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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.
Business Recorder
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Religious parties reject the Abraham Accords
ISLAMABAD: Leaders of various religious political parties, Wednesday, while condemning Israel's aggression against Palestine and Iran have rejected the Abraham Accords as well as the Two-State solution to the Palestine issue, saying they will strongly oppose any such move. Speaking at a National Consultation Conference organised by Milli Yakjehti Council (MYC), they also defended Iran's right to defend itself. In a declaration they warned of strong resistance to any attempt by the government of Pakistan to recognise Israel. The council also expressed concern over the steps allegedly being taken against religious seminaries. The declaration further stated that it was Iran's right to have a nuclear programme. It called upon the government to adopt a firm stance on the issues of Kashmir and Palestine. The council demanded the prime minister convene an all-parties' conference on the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and Balochistan while demanding the production of all the missing persons countrywide. It also demanded that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) be activated again, asking the government to address the problems being faced by the flood-affected people. 'Interest-based system should be abolished and Islamic economic system must be enforced in the country,' read the declaration. The council said it rejected the laws stipulating punishments for marriages under the age of 18. It warned the government of a countrywide protest campaign in case it did not repeal the laws. The declaration also called for finding solutions to political issues through political means. 'Or, otherwise, the system would be in jeopardy,' it warned. Addressing the council meeting, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that interest-based system should be abolished by January 1, 2028. 'If the government does not keep its promise, we will take it to court,' he threatened, saying in that case things would become difficult for the government. He said that certain elements were trying to pave the way to change the status of Kashmir by abolishing formerly FATA status. Maulana Fazl said that geographical changes have begun in the region under a global agenda. He accused both the government and Taliban for drone attacks, saying common people were being targeted in such attacks by both sides. He said that the state should not back down even an inch in its stance while fighting against terrorism. He said that in KPK and Balochistan, there was no government existing owing to lawlessness. He said that in the past the people of Swat and Waziristan were forced to evacuate and migrate to other parts of the country as the state wanted to launch the military operation against the terrorists but this has not benefited as the terrorists have once again attained hold on certain areas. The conference also expressed serious concern over national as well as international issues and condemned recent incidents of violence countrywide. Speaking on the occasion, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman said that the silence of Muslim countries on the ongoing genocide in Palestine amounts to indirect support for Israel. He emphasised the urgent need for Muslim states to adopt a bold and principled stance on global Muslim causes, including Palestine and Kashmir. 'The situation in Palestine is not just a regional issue—it is a battle for the liberation of Al-Quds,' he stated. 'Over 100 innocent Palestinians, including women and children, are being martyred daily under brutal Israeli bombings. Where are the so-called human rights champions of the West now?' He strongly condemned the Abraham Accords and warned that any move by Pakistan towards normalization with Israel would be met with strong resistance. 'Pakistan must never recognise Israel. Our founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, called Israel an illegitimate child of the West,' he reminded. Highlighting the resilience of Hamas, Rehman declared, 'This is a war of truth versus falsehood. Hamas has acted within the framework of international law. We must clearly and unconditionally stand with them. Pakistan should even consider allowing Hamas to open a diplomatic office.' He criticised the US President Donald Trump's double standards, noting his swift response during Iran's counterattacks on Israel, while remaining silent when India committed aggression in Kashmir. 'Pakistan doesn't need any mediation by Trump when United Nations resolutions on Kashmir already exist,' he said, reaffirming that no compromise would be accepted on the Kashmiris' right to self-determination. The JI leader demanded that the government publicly disclose what practical steps it has taken to eliminate interest (riba) from the economy. 'There must be a strong and collective voice for the eradication of interest-based systems,' he urged. He also warned against attempts to weaken or repeal the blasphemy laws and protect offenders under the guise of legal reform. 'Any group or individual misusing these laws should be held accountable, but efforts to abolish or undermine them must be firmly resisted,' he said. Hafiz Naeemur Rehman praised Iran for its bold stance against Israeli aggression and called for Muslim unity across ideological and national lines. 'This is the time to awaken our rulers and stand with the oppressed—whether in Gaza or in Kashmir. Only a bold and sincere stance can restore the dignity and leadership of the Muslim Ummah.' Addressing the conference, Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi strongly condemned the killing of a man and a woman in Balochistan. He said that 19 men opened fire on a woman, calling it an act of cowardice rather than bravery. He demanded that those responsible be brought to justice and that the incident be pursued to its conclusion. Allama Wahidi also voiced concern over rising inflation, saying it has made life unbearable for the public. He urged the government to immediately reduce petrol prices and take effective measures to control inflation and ease the economic burden on citizens. Referring to Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, he said the operation had sent a strong message to India and delivered a firm response to the enemy. Other religious leaders at the conference also stressed the need for unity and solidarity in facing national challenges. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Grand jirga briefs Fazl on tribal concerns
A delegation representing the grand tribal jirga called on Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad on Tuesday to apprise him of the prevailing situation in the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The delegation expressed serious reservations over the government's committee constituted to look into matters related to FATA. During the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on the functioning and credibility of the committee, raising questions about its mandate and representation. Seeking greater engagement at the highest level, the delegation appealed to the Maulana to help arrange a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to formally present their concerns. In this context, the delegation requested the formation of a dedicated committee to prepare for and pursue the meeting with the premier. They also urged the JUI-F chief to personally lead the committee in order to ensure their demands are communicated with the necessary weight and clarity. Responding to the request, the JUI-F supremo assured the tribal representatives of his complete support, vowing not to leave them in the lurch. "We will soon meet the prime minister and convey your concerns in clear terms," the Maulana assured the delegation, committing to take up the matter at the highest political level. It is pertinent to note that the federal committee tasked with exploring the revival of the traditional jirga system in K-P has stirred political tensions, with PTI accusing the Centre of trying to reverse the 2018 tribal merger. Formed last month for "effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism", the committee met earlier this month to chart its course. However, the meeting quickly hit political headwinds as PTI, which governs the province, alleged that the federal initiative was a veiled attempt to undo the hard-won integration of the tribal areas.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Fazl provides grist to rumour mill over K-P govt fate
Amid swirling rumours of a brewing "regime change" in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday threw his weight behind the idea of political change in the PTI-led province, but with a caveat that the change must come from within the ruling party itself. Dismissing the notion of backdoor manoeuvring, the Maulana asserted that the legitimacy cannot be handed down by "boots" but must stem from the will of the people. He further lambasted both the federal and provincial governments as having "sold out". "We do not want a government handed to us by the boots, we want one backed by the people." Addressing a news conference in Peshawar, the JUI-F chief said the law-and-order situation across the country was rapidly deteriorating. "Fresh news is always about some kind of unrest," he said, citing the recent killing of an ANP politician, Maulana Khan Zeb, in Bajaur, worsening instability in Balochistan and unrest in Sindh. "We know for a fact that the ruling elite is paying extortion money to extremist groups," he claimed. The JUI-F chief said that political change in K-P was essential, whether it comes from within the ruling PTI or through external political realignment. "My preference is change in the province. If it comes from within the ruling party, that's fine too," he added. Referring to incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, he said, "If his children come to Pakistan, I have no objection," adding that politics involves differences, not enmity. "We may disagree with the PML-N, PPP or PTI, but we always keep the door open for dialogue, even the PTI people come and talk to me," he said. The Maulana further claimed the province enjoyed full peace during his government's tenure. "You could travel anywhere without incident. There were no police checkpoints. No terrorism. Peace prevailed," he recalled. He also called for an all-parties conference to discuss law and order. Regarding the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) merger with K-P, he said it was a "wrong decision" taken under pressure and signals, and all political parties must now admit it. "Everyone joined the bandwagon, thinking the FATA merger was a good idea. We kept saying it wasn't. Now, reversing that mistake is in the national interest," he advised. He expressed frustration that, even after eight years, FATA still lacked basic administration. "No patwari can go there even today. We were told land records are being compiled in FATA — when I asked how, I was told it's being done using satellites." The JUI-F leader pointed out that a grand tribal jirga was going to be held on Sunday, saying his party respected such forums. "We had always wanted decisions about FATA's political future to be taken with input from its tribal elders, not through unilateral decisions." He said his party had been recognised as a stakeholder in the government's committee on FATA, and that it had been asked to nominate representatives. "But how many members on the committee are actually from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or even Pashtun?" he questioned. "The province's money is only being used to appoint parliamentary secretaries and for luxuries. This is an extortion-backed, rigged government." When asked about jailed politicians, he said that no politician should be behind bars, "but yes, politicians do go to jail. However, political movements are not just about getting released, they are waged for great causes".
Business Recorder
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Fazl wants ‘political change' in KP
PESHAWAR: Expressing his desire for change in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that since the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) holds the majority in KP and any change in the province should come from within the party itself. Speaking at a news conference here on Saturday, JUI-F chief stated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is suffering from insecurity, Sindh is under the control of criminals, and Balochistan is facing terrorism, while the rulers are extorting armed groups. How terrorism could be eradicated from the country; emphasising that this is a matter to ponder over now, Fazl questioned. The party chief suggested that change should come to the province, specifically from within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in KP. He claimed that during JUI-F's government, there was complete peace and order in the province; and any decision regarding change in KP would be made after consultation within the party. The JUI-F chief remarked that the KP government's majority is 'fake' and that the province cannot afford political turmoil. Terming the merger of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as a wrong decision made without consultation, Fazl called for the reversal of this constitutional amendment in the national interest. He urged political parties to acknowledge that the FATA merger was a mistake. He suggested that those responsible should acknowledge their lack of political insight. Regarding the Senate elections, he said: 'I cannot comment on any adjustment yet, but future plans would be decided after consultations with jirgas, and all decisions would involve the consultation of FATA tribes. A grand jirga of FATA tribes is scheduled for tomorrow, he added. He said that whether the government regretted its actions or if it is merely a strategy to exploit FATA's natural resources. Fazl said, 'If I was satisfied with the federal government's performance, I would be part of it, but since assemblies have been bought, I cannot be part of corrupt government.' He further stated that differences among political parties are common, but they should not turn into personal enmities. He said that JUI-F would not recognise armed groups, suggesting that PTI could hold talks if it changes its attitude. He shared that young PTI workers visit him, sit with him, and ask him questions. To a question, he said he could not comment on seat adjustments regarding the Senate. Urging acceptance of the public's decision, Fazl said, 'The JUI-F will not come to power relying on anyone. If the JUI-F-led government comes to power, corruption and extortion will end. Talking about the PTI protests movement, the JUI chief said that the protest movement should be for a greater cause, not merely for the release of any individual. Fazl added that if any issues arise with the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP), they would sit together to resolve them, and an All-Parties Conference (APC) should be convened to address law and order concerns. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
