Tag: Pakistan

  • 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.”

  • ‘He’s acting like the CM of Afghanistan’: KP Governor criticises Gandapur

    ‘He’s acting like the CM of Afghanistan’: KP Governor criticises Gandapur

    Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi criticised KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for defending Afghan diplomats and their disrespect of the national anthem yesterday.

    “He is acting like the chief minister of a province of Afghanistan rather than Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” said the PPP affiliated Governor.

    On Tuesday, intense criticism was directed towards Afghan Acting Consul General Muhib Ullah Shakil and his aide when they refused to stand up for Pakistan’s national anthem, defying diplomatic norms, at the National Rehmat-ul-Lil-Aalamin (PBUH) Conference in Peshawar.

    Afghan Consulate Peshawar later clarified that the gentlemen did not stand up for the anthem due to the “music in them.”

    Gandapur later defended the diplomat, saying, “There was no disrespect intended, and they explained why they didn’t stand up for the national anthem.”

    Governor KP, while speaking on the Geo News programme last night, recalled, “ I spoke positively with the CM KP Gandapur, but he took advantage of that.”

    “I am sitting on a constitutional position, I will not allow anything against the constitution, but if anyone works for the peace and development of the province, I will support him,” said Kundi.

    He also emphasised that states talk to other states rather than a provincial chief minister.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Pakistan celebrates Eid Milad-un-Nabi

    Pakistan celebrates Eid Milad-un-Nabi

    Today, Pakistan celebrates Eid Milad Un Nabi, the 12th of Rabiul Awwal 1446 in the Islamic calendar, marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

    The streets, roads, buildings, mosques, and homes are adorned with green and white lights.

    The Government of Pakistan has instructed all government institutions to decorate their buildings with lights. Eid Milad Un Nabi processions are taking place in different cities, with scholars and religious leaders sharing insights into the Prophet’s life and teachings.

    On this special occasion, the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan have sent messages to the nation.

    “We have to put aside our differences and pledge to work for the development of the country and the nation. The 12th of Rabi ul Awal is an auspicious day when Allah Almighty bestowed upon humanity a perfect guidance,” Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said.

    President Asif Ali Zardari said, “Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ is the source of guidance for humanity to the rest of the world, in order to face the challenges faced in the present era, as a nation and as a Muslim Ummah, we have to make Uswa Tul Hassana a part of our lives.”