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Express Tribune
10-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sharjeel Memon says Sindh ready for grand Independence Day celebrations
Listen to article Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced that the provincial government will mark Pakistan's Independence Day with 'national zeal and unity,' with the largest celebration set for Karachi's National Stadium on August 13. Speaking to reporters during a visit to the stadium to inspect arrangements on Sunday, Memon said all 27,000 seats for the event had already been registered. He added that festivities are planned across Sindh, with major events held in Hyderabad and another scheduled in Sukkur. Memon took aim at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of trying to 'cause damage to the country' by calling for protests on Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir (Kashmir Day). He likened their stance to the unrest of May 9 and urged all political parties to 'set aside their differences' for the national holiday. 'Independence Day is a programme for all of Pakistan, not just the government or the PPP,' he said. Highlighting Sindh's historic role in Pakistan's creation, Memon noted that the resolution for the country's formation was first passed by the Sindh Assembly. He said the provincial government has formed a ministerial committee, including representatives from various political and religious parties, to ensure broad participation in the celebrations. Memon was accompanied by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and other officials during the stadium visit.
Business Recorder
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Talal accuses PTI of maintaining ties with banned outfit
ISLAMABAD: Tempers flared in National Assembly on Thursday after the government accused the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of maintaining links with banned militant groups – allegations swiftly and vehemently denied by PTI MPs, who in turn decried what they called an 'installed regime' cracking down on dissent. During a heated session, Minister of State for the Interior, Talal Chaudhry, launched a scathing attack on PTI, alleging connections between the party and proscribed organisations. He emphasised that no political party or individual would be allowed to obstruct the implementation of the country's National Action Plan (NAP), a wide-ranging counter-terrorism initiative. 'Even the devil is doesn't make him an angel,' Chaudhry said, in a pointed dismissal of PTI's claims of political persecution. 'We all remember 9 May. Which party lit the match.' His remarks sparked uproar from the opposition benches, with PTI lawmakers accusing the government of political engineering, unlawful detentions, and judicial manipulation. Former Speaker Asad Qaiser briefly staged a walkout after being denied the floor to respond. Upon his return at the request of Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Qaiser condemned what he termed 'fascist tactics' and warned of consequences if, in his words, the state continued to target Pakistan's 'most popular party and its most popular leader – Imran Khan'. Chaudhry also rejected claims that PTI lawmakers had been barred from entering Parliament on 5 August, the day the party had called for a protest. 'It was Kashmir Day. A walk was held at D-Chowk led by the Deputy Prime Minister. External routes were temporarily sealed off for security, but internal gates remained open. I moved about freely myself,' he added. He further stated that PTI's protest application, submitted by post, was received on 2 August by the Deputy Commissioner's office. 'Officials tried to contact the party for two days, but received no response,' he added. Downplaying the scale of the PTI protest, Chaudhry claimed that the demonstrations saw minimal turnout. 'Fewer than 100 people in Islamabad. Only 954 across Punjab, and even they were scattered. No one was arrested or stopped. Claims of members being taken to Adiala Jail are pure fiction,' he said. He also took aim at PTI's inconsistent stance on the judiciary. 'They celebrate verdicts in their favour, and discredit judges when rulings go against them,' he said. Without naming individuals, Chaudhry alleged that a senior PTI leader had warned party members they would be denied election tickets if they did not participate in protests. He questioned the party's alleged engagement with militant groups. 'Who reopened talks with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)? Why were PTI leaders spared by militants after 2015,' he asked. 'Terrorism will not be tolerated. NAP is not optional – not even their 'fathers' can stop it.' In response, Qaiser condemned the government's actions as undemocratic. 'This is not democracy; it's authoritarianism disguised as parliamentary rule,' he declared. 'We're not seeking backroom deals. We demand justice on merit.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Rallies, seminars mark Kashmir Martyrs Day
Various rallies were organised by different religious and political parties to celebrate Kashmir Day. PHOTOS: AGENCIES Kashmiris living on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), and across the world, observed the Kashmir Martyrs' Day on Sunday to pay tributes to the martyrs of July 13, 1931 massacre, and all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. The day was marked by a complete shutdown in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and a march towards the Martyrs' Graveyard at Naqashband Sahib in Srinagar, where the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931 tragedy, are laid to rest. To honour the martyrs, rallies, seminars, and conferences were organised by the Kashmiri organisations in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan, and major capitals across the world. In Muzaffarabad, a smartly-turned-out Police contingent presented salute at the Shuhada Monument in the morning as a mark of respect to the Shuhada. The Pasban-e-Hurriatyat also arranged a protest rally at Burhan Wani Shaheed Chowk. Later in the day, the Kashmir Liberation Cell in collaboration with All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK Chapter arranged a public gathering followed by a mass rally in Muzaffarabad. Meanwhile, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan's political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their separate messages on the occasion of Kashmir Martyrs' Day. President Zardari lauded the unwavering courage, determination, and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who resisted the Indian occupation for decades and continued their struggle for self-determination. "Pakistan pays tribute to the bravery, determination and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people, who have stood firm against Indian rule for decades and continue to struggle for their freedom," he said. "The great struggle that the Kashmiri people are carrying forward today is a continuation of the sacrifices of these 22 martyrs. The candle of freedom that their sacrifice lit in the hearts of the Kashmiri nation is still burning brightly today." He urged the international community and human rights organisations to take immediate notice of the Indian-state terrorism and grave human rights abuses in the occupied territory. "Pakistan will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri brothers until they achieve their right to self-determination in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council," he concluded. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, said that the people of Kashmir had continued to sacrifice their lives in pursuit of their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination. "Today, the government of Pakistan reaffirms its commitment to the resolution of the Kashmir issue and the right of self-determination of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with United Nations resolutions," he said. (WITH INPUT FROM RADIO PAKISTAN)
Business Recorder
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India's dangerous diversion: a call for global accountability
It took the British a century to colonize the Subcontinent, but for Babur it was one decisive battle at Panipat that had changed the game. This comparison is not meant to highlight Babur's efficiency or the British's long-term planning and vision, but rather to emphasize that this land, with its rich soil, towering mountains, and gushing rivers, has always been coveted by foreign powers seeking control for vested interests. 1947 created a new geography, and momentary disruptions eventually faded into an emotionally uniform and economically diverse land that now comprises three political entities. However, the last decade of 'Modi sarkar' has eclectically selected the seeds of conflict from across a millennium and put them together in a rather shallow and biased narrative that only promises continuous upheaval of emotions and ruination of the land and its people at large; it also plays into vested interests in the 'divide.' Baseless accusations, false propagandas, insinuations, and fake stories, propagated by the Indian government and segments of its media, have been accorded prime time. False narratives have been weaved to justify horrendous violations of human rights, and just when Pakistan's narrative takes the bend towards a progressive regional economy, yet another staged drama has surfaced. Though consistent with India's long-standing pattern of deflecting blame onto Pakistan without presenting credible evidence, this time it has gone too far. Pakistan has unequivocally condemned the tragic killing of tourists in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan observes Kashmir Day, marking February 5th of each year as a day where usurpation and violations in the pristine Kashmir are condemned. But India's (obviously deliberate) knee-jerk response is neither responsible nor constructive. Upheavals are a staple in newsrooms, but India has taken it to another level. How about making a few facts noticed: the weapon used in the recent Jaffar Express attack in Balochistan matches the one employed in the Kashmir incident. This disturbing similarity raises serious questions that demand an impartial international investigation. Only a week ago, Pakistani security forces apprehended an individual near the Balochistan border under circumstances strikingly similar to the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. This cannot be dismissed as a coincidence. It is no secret that India continues to provide refuge and support to Baloch separatists, some of whom are directly linked to recent acts of terrorism in Pakistan. The role of Indian consulates in Afghanistan in financing and facilitating terrorism in Pakistan is well-documented. Elements involved in waging war against the Pakistani state have repeatedly been traced back to Indian intelligence operations. Prime Minister Modi's government has systematically eroded the democratic fabric of the world's largest democracy or at least called so. Minorities are facing unprecedented persecution, and freedom of speech has been stifled. The grim reality today is that renowned Indian intellectuals, journalists, and dissenters live in fear, unable to express their views freely. Journalists that we idealized have stopped writing and speakers we looked up to have stopped talking. An insight into probable triggers for such rash behavior gives us a string of setbacks for the Modi sarkar: Political change in Bangladesh, with the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government. Escalating internal unrest in Nagaland and Manipur. Ongoing border disputes with Nepal and Bhutan. Rising international embarrassment over deportations of Indian citizens from the United States. In the face of mounting diplomatic and internal challenges, opening a front with Pakistan appears to be a diversionary tactic aimed at domestic consolidation and political optics. As Bertrand Russell stated in one of his 'Unpopular Essays' that the only way the world will ever fully unite is if there is an alien invasion. . It takes a common enemy to become friends. It is time to recognize the common enemy; it is most definitely not Pakistan! It is actually the narrative that India wishes to propagate because India thrives with a compromised Pakistan. Instead of fixing what is broken, the Modi government is hell bent on opening one more front – a unilateral move to revoke the Indus Waters Treaty – a vital and binding international agreement – a reckless violation of international law. Are we going to behave like classroom bullies? The world has moved on to see brilliant regional co-operations and a united concern for a planet that seems to be angry and upset. Earthquakes, floods, droughts, pandemics, pollution – literacy and health gaps, and an unpredictable future confront us all. It is time for all nations to come together to ensure that we leave a live able green planet for our future generations. But then we have the Modi approach that insists on a dare for duel. Winters are not too far, and Delhi and Amritsar stand ready to be clogged with smog – a stagnant, thick, irritating, and smoky monster that spreads its tentacles across Punjab and takes our Lahore in its fold too. The smog chokes you, damages your lungs, but insists on hugging you from all around. So genuinely like the Modi tactics that insist on endangering regional peace, stability, and progressive future at the cost of all that is precious and for the gain of absolutely nothing. Pakistan has come through a great deal and is only interested in dignified regional peace, collaboration, and cooperation. Nevertheless, the nuclear armed country of 250 million stands together behind its uniformed soldiers and will not shy away from taking a stance. But my concern is 'why deploy armies and weapons when words can work much better?' I emphatically call upon the United Nations Security Council and the global community to take urgent notice of these developments with a swift, firm, impartial, and immediate intervention. The stakes are too high for silence or inaction. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
08-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Trade war, profit-taking pull PSX down by 3.4%
Listen to article KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure throughout the outgoing week as the Trump trade war, profit-taking and concerns over the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) review weighed on investor sentiment. The KSE-100 index shed 3,933 points, or 3.44% week-on-week (WoW), closing at 110,323. Sector-wise, oil and gas exploration, commercial banks, fertiliser and technology dragged the index down while insurance firms and real estate investment trusts (REITs) provided slight support. On the economic front, the headline inflation for January 2025 dropped to a 101-month low of 2.4% year-on-year (YoY) while trade deficit widened 18% YoY to $2.3 billion. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) raised Rs452 billion in a T-bill auction and foreign exchange reserves inched up $46 million to $11.4 billion. Foreign selling intensified, totalling $9.88 million, while market volumes and traded value declined 12.8% and 22.9% WoW, respectively. On a day-on-day basis, the PSX on Monday lost significant ground as it shed 1,511 points, thanks to the global market decline following US President Donald Trump's tariff announcements for Mexico, Canada and China, potentially initiating a trade war. Domestic concerns including political uncertainty and the upcoming IMF review added to the bearish sentiment. On the second trading day, the bearish run continued as the KSE-100 index erased 810 points, primarily due to concerns over a global trade war following the announcement of Trump's tariffs coupled with a sharp decline in international crude oil prices. Analysts pointed out that profit-taking, local political uncertainty and foreign fund outflows further contributed to the negative sentiment. On Wednesday, the market was closed on account of Kashmir Day. Next day, the bourse resumed trading with heavy selling where investor confidence took a beating in the face of concerns about foreign debt repayments and potential changes to the EU GSP Plus status. At close, the index posted a loss of 1,634 points. On the last trading day, the PSX ended flat amid the ongoing corporate earnings season and investor caution ahead of the IMF review. Concerns over tax collection shortfall and external debt payments kept the market in check. The index recorded a marginal rise of 22 points. Arif Habib Limited (AHL), in its weekly review, wrote that the market remained negative throughout the week, driven by profit-taking, selling pressure and some concern related to the upcoming IMF review. On the economic front, the headline inflation for January 2025 dropped to a 101-month low of 2.4% YoY. In addition to this, the trade deficit widened 18% YoY in January, arriving at $2.3 billion, it said. Moreover, the SBP raised Rs452 billion in the T-bill auction in line with the target of Rs450 billion. Petroleum sales remained stable at 1.38 million tons in January on a YoY basis and grew 8% month-on-month. Cement dispatches for January increased 14% YoY to 3.895 million tons. In the month, urea and DAP sales decreased 27% and 6% YoY, respectively. Sector-wise, negative contribution at the PSX came from oil and gas exploration companies (821 points), commercial banks (593 points), fertiliser (479 points), technology and communication (264 points) and oil and gas marketing companies (232 points). Stock-wise, negative contributors were Mari Petroleum (291 points), Fauji Fertiliser Company (241 points), Pakistan Petroleum (235 points), HBL (226 points) and Engro Fertilisers (202 points). Foreigners' selling continued during the week under review, which came in at $9.88 million compared to net selling of $4.7 million last week. Average volumes arrived at 434 million shares, down 12.8% WoW, and average traded value settled at $76 million, down 22.9%. JS Global analyst Abdul Basit said in his report that KSE-100 experienced a negative trend throughout the week. The week commenced with the release of Consumer Price Index (CPI), which came in at 2.4% YoY for January, marking its lowest level in over nine years. Pakistan signed a $1.2 billion agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development to ensure sufficient oil imports on deferred payments for one year, which bodes well for managing external financing needs, he said. In other developments, following Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Sindh Assembly passed the Agricultural Income Tax Bill ahead of the IMF review, the analyst added.
