cases that convicts could not be left without a remedy.

    He added that while the high treason case did not provide the right of appeal, the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 1976, designated the Supreme Court as the forum for appeal.

    The bench ultimately concluded that the appeals were maintainable and decided to proceed with hearing the case on its merits.

    Imran Khan and Shah Mahmood have been jailed for 10 years in a case where they were charged with leaking state secrets.

    What is Cipher case

    Cipher is a classified cable, which in this case, was sent to Islamabad by Pakistan’s ambassador in Washington in 2022.

    Immediately after his removal as prime minister in April 2022, Khan said that the United States had a hand in his removal. He also raised a paper during a jalsa and claimed it to be Cipher. Washington and the Pakistani military have denied his accusations. Khan later toned down his rhetoric against the US.

    But a US-based news outlet, The Intercept, in August 2023 published what it claimed to be a “cipher” that hinted the US administration wanted to remove Khan from power. Khan maintains his ouster in April 2022 was orchestrated by the country’s powerful military and his political opponents.

    The Intercept published purported details of a conversation between Pakistan’s former ambassador to the US, Asad Majeed Khan, and Donald Lu, the assistant secretary of state for the US Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, on March 7, 2022.

    The conversation took place under two weeks after Khan visited Moscow, on the day Russia invaded Ukraine. In the exchange, Lu raised concerns about Khan’s visit to Russia and Pakistan’s neutral stance on the Ukraine war.

    “I think if a no-confidence vote against the prime minister succeeds, all will be forgiven in Washington,” Lu allegedly told Asad Majeed Khan, who sent the details of the conversation to Islamabad through a secret diplomatic cable.

  • EU denies receiving any communication from PTI regarding GSP+

    EU denies receiving any communication from PTI regarding GSP+

    European Union’s delegation has expressed that they have not yet received any official communication from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) about the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade status currently held by Pakistan.

    Samar Saeed Akhtar, the Press Officer for the EU Delegation, clarified the EU’s stance to Dawn, stating, “We have not received any official communication from PTI regarding GSP+.”

    In a press conference held on Wednesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar alleged that PTI spokespersons, purportedly receiving directives from incarcerated party members, are orchestrating a scheme to undermine Pakistan’s GSP+ status. He claimed that PTI’s criticism of the government’s treatment of its founder, Imran Khan, in prison serves as a pretext for their efforts to jeopardize the country’s trade privileges.

    Furthermore, Tarar accused PTI of engaging in a conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan’s economy, citing PTI’s alleged correspondence with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as evidence. He emphasized the incumbent government’s commitment to economic recovery and lambasted PTI for purportedly prioritizing political gain over national interests.

    In response to Tarar’s claims, a PTI spokesperson categorically denied any intention of petitioning the EU to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status, dismissing the allegations as baseless and accusing Tarar of disseminating falsehoods. The spokesperson highlighted PTI’s dedication to national prosperity and defended Imran Khan’s role in facilitating the IMF program, attributing delays to the incompetence of previous administrations.

    Pakistan has been benefiting from the GSP+ program since 2014. This initiative, devised by the EU, aims to incentivize developing countries to uphold human rights principles, labor rights, environmental conservation, and good governance through trade incentives, including reduced tariffs for exports to the EU market. However, this preferential status is contingent upon the country demonstrating significant progress in implementing 27 international conventions covering various rights and governance issues.

    The EU meticulously monitors compliance with these conventions, relying on reports from the UN and other international bodies, and conducts regular assessments through on-ground missions. These evaluations are then reflected in reports to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, with biennial reviews conducted in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022. The latest review highlighted ongoing concerns regarding enforced disappearances and declining media freedom.

    In October, the European Parliament extended Pakistan’s GSP+ status until 2027, allowing duty-free exports on 66 percent of product tariff lines to the European market.

    However, the EU retains the authority to withdraw the GSP+ status if a beneficiary country fails to meet the program’s stringent criteria. This withdrawal process typically involves a period of dialogue aimed at rectification but may result in the suspension of benefits if issues are not adequately addressed, as evidenced by the case of Sri Lanka in 2010 over human rights concerns.

    The European Parliament, in April 2021, adopted a resolution urging a review of Pakistan’s GSP+ status due to an “alarming” increase in blasphemy allegations and mounting attacks on journalists and civil society.

    Read more: Understanding GSP+ status: What it means for Pakistan’s trade relations

  • Voting in progress on six senate seats

    Voting in progress on six senate seats

    Polling for six vacant senate seats from Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad is underway on Thursday, scheduled to continue till 4:00 pm.

    Lawmakers can’t hold dual membership, so these six seats became vacant under Article 223 of the Constitution.

    Sub-section 4 of article states: “Subject to clause (2), if a member of either House or of a Provincial Assembly becomes a candidate for a second seat, which, in accordance with clause (1), he may not hold concurrently with his first seat, then his first seat shall become vacant as soon as he is elected to the second seat.”

    However, in Sindh, two major opposition parties, including the Muttahid Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Jamat-e-Islami (JI), have boycotted senate elections in Sindh, Geo has confirmed.

    Polling to fill two general seats in the upper house in Sindh is underway, where Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Jam Saifullah Khan Dharejo and Muhammad Aslam Abro are contesting against Nazeerullah and Shazia Sohail of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

    Meanwhile, a total of seven candidates have been in the running for three general seats of the Senate from Balochistan on which the by-polls are underway.

    These candidates are Syed Mahmood Shah (Independent), Abdul Shakoor Khan (Independent), Abdul Qudoos (PPP), Kauda Babar (Balochistan Awami Party), Muhammad Mobeen Khilji (Balochistan Awami Party), Mir Hair Bayar Khan Domki (Independent) and Mir Dostain Khan Domki (PML-N).

    On the other hand, the National Assembly (NA) will elect only one senator, and former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani is a joint candidate of the ruling coalition of six parties on the seat, with SIC’s Ilyas Mehrban contesting against him.

  • Is Imran Khan living a ‘luxurious’ life in jail? Atta Tarar explains

    Is Imran Khan living a ‘luxurious’ life in jail? Atta Tarar explains

    In a press conference held on Wednesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar asserted that incarcerated founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan is living a luxurious life in jail.

    The former Prime Minister has three rooms, a kitchen, and access to exercise equipment, among other amenities desired by the detained leader, Tarrar elaborated.

    The minister said that PTI has been actively seeking the revocation of the country’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Plus status from the European Union (EU). The GSP+ status, initiated in 2014 and recently extended until 2027, grants Pakistan favorable trade terms, including duty-free or minimal-duty exports to the European market, to foster good governance and sustainable development.

    Minister Tarar alleged that PTI spokespersons, purportedly receiving directives from incarcerated party members, are orchestrating a scheme to undermine Pakistan’s GSP+ status. He claimed that PTI’s criticism of the government’s treatment of its founder, Imran Khan, in prison serves as a pretext for their efforts to jeopardize the country’s trade privileges.

    Furthermore, Tarar accused PTI of engaging in a conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan’s economy, citing PTI’s alleged correspondence with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as evidence. He emphasized the incumbent government’s commitment to economic recovery and lambasted PTI for purportedly prioritizing political gain over national interests.

    In response to Tarar’s claims, a PTI spokesperson categorically denied any intention of petitioning the EU to revoke Pakistan’s GSP+ status, dismissing the allegations as baseless and accusing Tarar of disseminating falsehoods. The spokesperson highlighted PTI’s dedication to national prosperity and defended Imran Khan’s role in facilitating the IMF program, attributing delays to the incompetence of previous administrations.

    The exchange underscores escalating tensions between the ruling government and the opposition party, with both sides trading accusations amid mounting economic challenges. As Pakistan navigates through critical issues, including inflation and unemployment, political discord continues to cast a shadow over efforts to steer the nation towards stability and growth.

    When asked about the ban on X (former Twitter) in Pakistan, the information minister claimed that there is no ban on the platform and people are using it.

    We counter-checked his claim and X is still not accessible in Pakistan without a virtual private network (VPN).

  • ‘Have asked Shehbaz to engage politically with Khan’, Ali Amin Gandapur meets PM

    ‘Have asked Shehbaz to engage politically with Khan’, Ali Amin Gandapur meets PM

    Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, indicating a possible melting of ice between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

    Addressing a press conference with Ahsan Iqbal, Gandapur said that the meeting was positive. “I have asked the prime minister to politically engage with Imran Khan. Political engagement will lead to a political solution,” he told the members of the press.

    Gandapur also said Shehbaz confirmed that Gandapur would be allowed to meet Khan in Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail where authorities have increased security and barred ex-PM Khan from holding meetings owing to “threat alert”.

  • ‘Aaj iftari mein kya banaein’; Maryam Nawaz talks about issues with deciding menu

    ‘Aaj iftari mein kya banaein’; Maryam Nawaz talks about issues with deciding menu

    Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minister Punjab, paid an impromptu visit to the Johar Town Model Ramzan Bazaar in Lahore and had a relatable discussion with one of the shoppers.

    She examined various stalls and inspected the prices of fruits, vegetables, and other commodities.

    She also inquired about price lists and whether they were displayed as per instructions or not.

    Engaging with shoppers, Maryam asked about their satisfaction with both prices and the quality of available products, garnering positive responses from the women purchasing goods.

    She also asked a shopper what she was planning to make for iftari and then they discussed how deciding on the menu daily is an issue.

    Meanwhile, Lahore Divisional Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa announced the continuation of relief hamper deliveries as part of the ‘Ramazan Negahban’ package, aimed at assisting beneficiaries during the holy month of Ramadan. Presiding over a meeting, Randhawa disclosed that thus far, over 117,781 eligible individuals in the Lahore division had received food hampers directly at their doorsteps.

    With a focus on efficient distribution, the commissioner outlined daily delivery targets for each district, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy towards deviations from these targets. Lahore aims to achieve a daily delivery target ranging from 25,000 to 30,000, with other districts like Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Nankana Sahib also striving to meet their respective goals.

    Furthermore, it was disclosed that the ‘Ramazan Negahban’ package had reached approximately 75,000 eligible individuals in Lahore alone, with stringent measures in place to verify beneficiary data using CNIC numbers and household addresses. The ambitious initiative is set to extend its reach to over a million eligible individuals across the division.

  • Lahore kay naalay aur Maryam ka saaf suthra Punjab

    Lahore kay naalay aur Maryam ka saaf suthra Punjab

    As Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz launched Saaf Suthra Punjab Campaign in Lahore, netizens all over the internet have started posting photos and information about the overflowing drains, sewage spillage, huge piles of garbage, and poor hygiene conditions in their cities.

    Newly elected Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is on a mission to transform Punjab. The latest in the series is the ‘Saaf Suthra Punjab drive’. Netizens are quick to remind her of the poor condition of drains and garbage in Lahore and other cities of Punjab.

    In Lahore, citizens are struggling with the issues of overflowing drains, sewage water, and the stink emitting from them.

    Blogger and activist Riaz Ali Turi posted about the uncovered drains in Lahore causing health risks and nauseating smells in NA-127 of Lahore which include the prominent areas of the city like Township and Green Town.

    Another user with a pseudo name of I M Imran Khan shared the pictures of Shadman area in Lahore where overflowing drains are disturbing life. Adil posted about how the area around Urdu Bazaar is facing sewage issues to which Maryam Nawaz assured him of holistic action.
    Noman Waseem tagged CM Maryam that even though the initiative is great, nothing has been done in his city of Multan.

    Waseem Aslam posted a series of photos from Chichawatni where the roads are broken and littered.

    In response to Zeeshan Malik’s tweet about the Punjab government’s work in Bahawalpur, a netizen commented that Pindi needs the same attention, and, not just on the roads but in the walled city as well.

    A resident of Sheikhupura posted a series of littered streets that are disturbing the lives of citizens yet the commissioner was claiming to have started the project.

    Ramish Fatima posted a detailed video of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital where the corridor is severely fungus-ridden.

    Dawn’s Khalid Hasnain interviewed a resident of a locality of Pine Avenue near Valencia Town named Aziz who complained, “You see the Sattukatla drain full of waste, which is choking its sewage flow. The water level in the drain is also rising due to the choking caused by the waste piling in it.”

    “It is also surprising that though the WASA’s machine meant for desilting or cleaning the drain is parked here but no one has visited the site since long to operate it,” Aziz adds the Sattukatla drain overflows in the monsoon or the unexpected heavy rain while its choking is also spreading a very foul and unbearable smell everywhere.

    The Current went to ask the residents near drains at Upper Mall which are especially disturbed by the foul smell which gets unbearable during rains.

    Around Walton drains, a resident named Zahid Abbas complained that occasional breaking of the walls of the drain and overflowing of its contents causes many hindrances on daily basis. “When there is rain we become restricted to our homes and transportation via cars become increasingly difficult especially crossing the road,” says Zahid.

    Traditionally, the epicentre of PML-N’s politics, Lahore has always been flaunted as the most developed part of the province the drains and heaps of garbage are depicting an opposite story. The situation is no better in other cities where grave problems require immediate action across the Punjab.

  • PTI’s Faisal Javed indicted for misbehaving with journalist

    PTI’s Faisal Javed indicted for misbehaving with journalist

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Faisal Javed has been indicted on Wednesday for inappropriate behaviour with a journalist, ARY News has reported.

    The charge sheet against him stated that Faisal Javed attacked a TV reporter and threatened him on August 9, 2022, noting that threatening a journalist is a crime. The indictment ordered to move forward with a case against the PTI leader.

    The PTI leader has denied the accusations and said that he didn’t threaten the journalist.

    Last month, Faisal Javed came out of months-long hiding and secured transit bail from Peshawar High Court (PHC).

  • Ali Amin Gandapur to meet Shehbaz Sharif today

    Ali Amin Gandapur to meet Shehbaz Sharif today

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is scheduled to meet newly elected prime minister Shehbaz Sharif today (Wednesday) to talk about the replacement of Chief Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chaudhry.

    ARY sources have confirmed that Ali Amin Gandapur didn’t attend the oath ceremony while a meeting is scheduled for today to discuss the matter of the CS’s appointment.

    A day earlier, chief minister KP send a summary to Shehbaz Sharif for removal of Chief Secretary Nadeem Afzal Chaudhry. Gandapur wanted to appoint Shahab Ali Shah as the new Chief Secretary, expecting him to bring fresh perspectives and innovative strategies to the role, thereby contributing to the overall development of the KP province.