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Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Religious leaders oppose women's I-Day marathon
The leaders from various religious parties of Hyderabad have expressed strong concern over the planned women's marathon to mark Independence Day, demanding that the Sindh government and district administration withdraw the decision. Speaking at a joint press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club, they warned that if the event is not cancelled, they will go to any extent to stop it. The press conference was addressed by Jamaat-e-Islami district chief Hafiz Tahir Majeed, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Taj Muhammad Nahiyon, JUP central vice president Nazim Ali Arain, Shia Ulema Council leader Syed Moazzam Shah Jehanian, Central Muslim League's Umar Farooq, Tehreek Tahaffuz Khatm-e-Nubuwwat's Saif-ur-Rehman, and others. They said Pakistan was founded in the name of Islam, which strictly prescribes modesty for women, and that a public women's marathon was not only un-Islamic but also against Sharia.
Business Recorder
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Merged districts in KP: PM reiterates commitment to establishing peace and security
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated the government's commitment to establishing peace and security in the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, formerly known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), stating that ensuring stability in the region remains a top national priority. He was speaking at a jirga convened at the Prime Minister's House, which was attended by a delegation led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The meeting focused on issues concerning law and order, governance, and development in the merged districts. In a key announcement, Sharif said that the government had decided to restore educational quotas for students from the merged districts in medical and engineering institutions. The announcement was met with appreciation by tribal elders, who described it as a significant step towards equitable access to higher education. 'It gives me great pleasure to host you today,' Sharif said while addressing the delegation. 'The tribal areas are steeped in history and tradition. The people of these regions have rendered unmatched sacrifices for the cause of national peace and security.' Sharif paid tribute to the military, police, and law enforcement agencies for their role in combating terrorism. 'Their unwavering resolve continues to be a source of strength for the country,' he remarked. Calling for unity across the political and religious spectrum, the prime minister urged all stakeholders to contribute to making Pakistan a peaceful and stable state. Outlining his government's development priorities, Sharif said a special focus was being placed on improving education, healthcare, skills training, and employment opportunities, particularly for youth in the merged districts. He announced that this year's federal development budget included allocations for the upgrading of the FATA University and improvements in police infrastructure. The prime minister also directed the expansion of the federal committee on merged districts, chaired by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions, Amir Muqam. The committee will now include representation from tribal elders to ensure inclusive decision making. The visiting delegation expressed appreciation for the government's efforts and welcomed the restoration of quotas and the expanded mandate of the committee. They also lauded the armed forces for their 'strategic and courageous' response during recent tensions with India. Concluding the meeting, Sharif assured the tribal elders of continued engagement and regular consultative sessions aimed at addressing the region's socio-economic challenges. The jirga was attended by federal ministers, Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, Awais Leghari, Amir Muqam, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, and advisers, Parvez Khattak, Dr Tauqir Shah, and others. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM restores tribal quota in universities
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday assured that the federal government was taking all possible steps for the economic development of the merged districts and welfare of its people. He was speaking to a delegation of tribal elders of the merged districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa led by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) President Maulana Fazlur Rehman who visited the Prime Minister's House. The jirga discussed in detail the improvement of public order in the merged districts and the construction and development of these areas. While welcoming the delegation, the prime minister announced the restoration of the quota of the merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities. The tribal elders welcomed the decision, expressing happiness over restoration of the quota. The prime minister said, "I am very happy to host the tribal elders at the Prime Minister House today." During conversation with the delegation, he said, "You belong to those areas of Pakistan that are the guardians of the glorious historical heritage and traditions." "Tribes have always made immense sacrifices for the security and peace of Pakistan," he said adding, "Establishment of law and order in the merged districts is the top priority of the government." He said Pakistan's security forces, police and law enforcement agencies were embracing martyrdom while fighting bravely against terrorists. He urged that leaders of all schools of thought will have to play their role together to make Pakistan a cradle of peace. "Providing equal and best opportunities for education, health, skills and employment to the people of the merged tribal districts, especially the youth, is our priority," he stressed. He said "The federal government has allocated a huge amount in this year's development budget for the improvement of FATA University and police infrastructure in the merged districts." He directed to expand the scope of the committee established under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam on the issues of the merged districts. "Tribal elders of merged districts are also being represented in this committee," he noted. The delegation expressed gratitude for expanding the scope of the committee, giving representation to tribal elders and for restoration of quota of merged districts in medical colleges and engineering universities. The delegation paid tribute to the courageous strategy of Pakistan Army during the recent Pakistan-India conflict and for giving a befitting reply to the Indian aggression. The delegation thanked the prime minister for the consultative session regarding peace and order, development and prosperity in the merged districts. The prime minister said more such consultative sessions will be held with the tribal elders regarding the improvement of the merged tribal districts. Federal Ministers including Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister for Power Division Sardar Owais Ahmed Leghari, Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Advisers to the Prime Minister Pervez Khattak, Dr Tauqir Shah, Minister of State for Finance and Railways Bilal Azhar Kayani and relevant senior government officials attended the meeting. World Bank Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday met with Regional Vice President of the World Bank for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAAP) Ousmane Dione, where they expressed a shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation in the coming years to achieve long-term development goals and build a prosperous future for the people of Pakistan. During the meeting, the prime minister especially thanked World Bank President Ajay Banga and former Country Director for Pakistan Najy Benhassine for their pivotal role in advancing the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Pakistan. He appreciated the strategic role of the CPF in supporting Pakistan's development priorities, particularly in the areas of energy, human capital, climate change, and governance reforms. He also acknowledged the World Bank's principled support for Pakistan's legitimate position in light of India's unilateral and unlawful actions undermining important international agreements such as the Indus Waters Treaty. The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to upholding international law, achieving prosperity, and maintaining regional peace, and reiterated the country's resolve to resolve all issues through dialogue. The prime minister thanked the World Bank for its timely and generous assistance during the devastating floods of 2022, which helped Pakistan initiate immediate relief efforts and begin reconstruction and rehabilitation activities. Ousmane Dione expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the warm hospitality extended during his visit to Pakistan. He reaffirmed the World Bank's commitment to deepening and expanding its longstanding partnership with Pakistan and enhancing collaboration in key sectors of the economy. Mr Dione appreciated Pakistan's ongoing macroeconomic recovery and praised the prime minister's government for steering the country toward financial stability and sustainable growth. He particularly commended the current administration's reform agenda, noting PM Shehbaz Sharif's strong leadership in advancing institutional reforms, restoring investor confidence, and promoting inclusive economic development. Arizona State University Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government's commitment to revolutionizing Pakistan's education sector through the integration of cutting-edge technology and global partnerships with the support of the Arizona State University. During a high-level meeting with a delegation from Arizona State University (ASU) led by Doug Becker, Founder and Chairman of Cintana Education held at the Prime Minister's Office, PM Shehbaz highlighted that aligning Pakistan's education system with international standards was a top government priority. The prime minister emphasized the need to modernize education and equip the country's youth with professional and technical skills essential for competing in global markets. "All government education policies are centered around creating employment opportunities for youth based on their professional capabilities," the Prime Minister stated. He praised the collaboration with Arizona State University as a transformative step, particularly the establishment of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Pakistan. "This partnership is a significant milestone. The NIT will serve as a world-class institution that trains Pakistani youth to compete globally," he said. The prime minister noted that the government has undertaken key reforms in the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) over the past year, making it a more efficient and effective institution. He directed that NAVTTC should now work closely with ASU to bring innovation to the vocational training sector. Discussions during the meeting focused on the operationalization of the NIT, set to commence this year. Doug Becker assured full support from ASU in providing resources and facilities to advance innovation in Pakistan's education system. At the conclusion of the meeting, PM Shehbaz Sharif unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the operational launch of the National Institute of Technology. The meeting was also attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and senior officials from relevant institutions.
Express Tribune
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate slams 'honour killing' in Balochistan, urges swift justice
Listen to article The Senate on Thursday passed a resolution condemning the brutal murder of a man and a woman in Balochistan, carried out on the orders of a tribal jirga. The resolution was adopted with overwhelming support, with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) being the only party that declined to endorse it. Tabled by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman, it described the killings as a gross violation of human rights, the Constitution, and the laws of Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported. According to the resolution text, the House 'strongly and unequivocally condemns the heinous incident wherein a woman and man were publicly and illegally executed in broad daylight, following a so-called jirga decision.' It termed the murders a premeditated act of vigilante violence and rejected any attempt to justify the act under the guise of tribal customs or so-called honour. Calling the killings 'barbaric,' the resolution stated that they must not be masked by cultural or traditional pretexts. 'It is in fact a crime that has gravely dishonoured the nation. Any attempt to justify such a crime based on 'custom or honour' is completely unacceptable, as is the entire process of victim-blame,' it noted. Affirming that honour killings constitute murder under the law, the resolution stressed that they must be treated and prosecuted accordingly. It warned that the rule of law cannot be selectively applied, nor should tribal or informal justice mechanisms be allowed to undermine constitutional protections and due process. Also Read: ATC grants 10-day remand of key suspect in Quetta 'honour killing' case The resolution urged the government to ensure an immediate and transparent investigation into the killings. It called for all those involved—whether directly or indirectly, including individuals who convened or sanctioned the jirga—to be brought to justice without delay. It also asked that law enforcement agencies be directed to handle such cases strictly under the relevant provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code, without compromise or discretion. Grateful to all the parties across the opposition/ treasury benches in the Senate of Pakistan for generously supporting a House Resolution against the heinous practice of murdering women in the name of "honour". Thank you @BBhuttoZardari for always supporting women's rights ! We… — SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) July 24, 2025 Furthermore, it recommended that the Ministries of Law and Justice and Human Rights conduct a thorough review of enforcement gaps in existing laws dealing with so-called honour crimes and propose actionable reforms for robust implementation. It emphasised the need to train and sensitise public prosecutors and investigating officers to treat honour crimes and gender-based violence as serious criminal offences warranting proactive prosecution. The resolution also called on provincial and federal governments to launch awareness campaigns rejecting the concept of honour-based violence and reinforcing the supremacy of constitutional law over tribal or feudal traditions. Read More: 14 suspects arrested over 'honour killing' of couple in Balochistan Following the passage of the resolution, Senator Rehman expressed her gratitude to fellow lawmakers across party lines for supporting the motion. In a post on X, she wrote: 'Grateful to all the parties across the opposition/treasury benches in the Senate of Pakistan for generously supporting a House Resolution against the heinous practice of murdering women in the name of 'honour'.' The killings, which occurred last month, gained widespread attention after a video surfaced showing the couple being shot. The man who killed the woman was her brother, acting on behalf of the family and tribe, provincial police chief Moazzam Jah Ansari told Reuters. The chief of the tribe, Sher Baz Satakzai, had ordered the killing, he added. Satakzai was among those arrested, according to Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, who addressed the media in a news conference in Quetta, the provincial capital. "We will make sure that they all will be prosecuted," Bugti said. In response, law enforcement officials arrested the chief. He is currently in police custody on a 10-day physical remand.
Int'l Business Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
Pakistani Lawmaker Urges Withdrawal of Trump's Nobel Peace Prize Nomination: 'Trump's Hands Are Stained With Blood'
A Pakistani legislator has urged the South Asian nation to withdraw its nomination of President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize following his administration's bombing of multiple nuclear facilities in Iran. Chief of Pakistan's Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) party Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the Pakistani government's nomination of the U.S. president, stating that it insulted those who have been victimized by wars facilitated by the United States, according to Dunya News. "Neither past nor present establishments have accepted seminaries. But we will not let anyone infringe on their independence," he said. "Trump's hands are stained with the blood of Palestinians, Iraqis and Afghans. By attacking Iran, he violated both national and international laws. If we don't stand with Iran, should we support Israel?" Rehman continued. The Pakistani government has been incredibly vocal in its support of Palestine and criticism of Israel, especially following the bombardment of the Gaza Strip conducted by Israel in the wake of the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. "We state our deep concern at the continuing brutal aggression and genocide being committed by Israel against the Palestinians, despite repeated calls for a ceasefire from the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the international community," President Asif Ali Zardari wrote in a statement released on the first anniversary of October 7. "We express our profound alarm at the impunity with which Israel is expanding the war theatre and threatening regional peace and security, and its continued violations of international law and the UN Charter, including its recent aggression against Lebanon, attacks in the West Bank, the assassinations of Hamas leader in Tehran, and the Secretary General of Hezbollah in Lebanon which constitutes a threat to regional peace and security," the statement continues. Rehman insisted the country supports "friendship with the United States, not slavery," and argued that the U.S. had begun championing "un-Islamic and unconstitutional legislation." Originally published on Latin Times
