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PM UNVEILS SHUHADA PACKAGE FOR MARTYRED FEDERAL GOVT OFFICIALS
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Friday, 26 April, 2024 I |17 Shawwal, 1445
SAYS PACKAGE WOULD ALSO BE APPLIED TO CIVILIAN OFFICIALS, POLICE AND LEAS PERSONNEL
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ABBOTTABAD
VISITS FAMILY OF MARTYRED CUSTOMS INSPECTOR SYED HASNAIN TIRMIZI, ASSURES ALL-OUT SUPPORT
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday launched the Shuhada Package to support the families of the federal government officials martyred in the line of duty. The prime minister announced the package during his visit to the family of late Customs Inspector Syed Hasnain Ali Tirmizi, who was martyred in a firing incident in Dera Ismail Khan a few days ago. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, PML-N leaders, and senior government officers accompanied the premier. PM Sharif handed over a cheque under the Shuhada Package to the family of martyred personnel and assured his government’s all-out efforts for the security of the customs officials serving to purge the country of smuggling. Offering Fateha for the martyred soul and sympathizing with the bereaved family, he said that the Shuhada Package, earlier announced by the Punjab government, had now been extended to the federal government and could be revised further considering the country’s financial position. The package comprises cash assistance, housing allowance, free education and medical treatment. Under the package, the family members of a martyred sepoy will get Rs10 million cash assistance and Rs13.5 million housing allowance besides free education and medical treatment. The family of a martyred customs inspector will be entitled to a Rs15 million cash and Rs25 million housing allowance along with free edu-
cation and medical facilities. PM Sharif said the package would also apply to civilian officials, police and
law enforcement agencies. In his interaction with the family members, the prime minister showed
RAWALPINDI
commanders visited the martyrs’ families at their hometowns to express condolences, pay tribute, and pledge unflinching support on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). In response, the families of the martyrs expressed gratitude to the army for its support and respect during their time of grief. Highlighting the significance of honouring martyrs and veterans, the ISPR emphasized that Shuhadas (martyrs) and Ghazis (war heroes) are the
compassion and affection to the orphaned children and called them the “children of a hero”. He told the children that entire nation was proud over their “hero father”. The prime minister paid tribute to the late customs inspector who sacrificed his life while fighting against smuggling in a bid to save billions of dollars for the national economy. He also lauded the patience and perseverance of the martyred customs inspector’s father and apprised him of his government’s ongoing efforts to curb smuggling, citing holding several meetings on the subject. He said the Federal Board of Revenue, law enforcement agencies and interior ministry were working in collaboration to curb the menace of smuggling in cohesion with provincial institutions.
Senior army commanders pay tribute to martyred customs officials STAFF REPORT
Senior army commanders visited the families of customs officials martyred in the line of duty in two separate incidents in April in the KP’s Dera Ismail Khan district to express solidarity and gratitude, the military’s media wing said in a statement. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), senior army
Pakistan rejects US human rights report as ‘biased and politicised’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Rs 20.00 | Vol XIV No 297 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
Pakistan has outrightly dismissed the 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices recently released by the United States State Department. “The contents of the report are unjust, relying on inaccurate information and are disconnected from the realities on the ground,” stated the foreign office on Thursday. In a strongly worded statement, the foreign office criticised the annual practice of the US State Department in preparing such reports, labeling them as lacking objectivity and flawed in methodology. It accused these reports of applying a domestic social lens to judge human rights situations in other nations, driven by political biases. The 2023 Human Rights Report from the US State Department, unveiled this week, accused Pakistan and India of intimidating or seeking reprisals against individuals beyond their borders, including activists, defenders, and journalists. Both nations were indicted for significant human rights violations such as arbitrary and extrajudicial killings, torture, inhumane treatment, and arbitrary arrests, with a lack of accountability contributing to widespread impunity. Furthermore, the report alleged that successive Pakistani governments tacitly endorsed enforced disappearances, citing figures from the government’s Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. It noted that out of 9,967 reported missing-person cases since 2011, 7,714 were resolved while 2,253 remained pending. The report also highlighted military trials of civilians accused of rioting on May 9, following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. In response, the foreign office criticised the lack of objectivity in this year’s report, asserting its politicisation of the international human rights agenda. It expressed deep concern over the report’s oversight or downplaying of urgent human rights issues in places like Gaza and Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan condemned the silence of the United States on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, highlighting the necessity for the report to address such pressing matters.
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pride of the nation and their respect and honour is binding on each Pakistani. “We must never forget that the peace and freedom we enjoy today is due to the ultimate sacrifices rendered by these brave sons of soil,” said the statement. The statement concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the families of the martyrs: “We as nation salute Shuhada families for sacrificing their loved ones for Pakistan.”
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Received ‘not a single complaint’ of interference so far under my watch: CJP Isa ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
In the midst of a controversy over alleged interference in judicial affairs, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Thursday said he had received no complaints of meddling since becoming Chief Justice of Pakistan. “Since I’ve been chief justice, I have not received a single complaint from any high court judge that there has been interference in their work. If there has been interference in their work, it has not been reported to me,” he said while addressing the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA). The top judge’s remarks come amid the situation revolving around the allegations made by six Islamabad High Court (IHC) judges against interference in judicial affairs by the country’s intelligence apparatus. On March 25, six IHC judges — out of a total strength of eight — wrote a startling letter to the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) members, regarding attempts to pressure judges through abduction and torture of their relatives as well as secret surveillance inside their homes. The letter was signed by judges Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri, Babar Sattar, Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Saman Rafat Imtiaz.
A day later, calls had emerged from various quarters for a probe into the investigation, amid which CJP Isa summoned a full court meeting of the Supreme Court’s (SC) judges. After a meeting between CJP Isa and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on March 28, the duo decided to form a commission to investigate the concerns of interference in judicial affairs following the cabinet’s approval. However, former CJP Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, who was appointed to head the commission, subsequently recused himself from the matter, leading to the apex court taking a suo motu notice of the issue. On April 3, CJP Isa asserted that “any attack” on the judici-
ary’s independence would not be tolerated as he hinted at forming a full court to hear a suo motu case pertaining to allegations of interference in judicial affairs. The chief justice addressed the issue today during his SHCBA address, saying that the incidents mentioned in the IHC letter were from before his tenure as the top judge began. “Interference is not acceptable, but at the same time, nothing has been reported to me during my watch.” Reminiscing about his time working at the Sindh High Court building, the CJP said: “I have many memories of this building and the one next to it,” adding that the high court building is “indeed an architectural gem”.
Petrol, diesel prices expected to drop from May 1 g
FOLLOWING GLOBAL TREND, PETROL PRICE IS LIKELY TO GO DOWN BY RS5, WHILE DIESEL MAY FALL BY RS7.85 PER LITRE PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
Petroleum prices in Pakistan are likely to go down in the upcoming fortnightly review as global oil prices continue their downward trend, a private TV channel reported on Thursday, quoting sources. The price of petrol decreased by $1.86 per barrel to $107.16 per barrel, while the price of diesel in the global market recorded a fall of $4.30 per barrel to $104.76 per barrel. Following the global trend, the petrol price is likely to go down by Rs5 per liter in the domestic market. Similarly, the price of diesel may fall by Rs7.85 per liter for consumers in the Pakistani market. During the last review, the federal government increased the petrol price by Rs 4.53 per liter, and the price of diesel by Rs 8.14 per liter. The petrol was currently being sold at Rs293.94 per liter, while the High-Speed Diesel was available at Rs 290.38 per liter. Oil prices in international market were little changed on Thursday as falling fuel demand in the US, the world’s biggest oil user, amid signs of a slowing economy contended with concerns for a widening conflict in the key Middle East producing region. Brent crude futures edged up 9 cents to $88.11 a barrel at 0420 GMT, after falling 0.5% in the previous session. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures for June gained 7 cents to $82.88 a barrel, following a 0.6% drop on Wednesday. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed gasoline demand in the week to April 19 dropped 2.8% from a week earlier and is down 11% from a year ago. Distillate fuel demand also declined from a week ago and is down 4.7% from a year ago.
Former NA speakers under NAB scrutiny for alleged unlawful hiring ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated an inquiry into purportedly unauthorized appointments within the secretariat of the lower house of parliament. According to sources, the National Assembly Secretariat has received a letter from NAB requesting information regarding appointments made to its office from 2018 to March 2024. The correspondence specifically seeks details of recruitments during the tenures of former NA speakers Asad Qaiser and Raja Pervez Ashraf. Additionally, NAB has inquired whether these appointments were sanctioned by the finance ministry. Queries have been raised regarding the recruitment process, including whether candidates underwent tests and interviews, and if job vacancy advertisements were published in newspapers. NAB has instructed the secretariat to provide separate details concerning daily wage, contractual, and permanent employees, with comprehensive data being compiled for both former speakers’ terms. In 2022, reports surfaced alleging irregularities in recruitment during Qaiser’s tenure, suggesting that over 200 secretariat employees, primarily from his constituency, were hired and promoted against established protocols. Furthermore, it was reported that Qaiser facilitated the appointment of his brotherin-law to grade-17, subsequently transferring him to Islamabad on deputation before permanent placement in the NA. Qaiser’s tenure also saw promotions, including that of his brother-in-law to grade 19, a day before a vote of no-confidence against then Prime Minister Imran Khan, with these promotions lacking formal deliberation or preparation. Following a change in government, then NA speaker Ashraf initiated an inquiry into alleged irregular recruitments, seeking detailed reports on recruitment sectors, deputation appointments, and illegal promotions. Ashraf’s political history has not been devoid of controversy, notably concerning his involvement in the awarding of contracts for rental power projects during his tenure as federal minister for water and power. While initially accused by NAB of receiving kickbacks from these projects, he was later acquitted of all charges by the courts.
Khawaja Asif positive about Iran-Pak gas pipeline completion despite US warning ISLAMABAD
NEWS DESK
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has voiced optimism regarding the completion of the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project, despite warnings from the United States. Asif emphasized the need for regional stakeholders to unite to safeguard their interests amidst the unrest in the region, highlighting the increased intervention of major powers like European and Western nations, particularly concerning Israel-related issues. He hailed the recent visit of Iranian President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi as a significant development, particularly in the context of the stalled pipeline project due to geopolitical challenges and international sanctions. Asif’s remarks come as the US hinted at potential sanctions concerning business
deals, including the gas pipeline project, between Iran and Pakistan following President Raisi’s visit. The minister criticized the double standards of Western nations, especially regarding Israel’s actions compared to those of other countries worldwide. He stressed the shared challenge of terrorism faced by Iran and Pakistan, underscoring their commitment to combat it together. Despite security concerns preventing a large-scale meeting during President Raisi’s visit, Asif highlighted the longstanding relations between Pakistan and Iran. His statements coincide with the joint statement issued by the Foreign Office outlining agreements on energy cooperation between Iran and Pakistan, despite US advisories against dealing with Iran due to the risk of sanctions. The Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project,
initiated in 2010, aimed to address Pakistan’s energy needs with natural gas from Iran’s South Pars field. While Iran has invested in its segment of the pipeline, Pakistan’s construction delays were attributed to international sanctions. Facing a potential penalty, Pakistan’s interim government approved plans to commence construction earlier this year. However, seeking a US sanctions waiver and navigating geopolitical complexities remain challenges for Pakistan, especially concerning its negotiations with the IMF. With Pakistan’s domestic energy needs rising and LNG deals proving costly, the completion of the pipeline could offer relief, leveraging Iran’s substantial gas reserves. Though originally involving India, the project’s scope has narrowed, with Delhi withdrawing its participation.