Author: Dawn.com

In a fiery session of the National Assembly, the opposition leader Omar Ayub called for violators of the Constitution to be tried for treason, sparking a heated exchange with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Quoting Article 6 of the Constitution, Ayub demanded accountability, while Asif retaliated by suggesting that the first dictator, Ayub Khan, should be held accountable for violating the Constitution. Ayub criticized the recent press conference by the DG of ISPR, stating that security agencies should not engage in politics. He emphasized the importance of institutions working within their limits as defined by the Constitution. The opposition leader also…

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing cooperation with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during a meeting with SCO Secretary General Ambassador Zhang Ming in Beijing. The discussion focused on enhancing security and development in the region, in line with the SCO charter and ‘Shanghai Spirit’. Dar highlighted the importance of collaboration among SCO member states for progress and prosperity. Ambassador Zhang expressed support for Pakistan’s initiatives within the SCO and commended the country’s role as the current chair of the SCO Council of Heads of Government. Dar’s visit to Beijing also included co-chairing the 5th Pakistan-China…

Former PML-N leader Miftah Ismail has officially announced the formation of a new political party, putting an end to months of speculation. In an op-ed published in The News and a post on X, Miftah revealed plans for a party that prioritizes ideas over personalities and aims to address Pakistan’s governance failures. The new party, yet to be named, will focus on including women and young people in leadership roles, setting term limits for party leaders, and avoiding dynastic politics that plague traditional parties. Miftah believes that Pakistan needs a fresh vision led by individuals with integrity, competence, and a…

The Pakistan hockey team received a heroic welcome in Lahore after winning a silver medal at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Despite their unbeaten streak, they narrowly lost to Japan in the final on penalties. The team was greeted at the airport by a huge crowd and honored with garlands and bouquets. Fans showed support with placards and banners celebrating their achievement. Upon their return, Chairman Prime Minister Youth Program Rana Mashhood praised the team for reigniting interest in the national sport and announced a prize of Rs1 million for each player. Prime Minister also planned to meet the team…

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the need for privatization, stating that there is no such thing as strategic state-owned enterprises (SOEs). During a pre-budget conference in Lahore, he echoed Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s sentiments about limiting government business to strategic and essential SOEs. The Cabinet Committee on Privatization (CCoP) discussed the priority of privatizing loss-making SOEs and reducing the number of categorized strategic or essential SOEs from 40 after scrutiny. Aurangzeb reiterated the stance that all state-owned enterprises should be handed over to the private sector, encouraging public-private partnerships. Addressing concerns about the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA),…

Pakistan and Italy recently came to an agreement to collaborate in combating human trafficking and illegal migration. In a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Italian Ambassador Marilina Armellin, both parties discussed the need for a formal deal to address these issues. Naqvi emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards human trafficking, ensuring that only skilled workers would be sent to Italy through legal channels. Italy serves as a major entry point for migrants traveling to Europe, with the route being perilous and often resulting in tragedy. Last February, a boat carrying migrants, including Pakistanis, crashed in southern Italy, resulting…

Rights organisation Amnesty International has called for the release of all peaceful protesters detained during the May 9 riots and for fair trials for those involved. The riots last year resulted in 10 deaths, hundreds of injuries, and significant damage to public buildings and military installations, causing a loss of Rs2.5 billion. Amnesty expressed concern over the detention of protesters, particularly women, and the violation of their rights. PTI reiterated the demand for an independent judicial investigation into the events of May 9 despite facing oppression. The party emphasized the need to end unjust incarceration and suffering. Meanwhile, PTI alleged…

In a surprising turn of events, PTI leader Omar Ayub announced the removal of Sher Afzal Marwat from the party’s core and political committees. This decision came after Marwat made controversial statements about Saudi Arabia, causing tension within the party. Marwat had previously accused the US and Saudi Arabia of conspiring against the PTI government, leading to public disapproval from the party. Imran Khan, the party’s founder, instructed Marwat to adhere to party policy and not make misleading statements. Ayub highlighted the negative impact of Marwat’s remarks on the party’s relations with Saudi Arabia and Imran’s personal connections. As a…

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has approved a Rs2.83 per unit charge in consumers’ electricity bills for May, known as a fuel cost adjustment (FCA) charge for power consumed in March. The government had requested an additional Rs23 billion in FCA charges despite the majority of power generation being from cheaper local fuels. The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) demanded Rs2.94 per unit for fuel cost recovery, significantly higher than the pre-fixed amount of Rs6.44 per unit for March. Nepra has accepted a public hearing request to discuss the excessive charges being passed on to consumers due to…

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized Pakistan’s sovereignty and commitment to making decisions based on its own interests during a press conference in Islamabad. He dismissed US reservations about the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline, stating that Pakistan cannot be dictated to and will not allow its sovereignty to be compromised. Dar also highlighted productive meetings with Iran and Saudi Arabia, with plans for the Saudi Crown Prince to visit Pakistan soon. He outlined Pakistan’s desire for peace in the region and its active role in international forums like the World Economic Forum and the OIC Summit. On social…