Latest news with #KamranMurtaza
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
4m riyals saved under Hajj costs
The Ministry of Religious Affairs' Additional Secretary informed the National Assembly Standing Committee that one Hajj assistant will accompany every 150 pilgrims to provide assistance. Additionally, the ministry has saved four million riyals in transportation costs for Hajj pilgrims. The meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs, chaired by Senator Attaur Rehman, was held to discuss Hajj arrangements and related issues. The Additional Secretary stated that a 12-member procurement committee had been formed for Hajj arrangements. The committee chairman suggested including a parliamentarian in the procurement committee, highlighting that pilgrims face numerous issues every year. Committee members raised concerns over the selection process of Hajj assistants through the National Testing Service (NTS), pointing out that the NTS exam paper was leaked in the previous selection process. Senator Kamran Murtaza emphasized that the leaked paper was even circulated in a video, which he claimed to have as evidence. In response, the Additional Secretary acknowledged isolated incidents of cheating but defended the overall process as transparent and merit-based. He noted that, in the past, Hajj assistants were appointed based on personal connections and recommendations, whereas now they must pass an exam. NTS officials stated that, out of 50,000 candidates, only two or three were caught with mobile phones during the test. However, Senator Bushra Butt criticized the NTS for failing to prevent cheating and mobile phone usage during the exam. The committee chairman called for a thorough investigation into the matter. The Additional Secretary also stated that if there are any allegations of financial corruption involving NTS or the Ministry of Religious Affairs, they should be formally brought forward. Regarding the Auqaf Department, he informed the committee that the Supreme Court had ordered the transfer of Auqaf land. According to the law, anyone occupying the land until 2010 is considered a tenant. He added that the income generated from Auqaf properties is used for the maintenance of gurdwaras and temples. Senator Ali Zafar noted that the Ministry of Law had yet to respond to the Muslim Family Law Amendment Bill. He mentioned that scholars from around the world are willing to provide a briefing on the bill via Zoom. Senator Kamran Murtaza cautioned against complicating marriage and divorce laws, emphasizing that marriage is a social contract. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan warned that if the law is amended to include property division in divorce cases, people might avoid marriage, as has been observed in Europe.
Express Tribune
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate panel okays PECA amendment bill
Listen to article The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), despite strong objections from journalist organisations and media bodies. According to Express News , the meeting, chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem, saw the committee passing the PECA amendment bill. During the session, journalist organisations voiced their opposition to the bill, criticising the lack of clarity in its provisions and expressing concerns about its potential impact. The committee chairman questioned why journalist organisations did not submit their written recommendations, stating that they should have formally presented their suggestions to the committee. During the meeting, Senator Irfan Siddiqui remarked, 'In this country, there's no need for a law to put someone in handcuffs. I was arrested under the rental law myself.' Senator Kamran Murtaza also opposed the bill during the session. Despite this, the committee moved forward and approved the amendment. The Interior Secretary defended the bill, stating it aims to protect the public. He added that the bill, as passed by the National Assembly, would only be approved in its existing form. Senator Irfan Siddiqui pointed out that agreements on certain amendments had been reached during meetings between the Minister of Information and journalists. He questioned whether the Ministry of Interior intended to include additional amendments to the bill passed by the National Assembly. The Anchorpersons Association raised objections during the session, stating they were not given adequate time to provide their suggestions. Journalist organisations criticised the bill, highlighting its vague definition of 'fake news.' They argued that the bill could create more problems rather than solving existing ones. Journalist organisations maintained that while they support legislation against fake news, the current form of the bill is unacceptable. They further stated that as victims of fake news themselves, they understand the need for regulation but called for more precise and balanced legislation. The session was attended by Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Senator Shahadat Awan, Senator Umar Farooq, Senator Kamran Murtaza, Senator Palwasha Khan, and Senator Mir Dostain Hasan Domki.
