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RIghTsIzINg of 43 MINIsTRIes, 400 aTTached dePaRTMeNTs by JuNe-eNd: fINMIN Wednesday, 8 January, 2025 I 7 Rajabul Murajjab, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 183 I 8 Pages I Lahore Edition
g SAYS OUTSOURCING OF NON-CORE SERVICES FINANCE CZAR SAYS 150,000 POSTS WOULD BE ABOLISHED TO INCLUDING CLEANING, PLUMBING AND CREATE A REAL FINANCIAL IMPACT GARDENING TO BE DONE TO BRING EFFICIENCY
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ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
EDERAL Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday reaffirmed commitment to complete analysis and implementation plan of rightsizing 43 ministries and their 400 attached departments by June 30 of the current fiscal year. “During course of this fiscal year, before June 30, all of this process will be done, All 42 ministries, (As CAD has already been abolished) and their attached departments, their recommendations and implementation (will be done),” the minister said at a press conference while sharing the six-month performance of the High-powered Committee on Rightsizing of the Federal Government. He was accompanied by Convener of the National Parliamentary Taskforce on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bilal Azhar Kayani and Ambassador at Large Dr Salman Ahmad, who is heading the Implementation Committee. Briefing the journalists, the minister said, it had been decided that 60% vacant regular posts (that have not come in payroll), which stood at 150,000, would be abolished or declared as dying posts, creating a real a real financial impact. “All is being done after proper ratification from the federal cabinet.” The committee, he said, also decided to outsource general non-core services
including cleaning, plumbing and gardening to bring efficiency, adding the number of contingency posts would also be reduced. He said, it has also been decided that the ministry of finance would have live visibility on the cash balances of the all government entities. “It cannot happen that at one side we are borrowing and on other government departments have idle cash balances.” However, he added, it has nothing to do with people, but to improve efficiency, adding it was being implemented in all ministries. He said, under Wave-1, six ministries including Kashmir Affair and Gilgit Baltistan, SAFRON; Information Technology and Telecom; Industries and Pro-
379 missing persons cases filed in 2024, commission reveals ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIOED) announced its recording 379 new cases of missing persons in 2024, according to the latest figures released on Tuesday. The commission, established in 2011 to investigate and resolve the issue of missing persons, revealed that it had processed a total of 427 cases during the same year. As of December 2024, the commission had received 10,467 cases, with 8,216 cases resolved. A total of 6,599 individuals were found, and 1,617 cases were closed. The report further highlighted that 2,251 cases remained unresolved. Among the resolved cases, 4,613 individuals were returned to their families, 1,011 were placed in internment centers, 687 were incarcerated in prisons, and 288 were confirmed dead. The commission’s monthly progress report for December 2024, released on January 1, revealed that 29 new cases were reported, while 44 cases were resolved. Of the resolved cases, 23 individuals were reunited with their families, five were placed in internment centers, four were incarcerated, and two bodies were discovered. Ten cases were found to be unrelated to enforced disappearances. The issue of missing persons remains a contentious and unresolved matter in Pakistan. In December 2024, a Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court reaffirmed that only the Parliament has the authority to address the ongoing problem of enforced disappearances. Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, part of the six-judge bench, stated that it was the responsibility of Parliament to address the issue. “The court has always recognized Parliament as the supreme body, and now it is for Parliament to prove it so,” Justice Mandokhail remarked. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, speaking earlier in April, emphasized that resolving the issue would not be an overnight process, but the government was committed to building consensus among all relevant stakeholders. He also pointed out that Pakistan had endured significant sacrifices as a frontline state in the war on terror over the past four decades, and this context should be considered when addressing the missing persons issue.
duction; National Health Services Regulations and Coordination; Capital Development Authority (CAD) were processed. The minister said the committee has decided to merge Ministries of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) whereas CAD was abolished, adding there were 80 entities associated with these ministries, theses have now been reduced to 40. Minister Aurangzeb said that under Wave 2, the committee considered the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Commerce Division, the Ministry of Housing and Works, and the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. Out of their 60 entities, 25 would be
wound-up, 20 reduced and nine merged or shifted. He said that under the ongoing Wave 3, five ministries have been notified, including the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training, Information and Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture, Finance Division and Power Division. Sharing details about the committee, the minister said that in June of last year, the Prime Minister had constituted the committee, headed by the Finance Minister, with ministers, MNAs, representatives from coalition partners, the private sector, and high-level officials as its members. He said the body’s Terms of Reference (ToRs) were aimed at reducing federal government expenditures and improving its efficiency. He said the committee was tasked with reviewing the performance of different ministries and their entities over the last thirty to forty years to decide whether they should be rolled-back or considered for improved efficiency. Aurangzeb said that the committee decided to proceed in a phased manner for the efficient implementation of the recommendations, considering 5-6 ministries in batches. He stated that all the ministries and representatives of attached departments were given a full opportunity to explain their points of view, adding that the discussions on each entity had taken several days.
19 terrorists neutralised, three soldiers embraced martyrdom in three KP IBOs
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PTI questions ‘delay’ in meeting with its founder, accountability for Nov 26 events ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership on Tuesday called into question the denial of a meeting with Imran Khan, despite ongoing negotiations, reiterating the demand for accountability for events unfolded on November 26 and vowing to pursue justice for the bloodshed. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Barrister Gohar addressed claims attributing the delay in the announcement of the Al-Qadir Trust case verdict to a potential deal. Described the case as frivolous, he asserted that the witnesses had clarified that the PTI founder had neither taken money nor caused harm to the government. PTI leaders, including Omar Ayub, Salman Akram Raja, Shibli Faraz and other party leaders were also present on the occasion. He stated that PTI had opened the door for dialogue after a long period, yet over 200 cases had been filed against the party’s leadership. He pointed out that the party’s electoral symbol, the bat, was unjustly taken away, and their victories were turned into defeats. The party chairman also referred to the violence faced by PTI workers, many of whom were still missing. He added that PTI had started negotiations based on two demands, and two meetings had already taken place. He maintained that a third meeting would only occur once the PTI founder Imran Khan was allowed to meet with them. He clarified that the negotiations were not about striking a deal but were for the people, urging that no delay should occur in the draft of the negotiations.
PML-N ‘placates angry’ PPP as latter assures continued support ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
At least 19 terrorists were killed during exchange of fire with the security forces while three soldiers embraced martyrdom in three separate engagements in KhyberPakhtunkhwa, reported the military’s media wing on Tuesday. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on reported presence of Khwarij, an intelligence based operation was conducted by the security forces in general area Matani, KP’s Peshawar district. During the operation, troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly eight khwarij were sent to hell. The second intelligence-based operation was conducted in Baizai, Mohmand District where during fire exchange, eight terrorists were effectively killed by the security forces. In third engagement in Karak district, security forces effectively engaged khwarij location
and sent three terrorists to hell. However, during intense fire exchange, three brave sons of soil, Lance Havaldar Abbas Ali (age: 38 years, resident of district Ghizer), Naik Muhammad Nazir (age: 37 years, resident of district Skardu) and Naik Muhammad Usman (age: 37 years, resident of District Attock), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat. According to ISPR, security forces were determined to eliminate menace of terrorism from the country and the sacrifices of brave soldiers further strengthen the resolve of security forces in fight against terrorism. ISPR confirmed that sanitisation operations are ongoing to clear any remaining terrorists in the affected areas. The military reiterated its commitment to eliminating terrorism and vowed that the sacrifices of these soldiers would only strengthen their resolve. President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
paid tribute to Pakistan Army’s soldiers for embracing martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in KP. Moreover, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have also lauded security forces for killing 19 terrorists in various operations in KP. The entire nation is thankful to the martyrs for sacrificing their lives in defence of their motherland, the president said in a statement issued by the President House Press Wing. He also lauded the security forces for killing three terrorists during the operation. PM Shehbaz Sharif in a statement said that the sacrifices of the officers and soldiers of Pakistan Army in war against terrorism will never go in vain. He expressed the determination to completely eliminate all forms of terrorism from the country. The president and the prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to elevate the ranks of the martyrs in Jannah and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the loss with equanimity.
The high-level talks between the two ruling coalition partners – the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and PPP on Tuesday yielded as the latter has assured continued cooperation with the ruling coalition. The talks helped eased the initial tensions between the two partners and facilitated better communication, prompting the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to reverse its decision on opposing the government at the federal and provincial levels. According to insiders in both the ruling parties, the high-level talks took place between the PML-N and PPP, with a key meeting held between PPP leadership and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The meeting took place at the President House and was attended by PPP leaders Asif Ali Zardari and Bilawal Bhutto, as well as PML-N’s Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar. Sources confirmed that the discussions focused on ongoing negotiations between the two parties, with PPP’s concerns and demands being addressed. One of the key topics was the Punjab power-sharing formula. Dar assured the PPP leadership that their concerns would be addressed and acknowledged that the powersharing arrangement in Punjab was a significant barrier to the success of the negotiations. He further stated that the ruling coalition was ready to move forward together on all issues, indicating a willingness to address any remaining gaps in the discussions. Following Dar’s assurances, Bilawal indicated that PPP would continue its support for the government and maintain full cooperation.
Death toll rises to 126 after deadly earthquake rocks China’s Tibet BEIJING
AGENCIES
At least 126 people have been confirmed dead, and 188 others injured following a powerful earthquake that struck Tibet’s remote Tingri county, located near the northern foothills of the Himalayas, on Tuesday. The tremor, which hit at 9:05 am (0105 GMT), had a magnitude of 6.8 according to China’s Earthquake Networks Centre, although the US Geological Survey estimated it at 7.1. The earthquake’s epicentre was located about 80 km (50 miles) north of Mount Everest, one of Tibet’s holiest cities, at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). The tremors were felt not only across Tibet but also in surrounding regions, including parts of Nepal and northern India. In Nepal, several districts bordering Tibet experienced the shaking, although no casualties or significant damage were reported as of yet. In Kathmandu, the country’s capital, residents described feeling strong tremors and some even fled their homes in fear. A man was injured after jumping from the top of a
house to escape the shaking, though the extent of his injuries is not yet clear. In Tibet, the epicentre was in Tingri, a rural area situated on the northern gateway to the Everest region, where many buildings collapsed. Footage from China’s state media showed the destruction, with crumbled walls and debris scattered across streets. Local authorities confirmed that more than 1,000 homes in the area sustained damage, and some townships experienced widespread devastation. The earthquake’s aftershocks, with magnitudes of up to 4.4, added to the already dire situation, further weakening buildings and causing panic in the affected areas. The disaster has strained local resources, and authorities are working around the clock to assess the full scale of the damage. Over 1,500 firefighters and rescue workers have been deployed to aid in search and rescue operations, while additional supplies, including tents, quilts, and winter clothing, have been sent to the affected regions. Given the freezing temperatures in the region—around minus 8 degrees Celsius (17.6 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and
potentially dropping to minus 18 degrees Celsius in the evening—ensuring the safety and warmth of those displaced is a priority for the government. In response to the disaster, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered that allout efforts be made to minimize further casualties, relocate affected residents, and ensure adequate shelter and resources. The government has also implemented emergency measures, including the closure of the Everest region to tourists in the wake of the earthquake. The earthquake struck a region that is prone to seismic activity due to the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which is responsible for the frequent tremors in Tibet, Nepal, and northern India. While this particular tremor was the most powerful recorded in the area in the past five years, the region has experienced several large earthquakes in recent decades. The largest of these was a 6.9 magnitude quake in Mainling, Tibet, in 2017. Pakistani officials have extended their condolences to the Chinese government and the people affected by the tragedy, offering
their full support in relief efforts. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims, emphasizing solidarity with the Chinese people during this time of loss.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation, the focus remains on search and rescue operations, relief efforts, and providing necessary support to those affected by this devastating disaster.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Tuesday extended heartfelt condolences following the devastating earthquake in Xizang that claimed numerous lives. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan expressed its solidarity with the people and government of China, offering support for their ongoing relief efforts. The statement further conveyed the nation’s thoughts for those who have been injured or remain missing in the aftermath of the disaster. The earthquake, which occurred on Tuesday, measured a magnitude of 6.8 and struck the northern foothills of the Himalayas, close to Tibet’s sacred city. The
tremor, also felt in neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and India, resulted in the deaths of at least 95 people. The U.S. Geological Survey initially reported a magnitude of 7.1. Chinese state television later confirmed that 95 people had lost their lives, with 130 others injured in the Tibetan region alone. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari each issued separate statements expressing their deep sorrow over the catastrophe, which also caused significant damage to property. In his message, President Zardari noted that Pakistan shares in the sorrow of the Chinese people and stands by them in this difficult time. STAFF REPORT
Pakistan offers condolences to China following deadly earthquake