Tag: Punjab

  • Punjab govt imposes ‘complete ban’ on departmental iftar parties due to economic situation

    Punjab govt imposes ‘complete ban’ on departmental iftar parties due to economic situation

    The Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD) of Punjab has recently released a notification that prohibits government departments from organising Iftar parties.

    According to The News, the reason behind this move is the economic crisis faced by the country, and therefore, the government has advised against giving expensive gifts to departmental delegations during Ramzan. The notification, however, exempts diplomats and foreign guests from these bans.

    The notification highlights the significance of simplicity during the holy month and emphasizes the government’s commitment to celebrate it simply. It is essential to recognise Pakistan’s current economic circumstances and avoid hosting costly Iftar celebrations that might put a strain on the country’s financial resources.

    As a result, all government offices have been advised to follow these guidelines and avoid preparing lavish presents for local delegates. The administration acknowledges the importance of observing Ramzan in a more simple and conscientious manner that is consistent with the country’s economic position.

    This move by the Punjab government demonstrates a responsible and prudent approach towards managing the country’s resources during these challenging times. By promoting modest celebrations during Ramzan, the government aims to set an example for citizens and encourage them to prioritise their spending wisely.

    Furthermore, exempting foreign guests and diplomats from the ban ensures that Pakistan’s image remains positive while still taking necessary measures to address economic challenges.

  • Pervaiz Elahi ko humnay aisay rakha hai jaisay handi mein masala, says Fawad Chaudhry

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry spoke disparagingly against party president Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi.

    Fawad Chaudhry said that Elahi is not a public favourite, rather he is someone who does politics with the powerful.

    Fawad further said that every party has a ‘handi’ [cooked dish] in which different spices are added, and he [Pervaiz Elahi] is also an important spice.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the former Chief Minister of Punjab, Elahi, has recently parted ways with Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and joined PTI.

    The rift between Elahi and Chaudhry seems to continue as in the past the party president had spoken in favour of Fawad’s arrest and later apologised for his statement.

  • ‘Ensure Punjab, KP polls to avoid contempt of court’: President tells PM to safeguard rights of citizen

    ‘Ensure Punjab, KP polls to avoid contempt of court’: President tells PM to safeguard rights of citizen

    President Dr Arif Alvi in a letter written to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, has urged him to ensure the implementation of Supreme Court’s orders about the elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

    Alvi in his letter emphasised that all relevant executive authorities of the federal and provincial governments should be directed to refrain from abuse of human rights and assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold the election in two provinces within the constitutional time-frame, in compliance of orders of the apex court, to avoid further complications, including contempt of court.

    The president said that the prime minister, being head of the government, was responsible for safeguarding human rights as well as the fundamental rights of every citizen of Pakistan as enshrined in the Constitution.

    President Alvi maintained that elections of provincial assemblies, in case of their dissolution under Article 105 or Article 112, were required to be held within 90 days under Article 224 (2) of the Constitution.

    The top court in its order dated March 1, had directed the electoral watchdog to propose date(s) to the president for holding the poll within 90 days or on a date that deviates to the barest minimum from the aforesaid deadline, he added.

    The president said that KP Governor Haji Ghulam Ali was also directed by the SC to appoint a date for holding the general election for the provincial assembly as per the time frame.

    “Subsequently, ECP had proposed holding of general elections between 30th April – 7th May, 2023 and general elections for the Provincial Assembly of Punjab were announced to be held on 30th April, 2023 and the same was notified by the ECP,” read the letter.

  • Half of Lahore sealed ahead of PTI’s Minar-e-Pakistan jalsa

    Punjab authorities have blocked several roads in Lahore including entry and exit points of the city ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s jalsa in Minar-e-Pakistan, set to be held today (Saturday) at 9pm.

    With the help of containers and trucks, the roads have been blocked. According to details, police have also placed barricades on major Lahore roads including Ravi Bridge and Thokar Niaz Baig, the two major entry and exit points which lead to Minar-e-Pakistan.

    In a tweet, City Traffic Police Lahore has given details about the closed roads and advised residents to use alternative routes.

    In the early hours of Saturday, PTI Chairman Imran Khan called on his supporters in Lahore to attend the jalsa after Taraweeh prayers which he believes will “break all records”. 

    “Everyone must assert their right as people of a free nation that won its independence and come to Minar-e- Pakistan,” he added. 

    Earlier, the government gave a green signal to PTI to hold its powershow, however, the closure of roads has created problems for residents.

  • ‘Violation of constitution’: PTI to move SC against election postponement

    ‘Violation of constitution’: PTI to move SC against election postponement

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry has confirmed that his party will challenge the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to postpone general elections in Punjab from April 30 to October 8 in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

    Addressing a joint press conference on Thursday, Chaudhry, along with PTI Secretary General Asad Umar, announced that they are moving the top court against the ECP for “breaching the Constitution”.

    “It is your duty to save the Constitution,” Chaudhry appealed to the judges of the top court, adding that the joint sitting of parliament convened on Wednesday was aimed at an “attack on the Supreme Court”.

    “Judges are being blackmailed and pressurised,” Chaudhry claimed. He also said that the country demands that Article 6 should be applied on five members of the electoral watchdog.  

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan condemned ECP’s move to postpone the election in Punjab, as the party announced to move the Supreme Court against “violation of the Constitution”.

    It is pertinent to mention here that electoral watchdog postponed the elections in view of the recent spate of terrorist attacks in various parts of the country.

    The order said that the interior ministry conveyed to the ECP that the deployment of civil and armed forces would not be possible due to the “spike in incidents of terrorism across the country” and threat alerts from intelligence agencies.

  • Phaddah between PTI and govt after ECP changed Punjab election date

    Phaddah between PTI and govt after ECP changed Punjab election date

    Tensions between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have escalated after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday postponed Punjab elections, scheduled to be held on April 30, till October 8.

    The postponement was done in view of the recent spate of terrorist attacks in various parts of the country.

    The order said that the interior ministry conveyed to the ECP that the deployment of civil and armed forces would not be possible due to the “spike in incidents of terrorism across the country” and threat alerts from intelligence agencies.

    PTI is not happy with ECP’s decision while the government welcomed it.

    PTI Chairman Imran Khan who has been campaigning for early elections has termed the ECP’s announcement a violation of the Constitution.

    Stating that he did not dissolve his governments in Punjab and KP “to allow a bunch of fascists to impose a reign of terror”, Imran Khan led the charge in slamming the decision while his party members also criticised the postponement.

    However, in a meeting of the federal cabinet, it was noted that general elections should be held simultaneously across the country. It is not possible to hold elections in two provinces, they said.

    The meeting observed that the security and financial situation was not suitable for elections. Plus, the government was also short of funds and discussions were still going on with the IMF on a bailout package.

    On Thursday, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that postponing elections is in the country’s interest.

    She went on to say a population census is going on in the country. It is not possible to hold elections before the completion of the census.

  • ‘They had planned to kill me in a Murtaza Bhutto-type murder’: Khan

    ‘They had planned to kill me in a Murtaza Bhutto-type murder’: Khan

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on has claimed on Wednesday that another assassination plot was being hatched to kill him the way Murtaza Bhutto was.

    Recalling his arrival at the Judicial Complex Islamabad, Khan said, “I stood outside the judicial complex’s gate for 40 minutes,” adding that he witnessed the rowdiness of “police, army and unknown people wearing CTD uniform” during this time.

    “They had the planned to take my vehicle inside the complex, close the gates, create a violent situation, and kill me in a Murtaza Bhutto-type murder,” Khan said, adding that he returned from the gate after signing the attendance register.

    Mir Murtaza Bhutto, the son and brother of former Prime Ministers Zulkfiqar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto, was killed in a police encounter in 1996 in Karachi.

    Khan also revealed that he believed the police chiefs of Punjab and Islamabad alongside their ‘handlers’ have hatched a conspiracy to kill him as they are “becoming serious about assassinating him”.

    The IGs of Punjab and Islamabad have constituted two separate squads, Khan alleged, who will join PTI workers and open fire on the police, “to provoke an armed retaliation and eventually reach [inside the house] and assassinate me, in a day or two.”

    Giving instructions to his loyalists, Khan said that they were not to provoke the police at any cost. “If the police want to approach me with any warrant or for any other matter, let them approach me directly,” adding that he would never wish any harm on his party workers. “The incumbent government and its plans to kill me have failed and now they have become jittery and taking extreme measures,” he commented.

  • Punjab govt to provide free flour to 15.8 million deserving households during Ramzan

    Punjab govt to provide free flour to 15.8 million deserving households during Ramzan

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has announced a scheme to provide free flour to impoverished individuals during the holy month of Ramzan. The premier stated that the distribution of free flour will encompass 15.8 million households throughout Punjab from 25 Sha’ban to 25 Ramzan.

    To ensure effective implementation of the scheme, the Prime Minister directed the utilisation of 8,500 utility stores and the establishment of an additional 20,000 distribution points for public convenience.

    Moreover, PM Shehbaz stressed the need for the transparent and modern distribution of free flour among the poor while also emphasising that the quality of flour provided should be of the highest standards.

    Eligibility for the program can be confirmed through SMS, and the federal government will also support other provinces in this regard.

    During a review meeting to discuss the distribution of free flour under the Ramzan package, chaired by the Prime Minister himself, the Punjab government provided a detailed briefing on the program.

    The meeting was attended by the Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Adviser to the Prime Minister Ahad Cheema, and other relevant senior officials.

    This decision is expected to bring much-needed relief to the underprivileged during the holy month of Ramzan. By utilising modern technology and additional distribution points, the distribution of free flour can be carried out efficiently and transparently, ensuring that the benefits reach those who are most in need.

  • PTI agrees not to speak against state, institutions and judiciary in rally today

    PTI agrees not to speak against state, institutions and judiciary in rally today

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been allowed to stage an election rally in Lahore with certain caveats attached to the permission.

    According to media reports, a meeting was held at the direction of Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi where the permission was discussed. PTI leadership submitted an affidavit, assuring the city administration of its full cooperation with them, police and security officials.

    The party also assured the authorities that they would not give speeches against state institutions and the judiciary. The PTI would be responsible if public property is demanded during the rally, read the affidavit.

    According to PTI Lahore Chapter President Imtiaz Shaikh, a rally will be taken out from Zaman Park to Data Darbar at 2pm today.

    “Imran Khan will lead the rally,” he confirmed.

    This would be the first rally that Khan would lead in more than four months.

  • Lahori students to get free rides on Orange, Metro line

    In a bid to provide easier access to transportation, public train systems Orange Line and Metro Line in Lahore will provide free transportation facilities to students in school uniforms, Samma has reported.

    The decision was announced by the Caretaker CM Punjab Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi on Sunday, in order to help students attend their schools punctually and also lessen the financial burden of travelling costs on their families.

    Students will only need to be dressed in school uniforms in order to receive a free ride.