Latest news with #27thAmendment
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Nawaz back in spotlight as he confers with PML-N big guns
PML-N President Nawaz Sharif has urged the government to ensure unity and harmony among the people in the face of a growing threat of another misadventure by India, senior party leader Murtaza Javed Abbasi said on Tuesday. Talking to The Express Tribune, Abbasi said that during a meeting chaired by Nawaz Sharif at his Galiyat residence, it was revealed that there were threats that the Indian elected government, in a bid to redeem its lost honour among its voters, might undertake another misadventure. He said Nawaz Sharif stressed on ensuring political harmony and unity within the country to counter all kinds of threats Pakistan was facing. He added that in his personal view, PTI founding chairman Imran Khan should also let go of his ego and sit with the political government if the establishment was not ready to sit with him and help the government in creating consensus among people. Murtaza said the meeting mainly focused on the upcoming by-elections. The party president and leadership reviewed the profiles, track records and electoral performance of applicants to determine the most suitable candidates. He said Nawaz Sharif asked both provincial and central governments to squarely focus on improving performance and reviving the economy. "Pakistan will truly attain the place in the world that it so desires after achieving fiscal stability," he noted, adding that the PML-N's performance and the economy would be the party's narrative for the upcoming elections. He said this was the third party meeting presided over by Nawaz Sharif that mainly focused on national issues. In response to a question about discussion on the 27th Amendment, Abbasi said nothing to this effect was discussed in this or any other meeting of the party.
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bilawal shoots down 27th amendment talk
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari speaks to the media after inaugurating the renovation of Niaz Stadium. Photo: X PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday dismissed as "baseless" speculation about any move to legislate a 27th Constitutional Amendment. Even as the 26th Amendment remains mired in controversy, the power corridors of Islamabad have been abuzz with rumours that a possible 27th Amendment could further alter the structure and functioning of the superior judiciary. The 26th Amendment had brought in sweeping changes to the judicial framework. Speaking to reporters at the launch of renovation works for Hyderabad's Niaz Stadium, Bilawal rubbished the "baseless rumours". "So far, no federal minister, prime minister or party member has approached me regarding any amendments." He underscored that the 26th Amendment was passed after reaching a consensus and with compromise from political parties. "PPP wanted constitutional courts, but we compromised," said Bilawal. Meanwhile on X (formerly Twitter), PPP's media wing quoted Bilawal as saying, "the 26th Constitutional Amendment is an eternal success. Judicial reforms and constitutional courts were a demand of the Charter of Democracy, but we prioritised a constitutional bench over a constitutional court for the sake of consensus". Commenting on India's stance on the Indus Waters Treaty, Bilawal asserted that Pakistan must receive its share of three rivers under the agreement, warning that if the treaty is not honoured, Pakistan would seek water from all six rivers under international law. He recalled visiting Hyderabad a year ago to inaugurate a water filtration plant and expressed satisfaction over the pace of ongoing projects by the provincial government. "In the past, some politicians sowed seeds of hatred here, but now Hyderabad will keep moving forward." Stressing the need to shift from traditional flood irrigation methods towards advanced water technology, he added.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Probe finds civilians handling revenue tasks
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ordered an inquiry into patwar circles in the federal capital and directed that a report be submitted. Patwari Muhammad Abbas, in charge of four patwar circles, admitted to engaging private individuals to perform official duties. According to a report presented before the court, the inquiry officer, the assistant commissioner, recommended a "major penalty" against Abbas for violating departmental procedures and rules. The officer found him guilty of breaching regulations by involving private persons in sensitive revenue tasks without official approval. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, during the hearing of a case regarding recruitment to vacant posts in patwar offices, remarked that government officers must be appointed in patwar circles to serve the public, noting that citizens were being forced to pay bribes to private individuals working in these offices. The deputy commissioner of Islamabad sought time to submit a proposed recruitment procedure, while advocate general Islamabad also requested additional time regarding appointments. The court observed that no one is indispensable for any position, pointing out that Pakistan has a population of 250 million and people retire, pass away, or are dismissed. The report revealed that Islamabad has 45 patwar circles but only nine patwaris. Abbas was responsible for four circles at once and, citing operational constraints, hired three experienced individuals, including Adnan, Taifoor, and Rizwan, to carry out official revenue work. The report stated this practice posed risks to sensitive processes and violated the principle that duties must be performed only by authorised government officers. While it may have been intended to facilitate the public, the inquiry officer warned it could be misused in the future. During the hearing, the assistant commissioner Industrial Area, appointed to investigate the matter, appeared in court. When Justice Kayani asked if he had seen the state counsel's submitted report, he replied in the negative. The judge remarked that the entire revenue department was involved and noted the absence of local government in Islamabad. Advocate General Ayaz Shoukat said two court rulings existed regarding quota-based appointments, with rules and judicial decisions differing. He added that changes to the rules or a constitutional amendment might be needed. Justice Kayani responded that the 27th Amendment could address this, but warned that unqualified individuals were currently performing official tasks. The advocate general argued that without patwaris, work would come to a standstill, but the court reiterated that no position was irreplaceable. The hearing was adjourned until September 17.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Govt mulling tabling 27th amendment bill: PTI
ISLAMABAD: PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser on Sunday addressed rumours of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, stating that the party would approach the legal fraternity regarding the potential legislation. After passing the 26th Constitutional Amendment last year, the government had been planning to table another amendment, colloquially known as the 27th Amendment, aimed at reforming local governments and 'addressing issues skipped in previous legislation'. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, the PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker stated that there is 'new drama' surrounding the legislation. Joint session approves 4 bills amid PTI protest 'In this case, we will approach the lawyers' community regarding this legislation,' Qaiser said. 'We will begin by meeting with the Islamabad Bar this month.' Referring to a 'schedule of activities' for this month, Qaiser said that the PTI will also arrange an engagement with foreign diplomats and embassies, as well as a seminar. The PTI leader also assailed the manner in which the country is being governed, branding it 'illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic'. 'The country is practically under martial law and decisions are being made based on personal preferences,' Qaiser stated. 'The country cannot be run under this hybrid system we have right now. 'We have decided that we will use all available forums — parliament, the courts, the public — to take our struggle against injustice and oppression forward.' PTI Leader Asad Qaiser Addresses Rumors of 27th Constitutional Amendment Asad Qaiser, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, announced on Sunday that the party will consult with the legal community regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment, which follows the 26th Constitutional Amendment passed last year, reportedly aims to reform local governments and address outstanding legislative issues. During a press conference in Islamabad, the former National Assembly speaker called the new legislation a 'drama' and outlined the PTI's plan of action. He stated that the party will meet with the Islamabad Bar this month as a first step. Qaiser also mentioned a series of upcoming activities for the month, including a seminar and an engagement with foreign diplomats and embassies. In his remarks, Qaiser was critical of the current government, calling it 'illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic.' He claimed that the country is essentially under martial law, with decisions being made based on personal whims rather than established procedures. He stated that the PTI will utilize all available platforms—parliament, the courts, and public forums—to oppose what he described as injustice and oppression. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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First Post
16-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Quiet storm in Pakistan: Asim Munir's unusual meetings with Zardari, Sharif stir coup speculation, again
The back-to-back meetings have, once again, stirred coup rumours in Pakistan's political circles as Munir engages with the top leadership to replace the president read more Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan Asim Munir. Some suggest that the Sharif family may be involved in the possible coup. File image/Reuters While earlier speculations on a military coup in Pakistan have not died down yet, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday shortly after Sharif held a meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari at the latter's residence. The back-to-back meetings have, once again, stirred coup rumours in Pakistan's political circles as Munir engages with the top leadership to replace the president. According to a report by The Express Tribune, word of the town is that Islamabad is likely to invoke the 27th Amendment, followed by a resignation of President Zardari. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Army has no interest in politics' The theory that military may take over the reins of the Pakistani government has been dismissed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who has rejected media reports as lacking 'credibility'. Talking to the Express Tribune, Asif confirmed that while the possibility of President Zardari's resignation and a subsequent military takeover came up during the discussions between Munir and Sharif, he dismissed rumours and found claims made by Pakistani media 'unfounded.' He said that Zardari was well aware of the meeting between Sharif and Munir. 'Mr President was fully aware of the issue and expressed his full confidence in the government. It's all kite flying,' Asif asserted. 'Army chief has no interest in politics. He [Munir] doesn't need anything,' he added. Sharif denies claims, too Last week, PM Sharif said, 'Field Marshal Asim Munir has never expressed any desire to become the president, nor is there any such plan in the offing.' Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also criticised what he called a 'malicious campaign' targeting Pakistan's civilian and military leaders. In a post on X, Naqvi suggested that foreign groups were behind the dissemination of these rumours and said the government knows who is responsible for pushing this narrative. With inputs from agencies
