Latest news with #MinorityDay
Express Tribune
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minorities' contribution hailed
Minority Day was observed in Faisalabad with official ceremonies and public gatherings to pay tribute to the contributions of minority communities and reiterate commitments to their rights. At the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) headquarters, a special ceremony was held where officers and Christian employees cut a cake and expressed solidarity with Christian staff. Deputy Managing Director (Admin) Shoaib Rashid said Christian employees were the "backbone of WASA" and their rights remained a top priority. CBA President Mian Maqsood described the day as one of freedom and unity, while General Secretary Benjamin Sohotra highlighted the Christian community's role in the creation and development of Pakistan. Deputy General Secretary Aamir Rahmat said the joint celebration reflected harmony and brotherhood within WASA. The ceremony was attended by senior WASA officials, union representatives, and Christian employees. Separately, the Minority Rights Movement (MRM) organized a public meeting in Dawood Nagar, where speakers recalled Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah's August 11, 1947 address, assuring equal rights to people of all religions. They said minorities still face marginalisation, insecurity, and a lack of representation.
Express Tribune
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Lawmakers award themselves hefty pay, perks increase
The Sindh Assembly on Friday passed three pieces of legislation, including a bill increasing the salaries and privileges of its members, the Sindh Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Anti-Terrorism Sindh (Amendment) Bill 2025. The bills were moved by Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ziaul Hassan Lanjar during a session chaired by Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah. The House unanimously approved the salary and allowances bill, which was earlier cleared by the provincial cabinet on August 7. The new law equalises privileges for MPAs — both from government and opposition — covering hospitality, house rent, utilities, daily and conveyance allowances, accommodation, travel and mileage, telephone and medical facilities, as well as office maintenance. The leader of the opposition will now receive the same salary and perks as a provincial minister. Parliamentary committee chairpersons will be entitled to use an official vehicle — with fuel and maintenance — but must return it within three days of vacating the post. The Sindh Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill 2025, passed by a majority vote, allows the appointment of BPS-20 and 21 officers as chairpersons of education boards. Lanjar said the move aimed to induct competent officers for better board performance. MQM-Pakistan's Sabir Qaimkhani, however, called for sending the bill to the relevant committee for further deliberation to safeguard board autonomy - a suggestion that was rejected by the House. The assembly also adopted the Anti-Terrorism Sindh (Amendment) Bill 2025. Details of the changes were not immediately debated on the floor. Speaker Shah announced that a special sitting will be held on August 11 at the old assembly building to mark Minority Day, with representatives of minority communities invited to participate. A privilege motion by MQM-Pakistan's Ammar Siddiqui on gas supply issues was rejected on technical grounds. During the question hour for the Auqaf Department, Parliamentary Secretary Shazia Sanghar replied to written and supplementary questions from members.
