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PM-LED FEDERAL CABINET GREELIGHTS NEW LG SYSTEM FOR ISLAMABAD IN FIRST 2026 MEETING Saturday, 3 January, 2026 | 13 Rajabul Murajjab, 1447
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PM SHEHBAZ SAYS PIA PRIVATISATION MARKED SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN GOVT’S COMMITMENT TO PRIVATIZE SOES
HIGHLIGHTS SOES PRIVATISATION AS PART OF BROADER ECONOMIC REFORM VISION, DESCRIBING GDP GROWTH IN FY H1 2025-26 AS ENCOURAGING
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CABINET APPROVES ECC DECISIONS FROM AUGUST 26, INCLUDED MEASURES TO PROVIDE RELIEF TO ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS
Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 179 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
ALSO OKAYS ACTION FOR ISSUANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL ORDER TO AMEND OFF-GRID (CAPTIVE POWER PLANTS) LEVY ACT 2025
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PM approves 14-member GB caretaker cabinet ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
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ISLAMABAD
Staff report
HE federal cabinet, in its first meeting of the New Year chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday, approved the introduction of a new local government system in Islamabad, endorsing recommendations of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC), including actions under the Is-
lamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. Addressing the first federal cabinet meeting of the year on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated cabinet members on the New Year and stated that the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines marked significant progress in the government’s commitment to privatise state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The prime minister highlighted that
ECP seeks reply from KP CM’s Advisor over Haripur by-polls irregularities claim ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday issued a notice to Advisor to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister on Information and Public Relations Shafiullah Jan, seeking an explanation over his public allegations accusing the electoral body of irregularities in last year’s Haripur by-elections. During a press conference on December 19, Jan blamed the ECP for electoral irregularities and claimed that Form-47 was issued from Islamabad instead of the returning officer’s office. “This was a singular yet bizarre event in the country’s history, when a Form-47 was issued from Islamabad,” he said, adding that “the ECP didn’t upload all Form-45s from 602 polling stations in the constituency, nor could the PML-N produce all Form-45s from 602 polling stations.” Sources said the ECP, in its notice, termed the allegations against the commission regarding the conduct of the Haripur by-elections as “baseless,” including claims about the issuance of Form-47 from Islamabad, the non-uploading of Form-45s on its website, and other assertions of irregularities. They added that the electoral body had reviewed the matter and “is of the considered view that allegations made in the said statement are incorrect, misleading, and not supported by any evidence.” Sources said such statements, when made publicly without verifiable evidence, create “unnecessary confusion and adversely affect public confidence” in the electoral process. “It appears to be an attempt to malign the institution,” they added. Jan has been directed to explain his position regarding the statements he made and to provide “concrete and verifiable” evidence in support of his claims within the next seven days.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the formation of a 14-member caretaker cabinet for Gilgit-Baltistan, with the appointments finalized in coordination with the caretaker chief minister of the region. According to official details, the prime minister granted the approval in his role as chairman of the GilgitBaltistan Council, following which a formal notification was issued. The notification confirmed that the caretaker cabinet was constituted after consultations with the caretaker Gilgit-
the privatisation of state-owned enterprises is part of the government’s broader economic reform vision. He noted that the country’s GDP showed significant growth in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, describing it as encouraging.
Baltistan chief minister. Those appointed to the caretaker cabinet include Sajid Ali Baig, Engineer Altaf Hussain, and Ghulam Abbas. Other members are Colonel (retd) Abrar Ismail, Meher Dad, Sharafat Din, Maulana Sarwar Shah, Raja Shehbaz Khan, and Mumtaz Hussain. Additionally, Dr Niaz Ali, Syed Adil Shah and Bahadur Ali have also been named as part of the caretaker setup. Syed Fatima and Abdul Hakeem have been appointed as advisors. The newly approved caretaker cabinet will oversee administrative affairs in Gilgit-Baltistan until the formation of an elected government.
The cabinet endorsed conclusions made by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases in its December 30 decision, which included actions relating to the Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government (Amendment) Ordinance.
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7 media men awarded life terms in May 9 digital terrorism case ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad has sentenced five individuals, including prominent online commentators, to multiple life terms for what it described as digital terrorism against state institutions during the violent events of May 9. ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra announced the reserved verdict, sentencing Adil Raja, Haider Mehdi, Moeed Pirzada, Wajahat Saeed, and Sabir Shakir to two life imprisonments each. The court also awarded an additional cumulative sentence of 35 years under various provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and imposed fines totalling Rs1.5 million. The trial was conducted in ab-
sentia on the prosecution’s request, as permitted under anti-terrorism laws. During the proceedings, the prosecution presented 24 witnesses, after which the court reserved its decision and later pronounced the verdict. According to the court’s ruling, Sabir Shakir, Moeed Pirzada and Syed Akbar Hussain were convicted in a case registered at Aabpara police station, while Shaheen Sehbai, Haider Mehdi and Wajahat Saeed were convicted in a separate case registered at Ramna police station. Prosecutor Raja Naveed Hussain Kiani represented the state, while Advocate Gulfam Ashraf Goraya appeared on behalf of the accused after being appointed by the court. The verdict comes amid a series of convictions related to the
May 9 riots, during which violent protests targeted state installations across the country. In a similar case related to the May 9 riots, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore in August 2025 sentenced senior Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders, including Dr Yasmin Rashid, Ijaz Chaudhry, Mehmoodur Rashid and Omar Sarfraz Cheema, to 10 years in prison, while acquitting former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. That verdict, announced by ATC Judge Manzar Ali Gul at Kot Lakhpat Jail, also saw PTI leaders Aaliya Hamza and Sanam Javed sentenced to five years each. Several other accused were convicted or acquitted in separate arson and vandalism cases linked to the unrest.
Dar condoles death of Khaleda Zia during Bangladesh HC visit ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Friday visited the Bangladesh High Commission to express his condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, according to a Foreign Office (FO) statement. He conveyed his sympathies to the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh, offered fateha, and recorded his impressions in the book of condolence. Senator Dar recalled meeting Begum Khaleda Zia during his visit to Bangladesh a few months ago, the FO said. “With deep sorrow, I note the passing of Begum Khaleda Zia, former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party,” he said. “On behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, and on my own behalf, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Bangladesh, and to her family and supporters. Begum Khaleda Zia devoted her life to public service and the welfare of her nation. Her resilience and leadership during challenging times have left a lasting legacy. She will be remembered with respect by all who value service to country and people,” the statement said. He added, “At this difficult moment, the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh. We share your grief and pray that you find strength and comfort in the memories of her service and the legacy she leaves behind.” DPM, Azeri Minister Review Bilateral Ties On the other hand, Senator Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, to discuss the realization of Azerbaijani investment worth US$2 billion in Pakistan. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations and agreed to further enhance cooperation, said teh FO in another statement. The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of high-level engagements in strengthening PakistanAzerbaijan cooperation in areas of mutual interest. It was agreed to finalize a mechanism to facilitate Azerbaijani investments in identified sectors of Pakistan’s economy. DPM/FM Interacts with Young Officers Meanwhile, Senator Ishaq Dar interacted with probationary officers of the 53rd Common Training Programme (CTP) during their visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation was led by the Director General of the Civil Service Academy (CSA), Lahore, with the Foreign Secretary also in attendance.
IHC sets Jan 21 for hearing of plea against Imran Khan’s X account ISLAMABAD
Staff CorreSpondent
The Islamabad High Court has scheduled the hearing of PTI founder Imran Khan’s petition seeking the suspension of his X (formerly Twitter) account for January 21. The court has directed the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Imran Khan, and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to submit their responses ahead of the hearing. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir of the Islamabad High Court issued a written order in the case following a petition filed by citizen Ghulam Murtaza, which requests the removal of posts from Imran Khan’s X account during his imprisonment, declaring them illegal. The petition argues that posts made from an official account of a convicted prisoner during incarceration, which contain propaganda or malicious content, are unlawful. It calls for NCCIA and PTA to investigate and determine who was operating the account while Imran Khan was in jail. The petition further requests that all such illegal posts be blocked and removed from social media platforms.
Pakistan reiterates One-China policy, backs Beijing on Taiwan ISLAMABAD
Staff report
The Foreign Office (FO) on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, reiterating its support for Beijing amid recent developments in the Taiwan Strait. Responding to media queries, FO spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan and China were “iron-clad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative part-
ners” and stressed Islamabad’s consistent support for China on matters concerning its core interests, including Taiwan. “We will continue to adhere to the One-China principle and regard Taiwan as an inalienable part of China,” he said. The spokesperson noted that similar remarks had also been made during the FO’s weekly press briefing a day earlier in response to a question about the United States’ sale of arms to Taiwan. China claims Taiwan as its territory, a
position rejected by the self-governed island. While the FO statement did not specify the exact developments prompting the remarks, it followed the completion of large-scale Chinese military drills around Taiwan. The exercises included live-fire operations simulating a blockade of key ports and attacks on maritime targets. Meanwhile, the US State Department on Thursday criticised the Chinese war games, saying they had “unnecessarily” heightened tensions in the re-
gion. Calling on Beijing to halt its military pressure, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott urged China to exercise restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue. Pakistan praises Saudi, UAE efforts in Yemen for regional peace Pakistan has appreciated the efforts made by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Yemen, saying such efforts reflected the two countries’ “common desire for regional peace”.
Pakistan joins seven countries in calling for urgent relief as Gaza conditions deteriorate ISLAMABAD
Staff report
Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries on Friday expressed grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, warning that harsh winter weather, limited aid access and widespread infrastructure destruction were pushing civilians deeper into crisis. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, Indonesia, Jordan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said the humanitarian conditions in Gaza had deteriorated sharply, with severe weather further compounding the suffering of the population. The statement noted that heavy rainfall, storms and unstable weather had intensified hardships for civilians, particularly for displaced families living in makeshift shelters. It said the situation was being aggravated by restricted humanitarian access, acute shortages of life-saving supplies and delays in the entry of materials needed to restore basic
services and temporary housing. According to the ministers, nearly 1.9 million people remain vulnerable, many of them displaced and living in unsafe conditions. Flooded camps, damaged tents, collapsing structures and exposure to cold temperatures have significantly increased health risks, including the spread of disease, especially among children, women, the elderly and people with existing medical conditions. The foreign ministers highlighted that Gaza’s already fragile infrastructure had been severely damaged by the war, leaving large sections of the population without reliable shelter, clean water or medical services. They said the impact of severe weather had exposed the depth of the humanitarian emergency. The statement praised the efforts of United Nations agencies, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, as well as international humanitarian organisations, for continuing to deliver assistance under extremely challenging conditions. The ministers stressed that these organisations must be allowed to operate freely
and without obstruction in both Gaza and the West Bank. They said any attempt to restrict the work of UN bodies and humanitarian organisations was unacceptable and called on Israel to ensure sustained, predictable and unrestricted humanitarian access, given the central role these agencies play in responding to the crisis. The eight countries reiterated their support for a United States-drafted resolution adopted by the UN Security Council last year endorsing President Donald Trump’s plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the implementation of the plan to help maintain the ceasefire, end hostilities and create conditions for a dignified life for Palestinians. The ministers also underscored the urgent need to immediately begin and expand early recovery efforts, including the provision of durable and dignified shelter to protect civilians from harsh winter conditions. Calling on the international community to meet its legal and moral responsibilities, the statement urged pressure on Israel, as the
occupying power, to lift restrictions on the entry and distribution of essential supplies such as shelter materials, medical aid, clean water, fuel and sanitation support. The foreign ministers further demanded the immediate, full and unhindered flow of
humanitarian assistance into Gaza through UN agencies, the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure and hospitals, and the opening of the Rafah Crossing in both directions, in line with agreed arrangements, to ease the suffering of the civilian population.