Latest news with #GoharAliKhan
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
NA panel questions PTCL's property sale
A parliamentary committee directed Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to provide specific clauses of its sale and purchase agreements that authorise the company to proceed with the sale of its properties and expressed dismay over the absence of the firm's CEO. "Where is the CEO of PTCL? How is PTCL selling properties worth billions of rupees?" The committee chairman termed the CEO's absence an insult to parliament. He stated, "We summon the PTCL CEO and his continuous absence is an affront to the committee. We will not take up PTCL's agenda unless the CEO is present. If he is in Islamabad, then he must be called." The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication met on Monday under the chairmanship of Syed Aminul Haq. PTCL officials informed the committee that the CEO was attending a meeting at the UAE embassy, to which the chairman responded that committee members had arrived from remote areas to attend the session and those who were unable to come were participating online. "Scheduling a meeting at the UAE embassy on the same day when this session was going to be held is not appropriate," he remarked. The chairman asked, "How is PTCL selling off properties worth billions of rupees?" The committee also summoned officials from the Ministry of Law for the next meeting. Furthermore, the committee instructed that in the next meeting, it must be ensured that the CEO of PTCL appears before the panel to respond to its queries. The committee reconstituted its sub-committee, to be convened by Gohar Ali Khan, with the same composition and terms of reference. Meanwhile, amid increasing data leak concerns, a new messaging application, branded as a local alternative to WhatsApp, is set for launch for government employees, which will be expanded in phases. It was revealed by an official of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) while briefing the NA standing committee. According to officials, Beep will support encrypted messaging, audio and video calls, and conference calling with over 100 participants, with an additional layer of security and data hosting within Pakistan. The committee was informed by Zarar Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT, that an assessment was under way while keeping in view the cybersecurity. "We are trying to address vulnerabilities and trying to ensure the launch by June 30," he added. The app would be rolled out across the country but in phases, the committee was informed. Haque said that unlike WhatsApp, Beep's servers would be located in Pakistan. "Its data centre will be in Pakistan, ensuring 100% safety and security." Moreover, the committee was informed that the security agencies had responded to a letter from the Ministry of Interior, stating that due to the prevailing security and law and order situation, internet services in Panjgur district would remain suspended for the next six months. The committee voiced concern over the three-year internet suspension in Panjgur, highlighting its impact on businesses and students. It decided to hold an in-camera session with the interior secretary for a detailed briefing on the law and order situation. Committee member Pullain Baloch informed the meeting that people of his constituency had to travel 15 to 20 kilometres to access internet services. He added that PTCL's internet coverage in the area was nearly non-existent. In light of that, the committee directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman to conduct a survey of internet coverage in the region and submit a detailed report. The NA committee reviewed the delayed Coding and DG Skills Programme, drawing sharp criticism from members. The chairman voiced frustration at the year-long delay, citing missed opportunities amid rapid AI advancements. Ignite, the implementing body, attributed the delay to updating the content for current tech trends. They reported training 4.6 million students across 19 batches in 15 top freelancing courses, with 28% female participation. A 2024 survey showed trainees generated $1.65 billion in revenue.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM, NA Speaker: No plan to bring in no-trust motion: Gohar
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Monday categorically rejected the media reports claiming the former ruling party was planning to bring no-trust motions against Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Talking to journalists, the PTI chairman said: 'The news about PTI bringing a no-trust motion is false.' He maintained that the PTI had not made any decision about no-confidence motion against the government. 'No-trust motion is neither on our agenda nor on the cards,' he clarified. The PTI chairman said that they did not have any meeting regarding the no-trust motion. On a lighter note, the PTI chairman remarked: 'There's a ceasefire with India, there should be one among ourselves too.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PTI chairman calls for a ‘political ceasefire' in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, while paying tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan on Youm-e-Tashakur (Thanksgiving Day), said the Pakistan Armed Forces had crushed India's arrogance, and the nation is proud of them. Speaking to the media, Gohar stated that enough is enough - the country cannot afford further tension. He emphasised that it is time to resolve matters seriously. Barrister Gohar stressed that there should be a 'political ceasefire' in Pakistan, it is better for the country and the system He said PTI founder Imran Khan would never agree on any secret deal or compromise. His wife is currently in jail, so the question of any kind of deal simply does not arise. He stressed that political confrontation in Pakistan must come to an end. The country is currently facing serious challenges, and the solution lies in a 'political ceasefire' so that attention can be focused on public issues. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Imran Khan spokesman rejects Pakistan media report party accepted PM's offer for talks
KARACHI: Former premier Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party spokesperson on Thursday rejected a news report that claimed he had given the green signal for fresh negotiations with the government, describing it as 'fake news.' Pakistani English language newspaper 'The News' reported on Thursday that Khan had accepted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's offer to hold negotiations and instructed the party's chairman, Gohar Ali Khan, to proceed with talks. The report said Khan had expressed 'a strong preference' that the talks be conducted away from the TV cameras to ensure 'meaningful outcomes.' The PTI and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government have been at loggerheads ever since Khan was ousted from the prime minister's office via a parliamentary vote in April 2022. The former premier has been in jail since August 2023 on a slew of charges he says are politically motivated. His party has led anti-government protests and marches that have led to clashes with law enforcement personnel. 'There is no such statement made by Imran Khan,' Sayed Zulfikar Bokhari, Khan's adviser on international affairs and a former federal minister, told Arab News. 'It is fake news. Neither has any offer been made to sit with Shehbaz Sharif or vice versa.' Meanwhile, Gohar declined to comment on the development. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and the government's legal spokesperson, Aqeel Malik, did not respond to Arab News' request for a comment. Attempts to break the political deadlock in the country via a dialogue between the PTI and the government began in December 2024. However, talks collapsed after the PTI in January presented its demands, which included the formation of judicial commissions to probe the party's anti-government protests in May 2023 and November 2024. The violent protest rallies, including the one on May 9, 2023, saw people carrying PTI flags rampage through military offices and installations. A second anti-government protest in November 2024 was held by the party to demand Khan's release from prison. The government says four troops were killed in clashes with Khan supporters. The PTI denies the charges and claimed its supporters were shot by law enforcers. The PTI gave the government seven days to form the judicial commissions, after the expiry of which the party unilaterally withdrew from talks in January.
Business Recorder
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India's pride has been crushed: PTI
ISLAMABAD: Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Monday, lauded Pakistan's decisive 6-0 victory over India as a 'historic moment of national unity and divine triumph.' Calling it 'a day of the nation,' Gohar said the entire country stood united in celebration, adding that the armed forces 'salute Pakistan' for its show of strength and resolve. 'India's pride has been crushed. The world has seen a strong, independent Pakistan demonstrate its power in real terms,' he declared. He revealed that he offered a prostration of gratitude to Allah, attributing the victory to divine grace. However, he was quick to note that this success marks 'not the end, but the beginning' of a larger geopolitical journey. 'We still have major issues to settle—Kashmir, the Indus Waters Treaty, the border. We must not become complacent,' he said, warning that any aggression imposed on Pakistan will be met with fierce defence. Gohar claimed that an Indian general admitted India had requested a ceasefire, but 'Pakistan responded with strength, not softness.' He added, 'Even India now admits—this is not the Pakistan of the past.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
