HEC receives Rs65b grant, NA told
A significant portion of this funding is allocated to the provinces as part of a new agreement aimed at strengthening Pakistan's higher education sector, she said while responding to a calling attention notice regarding the severe financial difficulties faced by public sector universities.
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Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
NA passes resolutions against honour killings, digital harassment
Listen to article The National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed resolutions against honour killings and digital harassment, calling for targeted public awareness campaigns and the introduction of educational modules on digital ethics, privacy rights, and anti-harassment laws in institutions. The resolution against honour killings, moved by Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Shahida Rehmani during a National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, strongly condemned so-called honour killings and called for zero tolerance toward such crimes, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported. It also proposed the formation of an interprovincial task force to ensure coordinated efforts to eradicate honour-based violence. The lower house adopted several other resolutions, including one calling for stronger legal frameworks against unauthorised video recording, cyber harassment, and digital defamation. The House adopted a resolution moved by the Secretary Women's Parliamentary Caucus Dr. Shahida Rehmani, condemning the Honor killings across Pakistan.#NASession @ShahidaRehmani — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 6, 2025 Moved by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, the resolution urged the federal government to strengthen law enforcement capacity and initiate public awareness campaigns on digital rights and safe reporting mechanisms. It also recommended the inclusion of educational modules on privacy, digital ethics, and anti-harassment laws in educational institutions and the establishment of dedicated complaint desks at police stations. The house also passed a resolution reaffirming Pakistan's historic and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle for freedom, dignity, and justice. The House, during the National Assembly session, unanimously adopted the resolution reaffirming Pakistan's historic and unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate struggle for freedom, dignity, and Justice. The resolution was moved by Member National… — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 6, 2025 The resolution, tabled by PPP MNA Shazia Marri, expressed deep concern over the intensifying Israeli military aggression in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread civilian casualties and destruction of homes and infrastructure. It condemned the statements and actions of Israeli authorities suggesting a long-term occupation of Gaza, forced displacement of Palestinians, and systematic attempts to erase the territory's Palestinian identity. The resolution further denounced the use of starvation, siege tactics, and collective punishment, terming them war crimes under international law. The House called on the United Nations and the broader international community to fulfil their legal and moral obligations by taking immediate steps to end the aggression, ensure civilian protection, and facilitate unrestricted humanitarian access. It also called for accountability of the occupying power for war crimes and reaffirmed support for the Palestinian right to self-determination. Also Read: Pakistan, Turkiye conclude first bilateral amphibious naval drill The resolution urged the government to continue raising the issue on global platforms, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar moved the Whistleblower Protection and Vigilance Commission Bill, 2025 — already passed by the Senate — for consideration. However, an amendment moved by MNA Aliya Kamran referring the bill to the relevant committee was adopted. During the Question Hour, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Syed Hussain Tariq, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, raised concern over K-Electric's request for a waiver of Rs76 billion in unpaid dues and the practice of disconnecting entire feeders over non-payment by a few consumers. MNA Mir Munawar Ali Talpur also questioned the rationale behind collective punishment of entire neighbourhoods due to defaults by a few. Minister of State for Energy Abdur Rehman Khan Kanju and Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Division Sajid Mehdi responded to the queries. Speaker Sadiq took notice of the concerns and directed the minister to hold a special meeting with the concerned MNAs to find a viable solution.
Express Tribune
6 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul get interim relief from PHC
Listen to article The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday granted protective bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shibli Faraz and Zartaj Gul, who were recently sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in connection with the May 9 riots, Express News reported. The bench, after announcing the reserved verdict on their petition, allowed both leaders bail until August 11 and directed them to approach the relevant high court to file their appeals within this period. The court also ordered that the two not be arrested during this time. Also Read: Four martyred as militants attack FC vehicle in K-P The decision follows last week's ruling by a special anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Faisalabad, which sentenced over 100 PTI leaders for their alleged involvement in the May 9 unrest. Among those convicted were Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul, MNA Sahibzada Hamid Raza, and former MNA Sheikh Rashid Shafiq. The ATC acquitted 77 out of the 185 individuals implicated in the cases. Subsequently, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday disqualified nine PTI-affiliated lawmakers, including Ayub and Faraz. A notification issued by the commission declared one Senate and five National Assembly seats vacant, along with three Punjab Assembly seats. Others disqualified include Zartaj Gul, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Junaid Afzal Sahi, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Rai Murtaza Iqbal, Rai Haider Ali, and Ansar Iqbal. Read More: Karachi police lodge FIR against 550 PTI workers It is pertinent to mention that last month, a Lahore ATC had sentenced ten PTI leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, to up to 10 years in prison, while an ATC in Sargodha handed a similar sentence to PTI Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar and other party workers. May 9 Riots The May 9 riots erupted nationwide following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civil and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military condemned the events as a "Black Day" and decided to try the protesters under the Army Act. As a result of the unrest, many PTI members were arrested and tried in military courts. In December, a military court convicted 25 individuals, including Imran Khan's nephew, Hassan Khan Niazi, and later sentenced 60 more. Also Read: Hub dam project to be inaugurated by Aug 13 In January, 19 convicts had their sentences pardoned following successful mercy appeals, although PTI expressed dissatisfaction over the limited number of pardons. The military trials had initially been halted following a Supreme Court ruling but were resumed following the court's instructions to finalise pending cases and announce judgments for those involved in the violent incidents.
Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt clears Quetta flights for Shia pilgrims
The federal government has authorised direct flights from Quetta to facilitate pilgrims travelling to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced in the National Assembly on Tuesday. During the session — chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq — the house unanimously passed two resolutions marking Youm-e-Istehsal, condemning atrocities in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, opposition members continued their protest over the conviction of senior party leaders in May 9 cases. Some federal ministers responded by mocking the PTI-led protest movement, while the law minister reiterated the government's offer for dialogue. In a policy statement, Defence Minister Asif highlighted the security threats faced by pilgrims along the 800-kilometre overland route from Quettaparticularly the risk of terrorist attacks in Balochistan. "To mitigate these risks, the federal government has authorised direct flights from Quetta for Arbaeen pilgrims," he said, adding that one flight had already commenced, with additional daily services planned to meet demand. Asif said all licensed private airlines had been invited to operate on the route, and permission was also granted for chartered flights to maximise capacity. He noted that Iran had approved an additional flight for Pakistani pilgrims following discussions during the Iranian president's recent visit. "The government is committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and timely transportation for all Arbaeen pilgrims," the minister added. Resolution on Kashmir The house unanimously adopted two resolutions, condemning India's actions in IIOJK on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, marking the sixth anniversary of India's revocation of Articles 370 and 35A. The resolutions were moved by Pakistan Peoples Party's (PPP) Shazia Marri and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's Amir Muqam. However, the proceedings were marred by opposition protests, which accused the government of stifling dissent. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry criticised the PTI's protest, stating, "Today is for Kashmir, but you are observing Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Imran." He accused PTI of exploiting the session for political gains, prompting opposition uproar. PTI protest PTI's Aamir Dogar accused the government of "political victimisation," claiming that 10 National Assembly members were "picked up" but the speaker did not take any action. Demanding justice, he said that the PTI founder was in jail for refusing to budge. Speaker Sadiq countered, saying that he had issued the production orders. The speaker also apprised the house of PTI MNA Sheikh Waqas Akram's unexplained absence for 40 days, saying that under Article 64 his seat could be declared vacant. PML-N's Nosheen Iftikhar moved a motion to declare Akram's seat vacant, however, Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah stressed the need for seeing whether the motion followed the rules.
