MPA apologises over unproved allegation
Amid the opposition's protest during the budget speech, the treasury lawmakers resisted them from moving ahead. Since the day, the allegation of the watch theft had been surfacing during the budget debate. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan had made it clear that Yamin would be required to apologise to Shafi if he failed to prove his allegation.
"After examining CCTV footages, I could not get any proof against Shafi. I tender apology to Mr Shafi if he is hurt," Yamin said in the House. Ijaz Shafi asked the speaker to train the treasury lawmakers to avoid making such accusations against others merely to appease their leadership. Lawmakers from the treasury benches continued praising the provincial budget for 2025-26, while the opposition criticised it on the fifth day of the general discussion.
Challenging the government's claim of lack of corruption, opposition member Rana Aftab asked if anyone could declare on oath that "we are living in a corruption-free society".
PML-N's Sardar Sher Ali Gorchani responded that he could swear that 90 per cent corruption had been eliminated from mines and minerals department since PTI's rule.
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Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Govt mulls federal constitutional court
Listen to article Since the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in October last year, the PML-N led federal government has remained largely successful in getting its way in courts. The most significant event is the award of convictions to 204 individuals — belonging to the PTI — in May 9 rioting cases. Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi has played a key role in expeditious trials in May 9 cases. In April, a bench led by him gave four months' deadline to anti-terrorism courts (ATCs) to complete the trials. Similarly, the Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench, which was formed by virtue of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, has also endorsed the trials of 103 May 9 rioters by military courts. Majority of convicts including PTI founder Imran Khan's nephew are behind the bar, waiting for passage of a proposed legislation for getting the right of appeal against their convictions by military courts. Despite the completion of a 45-day deadline, the government has not taken any step to give the right of appeal against military courts' decisions. The constitutional bench is also not sitting due to summer vacations. Three detailed judgements in crucial cases — related reserved seats, transfer of judges to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and military courts — are awaited. On the other hand, the government is waiting for an appropriate time to bring the 27th Constitutional Amendment. A senior government functionary admitted that the creation of a federal constitutional court is under serious consideration. Judiciary role since May 9, 2023 The judiciary's role has been vital amid the ongoing confrontation between the security establishment and the PTI, a confrontation that started after the ouster of the PTI government in April 2022. However, the establishment got disappointed, when a bench led by ex-chief justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial took up a matter related to the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan on May 9, 2023 and directed the law enforcement agencies to present him in the court. Subsequently, the court gave relief to Imran which further upset the executive functionaries. Ex-CJP Bandial was keen to hold general elections of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies within the 90-day period but he could not do so due to various reasons. The former PML-N led government had issued notification regarding the appointment of Justice Qazi Faez Isa as the next CJP months before the retirement of Justice Bandial. After his taking charge of the SC, Justice Isa did not disappoint the present government in any important matter. Ex-CJP Isa did not take notice of the allegations of human rights violation as well as election rigging. During his term, judgment declaring civilian trials in military courts as unconstitutional was suspended, the PTI was deprived of its election symbol ahead of the February 8 election, the party's female workers and leaders could not get bail and Imran was convicted in three cases during his jail trials. Despite all these happenings, the February 8 election results were shocking for anti-PTI elements. Ex-CJP Isa was considered a "guarantor of system" which was formed after the elections. When some judges raised concerns about agencies' interference in judicial functions, Justice Isa did not back them. Lawyers believe that Justice Isa's biggest step to facilitate the executive was the elevation of ex-Lahore High Court chief justice Malik Shahzad Ahmad Khan to the apex court. The present government was very uncomfortable with Justice Khan on account of his bold steps to ensure fairness in litigations related to election disputes and the May 9 cases. Ex-LHC CJ was the biggest hurdle in the manipulation of trials in the May 9 matters. Soon after his elevation to the SC, different ATCs judges were transferred to the satisfaction of the executive. After six IHC judges wrote a letter to Justice Isa in March last year, the executive started working on a plan to control the superior judiciary. One section of judges had made an attempt to secure the independence of judiciary by giving July 12, 2024 decision in the reserved seats case but they could not succeed. Post 26th amendment judiciary Instead of getting united for the independence of the institution, SC judges are visibly divided into two camps. The beneficiaries of constitutional amendment in the judiciary did not disappoint the present government in any issue. The executive is completely comfortable with all high courts as well as the apex court. Majority of dissenting judges have been sidelined and not included in the constitutional bench. Even the judges who were not in the good books of the executive have been sidelined in the IHC. The government's plan has also been successful in the IHC wherein they transferred three judges from other high courts. Subsequently, Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar became the IHC CJ as per the government's plan. It is being witnessed that the executive has total dominance in the process of superior courts judges' appointment after 26th Constitutional Amendment. Post 26th amendment, the PTI could not get any substantive relief in any matter. Now questions are being raised about convictions in May 9 cases. It is learnt that two senior PTI leaders recently met CJP Yahya Afridi to express apprehensions over non adherence of Article 10-A of the Constitution during the trials. There is a strong perception that "excessive and unjustified" sentences are awarded to the majority of PTI activists and lawmakers. Now all eyes are now on the LHC, which will hear the appeals against the convictions. Generally, convicts have to surrender to court before filing appeals against their convictions. One of PTI legal team members revealed that they are considering alternate strategies to plead the case against convictions. Despite passage of several months, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi's petitions for the suspension of sentences in the 190 million pounds case have not been decided by the IHC. It will be interesting to see which LHC bench is assigned the task to hear appeals against convictions. Lawyers fear that if the situation remains the same and the convictions are awarded without adherence to due process then people will lose complete trust in the judiciary and the ultimate loser will be the justice system. The judges, who are on the driving seat in the superior judiciary, must evolve a mechanism to end the perception that post 26 amendment judiciary is working under executive influence.
Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Iran seeks to boost trade to $10bn level
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: The President of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival here Saturday, on a two-day visit to Pakistan. On arrival, he was warmly received by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Two children presented bouquet to the visiting president, who was leading a high-level delegation. Quetta chamber highlights obstacles to trade with Iran, Afghanistan During his stay, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian will meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These meetings will include follow up discussions on trade agreements, joint border markets and other matters which were discussed during the visit of late Ebrahim Raisi to Pakistan in April last year. It is first official visit of Dr Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan as President of Iran. Elaborate security arrangements were made for the visit of Iranian delegation. Later, President of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister visited the mausoleum of Pakistan's national poet Allama Dr Muhammad Iqbal. He laid a floral wreath at the mausoleum and offered 'Fateha.' He paid homage to great philosopher and Poet of the East. On this occasion, the Khateeb of the Badshahi Mosque, Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad offered special prayers for the strengthening of Pak-Iran relations, prosperity and development of Pakistan and the well-being of Muslims. Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian recorded his impressions for Allama Iqbal's literary legacy in the visitors' book. Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, prior to departure to Pakistan, said that the trade relations between Tehran and Islamabad are strong, emphasising the plan to elevate their annual trade exchanges to $10 billion. He said that Tehran and Islamabad have enjoyed good, friendly, and deep-rooted relations since the establishment of Pakistan. The two countries cooperate in economic, scientific, cultural, and border areas, and a deep bond exists between the people of both sides, he said. Pezeshkian highlighted that during the recent aggression by the Israeli regime and the US against Iran's soil, Pakistan was among the countries that strongly condemned this aggression and declared its readiness to provide any necessary support for Iran's territorial integrity, as well as for the government and people of Iran. The Iranian President identified boosting border trade with Pakistan via land, air, and sea as priorities for this trip. Through Pakistan, Iran can connect to the Silk Road linking China and Pakistan, and the route can then extend through Iran to Europe, he said. Emphasising that security and border issues are of great importance to both Iran and Pakistan, he said that regional security must be achieved through mutual cooperation. Pezeshkian also noted that the enemy plans to create divisions among Muslims, but Iran will thwart the enemies' plots, adding Tehran aims to maintain unity and solidarity with Islamabad. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived here on Saturday on a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening economic ties and expanding bilateral trade with Pakistan. Pezeshkian was received at Nur Khan Air Base by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. 'This important visit will pave the way for stronger Pakistan-Iran ties,' PM Sharif said in a post on X, adding that he looked forward to 'substantive engagements' with the Iranian delegation. Earlier in the day, Pezeshkian landed in Lahore, where he was welcomed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The visit comes amid warming relations between the two neighbours, with Islamabad recently expressing solidarity and a desire for deeper cooperation with Tehran. The officials say that regional coordination is becoming increasingly vital amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. During his stay, President Pezeshkian is scheduled to meet President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sharif on Sunday. Security has been tightened across key venues in Islamabad to safeguard the visiting delegation. Pezeshkian is the second Iranian president to visit Pakistan in two years. His predecessor, late Ebrahim Raisi, visited in April 2024, shortly before his death in a helicopter crash. PM Sharif and Pezeshkian previously met in Tehran in May during the Pakistani leader's regional tour to express gratitude for support during tensions with India. Both the countries are set to sign a number of agreements aimed at bolstering the trade between the two sides, and further strengthen the economic relations. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Business Recorder
PML-N's leadership
Whenever the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has come into power, it has inherited a nation mired in deep crises. Yet, history reflects that the party's leadership, through steadfast determination and pragmatic governance, has repeatedly steered the country out of turmoil. Whether under the leadership of Mian Nawaz Sharif—a three-time Prime Minister—or Shahbaz Sharif, who has served both as Punjab Chief Minister and now as Prime Minister for the second time, the party has consistently faced complex challenges head-on. Hamza Shahbaz's brief tenure as Punjab Chief Minister and the current leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also reflect this continuity of resolve. Despite internal and external pressures, the PML-N leadership has never resorted to escapism; rather, it has sought solutions grounded in policy, diplomacy, and strong governance. This resilience, perhaps, is a testament to divine favour and the party's unwavering commitment to national service. Nawaz Sharif, guided by a long-term vision, rescued the nation from crises on multiple occasions and laid the foundation for both economic and defence strength. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, following in his brother's footsteps, averted national bankruptcy and stabilized Pakistan's economy. His most notable achievement came during Pakistan's recent conflict with India, where the country emerged victorious in what is now being recognized as a historic win. This strategic success will be remembered by future generations and remains a defining chapter of Shahbaz Sharif's tenure. The operational credit for this military success goes to Chief Field Marshal General Asim Munir, while Pakistan's strong diplomatic posture during the crisis is attributed to Senator Ishaq Dar's effective international engagement. Speaking at the inauguration of the Pak Business Express Train in Lahore, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif proudly recalled the nation's triumph in Operation Buny?n Mars?s and the Battle for Truth. He highlighted the valour of Pakistan's armed forces, who neutralized a much larger adversary in just five hours, combining bravery, skill, and cutting-edge technology. At the same event, the Prime Minister commended Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, along with the Chairman and CEO of Pakistan Railways, for achieving record-breaking revenue of PKR 93 billion in one year—arguably the highest in the institution's history. Hanif Abbasi, a seasoned political worker known for his dedication to public service, has revived Pakistan Railways with commendable efficiency. Adding to the momentum of infrastructural progress, Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has announced plans to launch Pakistan's first high-speed bullet train from Lahore to Rawalpindi. She has assigned this key task to Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who has already conducted meetings with Hanif Abbasi and senior railway officials. Under her guidance, a formal working group has been established, comprising Punjab's Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan, Chief Minister's Adviser Shahid Tarar, and senior railway leadership. If the PML-N government successfully executes this project within the next three years, it could become a hallmark achievement that strengthens the party's position in the upcoming general elections. The proposed bullet train is expected to reduce travel time between Lahore and Rawalpindi to just 2 to 2.5 hours—a major step forward in public transport modernization. Historically, when the PML-N is in power, Pakistan becomes economically and militarily stronger, and the standard of living for its citizens improves. Although the first year of the current term has been filled with challenges, signs of rapid progress are now clearly visible. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has launched several relief projects, while Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is setting new benchmarks in public service delivery across Punjab. In terms of government communication, Federal Minister for Information Atta Tarar and Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari have taken the lead in effectively representing the party and its achievements. The current PML-N media team is professional, responsible, and focused on performance rather than personal attacks. Unlike some past spokespersons who engaged in character assassination, today's representatives speak thoughtfully, highlighting the government's initiatives with clarity and purpose. This professionalism is a testament to the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, who made the wise decision to appoint Atta Tarar and Azma Bukhari as the party's official voices. Their ability to communicate policy, engage media constructively, and provide detailed briefings on government performance underscores their value to both the party and the public. Their media-friendly approach further enhances the government's public image, making them ideal emissaries of a leadership that is serious about governance, progress, and public welfare. In conclusion, as Pakistan continues to recover from its past crises, the PML-N leadership stands as a proven force for stability, development, and national pride. Whether through military strategy, diplomatic wins, economic revival, or infrastructure development, the party remains committed to building a stronger, more prosperous Pakistan. (The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the newspaper) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
