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Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI protests 'drone strikes' in tribal dists
PTI protesters take to the streets in Lahore on May 9, 2023. SCREENGRAB The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) held a protest in Peshawar against drone strikes in the tribal districts, with participation from government ministers, members of the assembly, and party officials. PTI made it clear that drone attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are unacceptable and warned that if they are not stopped, the party will take all necessary steps to halt them. The protest was organized on the instructions of PTI's founding chairman, who had called for demonstrations in the tribal areas. The protest in Peshawar's Hashtnagri area was attended by PTI's provincial president Junaid Akbar, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Peshawar region president Atif Khan, provincial ministers Ihtesham Ali, Abdul Karim Tordher, Meena Khan Afridi, Arif Ahmedzai, Pir Maswar, district president Irfan Saleem, Arbab Sher Ali, Kamran Bangash, Fazal Elahi, Shandana Gulzar, and other party officials. Speakers at the protest condemned the drone strikes, stating that innocent civilians are being targeted. They described the attacks as a violation of human rights and an affront to national sovereignty, and urged the federal government to take immediate notice. They noted that the founding chairman of PTI has consistently opposed drone strikes and raised his voice against them at international forums. Due to PTI's firm stance, no drone strikes occurred during its time in power. The speakers added that the entire nation stands with the founding chairman's position. PTI was the first party to oppose drone strikes and even staged a sit-in to block NATO supply lines. The founding chairman was the only leader who had the courage to say "Absolutely Not" to a superpower, claimed speakers. "If these attacks are not stopped, we will stop them ourselves," the speakers warned. The provincial government has also issued a policy statement declaring that drone strikes will not be accepted within the province. They emphasized that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has endured conflict for over 40 years, which has devastated its economy. The province relies heavily on trade with Afghanistan and seeks good relations with its neighbor. The leaders also vowed to continue their struggle against the 26th Constitutional Amendment and said that the nation would once again take to the streets to demand the release of PTI's founding chairman. They criticized Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, claiming he only holds a mandate of 16 seats and questioning the legitimacy of his administration, alleging that even the families of some government lawmakers do not acknowledge them as MNAs.
Express Tribune
16-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Assets declaration must for govt servants
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP The federal government on Friday managed to pass a bill, amending the Civil Servants Act. Under the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill 2025, Clause 15A was added after Clause 15 of the Act, making it mandatory for civil servants from Grade-17 to Grade-22 to declare all their domestic and foreign assets. As per the proposed law, civil servants must also disclose the domestic and foreign assets and liabilities of their spouses and dependent children. Officers will be required to submit details of their own and their family's assets to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). These asset details will be made public. Earlier, the NA Friday passed a total of nine legislative items, including six government bills, two private members' bills, and a resolution, with a majority vote. The government successfully secured the house's approval for the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill 2024, a crucial piece of legislation related to the upcoming federal budget. Among the other government-sponsored bills passed were: Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill 2024, Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Bill 2025, Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2024, Transfer of Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2025. In addition, the house also adopted two private members' bills from the supplementary agenda: Trade Organisations (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2025 (applicable within the limits of Islamabad Capital Territory). All bills were passed with a majority vote, without division. The assembly also approved a resolution moved by MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, urging the government to increase the upper age limit for CSS candidates to 35 years, and to allow five attempts for the competitive exam. The resolution stressed that qualified aspirants were being excluded due to the restrictive age cap and limited number of chances. Speaking on a point of order, PTI MNA Asad Qaiser raised concerns regarding the lack of a clear government policy on tobacco cultivation. "Farmers are deeply worried. The matter should be referred to the relevant standing committee," he urged. In response, the federal minister for law and justice assured the house that the government was aware of the farmers' difficulties. "International market fluctuations do impact prices, but we will ensure that tobacco growers are not unduly burdened," he said. The session was later adjourned by Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani until Monday at 5pm. Wheat procurement The government would not procure wheat this season and the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco) would be closed down, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the National Assembly on Friday. Speaking during the Question Hour, the minister said that farmers who were able to store their produce in their own warehouses would be compensated. He added that there were no restrictions on the movement or transport of wheat across the country. "Wheat is currently performing well in the open market, which is benefiting farmers and improving their income," the minister told the house in response to a question. "The farmers who are able to store their produce in their own warehouses will be compensated," he added.
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Opposition alliance unveils 15-point agenda
ISLAMABAD: Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Aain Pakistan (Movement for the Protection of the Constitution of Pakistan) on Monday made public 15-points national agenda to address the challenges facing the country and to formulate a future strategy. The head of the Movement Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser, Allama Nasir Abbas, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and other opposition leaders addressed the ceremony regarding the national agenda of the movement. Khokhar, while presenting the national agenda, stated that the desire was to highlight the problems facing the opposition alliance in Pakistan, adding there was nothing in this agenda that is against the law. Only if the sanctity of the people and the state is not violated in any way, then the state will be able to move forward, he added. He presented the points which included that the alliance rejects the rigging of the 2024 elections. 'We demand that elections be held again,' said Khokar, adding that freedom of expression was taken away by the amendment to the PECA Act, the independence of the judiciary was taken away through the 26th Constitutional Amendment. The responsibilities of the Pakistan Armed Forces should be carried out within their jurisdiction. The government writ and the deteriorating law and order situation in the country are viewed with concern. The alliance demands that the National Action Plan be implemented strictly. It has become difficult for the middle class to live, as well as, for business people to do business. He further said that this alliance demand that water resources be distributed legally. The canals issue should be resolved by the Council of Common Interests. The rights of the provinces cannot be taken away. Missing persons should be brought before the judiciary in accordance with the law. Armed terrorist organisations can be confronted without taking away the rights of citizens. All restrictions imposed on the internet should be lifted. This alliance supports holding free local elections. All political prisoners, including the founder of PTI, should be released. Central leader of PTI and former Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser said that the alliance of opposition parties has put the national agenda before the nation and is the same agenda on which they held the national conference. He said that on the 7th, they are going to Punjab, and want to keep the national agenda. We will also discuss the issues of Punjab during this time, said Qaiser, adding that they will also hold such conferences in Balochistan, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that they are very concerned about the situation in Pakistan's units. The Balochistan government currently does not practically represent the people, he added. Mahmood Khan Achakzai said that they fully support this national agenda and this is the time to unite the country. He also proposed all political parties should form a national government together and save Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI invites JUI-F to join opposition alliance
ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan's PTI has invited Maulana Fazlur Rehman's JUI-F to join a grand opposition allianceTehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ain-e-Pakistanformed last year with the aim of protecting the sanctity of the Constitution. The invitation was extended during a meeting between a PTI delegation and the JUI-F chief at his residence in the federal capital. The PTI delegation was led by Omar Ayub and included Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Hamid Raza, and Akhunzada Yousufzai. In the meeting, the two parties agreed to form a committee comprising PTI's Asad Qaiser and JUI-F's Senator Kamran Murtaza. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Omar Ayub said that they had visited Maulana Fazlur Rehman to strengthen democracy. He mentioned that PTI workers are still being arrested and that during recent negotiations, the government had not accepted any of their demands. Omar also said the government had promised to arrange a private meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan, who is incarcerated in Adiala Jail, but it failed to do so. He added that authorities had conducted a raid at Hamid Raza's residence during the talks. PTI's General Secretary Salman Akram Raja said they informed Maulana Fazlur Rehman about the ongoing negotiations, which were called on Tuesday, and discussed the government's intentions. During a media briefing, JUI-F spokesperson Senator Kamran Murtaza said that PTI leaders were warmly welcomed by him and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. "Detailed discussions took place regarding the appointment of the CEC and two members. Election interference should come to an end," he added. He also announced that a two-member temporary committee had been formed, consisting of Asad Qaiser and himself, to oversee the current developments.
Express Tribune
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PHC bars police from arresting PTI's Asad Qaiser
Listen to article The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has granted protective bail to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser and barred police from arresting him in cases filed after November 24, 2024. A two-member bench, comprising Chief Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Ejaz Anwar, heard Qaiser's petition seeking details of cases registered against him. His counsel argued that the court had previously granted protective bail, but the order was not issued in writing. The court was requested to ensure a written order this time. During the hearing, Chief Justice Ibrahim inquired about the nature of the cases against Qaiser. Deputy Attorney General informed the court that no cases had been filed against him by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) or the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Qaiser's lawyer also requested a report from Islamabad police to determine whether any cases had been registered there. The court directed Islamabad police to submit a report within 15 days and clarified that it would seek a response from the city's Inspector General, not the Commissioner. Last month, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) informed the federal capital police that 17 cases have been registered against Asad Qaiser. However, a hearing on Qaiser's petition seeking details of these cases could not proceed as Justice Saman Raffat Imtiaz, the single bench of the IHC, left the case due to time constraints. Qaiser, represented by his lawyer Ayesha Khalid, filed the petition naming the Secretary of Interior, Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Inspector Generals of Islamabad and the four provinces, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman, and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General as respondents. In his plea, Qaiser argued that several politically motivated and unlawful First Information Reports (FIRs) have been lodged against him.
