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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
TTAP urges top judge to probe sugar scam
Opposition leaders attend the first day of the two-day All Parties Conference in Islamabad on July 31, 2025. Photo: X An opposition parties' alliance has urged the country's top judge to take suo motu notice of "a systemic policy manipulation" in the sugar industry that has allowed "a select group of sugar barons" to reap immense profits "at the direct expense of common citizens". The "urgent appeal" sent to Chief Justice of Yahya Afridi by Tehreek Tahaffuz Aine-e-Pakistan (TTAP) Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar stated that the recent sugar crisis is a stark testament to how entrenched interests exploit national policy for personal gain. It claimed that an alarming increase in sugar pricesto an unprecedented Rs200 per kg since Januaryis not a mere market fluctuation but a direct consequence of deliberate policy choices and demands an immediate and decisive intervention of the Supreme Court. It said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's government, in a move that defies logic and public interest, first approved the export of 765,000 metric tonnes of sugar between July 2024 and May 2025, despite clear warnings of impending supply shortages. "This decision allowed a select group of sugar barons to reap immense profits. Subsequently, when local prices skyrocketed, the government paradoxically approved the import of 500,000 metric tons of sugar, further facilitating the same beneficiaries through preferential tax treatment." "The cabinet waived all duties and taxes on these imports. This tax exemption has rightly drawn the ire of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), clashing with loan conditions and exacerbating Pakistan's fiscal strain." According to the appeal, this export-import cycle, repeated over the past 24 months, unequivocally exposes the profound influence of the sugar industry over national policy. It raises serious questions about economic stewardship and, more critically, about who really benefits from these decisions. Citing "credible reports", it said a staggering 50% of sugar mills are owned by politicians, including prominent affiliates of the ruling PML-N coalition. This direct involvement of the political class, holding parliamentary seats, represents a profound conflict of interest and cements their "entrenched political clout". The appeal stated that this blending of political muscle and commercial interest has effectively entrenched a near-monopoly, enabling a calculated strategy to maximize gains for a privileged few. It said the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) previously imposed penalties totaling Rs44 billion on 81 sugar mills in August 2021, underscoring a history of cartelization and exploitative practices. "This situation is a textbook example of "extractive institutions" as described by Acemoglu and Robinson in 'Why Nations Fail', designed to 'steer the economic rewards toward a relatively small elite'. "The crisis mirrors how concentrated political power is used to create immense wealth for those who wield it, while the vast majority of Pakistanis suffer from inflation and a strained economy." It claimed that the policy shifts in the sugar sector are not accidental but are deliberate mechanisms, crafted by a politically connected elite, to extract wealth from the masses.
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bajaur, Mohmand elders reject operations
The second session of regional consultative Jirgas on law and order, initiated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, was held on Monday at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar. The meeting saw active participation from elders and elected representatives of Bajaur and Mohmand districts. The high-level session was also attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Senator Noorul Haq Qadri, the Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, as well as commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior police officials. Participants held detailed deliberations on the worsening law and order situation and presented several key recommendations. Stressing their unwavering commitment to peace, they declared: "We want peace and call upon the government to ensure it. We are ready to fully cooperate. Terrorism is the enemy of all, and we stand united against it." The Jirga unanimously rejected proposals for military operations and displacement, deeming them unacceptable. Instead, they recommended the formation of a broad-based and empowered Jirga, comprising federal and provincial representatives, tribal elders, and other key stakeholders, to initiate meaningful dialogue with the Afghan government and people for long-term peace. Participants welcomed the initiative of local Jirgas, calling it a positive step and urged its expansion and effectiveness to benefit other conflict-affected regions. It may be recalled that following the All Parties Conference (APC) convened by Chief Minister last month, the provincial government has officially launched a series of regional Jirgas aimed at addressing the pressing issues of peace, security, and development in the merged tribal districts of the province. The first of these regional consultative Jirgas was held on Saturday at the Chief Minister's House in Peshawar. The gathering brought together a diverse array of participants from the Khyber and Orakzai districts, as well as from the tribal sub-divisions of Darra Adam Khel and Hassan Khel. In total, more than 150 tribal elders and community leaders were present, in addition to six members of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, three members of the National Assembly, and one senator. Senior provincial officials, including Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, also participated in the Jirga. They were joined by commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior police officers from the concerned districts. In a unanimous declaration, the Jirga participants put forth key recommendations to guide the province's future strategy in the tribal belt.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Gandapur hosts first peace jirga with tribal elders
Listen to article In a renewed push for peace and development in the tribal districts, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government on Saturday initiated a series of regional jirgas following an All Parties Conference (APC) hosted by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur The provincial government confirmed the development in a post on X, announcing that the first jirga was held at the Chief Minister's House, including tribal elders and elected representatives from Khyber, Orakzai, and the tribal subdivisions of Dara Adam Khel and Hassan Khel. وزیراعلیٰ خیبر پختونخوا @AliAminKhanPTI کی میزبانی میں آل پارٹیز کانفرنس کے بعد امن وامان سے متعلق علاقائی جرگوں کے انعقاد کا سلسلہ شروع۔ اِس سلسلہ کا پہلا علاقائی مشاورت جرگہ آج وزیراعلیٰ ہاؤس میں منعقد ہوا۔ جرگہ میں ضلع خیبر اور اورکزئی کے علاوہ ٹرائبل سب ڈویژنز درہ آدم خیل اور… — Chief Minister KP (@KPChiefMinister) August 2, 2025 Around 150 tribal elders, six provincial assembly members, three national assembly members, and one senator participated. Senior officials, including the chief secretary, IG police, relevant commissioners, deputy commissioners, and the CM's information adviser, also attended. The jirga unanimously condemned terrorism and expressed a united stance against all forms of militancy. However, it strongly rejected military operations that lead to the displacement of local populations, emphasizing that 'peace cannot be achieved through such measures.' Read More: Pakistan Army inducts Z-10ME attack helicopters under COAS' supervision The tribal elders also presented several key recommendations. They underscored that 'restoring peace is essential for development, and once stability returns, the pace of progress will accelerate.' They made it clear that no one has demanded or been granted control over the province's mineral resources or any other assets, reaffirming the commitment to safeguarding local resources. The jirga further advised the federal government to arrange for a delegation comprising the provincial government and tribal elders to participate in ongoing negotiations with Afghanistan. They stressed that 'all necessary support and resources should be provided to this delegation to ensure effective dialogue.' Plans were also outlined for the next regional jirgas to be held in Mohmand and Bajaur districts, followed by a third jirga covering North and South Waziristan, and a final session in Kurram district. These consultations will culminate in a grand jirga chaired by the Chief Minister. Before the grand jirga convenes, influential figures from the tribal areas will be appointed to represent their communities and present actionable proposals focused on restoring peace and stability in the region. Also Read: Aleema Khan says Imran's sons have applied for new NICOPs after losing their old ones The latest developments follow last week's APC convened by the K-P government, where a strong consensus was reached against any military operation within the province. Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan, addressing the gathering, stressed that the responsibility of securing the country's borders lies with federal authorities and security agencies, while the provincial police are fully capable of addressing terrorism and law enforcement challenges within KP. Participants categorically rejected the long-standing distinction between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban and voiced firm opposition to the use of drone strikes on provincial territory.
Business Recorder
7 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Democracy, basic freedoms ‘under siege': opposition APC
ISLAMABAD: In a fiery show of unity, a defiant mix of opposition bigwigs, legal hawks, and press watchdogs tore into the country's shaky 'hybrid regime' on Friday, blasting what they called a full-throttle assault on democracy and basic freedoms. The two-day All Parties Conference (APC), held under the banner of Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), wrapped up with a blistering declaration torching the ruling regime and its powerful 'handlers' for ramping up political crackdowns, targeting dissenters, and gutting the country's constitutional rights. At a no-holds-barred press conference flanked by fellow opposition heavyweights, TTAP's Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar tore into the PML-N-led coalition, accusing it – and its military muscle – of choking political dissent and bulldozing the opposition's constitutional right to peaceful protest. Khokhar sounded the alarm on the country's crumbling economy, warning that nearly 45 per cent of Pakistanis are now living below the poverty line, with jobless rates skyrocketing to a staggering 20 per cent – and democracy, he said, is gasping for air. 'The business class is packing up and fleeing the country,' Khokhar warned, 'pushed out by chaos, corruption, and collapsing confidence.' Reading from the APC's fiery declaration, Khokhar called for the immediate release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi – demanding their cases be fast-tracked in the Islamabad High Court without 'any more political games.' The statement tore into what it called a 'surge of fascism and political revenge,' blasting recent parliamentary moves as a blatant witch hunt to crush the opposition – a clear shot at the recent convictions of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) lawmakers in both National Assembly and Senate over the May 9 chaos. The teething democracy of the country is in tatters, and its human rights record is a wreck,' the declaration warned, calling for sweeping reforms before it's too late. Among its key recommendations, the APC called for the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, robust safeguards for media freedom, and the institutionalization of women's rights and education within future political frameworks. The APC further urged the federal government to devolve powers to the provinces, repeal the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment, and institute transparent mechanisms for judicial appointments. The participants of the moot hailed six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges who dared to speak out against institutional meddling – branding them 'national heroes' for standing their ground. Rejecting the legitimacy of the 2024 general elections, the APC demanded an empowered, independent Election Commission endowed with the authority to conduct free and fair polls. On regional and human rights issues, the moot affirmed that the natural resources of Balochistan belong to its people and called for the immediate judicial production of all missing persons. It also pressed for civilian oversight over law enforcement agencies and advocated lifting restrictions on pilgrims journeying to Arbaeen by road. Further, the declaration sought the reopening of traditional cross-border trade routes, the reinstatement of Peshawar High Court (PHC) verdict concerning the Action in Aid of Civil Power Regulations, and the withdrawal of a Supreme Court appeal filed by the PTI-led provincial government. Highlighting environmental concerns, the participants urged implementation of the 1993 water distribution accord and voiced alarm over canal projects threatening the fragile Indus Delta ecosystem. Electoral reforms featured prominently, with calls for direct elections to the Senate and the enhancement of senators' legislative powers to parity with National Assembly members. The APC also pressed for granting Gilgit-Baltistan full constitutional provincial status and renewed efforts to foster inter-party cooperation nationwide. Condemning governmental constraints on press freedom, the conference demanded an end to Jirga-backed practices deemed discriminatory against women. The APC's communiqué concluded with a foreign policy stance, vehemently condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for his designation as an international war criminal and prosecution before the International Court of Justice. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
APC calls for abolishing SIFC, 26th Amendment, creating new 'Charter of Democracy'
Opposition leaders attend the day two of the All Parties Conference in Islamabad on Aug 1, 2025. Photo: X/YousafzaiHusain Listen to article Opposition leaders urged all political parties to come together to establish constitutional norms for inter-party relations, calling for a new democratic framework, systemic reforms, and an end to political victimisation and institutional overreach. An All Parties Conference (APC), organised by Tehreek Tahafuz Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP), was hosted at former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar's residence in Islamabad on Mahmood Khan Achakzai's invitation. The conference brought together leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), former senators, legal experts, and civil society groups. Issuing a wide-ranging manifesto, the APC demanded the dissolution of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the 26th Amendment, immediate release of political detainees, lifting of media restrictions, and the referral of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Read More: Opposition demands end to 'engineered politics' Reading out the joint declaration, Khokhar condemned 'escalating authoritarian practices' and demanded immediate release of Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, with expedited hearings in the Islamabad High Court and Supreme Court. He described the sentencing of dozens of PTI activists and opposition lawmakers a day earlier as a 'black day' in democratic history, asserting 'the hybrid regime wants the complete elimination of opposition in the country.' Delegates also called for the creation of a new 'Charter of Democracy' reaffirming the supremacy of the 1973 Constitution, rule of law, judicial independence, and the establishment of an impartial and autonomous Election Commission. A declaration warned: 'As a result of successive assaults by the hybrid regime, the Constitution of Pakistan—including the fundamental rights in Articles 8 to 18—and the parliamentary democratic system have been rendered meaningless.' Also Read: FO slams India's 'Operation Mahadev' as 'entirely fabricated' The conference further demanded abolition of SIFC, calling it unconstitutional and in violation of the 18th Amendment. 'SIFC is contrary to the spirit of the 18th Amendment and the Constitution. We demand its dissolution and cancellation of plans to transfer millions of acres of land—acquired in the name of corporate farming—to Green Initiative Company.' Criticising civil–military interference, the APC accused federal and defence institutions of undermining civilian agencies, eroding public trust in law enforcement and the justice system. It demanded immediate reforms and restoration of confidence in the judiciary. Addressing judicial independence, the resolution declared: 'Following the 26th Constitutional Amendment, judicial independence has been reduced to a slogan and is effectively nonexistent in Pakistan. Kangaroo courts are now serving establishment interests; regular courts serve select individuals, while the chief justice has become a symbolic figurehead.' To reverse this, the conference called for full repeal of the amendment, ending all interference, and establishing an impartial system for judicial appointments. 'To restore the sanctity of the judiciary… the complete repeal of the 26th Constitutional Amendment is necessary,' it said. Also Read: Imran's sons await visa approval, says Aleema Khan On provincial autonomy, the APC demanded that mineral resources in Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Gilgit‑Baltistan remain under local control, declaring any legislation or contracts made without provincial consent as null and void. The declaration also demanded release of missing persons in Balochistan and K‑P via court appearances, immediate dissolution of illegal private militias alleged to have establishment backing, and release of political prisoners. It insisted on the constitutional right to fair trials. It further called for removal of restrictions on pilgrims (Zaireen) from Balochistan heading to Iran and Iraq, terming bans a violation of religious and human rights, and demanded greater local involvement in managing border areas adjacent to Iran and Afghanistan. Also Read: Five cops martyred as Katcha bandits attack check post in Rahim Yar Khan Promoting transitional justice, the APC proposed a Truth and Reconciliation Commission modelled on South Africa, stating: 'Every institution or individual who, from the founding of Pakistan until today, has played any role against democracy, the rights of the people, or the Constitution must voluntarily appear before this commission and confess to their crimes and errors.' The resolution emphasised promoting democratic culture and inter‑party consultation to curb political victimisation. Voicing concern over Pakistan's socio‑economic situation, the APC highlighted that around 45 per cent of Pakistanis live below the poverty line, salaried purchasing power has declined by 58 per cent, overall unemployment stands at 22 per cent and youth unemployment exceeds 30 per cent. Finally, the opposition urged the K‑P government to comply with the Peshawar High Court's verdict striking down the FATA‑TOF regulation and to withdraw its appeal in the Supreme Court.
