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Tuesday, 11 March, 2025 I 10 Ramazan, 1446
Rs 50.00 | Vol XV No 245 I 40 Pages I Lahore Edition
PRESIDENT CALLS FOR POLITICAL STABILITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AMID OPPOSITION RUCKUS AT JOINT SESSION WARNS CERTAIN UNILATERAL POLICIES OF GOVERNMENT WERE PLACING ‘SEVERE PRESSURE’ ON FEDERATION
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STRESSES ON WORKING WITH DETERMINATION FOR A BETTER FUTURE OF COUNTRY
that people had pinned their hope on them and “we must rise to the occasion.” He stated that it was his foremost duty to remind you that “we need to work harder to strengthen our democratic system, restore
public confidence in the rule of law, and put Pakistan on the road to prosperity.” The country’s economy has stabilised, he said and commended the government for taking steps for reduction in
the policy rate and filling the kitty with foreign exchange. President Zardari said that “we have to pay full attention to the public service sector, focus on public welfare projects”. “The country needs unity and political stability; and promotion of social justice in the country is vital to evolve a just society.” Earlier, President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were warmly welcomed by the treasury members upon arrival in the assembly. The joint session formally began with the recitation from the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem and presentation of Na’at. Zardari, serving the country as president for the second time, has already addressed the joint sitting of parliament seven times, including once last year.
ISLAMABAD
affect farming community in Sindh. He was speaking at an Iftar dinner hosted in honour of Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his party’s leaders. The meeting, however, failed to resolve issues, the sources said. The delegation of Pakistan People’s Party led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a meeting with the prime minister here and expressed complete confidence in his government. He appreciated the leadership of People’s Party for coming up to the public expectations in the four provinces and for playing an effective and vibrant role in improving living standards of the common man by cooperating with the government. The participants of the meeting paid
tribute to the prime minister and his team for their untiring efforts to introduce economic policies that brought recent economic stability. They said that Pakistan People’s Party would completely support the government for its every step for the country’s progress, economic stability and for improving lives of the common man. Pakistan People’s Party members thanked the prime minister for consulting the allies in government affairs, for respecting their opinions and taking them into confidence. The delegation of People’s Party reiterated its determination to fully cooperate with the prime minister for the progress of the country’s economy.
ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
HE Opposition started creating ruckus as soon as President Asif Ali Zardari started his address during joint sitting of parliament here on Monday. The opposition raised slogans when the president started speaking. However, President Zardari continued his address. President Zardari said it is an honour for him to address the joint session of parliament. He stressed on working with determination for a better future of the country. “We have to promote good governance and political stability in the country. We have to work together to strengthen our democratic system,” the president continued. During his address, President Zardari warned that certain unilateral policies of the government were placing “severe pressure” on the federation. He specifically criticised the decision to extract additional canals from the Indus River system without the consensus of all federating units. “As the president of Pakistan, it is my constitutional duty to caution this House that some of your one-sided policies are straining the federation. The unilateral decision to extract further canals from the Indus River system, despite strong opposition from federating units, is concerning. I cannot support this proposal in my capacity as president,” Zardari stated. He urged the government to abandon the existing plan and engage with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable and mutually agreed-upon solution. The president told the parliamentarians
PM Shehbaz assures Bilawal of addressing concerns on canals from River Sindh STAFF REPORT
In an apparent attempt to resolve the tiff between two ruling parties — Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said the federation, provinces and all the political parties should work together to create a better future for the country. The meeting was held soon after President Asif Zardari’s speech to the joint session of the Parliament where he expressed strong reservations over carving out of canals from River Indus, saying that Sindh Province would badly
Civil society, HR activists challenge 26th amendment in apex court
Omar Ayub slams PPP leadership, accuses govt of corruption and failure ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
STAFF REPORT
A group of 38 human rights activists and civil society members from across Pakistan has filed a petition challenging the 26th Amendment, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to judicial independence. The petition, filed in the Supreme Court, argues that the amendment grants excessive control to the executive and legislature over judicial appointments and fundamental rights cases. The petitioners contend that it undermines the separation of powers and weakens legal protections against human rights abuses. Unlike previous legal challenges, this petition is led by civil society representatives, including trade unionists, student leaders, and advocates for press freedom and gender equality. They claim the amendment limits legal recourse for marginalised groups, curbs freedoms of expression and assembly, and allows unchecked state power. The petition warns that the amendment could be used to suppress dissent, restrict workers’ rights, and interfere in interprovincial resource disputes. It urges the court to strike down the amendment, citing the need to uphold democratic principles and judicial independence. The Supreme Court is expected to review all challenges to the amendment, with legal experts closely watching its response. The 26th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution, enacted in October 2024, introduced significant changes to the judiciary’s structure and appointment processes. Notably, it altered the selection method for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, shifting this responsibility from a seniority-based system to a nomination by a Special Parliamentary Committee from among the three most senior Supreme Court judges, with a fixed term of three years.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub criticised the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and its leadership, particularly President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto. In a press conference on Monday, Omar Ayub accused them of having broken records for corruption in Sindh and claimed that both Zardari and Bilawal were selling Sindh’s water. Ayub expressed his disapproval of the current government, led by the PPP, and denounced President Zardari, stating, “Zardari calls himself the president, but we do not recognise this installed government. Zardari did not say anything worthwhile today.” He continued, “The PPP has broken records for corruption in Sindh. Whether it is Asif Zardari or Bilawal Bhutto, both are selling the province’s water. The government has been involved in supporting the controversial PECA (Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act) with Form 47. There is a gang of notorious criminals in Punjab, with Dr. Usman at the helm. The current government has failed economically.”
Ayub also criticised the government’s handling of the economy, stating that corruption had reached unprecedented levels. He further remarked, “They are celebrating a reduction in inflation, but come, walk with us and see if inflation has actually gone down or increased. In the last two years, the Special Investment Facilitation Council has achieved zero results, and our questions remain unanswered. The IT sector has been decimated, and there is no foreign investment.” The opposition leader also raised concerns about security in Balochistan, stating, “There is no security arrangement in various districts of Balochistan. Due to negligence, our soldiers are sacri-
ficing their lives. The founding leader of PTI has always said that the army belongs to us, yet today, Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi are embroiled in fake cases.” He continued to highlight the current state of the nation, saying, “Our leaders and workers are political prisoners. Twenty million youth have left the country, and $27 billion has been sent abroad.” PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan also addressed President Zardari’s speech, stating, “Today, we saw Zardari’s legacy behind Benazir Bhutto’s picture. In his speech, Zardari failed to prove that there is democracy in the country. Zardari did not pass by the opposition chambers and is still a controversial president.”
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FIA arrests top human trafficker linked to Greece boat tragedy
irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
SIALKOT
STAFF REPORT
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested Usman Jajja, the prime suspect in last year’s Greece boat tragedy, which resulted in the deaths of at least 40 Pakistani nationals. The arrest was made in Sialkot following a targeted operation launched on the directives of the Federal Interior Minister. According to the FIA’s Gujranwala Circle, Jajja is an alleged ringleader of an international human trafficking network and had been on the run since the Greece disaster. He is accused of orchestrating illegal boat journeys to Europe and extorting millions of rupees from desperate migrants under the false promise of safe passage. A spokesperson for the FIA confirmed that Jajja was wanted in more than eight cases registered with the agency’s Composite Circle in Gujranwala. He had reportedly been hiding in Gilgit-Baltistan after securing bail in an unrelated case and frequently moved between locations to evade arrest. He was apprehended in Sialkot during a special operation. Jajja’s arrest marks a major breakthrough in the investigation into the Greece boat tragedy, which occurred on 14 December 2024. An overcrowded vessel carrying 175 irregular migrants, including a significant number of Pakistanis, capsized off the coast of Greece. According to a report by Pakistan’s Embassy in Athens, at least 40 Pakistani nationals died in the disaster. Three separate vessels were reported to have capsized in Greek territorial waters around the same time, with a majority of the victims being Pakistani. One of the boats was carrying 83 passengers, including 76 Pakistanis, three Bangladeshis, two Egyptians and two Sudanese nationals. Of the 39 survivors rescued from this vessel, 36 were Pakistanis. Despite repeated tragedies, human smuggling syndicates continue to operate, exploiting the economic hardships of vulnerable individuals in Pakistan. The government has vowed to intensify its crackdown on such networks. In a parallel development, FIA officials also confirmed the arrest of another alleged member of the so-called ‘Jajja network’. Rashid Jajja, a resident of Muridky Jajja village in Pasrur tehsil, Sialkot, was apprehended in connection with cases 1108/204 and 1132/24. These cases were registered under sections 17 and 22 of the Emigration Ordinance 1979 and sections 3 and 6 of the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act 2018. Authorities allege that Rashid Jajja, in collaboration with his brother Asif Jajja, extorted Rs4.93 million from two individuals—Nadeem Ahmed and Qasim Ali—under the pretext of arranging their travel to Italy via Libya. Instead, the men were forced onto the doomed vessel headed for Greece. Both victims were rescued by Greek authorities and later returned to Pakistan, where they filed a formal complaint against the traffickers. Further investigations are underway, and FIA teams are conducting raids to apprehend more individuals linked to the network. Director FIA Gujranwala Zone Abdul Qadir Qamar stated that a nationwide crackdown is underway against human traffickers. “No one will be allowed to play with innocent lives,” he said, emphasising the agency’s commitment to dismantling smuggling syndicates. The crackdown follows directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who ordered a comprehensive operation against human smuggling networks and complicit FIA officials. So far, 35 FIA personnel have been dismissed from service, and former FIA Director General Ahmad Ishaq Jahangir was removed for delays in investigating illegal migration cases. Meanwhile, the FIA’s Immigration Wing detained a passenger arriving at Sialkot Airport from Iraq using suspicious travel documents. During the clearance process for Flight G9-552, officials discovered that Muzammal Hussain, a resident of Gujranwala holding passport number ZZ6904971, had pages 11/12 removed and pages 25/26 torn. On interrogation, Hussain confessed to handing over his passport to an agent named Qasim, from Wazirabad, along with USD 750 for ticketing services.
Four million people to benefit from Ramadan Package, says PM Shehbaz ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that never ever in the country’s history, the distribution of amounts under the Ramadan Package had been as transparent as it was this time. Speaking during a visit to the National Telecom headquarters in Islamabad, he said so far no complaint had surfaced with respect to transparency of the package. The prime minister said that under the programme, which had been launched at the cost of Rs20 billion, amounts would be distributed among four million deserving people. “Each family will get Rs5,000,” he informed. Rest assured, he went on to say, there would be no queues. “We have abolished all means through which corruption can be committed.” PM Shehbaz said that in the past people’s money was usurped in the name of such welfare projects. “Nothing can be more criminal than this,” he remarked. Shehbaz Sharif directed the relevant ministries to sit with the private sector to re-
visit the awareness campaign regarding Rs20 billion Ramadan Relief Package in terms of its effectiveness and outreach. Reviewing the monitoring mechanism of Ramadan Relief Package at NTC in Islamabad, the prime minister noted that the withdrawal from the digital wallets is about twenty percent, which is because of lack of awareness. He said the deserving people should call 9999 and get the required information about the digital wallets. The Prime Minister said the relief package is not a favour of any sort but the right of deserving people. He said it is the first time that cash transfers of five thousand rupees are being made to the deserving families in the most transparent manner under Ramadan relief package so that they could purchase items of their own choice and requirements. He said this unprecedented initiative will benefit four million families. Shehbaz Sharif also sought inputs from the relevant stakeholders in a week time to further expand the volume of the relief package. Earlier, the Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing about the monitoring mechanism of relief package.
PM orders probe into alleged financial irregularities in 500-acre Port Qasim land lease PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate alleged financial irregularities in the leasing of 500 acres of land at Port Qasim Authority (PQA), following accusations of a Rs60 billion corruption scandal, BR reported. The decision comes after Senator Faisal Vawda, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Maritime Affairs, raised concerns over the controversial land deal, accusing a federal minister of “criminal negligence.” The committee has been directed to complete its probe and submit a report within two weeks. According to a notification issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the land was
designated for small and medium industrial parks, but questions have emerged over the transparency of the leasing process. The inquiry committee will be led by the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Inspection Commission, with Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Sirajuddin Amjad and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director Syed Shahid Hussain as members. The probe will assess the financial discrepancies in the land lease, including whether the PQA Board conducted a reevaluation of the land’s worth before settling the case out of court and whether market values were properly considered in the decision-making process. The investigation will also examine why the settlement offer was not withdrawn after the petitioner rejected it and identify
governance lapses that contributed to delays in resolving the matter. The committee has been granted the authority to appoint additional members if needed to assist in the probe, while the Ministry of Maritime Affairs will provide secretarial support. With the inquiry underway, the government is expected to take corrective measures based on the committee’s findings, which will be submitted to the Prime Minister within the stipulated timeframe. During a Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs meeting on February 19, 2025, Senator Faisal Vawda alleged that Port Qasim Authority (PQA) had leased out prime land at significantly undervalued rates, resulting in an estimated Rs60 billion loss to the national exchequer.