Latest news with #Qaiser
Business Recorder
7 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Flood warning systems: PTI accuses govt of wasting $188m in World Bank funding
ISLAMABAD: Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser on Monday accused the federal government of wasting $188 million in World Bank funding intended to upgrade Pakistan's flood warning systems in the aftermath of the devastating 2022 floods. The funds were allocated under the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP), a World Bank-backed initiative aimed at modernising the country's flood forecasting capabilities, including the installation of advanced radar systems to provide early warnings to at-risk communities. Nearly three years later, however, little progress has been made. 'These radar systems were supposed to revolutionise our meteorological infrastructure and save lives,' Qaiser said. 'But the government hasn't even completed the tendering process. This delay has directly affected our ability to warn communities during the recent monsoon floods.' The 2022 floods – among the worst in history of the country – killed over 1,700 people, displaced millions, and caused an estimated $30 billion in damage. In the aftermath, international lenders pledged significant support, but critics say poor coordination and bureaucratic gridlock have stalled critical recovery efforts. Officials familiar with the project cite a lack of coordination between the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the Ministry of Planning and Development, headed by Ahsan Iqbal, as a major cause of the delays. Qaiser said he plans to raise the issue in parliament and directly with the World Bank, criticising what he called a 'troubling silence' from both the lender and the government. 'Implementation has stalled, and the World Bank has yet to publicly respond to the government's failure to deliver on its loan commitments,' he said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has yet to comment publicly on the issue, despite ongoing flooding across rural areas – including last week's flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, which claimed more than 650 lives. 'This is not just a natural disaster – it's a governance failure,' said a senior Planning Ministry official familiar with the project. While the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has launched Pakistan's first weather satellite and partnered with private weather firms, experts warn that without a functioning radar network, such efforts are insufficient. As the current monsoon season causes further destruction, pressure is mounting on the government – and its international partners – to act on the pledges made after the 2022 crisis. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI 'apologises' for Bajwa's extension
Listen to article The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) admitted on Sunday that granting a service extension to former army chief Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa was a mistake, apologising to the nation over the decision and vowing never to be part of such practices again. The admission and apology came from PTI senior leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser during a joint press conference of Tehreek Tahafuz Aain Pakistan (TTAP) leaders in Islamabad. "The decision about Bajwa's extension was wrong; I believe it was our historically incorrect decision," Qaiser said, responding to a question about the former COAS's extension. "We apologise to the whole nation [on this decision]," he added. "We will not be a part of any such decision in the future." TTAP chief and veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai added that neither any civilian nor military official should be granted service extensions, arguing that appointments should be made solely on merit — the only principle, he said, essential for Pakistan's progress. In late 2019, Pakistan faced an unprecedented legal standoff over then — prime minister Imran Khan's decision to grant a three-year extension to Gen Bajwa, whose term was due to end on November 28. Just two days before his retirement date, the Supreme Court suspended the extension while hearing a petition challenging it — the first such case in the country's history. The government had justified the extension by citing regional security concerns, including India's revocation of Kashmir's autonomy and Pakistan's role in the US-Afghan peace process. Critics, however, viewed it as a political calculation to secure Khan's own tenure, given the army's perceived role in facilitating his rise to power. During his remarks, Qaiser not only criticised the incumbent governance model but also termed it "illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic," claiming the country was under a "practical martial law" where decisions were made under institutional pressure rather than merit. The PTI stalwart said his party believed that cases of political prisoners, including party founder Imran Khan, should be heard on merit and without external influence, adding that live media coverage of trials would expose the reality of the proceedings. On the so-called 27th Constitutional Amendment, Qaiser said PTI would use every available forum — parliament, the courts, and public mobilisation — to resist it, adding that a lawyers' movement would also be initiated. He said the party would approach the legal fraternity to challenge any such move, begin consultations with the Islamabad Bar this month, engage with foreign diplomats, and hold seminars to highlight its concerns. Achakzai, speaking at the same press conference, stressed that the TTAP movement would avoid personal attacks and focus on constitutional protection, adding that political differences should not undermine democratic principles. He recalled visiting PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz during their imprisonment in the past, noting that "party leaders would visit them in flocks and no one would object". Criticising Pakistan's political and governance decline, Achakzai warned that when public anger rises, even the most entrenched rulers can be removed. He called for a political agreement to ensure supremacy of the Constitution, judicial independence, establishment of a credible election commission, media freedom, and an end to harassment of journalists — saying all parties should sign such a document. Former PML-N leader and Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair also addressed the gathering, highlighting the country's deepening economic crisis. He cited record inflation — with weekly price increases touching 50 per cent and overall inflation hitting 38 per cent — saying such levels had never been seen before in Pakistan. Zubair said more than 110 million people had fallen below the poverty line, with overall unemployment at 22 per cent and youth unemployment at 30 per cent. He pointed to a sharp rise in public debt, noting that while PTI's tenure saw an increase of Rs19 trillion, the last three-and-a-half years had added Rs38 trillion more. Foreign investment, he said, was now at a 50-year low despite promises of major inflows. He noted a decline in GDP growth to an average of 1.62 per cent against a population growth rate of 2.6 per cent, alongside a 60 per cent fall in purchasing power over three years. Calling the state of education "shameful," he cited 27 million out-of-school children and malnutrition affecting 40 per cent of children. Public sector enterprises, he added, were incurring losses of Rs1 trillion, further straining national finances.
Business Recorder
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Govt mulling tabling 27th amendment bill: PTI
ISLAMABAD: PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser on Sunday addressed rumours of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, stating that the party would approach the legal fraternity regarding the potential legislation. After passing the 26th Constitutional Amendment last year, the government had been planning to table another amendment, colloquially known as the 27th Amendment, aimed at reforming local governments and 'addressing issues skipped in previous legislation'. Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, the PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker stated that there is 'new drama' surrounding the legislation. Joint session approves 4 bills amid PTI protest 'In this case, we will approach the lawyers' community regarding this legislation,' Qaiser said. 'We will begin by meeting with the Islamabad Bar this month.' Referring to a 'schedule of activities' for this month, Qaiser said that the PTI will also arrange an engagement with foreign diplomats and embassies, as well as a seminar. The PTI leader also assailed the manner in which the country is being governed, branding it 'illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic'. 'The country is practically under martial law and decisions are being made based on personal preferences,' Qaiser stated. 'The country cannot be run under this hybrid system we have right now. 'We have decided that we will use all available forums — parliament, the courts, the public — to take our struggle against injustice and oppression forward.' PTI Leader Asad Qaiser Addresses Rumors of 27th Constitutional Amendment Asad Qaiser, a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, announced on Sunday that the party will consult with the legal community regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment, which follows the 26th Constitutional Amendment passed last year, reportedly aims to reform local governments and address outstanding legislative issues. During a press conference in Islamabad, the former National Assembly speaker called the new legislation a 'drama' and outlined the PTI's plan of action. He stated that the party will meet with the Islamabad Bar this month as a first step. Qaiser also mentioned a series of upcoming activities for the month, including a seminar and an engagement with foreign diplomats and embassies. In his remarks, Qaiser was critical of the current government, calling it 'illegal, unconstitutional and undemocratic.' He claimed that the country is essentially under martial law, with decisions being made based on personal whims rather than established procedures. He stated that the PTI will utilize all available platforms—parliament, the courts, and public forums—to oppose what he described as injustice and oppression. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PTI's Qaiser acquitted in Azadi March case
A lower court in Islamabad on Thursday acquitted former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser in a case linked to the 2022 Azadi March. Judicial Magistrate Abbas Shah announced the reserved verdict, approving the acquittal request submitted by Asad Qaiser in the Azadi March case. The case was registered at Kohsar Police Station during the political protests led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf. Qaiser was among several party leaders accused of violating public order during the march. During the hearing, Qaiser's legal team argued that the charges were politically motivated and lacked sufficient evidence.
