Latest news with #Section144
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Flood washes away major portion of KKH
The section of the Karakoram Highway which collapsed into the Hunza River between Garchay and Morkhun. Photo: Screengrab/ Listen to article A major portion of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) in Upper Hunza's Morkhun area was swept away by river erosion on Friday, effectively severing the land route between Pakistan and China, according to the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government. The situation was triggered by a surge in river flow caused by accelerated glacial melting, a result of rising temperatures across the region. The heightened water levels have caused localised flooding in several areas of G-B, posing serious threats to infrastructure and public safety. G-B government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq confirmed that the increased flow of water in regional rivers led to the erosion of a section of the KKH, which has now been rendered inaccessible. He said that Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has ordered immediate restoration of the highway. The Karakoram Highway is a critical trade and travel route connecting Pakistan to China. Faraq added that relevant departments have been dispatched to Morkhun to carry out emergency repair work. Meanwhile, rescue teams in Skardu are continuing their search for tourists who went missing after a boat capsized in the Zhouq Kachura area. Authorities suspect that high water flow in the lakes, fed by glacial runoff, may have contributed to the accident. Faraq reminded the public that, due to safety concerns, boating in lakes has been strictly prohibited, and Section 144 has been imposed in affected areas to ban such activities. "We are taking action against individuals and tour operators who violate this ban and endanger lives," he said. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows local authorities to restrict gatherings and specific activities to ensure public safety during emergencies. The latest incident adds to a series of climate-related disasters impacting G-B. Since June, Pakistan has witnessed severe flooding brought on by cloudbursts, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and intense monsoon rains. G-B remains one of the hardest-hit regions due to its mountainous terrain and vulnerability to glacial melt. With the monsoon season still ongoing and temperatures continuing to rise, officials have warned of further climate-induced disruptions, urging both residents and visitors to exercise caution and follow government advisories.
New Indian Express
19 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
'Reclaim the night' set to return to Kolkata with calls for justice, one year after RG Kar incident
The West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum has organised a nighttime procession from College Square to Shyambazar, followed by a sit-in protest, though it's unclear if police have approved the gathering. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari has supported the family's call for the Nabanna march. Police officials stated that no permission had been sought for the Nabanna march and reminded that the area is a high-security zone where protests are banned under Section 163 of BNS (formerly Section 144 of IPC). They cited two ongoing High Court cases regarding the protests, noting that while peaceful protest is a fundamental right, the administration can impose restrictions to prevent violence or damage. Authorities have suggested alternative protest locations - Santragachi bus stand in Howrah and Rani Rashmoni Avenue in Kolkata. Police commissioners from both Kolkata and Howrah said that protesters must apply in advance with details about participant numbers and logistics. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma warned that the planned Kalighat march would not be allowed, adding that surveillance through CCTV and drones would help identify any illegal activity. West Bengal Police ADG Supratim Sarkar stated that gatherings at unauthorized locations would face legal action. The case continues to highlight tensions between citizens' right to protest and security concerns, with the medical community and victim's family insisting that justice remains incomplete one year after the horrific crime.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Centre vows no let-up in K-P terror fight
Listen to article Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Thursday ruled out the possibility of launching any fresh military operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) amid rumours of a fresh full-scale offensive triggered by the worsening law and order situation in the volatile tribal districts of the province. Chaudhry, however, said that the ongoing counterterrorism actions under the National Action Plan (NAP) would continue unabated. "Let me be clear — NAP operations will not be stopped by anyone, no matter who they are," he said while speaking on the floor of the National Assembly in response to concerns raised by MNAs Asad Qaiser and Shazia Marri. Chaudhry's statement came on a day the PTI government in K-P strongly opposed the launch of a new military operation in the province, warning that kinetic actions would only worsen the already fragile security situation in the province. The provincial government called for a non-kinetic strategy to eliminate terrorism and restore peace. Taking a swipe at the PTI, the minister questioned, "Who brought the TTP [Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan] back? Which chief minister said, 'We won't fight or we'll end up like the PPP or the ANP?'" Commenting on PTI's protest on Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, Chaudhry defended the closure of Parliament House's entry gates, citing security concerns due to Section 144 being in force and the presence of a sizeable rally near D-Chowk. He clarified that the gates were closed to restrict the incoming crowd and not the lawmakers. "No MNA was barred from exiting the premises," he added. The minister played down the scale of PTI demonstrations on August 5. "In Islamabad, fewer than 100 people turned up and even those were briefly detained. No lawmakers were arrested," he claimed. "In Punjab, out of a population of 130 million, only 94 people were taken into custody. Most protests were symbolic and dispersed within minutes." He also rejected the PTI's defence of the May 9 riots, saying popularity does not grant immunity from the law. "Those who attacked state properties were not acting in public interest - they did so in pursuit of future election tickets," he alleged. "Now they are facing the consequences. Courts in Punjab and Peshawar are announcing decisions. What more fairness do they want?" On the issue of the suspension of overland travel for Shia pilgrims via Iran, Chaudhry said that the measure had been taken due to heightened regional tensions in the aftermath of the Israel-Iran conflict. He said the Ministry of Interior was engaged in talks with the protesters and the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) leadership. "A delegation of pilgrims met ministry officials last Thursday, and further discussions were held recently with MWM leader Raja Nasir Abbas," the minister said, adding that he was willing to visit Karachi to continue negotiations. He added that the Sindh and Balochistan governments were fully on board, while the Sindh governor remained in close contact with the protesters. The minister further told the lawmakers in the House that the prime minister had instructed the defence minister to ensure facilitation of pilgrims via air travel. "We've increased the number of flights and engaged foreign airlines, including Iranian and Iraqi carriers, to enhance capacity. Talks are also under way to reduce fares," he added.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
NAP operations to continue without interruption: Talal Chaudhry
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry addresses the National Assembly on Aug 7, 2025. Photo: X/@NAofPakistan Listen to article Minister for State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Thursday ruled out the possibility of any fresh military operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), maintaining that the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts under the National Action Plan (NAP) would continue without interruption. Responding to concerns raised by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Asad Qaiser and Pakistan Peoples Part (PPP) MNA Shazia Marri during a National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, the minister made it clear that the state's resolve to combat terrorism remained unwavering. 'Let me be clear, NAP operations will not be stopped by anyone, no matter who they are,' he asserted. In a sharp critique of the PTI policies, Chaudhry questioned the party's past conduct. 'Who brought back the TTP? Which CM said, 'We won't fight or we'll end up like PPP or ANP'?' he asked. Also Read: Khawaja Asif rebuffs resignation rumours Speaking on the August 5 protests by PTI, the minister defended the government's security measures, including the closure of Parliament's gates. He cited enforcement of Section 144 and a large gathering near D-Chowk as valid concerns. 'The Parliament gates were shut for incoming crowds, not outgoing MNAs, who exited without obstruction,' he clarified. Regarding the PTI protest turnout, the minister downplayed its scale. 'In Islamabad, fewer than 100 protesters gathered and even those were detained briefly. No MNAs were arrested. In Punjab, 94 people were detained out of a population of 130 million,' he said, adding that most protests were symbolic and ended swiftly. Chaudhry rejected PTI's narrative surrounding the May 9 incidents, reiterating that popularity does not grant immunity from the law. 'Those who attacked state symbols did so for political gain and are now facing legal consequences,' he stated. 'Those who set fire to monuments were doing it for future election tickets, and now they're facing the consequences. Courts in Punjab and Peshawar are issuing rulings — what more fairness do you want?' قومی اسمبلی اجلاس کے دوران رکن قومی اسمبلی محترمہ شازیہ مری کا اربعین جانے والے زائرین کو بس کے ذریعے سفر پر عائد پابندی کے باعث درپیش مشکلات پر اظہارِ خیال۔#NASession @ShaziaAttaMarri — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 7, 2025 During the session, PPP's Marri raised the issue of pilgrims (Zaireen) who travel by road to participate in the Arbaeen walk during Chehlum. She expressed concern that a ban on land travel had left nearly 200,000 pilgrims stranded, as financial constraints prevent them from affording air travel. 'I request the government to arrange some subsidised flights for pilgrims who can't afford plane travel,' she said. Responding to her concerns, Chaudhry confirmed that land travel for Arbaeen pilgrims via Iran had been suspended due to regional tensions stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict. He said the interior ministry and provincial authorities were engaged in dialogue with protesting pilgrims and leadership of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM). Read: At least four killed in Wana IED blast He informed the House that a delegation had met ministry officials last Thursday, and further talks were held recently with MWM leader Engineer Raja Nasir Abbas. 'I'm ready to visit Karachi for continued negotiations,' he said, adding that the Sindh and Balochistan governments were fully aligned and the Sindh governor was in close contact with the protesters. The minister also shared that the prime minister had instructed the defence minister to ensure the facilitation of pilgrims via air travel. 'We have increased the number of flights and engaged foreign carriers, including Iranian and Iraqi airlines, to enhance capacity. Discussions are also underway to reduce fares,' he said. The House discussed and passed The Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2025. The Bill was moved by Minister of State for Interior & Narcotics Control Mr. Talal Chaudhry on behalf of Senator Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control.#NASession — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 7, 2025 During the course of the session, PPP's Syed Naveed Qamar proposed clause-by-clause amendments to the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill 2025, aiming to facilitate the smooth movement of goods and people across the country's borders. These amendments were thoroughly discussed and ultimately approved by the National Assembly. Qamar expressed that the PPP had reservations regarding several clauses in the bill and suggested a wide range of improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the Authority. He emphasised that the purpose of the bill was to promote trade facilitation and to transform border crossings into welcoming points, rather than intimidating barriers that discourage cross-border traffic. After the amendments were approved, Chaudhry moved the bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. Following detailed deliberations, the House unanimously passed the Pakistan Land Port Authority Bill, 2025.
Bangkok Post
3 days ago
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Small win for graft fight
The falling from grace of Pichet Chuamuangphan, the First Deputy House Speaker, highlights a lapse in ethical standards among lawmakers. It also raises scrutiny of Section 144 of the 2017 Constitution, written to prevent lawmakers from using public money for personal or political gain, under which he was judged. The Constitutional Court on Friday found Mr Pichet had a role in pushing three projects to influence budget decisions for personal gain. He used his authority as both an MP of the Pheu Thai Party and job as First Deputy House Speaker to favour voters in his constituency, despite trying his best to cover it up. The court ordered Mr Pichet's MP status be terminated from Aug 1, and revoked his right to run in elections for 10 years. As a result, he lost the much coveted First Deputy House Speaker post. For the record, Mr Pichet is the first politician penalised for violating Section 144. But his transgression is not unusual among MPs and ministers. Lawmakers are known for resorting to budget tricks to have money diverted to their constituencies. Coalition governments also tamper with the budget to finance unnecessary election promises. This is what voters almost expect of the political and governing class, but it doesn't make it right. Mr Pichet initiated the projects to promote democracy among the younger generation, improve public participation and empower women's rights. The projects were to be conducted in his constituency in Chiang Rai province. The projects look sound, yet the process for obtaining the money was not. To make sure his proposals evaded tight budget scrutiny and audit compliance, Mr Pichet ordered his adviser to revise the details. Activities under the projects were redeveloped into 2,294 seminars for 124,700 villagers, but still attracted the scrutiny of the opposition. This petition was brought to court by People's Party MP Bhuntin Noumjerm, joined by 120 other lawmakers from his party. Mr Pichet's case is just a start. In the next few months, the court will decide whether the government under PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra violated Section 144 for moving 35 billion baht from state banks to fund the digital wallet handout. Section 144 was written by a coup maker-installed charter panel to prohibit the slashing of budget allocations used to fulfil legal obligations, particularly allocations set aside for debt payment to banks under the Financial and Fiscal Discipline Act. The decision affected several state-run banks, including the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, which lost 31.3 billion baht, the Government Savings Bank (2.68 billion baht) and the Government Housing Bank (592 million baht). The allocations were originally intended to compensate the banks for revenue losses as a result of implementing state projects such as a debt suspension scheme for struggling farmers and a crop price guarantee project.
