logo
KP PA discusses Mines & Minerals Bill 2025

KP PA discusses Mines & Minerals Bill 2025

PESHAWAR: A consultative session on the KP Mines and Minerals Bill 2025 was held at the Old Jirga Hall of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
The session was chaired by Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Babar Saleem Swati, who delivered the opening remarks and briefed participants on the bill.
The session was attended by Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi, Leader of the Opposition Dr Ibadullah, Minister for Law Aftab Alam, members of the Provincial Assembly, officials from relevant departments, lawyers, and representatives from civil society.
The Speaker explained that the session was convened in light of the questions, concerns, and suggestions raised regarding the bill, with the aim of incorporating the views of all stakeholders.
He noted that following cabinet approval and the bill's introduction in the Assembly, it faced scrutiny at various levels, including political circles, civil society, and media discussions, both nationally and internationally.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

K-P Assembly session on peace turns into war of words
K-P Assembly session on peace turns into war of words

Express Tribune

time3 days ago

  • Express Tribune

K-P Assembly session on peace turns into war of words

A special session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, convened to consult on the province's law-and-order situation and propose effective measures for peace, ironically descended into political point-scoring, blame games and verbal crossfire on Tuesday, with little substantive progress made. The session, chaired by Muhammad Idrees after a three-hour delay, suffered from poor attendance on both treasury and opposition benches. The repeated quorum breaks, along with the absence of several provincial ministers, further disrupted proceedings. Opening the debate after the recitation of the Holy Quran, PML-N MPA Farukh Khan warned that terrorism was rearing its head again. "This province was once the cradle of peace, home to the Gandhara civilisation, but then a time came when it was drenched in blood," he lamented. He said the public looked to the House with expectations. Recalling Nawaz Sharif's tenure as prime minister, he claimed it had brought peace to the country, and emphasised that the nation now required the "same spirit". "Since the 18th Amendment, law and order has been a provincial subject. The story must begin here, with positive proposals from this House. In times of crisis, governments and oppositions work together we must get on the same page and make history by truly representing our province." However, he pointed out that the province can seek help from the federation. "We cannot endure more lost lives, broken homes, and abandoned lands. Speeches alone will not do, the government must take the lead, and we are ready to stand with it." Ali Shah said the situation was forcing people from Bajaur to flee their homes. "My heart bleeds for them. Conditions in Balochistan and K-P are deteriorating. In Punjab, there is neither an operation nor any drone strike, but our borders have become insecure." Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sohail Afridi pointed out that no opposition member had spoken against military operations in the merged districts, whereas PTI's entire leadership had opposed the move alongside the provincial government. To this day, the leaders of opposition parties have neither taken a clear position nor issued a statement against the operations. The blood of the Pashtuns continues to be traded," he said. Afridi lashed out at the Awami National Party, saying that "a party led by Aimal Wali cannot lecture us on political maturity". "Political speeches will not achieve anything. Not a single opposition member condemns the operation. During the regime change episode, all opposition parties were part of the London Plan. These people want to disrupt the province's peace once again." A self-created law-and-order situation has been engineered in the province, he alleged and added that the PTI, under any circumstances, support military action in the province.

Sindh PA passes resolution to mark Minorities Day
Sindh PA passes resolution to mark Minorities Day

Business Recorder

time4 days ago

  • Business Recorder

Sindh PA passes resolution to mark Minorities Day

KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to mark National Minority Day, reaffirming that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees full protection to the minorities across the country, including Sindh. Members from both the treasury and opposition benches emphasised that observing the day just three days before Independence Day sends a clear message that every citizen enjoys freedom of religion and protection of life and property. The session, chaired by Speaker Awais Qadir Shah in the old Assembly building, began after Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar moved a motion to suspend the regular agenda, which was approved. Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed tabled the resolution, urging the House to acknowledge the constitutional rights of minorities. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, speaking in favour of the resolution, recalled that the same historic hall was where the Assembly had passed a resolution in favour of Pakistan in 1943 and where Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had addressed members in 1947. Quoting the Quaid, he said everyone is free to practice their religion and that Sindh was the first province to dissolve its autonomous status to join Pakistan. He stressed that representatives from the province have always contributed to the country's unity and survival, citing the roles of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. He also hoisted the national flag inside the hall. Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi endorsed the resolution, calling it significant and urging that its spirit be upheld. He reminded members of Jinnah's warning against sectarianism and lamented that ethnic biases still surface in society. Referring to frequent dumper truck accidents in Karachi, he said the issue was not ethnic but administrative, and that recommendations agreed by all parties had not been implemented. During the debate, Home Minister, Lanjar suggested that the matter of accidents be taken up separately after the resolution. He also announced the establishment of special desks for minority affairs at both the provincial police chief's office and district SSP offices. Local Government Minister, Saeed Ghani expressed pride in the Christian and Hindu communities living in his constituency, condemning religious persecution in India. Deputy Speaker Naveed, who moved the resolution, noted that President Asif Ali Zardari had officially declared Minority Day in 2009, and that the white stripe in Pakistan's national flag symbolises minority representation. He proposed removing the word 'minority' from the Constitution to promote equality. Former speaker, Agha Siraj Durrani described the day as one for unity, noting that the term 'minority' was a constitutional one that could only be amended by the National Assembly. He said the Pakistan Peoples Party had ensured more than five percent job quotas for non-Muslims. MQM's Taha Ahmed Khan voiced unconditional support for the resolution, recalling Jinnah's vision that Pakistan's freedom would only be complete when all its inhabitants were free. PTI's Shabbir Qureshi highlighted that Pakistan is unique for representing minorities in its flag. MQM's Anil Kumar said Hindus in Pakistan live freely with full facilities, unlike minorities in India, and joined calls to remove the word 'minority' from the Constitution. MQM's Fauzia Hameed stressed the need for interfaith harmony and equal rights for all citizens. The resolution was unanimously adopted, and the session adjourned. Sindh's Senior Minister for Information and Transport, Sharjeel Inam Memon told the Assembly that the green and white national flag reflects both the freedom of the country and the guaranteed rights of minorities. He cited examples of minority members elected by the PPP to general seats, such as Mahesh Kumar Malani, Giyanchand Essarani and Hari Ram, as well as Krishna Kohli's representation in the Senate in traditional dress, which earned international praise. Sharjeel Memon said PPP leadership had ensured minority inclusion in the Benazir Income Support Programme and the ongoing housing scheme, with thousands of non-Muslim families receiving homes and ownership rights. He contrasted Pakistan's protection of places of worship with the lack of safety for minorities in India. Turning to the recent fatal dumper truck accident in Karachi, the minister said two children were killed and their father critically injured when a truck hit their motorcycle. He said police arrested the driver and impounded the vehicle, yet violent elements set fire to seven dumpers in a coordinated bid to create unrest. Calling it an old tactic to promote ethnic and criminal politics, he vowed that the government would not allow the city's hard-earned peace to be disturbed. He said agreements had been signed with dumper owners requiring all trucks entering the city after the 25th of this month to be fitted with modern trackers and cameras, with full driver records checked. The chief minister had also ordered immediate compensation for the victims' families. He warned that anyone attempting to spread chaos again would face 'forceful' action to preserve the city's security. Home Minister, Lanjar, addressing reporters and later the House, said FIRs had been registered and the affected families compensated. He urged against exaggerating such incidents, noting that not only dumper drivers but all road users share responsibility for accidents, given outdated vehicles and unsafe practices. Plans are underway to introduce e-ticketing, ensure all heavy vehicles have cameras, enforce proper licensing and ban unfit trucks. He reaffirmed Sindh's commitment to protecting minorities and urged citizens to celebrate Independence Day peacefully, avoiding aerial firing in compliance with Section 144. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

MPAs close ranks to champion minorities
MPAs close ranks to champion minorities

Express Tribune

time4 days ago

  • Express Tribune

MPAs close ranks to champion minorities

The Sindh Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution to mark National Minorities Day, with both treasury and opposition leaders affirming that the Constitution guarantees complete protection to minorities in Sindh and across Pakistan. The move, taken three days before Independence Day, was described as a reaffirmation that every citizen is assured freedom of religion and security of life and property. The session, held in the old Assembly building under the chair of Speaker Owais Qadir Shah, saw the resolution moved by Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony. Earlier, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ziaul Hassan Lanjar had successfully sought suspension of other proceedings to allow debate on the motion. Speaking in favour, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah recalled the Assembly's historic role in passing the 1943 resolution in favour of Pakistan and hosting Quaid-e-Azam's 1947 address. He said observing Minorities Day before Independence Day underscored the guarantee of religious freedom and protection for all citizens. He noted Sindh's leading role in joining Pakistan, adding that its representatives would continue contributing to the country's unity and survival. Referring to Quaid-e-Azam's commitment to safeguarding minorities, Shah cited contributions by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto. The CM also hoisted the national flag in the Assembly Hall. Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi supported the resolution, urging all parties to respect its spirit. He cautioned against sectarian and ethnic bias, and highlighted the need for serious attention to public safety issues. Interior Minister Lanjar announced plans to establish minority desks headed by SSP-level officers at the Sindh Police headquarters and the IG's office. Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani said protection of non-Muslims dated back to the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Rashidun Caliphate. He emphasised that Islam prohibits harm to non-Muslims, adding that minorities in his constituency are treated with respect. Deputy Speaker Anthony noted that former president Asif Ali Zardari had initiated National Minorities Day in 2009, recalling Quaid-e-Azam's 11 August 1947 speech in which he symbolically represented minorities in the national flag through the white stripe. He proposed that the constitutional term 'minority' be removed to reflect equality. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani stressed that the term is a constitutional provision that could only be changed in the National Assembly, and highlighted the PPP's record in granting minorities more than five per cent of government jobs. Speaker Shah announced that a symbolic session will be held on August 14, inviting special children as guests. MQM's Taha Ahmed Khan, PTI's Shabbir Qureshi, and MQM's Anil Kumar and Fauzia Hameed also backed the resolution. MQM members called for constitutional removal of the term 'minority' and reiterated the need for religious harmony. Anil Kumar said minorities enjoy all facilities in Pakistan, unlike in India. The House unanimously approved the resolution before adjourning the session.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store