Author: Dawn.com

Mourners Commemorate Yaum-i-Ashura Amidst Heightened Security Measures Nationwide Mourners across the country came together on Wednesday to mark Yaum-i-Ashura, a day of solemn remembrance observed on Muharram 10 to honor Imam Husain and the martyrs of Karbala. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the values of unity, equality, and tolerance in their messages, urging the nation to stand for justice and solidarity. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi highlighted the universal significance of Imam Hussain’s philosophy, praising the peaceful atmosphere maintained by law enforcement agencies during the processions nationwide. The government’s strict security measures included army deployment, a…

Moody’s recent assessment of Pakistan’s staff-level agreement with the IMF highlights improved funding prospects, but emphasizes the importance of sustaining reforms to ease liquidity risks. The $7 billion aid package deal with the IMF will provide much-needed respite to the nation, according to the Washington-based institution. The new IMF programme is expected to enhance Pakistan’s funding prospects by securing financing from the IMF and other partners. However, the key to unlocking continual financing lies in the government’s ability to maintain reform implementation over the program’s duration. The conditions of the new programme include far-reaching reforms such as broadening the tax…

Exploring Outlawed Political Groups in Pakistan’s History From the Communist Party of Pakistan to the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, Pakistan has a history of outlawed political parties. In a recent announcement, the federal government hinted at banning Imran Khan’s PTI, sparking a debate on its legality. Although banning political groups is not new in Pakistan, it is a controversial practice that has occurred under various regimes, from martial laws to democratic setups. Dawn.com delves into the history of Pakistan’s outlawed political parties. Communist Party of Pakistan The CPP, led by Sajjad Zaheer, was banned in 1954 for its involvement in a supposed…

The Latest Attempt to Suppress PTI: Govt Announces Ban and Article 6 Proceedings The federal government recently announced its decision to ban the PTI and initiate Article 6 proceedings against its key members, including Imran Khan and Dr Arif Alvi. This move is seen as an effort to prevent the PTI from becoming the largest party in the NA. The announcement came after recent relief granted to the party by the top court, leading to concerns about the impact of the planned ban on the reserved seats case. Information Minister Atta Tarar cited various issues, including foreign funding and diplomatic…

The Government’s Move to Ban PTI: A Desperate Attempt The recent announcement by the government to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has sparked a wave of criticism from experts and politicians alike. Information Minister Atta Tarar justified the move citing various controversies surrounding the party, including the foreign funding case and the unrest following the May 9 riots. However, prominent figures such as Mubashir Zaidi and Farhatullah Babar have labeled the decision as “unsustainable” and a “grave mistake” respectively. Legal experts have also questioned the government’s authority to ban a political party under Article 17 of the Constitution. With the…

Former US President Donald Trump was shot in the ear during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, prompting global condemnations. President Zardari and PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed shock and condemned the violence, as did world leaders like Indian PM Modi and Japanese PM Kishida. The shooting, classified as an assassination attempt, resulted in the death of the suspected shooter and a rally attendee, with two others injured. President Biden condemned the incident, emphasizing the need to unite against violence in America. World leaders decry attack UN Secretary-General Guterres, PMs from Australia, UK, Canada, Japan, Italy, France, and others denounced political…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for Pakistan to break the cycle of repeatedly seeking aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He referred to the latest three-year $7 billion aid package from the IMF as a crucial opportunity for the country to achieve economic stability and sustainable growth. The IMF program, subject to approval by the IMF’s Executive Board, aims to strengthen Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability and pave the way for inclusive and resilient growth. This includes implementing reforms such as expanding the tax base and ensuring self-sustainability in public finance and energy sectors. The Finance Minister highlighted the…

A brave Pakistan Army captain, Muhammad Osama bin Arshad, lost his life in a gunfight with terrorists in North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He led his troops from the front and made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the nation safe. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that Captain Arshad, aged 24 and hailing from Rawalpindi, was martyred during the operation. His troops successfully neutralized two terrorists in the engagement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid their respects to the fallen hero, vowing to continue the fight against terrorism. The country has been facing a surge in…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Announces Relief Package for Lifeline Electricity Consumers Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has declared a three-month relief period for lifeline electricity consumers using less than 200 units per month. The government will provide a Rs50 billion discount to these consumers in July, August, and September, benefiting around 25 million people, which accounts for 94% of the country’s domestic electricity consumers. Following public outcry, the government decided to retract the 51% tariff increase for protected consumers that was approved last week to comply with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) requirement. The decision was made after concerns were raised…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Balochistan and announced the solarization of 28,000 tube wells to provide farmers with cheap electricity. The initiative, costing Rs55 billion, will be funded by the federal government. Shehbaz emphasized the need for efficient implementation, citing revenue loss due to non-payment of bills. The project aims to eliminate power theft and provide farmers with round-the-clock electricity. The Prime Minister commended CM Bugti for his commitment to the program’s success. He highlighted the national interest in transitioning one million oil-operated tube wells to solar power, foreseeing significant savings for the country. Shehbaz stressed the importance of Balochistan’s…