Tag: Pakistan

  • ‘Party ka secretary-general’: Sherry Rehman lashes out at Alvi for returning SC bill to parliament for review

    President Dr Arif Alvi has sent back the Supreme Court bill for revision.

    The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill 2023, which aims to clip the powers of the chief justice of Pakistan, sailed through both houses of parliament and was sent to the president to be signed into law.

    However, the president sent the bill back to parliament for revision under Article 75 of the Constitution.

    In his detailed reply, which he also posted on Twitter, the president said that he thought it fit and proper to return the bill, in accordance with the Constitution, with “the request for reconsideration in order to meet the scrutiny about its validity (if assailed in the court of law)”.

    Alvi pointed out several aspects that need consideration after an in-depth consideration.

    President Alvi said that SC Rules 1980 had been “made and in force duly validated and adopted by the Constitution itself” under enabling provisions such as Article 191 of the Constitution which empowers the top court to make rules regulating the practice and procedure of the court.

    “These time-tested rules are being followed ever since the year 1980 —any tinkering with the same may tantamount to interference with the internal working of the Court, its autonomy and independence,” the letter stated.

    The purpose of the proposed bill is to provide a procedure for exercising preliminary jurisdiction and appealing.

    “It may be admirable, but can it be done without a constitutional amendment?” President Alvi questioned.

    He further said it is a settled law that constitutional provisions cannot be amended by ordinary legislation. “The Constitution is the supreme law; the father of all laws,” he added.

    The president further maintains that the Constitution is not a general law, but an embodiment of laws above fundamental principles, supreme law and other laws.

    Article 191 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to make rules to regulate judicial proceedings and procedure.

    Calling out the President, Federal Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman tweeted, “President Arif Alvi sent the bill back to the Supreme Court for review and proved that he is not the President of the country but is still the Secretary-General of Tehreek-e-Insaaf. He has seen every decision of Parliament from Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s point of view. Even before receiving the bill, he had given his stand on it in an interview.”

    “He is following his party policy, not the constitutional position of the President. The President is saying that this bill is beyond the power of the Parliament. For three and a half years, he has been running the President’s House like an ordinance factory. How can he know the powers of the parliament? President, do not teach the Parliament how to legislate,” tweeted Rehman.

  • Govt increases profit rates on national saving schemes following record policy rate hike

    Govt increases profit rates on national saving schemes following record policy rate hike

    In response to increasing policy rates, the Pakistani government has announced significant raises in profit rates for all national savings schemes (NSS) from April 10, 2023. This decision follows the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) considerable increase in the policy rate to a record 21 per cent in its recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting to combat inflation.

    The Finance Division announced on Friday, through a notification issued under Rule-II of the Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts Rules, 2003, that the rate of profit on deposits made in Pensioners’ Benefit Accounts and Behbood Savings Certificates will be 16.56 per cent per annum from April 10, 2023, until further notice.

    Additionally, the rate of profit on deposits made in Shuhada’s Family Welfare Account will be 16.56 per cent per annum from April 10, 2023, until further notice.

    The Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) has also increased the profit rate on Defence Saving Certificates from 9.29 per cent to 14.87 per cent. The profit rate on Regular Income Certificates has been raised to 12.84 per cent of the total investment.

    Similarly, the profit margin on the three-year Special Saving Certificates and Special Savings Account has been increased to 17 per cent for the first five profits and to 17.8 per cent for the sixth profit. Furthermore, the return on Saving Accounts (running accounts) has been raised to 18.5 per cent. However, it’s worth noting that there will be a deduction of Withholding Tax and Zakat as per the rules.

  • PM Shehbaz congratulates ISI for arresting BNA founder

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency for carrying out a brilliant operation that resulted in the arrest of Baloch National Army’s (BNA) founder, Gulzar Imam alias Shambay.

    Taking to Twitter, the premier wrote, “This operation speaks of outstanding professionalism of our institutions. The arrest will help suppress militancy in Balochistan & usher in a new era of peace.”

    The ‘high-value target’ has been a “hardcore militant as well as founder and leader of the banned outfit BNA which came into being after the amalgamation of Baloch Republican Army (BRA) and United Baloch Army (UBA)”, read a statement released by the military media wing,  Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

    ISPR elaborated that the BNA has been responsible for many violent terrorist attacks in Pakistan, including attacks on installations of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in Panjgur and Noshki.

    ISPR further stated that the “apprehension of a militant leader of this stature demonstrates the capability and resolve of LEAs to uproot the menace of terrorism,” emphasizing that it speaks volumes about the successes garnered through supreme sacrifices of unsung heroes.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the National Security Committee (NSC) on Friday approved a multi-pronged comprehensive operation with the support of the government and the nation to eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country with a new resolve, determination and valour.

  • Hadiqa Kiani writes moving tribute to fellow cast as ‘Pinjra’ airs last episode

    Actress and singer Hadiqa Kiani wrote a moving tribute to her fellow cast members and fans of the drama ‘Pinjra’ as the last episode aired on Friday.

    “Our beautiful family ”, wrote the ‘Dupatta’ singer. “Grateful to be a part of such an important experience. The cast, the crew, these talented children, the story, the great late writer Asma Nabeel, the wonderful @shaziawajahat, our amazing director @najafbilgrami…just feeling so grateful. Thank you to all of those who connected with the drama  @arydigital.tv.”

    Pinjra revolved around a family where the father Javed (played by Omair Rana) and the mother Khadija (Kiani) are both strict parents, demanding their son Abaan to stay away from his interest in art and music, and to focus more on his studies. The pressure to succeed has an impact on Abaan -along with being bullied by his siblings due to his poor grades- he begins doing drugs and even harming another child.

    Twitter users praised the series for carefully discussing issues like societal pressures, bullying, and helping parents understand how to be kinder to their children.

    Kiani was previously praised for her powerful performance in ‘Dobara’ as a newly widowed middle-aged woman, who takes stand for herself after being restricted by her husband through out her marriage, and in the process she falls in love with a man who is ten years younger than her.

  • All-out comprehensive operation so Pakistan can get rid of terrorism: NSC

    All-out comprehensive operation so Pakistan can get rid of terrorism: NSC

    A National Security Committee (NSC) meeting on Friday agreed to launch an “all-out comprehensive operation” so the country can get rid of terrorism.

    The moot agreed to initiate the operation with [the participation of] the entire nation and government to rid the country of the menace of terrorism with renewed vigour and determination.

    The operation is to eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms from Pakistan and would incorporate measures at political, diplomatic, security, economic and social levels.

    The participants of the meeting emphasised the need for “comprehensive national security”, with a focus on relief for the people. They were informed that the government is taking necessary steps in this regard.

    The NSC concluded that the recent spate of terrorism in the country is a consequence of a “soft corner” for the banned militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and a “thoughtless policy” towards the terror outfit, both of which were “contrary to the public’s expectations”.

    PM Shehbaz chairs NSC meeting amid political chaos and security issues

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif chaired a two-hours-long of NSC on Friday.

    The meeting takes place at a time when pressing security issues and heightened political tensions between the government and its rival political parties are reaching a crescendo.

    According to media reports, the meeting was attended by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC), heads of armed forces, federal ministers for defence, finance and information and senior military leadership. Director General of the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum gave a detailed briefing on the ongoing operations against terrorism and the security situation of the country.

    According to Dawn, the government once again asked the top brass for a briefing on potential threats from militants in case elections were held in Punjab on May 14 as per the Supreme Court’s order.

    The news outlet also reported that military authorities had given a detailed briefing to the government that terrorist outfits have regrouped in tribal districts bordering Afghanistan due to which conditions were not conducive for electioneering.

    Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also briefed the NSC on the economic situation of the country. 

    The detailed statement on the NSC meeting is yet to be issued.

  • Pakistan’s energy transition gets a boost with $240 million loan from Saudi Fund for Development

    Pakistan’s energy transition gets a boost with $240 million loan from Saudi Fund for Development

    On Friday, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) signed a loan agreement worth $240 million to support Pakistan’s energy transition through the Mohmand Multipurpose Dam Project.

    The project, which is co-financed by the SFD, OPEC, the Islamic Development Bank, and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, is expected to contribute to Pakistan’s energy security, increase sustainable water supply for agriculture and human consumption, and improve resilience to floods.

    The agreement was signed by the SFD CEO, Mr Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, and the Federal Secretary for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Dr Kazim Niaz. According to a statement from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the loan aims to promote sustainable development in Pakistan and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    The statement further highlighted that the Mohmand Multipurpose Dam Project will be of great assistance to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where almost 80 per cent of the population resides in rural areas. The project will enhance water and food security, improve the standard of living for people, and boost the region’s socioeconomic development by creating employment opportunities and reducing poverty levels.

    The project will also generate 800 MW of electricity production capacity by using renewable energy sources, contributing to Pakistan’s energy security. Additionally, the storage of 1.6 million meter cube of water will support sustainable agricultural practices, enable irrigation of 6,773 hectares of new land, and increase the total cropping area from 1,517 hectares to 9,227 hectares in the province, facilitating agricultural activities.

    During the agreement-signing ceremony, the SFD CEO emphasised the strong developmental ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan and highlighted the significance of joint cooperation between development funds.

  • Crisis in SC deepens as Athar Minallah says that election suo motu case was dismissed by 4-3

    Crisis in SC deepens as Athar Minallah says that election suo motu case was dismissed by 4-3

    The crisis in the Supreme Court of Pakistan has deepened after another judge said that the suo motu case of delayed polls in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was dismissed by 4-3.

    Former Islamabad High Court (IHCJ) Chief Justice (CJ) Justice Athar Minallah released a detailed note, agreeing with Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Justice Mansoor Ali Shah “particularly regarding the final outcome of the petitions and the suo motu assumption of jurisdiction by a majority of 4 to 3 because this was the understanding in the meeting held in the anteroom on 27.02.2023. It is noted that I had not recused nor had any reason to dissociate myself.”

    Justices Shah and Mandokhail had argued against the decision of taking suo motu by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial.

    Following are the main points given by Minallah in his note:

    • He said that he read Mansoor Ali Shah and Mandokhail’s notes and agreed that the SC verdict was 4-3.
    • Referring to Munib Akhtar’s own judgment saying CJP’s power to take suo motu and form benches has “created imbalance, which ought to be corrected,” he noted that CJP’s power to form benches under SC Rules must be exercised transparently and fairly.
    • He pointed out that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) itself went to Lahore High Court (LHC) first, which allowed petitions and directed election in 90 days. So then why should SC wade into dispute, he asked.
    • Justice Minallah wrote that the court is being dragged into a political crisis, emphasising that the crisis escalated when PTI chose to resign from National Assembly instead of sitting in Opposition. He further said that the dissolution of the provincial assemblies was part of a political strategy.
    • Says SC has the duty to inspire public trust and not appear politically partisan. Everyone (including SC) has to take a step back and not stand on ego.
    • He called the political climate in the country “toxic”, saying that “it is inconceivable that political parties will even agree to have a dialogue, let alone arriving at a consensus.”
    • He said: “It is the duty of the Court to ensure that political stakeholders are not encouraged to bring their disputes to the courts for judicial settlement by bypassing the institutions and forums created under the Constitution. It weakens the Majlise-Shoora (Parliament) and the forums meant for political dialogue and, simultaneously, harm the judicial branch of the State by prejudicing public trust in its independence and impartiality.”
    • “When politicians do not approach the appropriate forums and bring their disputes to the courts, the former may win or lose the case, but inevitably the court is the loser”, he ended the note.
  • Here are the final squads of both Pak and NZ teams for the upcoming series

    Here are the final squads of both Pak and NZ teams for the upcoming series

    Pakistan will host New Zealand for a long awaited series, with five T20 internationals and five One Day internationals schedule to begin on April 14. The series has crucial significance for both teams as World Cup 2023 looms ahead towards the end of the year.

    Both teams are ready to put in extra effort in the series as the matches will be a tester for both teams’ weaknesses and strengths.

    New Zealand had pulled out of the Pakistan tour just before the start of the first ODI in 2021 citing a security threat. Now they will be playing extra games on this tour. This is the second time they are touring Pakistan in the space of five months.

    Across last December and January, they played two Tests that ended 0-0, followed by a three-match ODI series that New Zealand won 2-1.

    Pakistan has named full-strength squads for both the ODI and T20I series. Regular captain Babar Azam makes a comeback, along with the leader of the bowling attack Shaheen Shah Afridi. Senior players like Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf are also back following the rest they were given in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.

    New Zealand, meanwhile, have been forced to name a severely depleted squad with most of their first-choice players occupied in the IPL. Tom Latham, who last played T20Is in 2021, will return to lead them in both formats.

    New Zealand will be banking on the experience they gained in their ODI series victory earlier this year in Pakistan, expecting to capitalise on the inputs of Saqlain Mushtaq, head coach of the Pakistan side until two months back. Saqlain has joined the New Zealand camp as an assistant coach.
    Here are the squads for both teams:

    PAK v NZ, 2023 T20I squad: Full team list for Pakistan v New Zealand T20Is
    Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Zaman Khan

    New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Dane Cleaver, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner

    PAK v NZ, 2023 ODI squad: Full team list for Pakistan v New Zealand ODIs
    Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Usama Mir

    New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Cole McConchie, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Ish Sodhi, Will Young, Chad Bowes, Ben Lister, Adam Milne, James Neesham, Henry Shipley, Blair Tickner

  • Faisal Subzwari reveals MQM-P was forced to rejoin Khan’s govt in 2020

    Faisal Subzwari reveals MQM-P was forced to rejoin Khan’s govt in 2020

    Senator Faisal Subzwari of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) revealed on Thursday that his party was forced to rejoin the cabinet of the then prime minister Imran Khan in March 2020.

    Speaking on the Geo News programme ‘Capital Talk’, Subzwari revealed how his party was coerced to take a U-turn on their decision and rejoin the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) cabinet despite reservations and unfulfilled promises.

    “In December 2019, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui resigned in protest from Khan’s cabinet after which negotiations continued between the PTI and the MQM-P from January till the following March. Then MQM-P suddenly got an order to rejoin the cabinet,” said Sabzwari.

    He added that after MQM-P refused to comply with the order, seven of their workers were detained and tortured, which forced the party to rejoin Khan’s cabinet.

    “In September 2020, I told Imran Khan in Governor House that this is what we went through and now I am sitting with you merely because of helplessness and not by choice,” said Sabzwari.

  • Here are the key features of Pakistan’s first mental health app ‘Humraaz’

    Here are the key features of Pakistan’s first mental health app ‘Humraaz’

    Prime Minister’s strategic reforms initiative for the mental wellbeing of citizens, has launched a mobile/web based application named ‘Humraaz’ along with an integrated helpline -1166- in collaboration with Ministry of Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, World Health Organisation (WHO), National Information Technology Board (NITB) and Federal Directorate of Immunization.

    The application is available in both Google and Apple stores and the toll free helpline is also active.

    More than 140 psychologists/psychiatrists have registered in the initiative, out of which almost 60 plus are Psychiatric Resident Doctors and Counsellors. Appointments are booked based on availability/preferred time slots of the psychologists/psychiatrists.

    More than 30 government psychologists/psychiatrists are onboard for providing free consultation services to citizens having mental health concerns and thoughts of self-harming.

    Registration of Doctors (Psychologists/ Psychiatrists) will remain open – the profiles are reviewed and approved by the Panel of Experts of Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination.

    Here are the key features of the application:
    • Guided and principle based counselling and psychotherapy sessions
    • Daily activities monitoring
    • 24/7 connection with professionals
    • International standard knowledge base
    • ChatBot (including self-assessment)
    • WhatsApp support appointment booking
    • Support groups of people for sharing of experiences.

    Salman Sufi, the Head of Prime Minister’s Strategic Reforms Unit, while talking exclusively to The Current said, “The government of Pakistan has recognized that trust in mental health professionals is a major barrier to seeking help, and has taken steps to address this issue. One such initiative is the government’s new mental health application for citizen’s wellbeing called “Humraaz.”

    Explaining that the application provides users with access to mental health professionals and resources, Sufi stressed that it aims to increase awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma.

    He continued by saying that the government is working to ensure that mental health professionals are adequately trained and qualified to provide high-quality care, through setting rigorous standards for education, licensure, and accreditation, and providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

    “These efforts will help to increase trust in mental health professionals and encourage more people to seek the help they need.”

    While answering a question about the protection of user data Sufi said, “Ensuring the privacy and security of users’ data is a top priority for the government of Pakistan’s Humraaz mental health application. To achieve this, the government has implemented strict data protection policies and procedures, including using secure servers, encrypting data, and limiting access to user information to authorized personnel only.”

    In addition, the government has also appointed a dedicated team to monitor the application’s security and respond to any potential threats or breaches, Sufi elaborated. “These measures will help to safeguard the sensitive data of users and protect their privacy and wellbeing,” he said.