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PM REITERATES POLITICAL, MORAL, AND DIPLOMATIC SUPPORT FOR KASHMIRIS Thursday, 23 January, 2025 I 22 Rajabul Murajjab 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ INAUGURATES AJK'S FIRST DAANISH SCHOOL PROJECT, VOWS MORE SCHOOLS, INCLUDING IN NEELUM, GB
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BHIMBER/ISLAMABAD
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HIGHLIGHTS INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE QUALITY EDUCATION TO TALENTED STUDENTS FROM UNDERDEVELOPED REGIONS
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RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s political, moral, and diplomatic support for Kashmiris, saying the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will not go in vain. “Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir’s dedication to supporting the Kashmiri cause”, PM Shehbaz Sharif said at the groundbreaking of first Daanish School of Science and Technology in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Wednesday. The inauguration marked a significant step in expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged children. Speaking at the ceremony in Bhimber on Wednesday, the premier highlighted the initiative’s aim to provide quality education to talented students from underdeveloped regions, a vision initiated by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. “Thousands of students have graduated from Daanish Schools and are now contributing to various fields,” said PM Shehbaz, adding that the
schools offer free books, meals, and boarding facilities. The PM announced plans to establish more Daanish Schools in AJK, including Neelum, and extend the initiative to Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan, and merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He directed the authorities to complete the construction and operationalise the school within a year. The PM also lauded his government’s economic measures, citing re-
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duced inflation and policy rates, increased exports, and foreign remittances. “We have averted default and are on track to complete the IMF programme,” he stated. AJK Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq praised the initiative, calling it a “game-changer” for the region. Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam confirmed the establishment of four Daanish Schools in AJK, furthering access to modern education. The ceremony was attended by
federal ministers, AJK legislators, and Hurriyat leaders, underscoring the government’s focus on advancing education as a cornerstone of national progress. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection of the students to be sent to China for modern training in the agriculture sector. The prime minister, chairing a meeting on the subject, also directed the formation of a committee to address the grievances of the students not meeting the standard during the scrutiny. Calling China a time-tested friend of Pakistan and lauding its development in the agriculture sector, he told the participants that during his China visit, he had requested the Chinese leadership for the modern training of Pakistani students in the agriculture sector. He said that the Government of Pakistan would bear the expenses of the students’ training and the first batch would soon leave for China. A 10% quota has been allocated for Balochistan among the students to be selected for the training, he added.
No any talk held PTI slams Digital Nation Pakistan on trade with Bill as undermining civil rights ISLAMABAD Pakistan: Indian FM stAff RepoRt
WASHINGTON Agencies
Indian Foreign Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Wednesday declared there had been no talks on trade between India and Pakistan, nor had there been any proposals to resume the flow of commerce. Delhi’s top diplomat made the remarks while responding reporters’ questions at the Indian embassy in Washington, where he had travelled to attend the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on Monday. In response to a question about trade with Pakistan, Jaishankar said: “After last year, there have been no talks with Pakistan about trade, nor has any initiative come forward from their side.” He further said about the situation between the neighbours: “We never stopped trade. Any steps taken to stop trade with India were taken from their side in 2019. Our concern from the beginning was that they never granted us MFN (Most Favoured Nation) status, even though we granted it to them.” Pakistan, under the government of then-prime minister Imran Khan, had downgraded diplomatic relations with New Delhi and suspended all bilateral trade in August 2019, when India revoked occupied Kashmir’s special status by repealing Article 370 of its constitution. Last August, the Foreign Office (FO) had said trade with India was not on the cards, citing the unchanged situation in Indian-held Kashmir since the 2019 events that led to the initial suspension. “The situation remains intact, and at this point, there are no bilateral talks between the two countries with respect to bilateral trade between Pakistan and India,” then-FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch had said while responding to a question regarding India’s lack of reciprocation to Pakistan’s overtures for restoring trade relations. In March 2024, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had said that the relevant stakeholders would “seriously examine” the trade situation with India as he highlighted the concerns of the business community.
The main opposition party – Pakistan Tehreek-eInsaf (PTI) on Wednesday vehemently criticised the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, saying it will undermine constitutional rights and sets a dangerous precedent for surveillance and control. Speaking to the media, opposition leader Omar Ayub warned that the bill could target those advocating for constitutional supremacy. Ayub highlighted the PTI’s protests against the bill in parliament, asserting that the government has failed to address key opposition concerns. The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill includes provisions granting authorities extensive access to citizens’ data. Ayub alleged that the government is using the bill to suppress dissent and curtail freedoms under the guise of regulation. “This is an attack on the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution,” he said. Barrister Gohar, another PTI leader, condemned the hasty legislative process, pointing out that several laws were passed in under 10 minutes during a mere 88 parliamentary sessions in the past year. “This is the shortest law-making timeframe in history,” he claimed. PTI leaders also voiced concerns over alleged judicial pressures and mistreatment of detained party workers. “The government promised to arrange a meeting with PTI’s founder but has yet to fulfil its commitment,” Ayub said. He also reiterated the party’s demand for the formation of an impartial commission to oversee critical matters. Aamir Dogar noted that 700 protesters were recently transferred under inhumane conditions, with 500 detainees packed into vans designed for far fewer. He demanded adherence to jail protocols for over 3,000 PTI supporters currently in custody. Former minister Ali Muhammad Khan accused the judiciary of delivering politically motivated verdicts. Referring to the sentencing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, he said, “Judges who avoid minor theft cases are passing judgments on national leaders.” The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, along with allegations of judicial bias and poor governance, has intensified public dissatisfaction. PTI leaders warned of worsening political tensions unless transparency and constitutional safeguards are prioritised. On the other hand, the PTI
staged a strong protest during session of the National Assembly, forcing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to avoid address to the session. The PTI members chanted slogans and beat the desk in the house. “This is the installed regime of Form 47, while leaders of the party which got public mandate could not meet its founder,” they regretted. They declared that no negotiations will be held until a commissions formed to probe May 9 and November 26 incidents. “PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto cried crocodile tears over information technology while the PPP’s duplicity came to the fore when the PPP voted with the MQM along with the PML-N on the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill,” Barrister Gohar said.
Govt proposes major changes to PECA law ISLAMABAD
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The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday moved forward with a comprehensive set of amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016. The proposed amendments are designed to enhance the regulation of social media, specifically to combat the increasing spread of misinformation and harmful content on digital platforms. The draft amendments have been shared with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and are currently under review by the National Assembly. The amendments were introduced by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, who highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by digital misinformation. The revised draft proposes significant changes to the penalties for individuals found guilty of spreading fake news online. Initially, the draft suggested a prison term of up to seven years for those found guilty of such offenses.
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Pakistan determined to combating poverty, climate issues: FinMin PROFIT
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During a high-level discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on global debt challenges faced by developing economies, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development. Aurangzeb highlighted efforts to reduce government expenditures and debt servicing, noting the debt-to-GDP ratio had dropped from 78% to 67%. “Pakistan aims to address rising population, poverty, and environmental issues while pursuing sustainable economic growth,” he said. The minister discussed Pakistan’s 10-year partnership programme with the World Bank and shared plans to promote businessto-business engagement under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). “Chinese companies will be encouraged to relocate production units to Pakistan, potentially making it a hub for exports,” he added.
Illegal weapons recovered in Baggan as supply convoy departs for Parachinar today Security forces carried out a joint operation in three areas of Kurram from 19 to 21 January PESHAWAR
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The security forces recovered a huge cache of illegal weapons during a joint operation in Kurram district, with a supply convoy set to depart for Parachinar on Thursday, officials confirmed. According to security forces, from January 19 to 21, a joint operation involving civil administration, police, and security agencies was conducted in the Baggan area. The authorities reported that during the operation, the forces recovered a huge cache of illegal weapons, marking a crucial step towards ensuring lasting peace in the region. Local elders and residents actively supported the operation by providing critical information, underscoring the community’s role in combating criminal activities. Officials described the collaboration as vital for restoring order and eliminating threats from the area. In line with a recently signed peace agreement, strict measures will be enforced against miscreants without discrimination. District authorities emphasized their commitment to maintaining law and order in Kurram. The operation has also included initiatives such as mosque renovations and a community-led cleanup drive in Baggan, symbolizing cooperation between residents and authorities. This growing trust between locals and the security forces is viewed as a cornerstone for sustained peace. Officials added that with the region now stabilising, the next phase will focus on restoring supply convoys and ensuring public safety. Last week, law-enforcement personnel launched an operation in the Lower Kurram after a high-level meeting of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government decided to take strict action against the miscreants in the troubled district. Officials in Peshawar said that security forces would be present to help the police and civil administration in the operation against the miscreants. It was stated that three locations in Kurram – Bagan, Mandori, and Chaperi would be cleared during the operation. Local population started to relocate to safer places as authorities imposed a curfew in the Bagan area and mounted a search operation, days after a brutal attack on an aid convoy in which a number of people were abducted and six of them were subsequently killed. Security forces which are receiving assisted by the Kurram district police have surrounded four villages in Bagan and taken positions on the main highway.
Case on bench powers has nothing to do with 26th Constitutional Amend: Justice Shah g
AGP OPPOSES KHAWAJA HARIS, AHSAN BHOON’S NAMING AS NEW AMICUS CURIAE IN THE CASE ISLAMABAD
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Senior Puisne Judge of Supreme Court, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah on Wednesday observed that the case related to the bench’s jurisdiction has no connection with the 26th Constitutional Amendment, elaborating on that if someone feels scared on their own, that’s a different matter. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah made the remarks during a contempt of court hearing on Wednesday regarding the non-scheduling of a case on the powers of benches. Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi is also part of the two-member bench hearing the contempt plea. During the hearing on Wednesday, Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan argued that the court’s jurisdiction in contempt cases was limited, emphasising that written statements from those issued show-cause notices were necessary. The AGP further argued that following the 26th Amendment, the authority to form
benches now lies with a constitutional committee. Justice Shah countered, saying that the question pertains to Section 2 of the Practice and Procedure Act, asking whether a case can be withdrawn if a bench seeks to determine its jurisdiction. In response to AGP Awan’s objection that amicus curiae appointed by the court were lawyers who had challenged the 26th Amendment, Justice Shah suggested appointing other amicus curiae from the same group, while Justice Aqeel concurred with the attorney general’s concerns. Furthermore, the attorney general asserted that under the court’s original criminal jurisdiction, the issue was strictly between the court and the alleged contemnor. The AGP also remarked that the questions raised by the court could not be heard within the context of the contempt case, adding that until Nazar provides a written response, the registrar’s stance cannot be considered as his defence. He also clarified his dual role as prosecutor and legal adviser
Govt could have resolved missing persons issue had it desired to do so: SC ISLAMABAD
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The Supreme Court of Pakistan has expressed frustration over the prolonged issue of missing persons, with Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail asserting that the government could have resolved the problem had it desired to do so. The court was hearing a case related to missing persons when additional attorney general informed the court about the government’s decision to appoint Justice (retired) Faqir Muhammad Khokhar as the new head of the commission on missunder Section 27A in contempt cases. Meanwhile, asking whether the committee can shift a case which was being heard
ing persons, replacing Justice (retired) Javed Iqbal. The attorney general also mentioned that the government intends to establish a tribunal for missing persons through new legislation. In response, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that such legislation would be necessary to set up the tribunal. The attorney general indicated that the cabinet committee was working on the legislative process and was asking for a timeline to complete it.
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that everything happened due to the decision of the two judges’ committee. Noting that the case neither pertained to the powers of the practice and procedure committee nor the 26th Amendment, Justice Shah said: “If someone is scared, it’s their own matter. Our intention wasn’t such, but we [merely] wanted to understand why the case was returned.” He added, “It’s unclear to what extent Nazar [Abbas] is linked to the issue of the case not being fixed. Nazar sahib [it seems] something has happened to you as well.” The court then directed Additional Registrar Nazar to submit a written response today. Justice Shah asked the attorney general to propose a name for the amicus curiae, to which Awan replied with a smile: “I’m not suggesting any name. The main case under the Customs Act is not before you yet.” The top court then appointed Khawaja Haris and Ahsan Bhoon as amicus curiae, instructed the additional registrar to submit his written response, and adjourned the hearing until tomorrow (Thursday).
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