Category: National

As the situation continues to escalate following Tuesday’s Pahalgam attack in held Kashmir, India has ordered Pakistani nationals, including defence/military, naval and air advisers at the High Commission in New Delhi, to leave the country; and withdrawn its own advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad.

According to reports, New Delhi has also officially suspended the historic Indus Waters Treaty with Islamabad, which governs the use of six rivers in the Indus Basin as one of the world’s most durable international water-sharing frameworks.

As per the details, the announcements came from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi following the deadly attack that claimed the lives of 25 Indian citizens, including one Naval officer, and one Nepali national.

In an official statement issued by India’s External Affairs Ministry, the country’s Cabinet Committee on Security decided: 

(i) The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.

(ii) The Integrated Check Post Attari [Wagah] will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before May 1, 2025.

(iii) Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.

(iv) The Defence/Military, Naval and Air Advisors in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own Defence/Navy/Air Advisors from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled. Five support staff of the Service Advisors will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions.

(v) The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be affected by May 1, 2025.

Meanwhile, sources told The Current that, on this side of the border, PM Shehbaz Sharif has called an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) Thursday to deliberate Pakistan’s response to India’s recent unilateral and aggressive actions following the Pahalgam attack.

The high-level meeting will be chaired by the premier and is expected to focus on formulating a potential counter-strategy in response to New Delhi’s decisions.

Sources confirmed that the meeting will be attended by the ministers for foreign affairs, interior, and defence, along with the national security adviser, heads of the armed forces, top intelligence officials and other officials concerned.

With the passing of Pope Francis, 88-year-old Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the election for his successor is to take place within the next 15 to 20 days. Among the contenders is Pakistan’s second cardinal, Joseph Coutts.

The pope is the head of the Catholic Church who holds full authority over it and is considered a powerful and important figure, as well as a spiritual leader, for nearly 1.5 billion Catholics around the world.

Pakistan’s Joseph Coutts qualifies to join the conclave – secret meeting where the cardinals gather to elect a new pope – because he was born on July 21, 1945, fulfilling the condition that cardinals, who are usually also bishops, must be under the age of 80. Joseph Coutts is three months short of 80 years, so he will be part of the election.

Cardinal Coutts of Pakistan, if elected, will be the first pope from South Asia. However, it has been observed that usually cardinals from Europe are elected. But then there was also Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pontiff. 

As for the rather secret process of choosing a new pope, cardinals gather under Michelangelo’s painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel in Rome to initiate deliberations regarding selection. In order to make the meeting secret, telephones and newspapers are removed, and the chapel is also swept for listening devices before and during the conclave.

According to reports, there are 250 cardinals from more than 90 countries. However, there are only 135 cardinal electors due to the age restriction.

Cardinals vote up to four times a day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. During this time, no one is allowed to enter the cardinals’ quarters except for maintenance staff, doctors and priests who hear their confessions — and even these individuals are required to take an oath of secrecy.

A two-thirds majority is needed to elect the new pope and this process continues until only one candidate remains for the position of the pope. The longest papal conclave was in 1992, when it took five days to choose a new leader.

The ballot cards are burned after each round of voting with chemicals added to make the chimney smoke black or white. Black smoke indicates that no pope has been chosen so far whereas white smoke indicates that a new pope has been elected.

After election, the new pope is dressed in papal garments, following which, cardinals pay homage to the him and pledge their obedience.

Among the forerunners are Pietro Parolin of Italy, Luis Antonio of the Philippines, Peter Turkson of Ghana, Peter Erdo of Hungary, Matteo Zuppi of Italy, Jose Tolentino of Portugal and Mario Grech of Malta.

An attempted attack on a police checkpoint near Daray Pul in Dera Ismail Khan was foiled late Friday night, according to police officials.

According to District Police Officer (DPO) Bannu, eight motorbikes carrying 18 to 19 armed terrorists attempted to launch a coordinated attack on the checkpoint.

One group of attackers was spotted crawling towards the post, reportedly aiming to damage the surveillance camera installed there.

Police officials said the personnel on duty noticed suspicious movement and took immediate action.

The other terrorists immediately began firing in all directions in an attempt to overwhelm the troops. But the security forces acted swiftly and decisively, stopping the insurgents’ advance.

Following the exchange of fire, the attackers were forced to retreat. No injuries or casualties were reported.

The policemen operating the checkpoint were praised by the Inspector General of Police for their prompt action and attentiveness. According to him, their response prevented a significant security compromise and possible loss.

Pakistan’s beloved culinary expert, Chef Zakir Hussain, passed away on April 21 at the age of 58, after an extended struggle with kidney disease, leaving a profound legacy that has influenced the culinary skills of countless individuals. His departure has sparked immense sorrow throughout the nation and beyond.

Chef Zakir, who had been undergoing treatment in the United States, returned to Karachi about a month ago. Surrounded by family and close friends, he chose to spend his remaining days in the city where his culinary journey began.

His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, following Asr prayers, at Jamia Rashidia in Malir Saudabad. He will be interred at the Saudabad cemetery.

Born on February 16, 1967, in Karachi, Zakir’s passion for cooking was nurtured from an early age. His father, Abdul Aziz Qureshi, worked as a chef for Pakistan’s national airline, ensuring that culinary skills ran deeply in the family. After completing his studies at Kulsoom Bai Valika School and Allama Iqbal College, Zakir embarked on his professional journey in 1980 at Karachi’s Sheraton Hotel. His eagerness to learn led him far beyond Pakistan to culinary hotspots like Dubai, Singapore, South Africa and the UK, where he spent over a decade refining his skills.

However, it was through television that Chef Zakir became a familiar name in households. His on-screen presence was not only instructional but also warm, welcoming and brimming with enthusiasm. His talent for teaching both traditional Pakistani dishes and international cuisine captivated audiences not only in Pakistan but also across South Asia.

From homemakers to budding chefs, all tuned in to watch him simplify intricate recipes into manageable steps. His charm, serene demeanour and extensive knowledge made him a guiding figure in countless kitchens.

As news of his passing surfaced, an outpouring of tributes came from admirers. Chef Zakir leaves behind more than just recipes; he has created a rich legacy filled with love for food, culture and the joy of sharing. His influence on Pakistani culinary arts is everlasting, and his memory will forever remain cherished.

Days after his visit to Pakistan, Republican Congressman Jack Bergman has once again tweeted for the release of jailed former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan.

As per the details, lawmaker Bergman was a part of the three-member United States (US) congressional delegation that visited Pakistan on April 12 and held multiple meetings with Pakistani officials, including Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

Describing their visit to Pakistan as “highly successful and productive”, the delegation had expressed optimism for stronger Pakistan-US relations in the future.

Days after the trip, Bergman on Tuesday took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle and said he reaffirmed his call for the release of the incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder.

“After my Pakistan visit, engaging with leaders & communities there & in the US, I reaffirm my call for Imran Khan’s release,” he said, adding that a strong bilateral partnership thrived on shared values of democracy, human rights and economic prosperity.

“Let’s work together for freedom & stability,” he said further.

Earlier, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) quoted Congressman Bergman as underscoring the strategic importance of the relationship between the two countries during the visit. He had also said that the significance of the partnership was “undeniable” and would remain relevant in the years to come.

“We are working in specific sectors and promoting partnerships. One such critical area is mineral development,” he had said and added that the collaboration would lay the foundation for robust industries that could benefit not only Pakistan but the global economy.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq had also shared details of meeting with the delegation and said that they “did not even mention Imran Khan”. 

“I can say with full confidence that as they [US delegation] were leaving, they categorically stated they have no connection to Pakistan’s internal politics,” the speaker of the National Assembly had claimed while speaking to media on April 15.

The statements regarding the details of the meetings had come in light of Congressman Bergman’s support for Khan. He had made multiple tweets for the jailed ex-PM’s release, including one on January 23, when he had written, “The facts are straightforward; it’s no time to mince words. Free Imran Khan.”

On February 14, Bergman in another post on X, had shared a picture with PTI leader and YouTuber Shahbaz Gill as well as former president Dr Arif Alvi with the caption, “Great to have former President of Pakistan Dr. @ArifAlvi along with Dr. @SHABAZGIL Former Chief of Staff of Imran Khan in our office today. It’s time to Free Imran Khan!”

A Punjab government agency has explicitly excluded members of the Ahmadiyya community from participating in an upcoming plot auction in the headquarters of the Jamaat-i-Ahmadiyya Chenabnagar as well as nearby towns of Chiniot, Jhang and Shorkot, a leading English daily reported Monday.

As per the details, the Punjab Housing and Town Planning Agency (PHATA) published an advertisement on April 17, announcing the auction of residential and commercial plots. The ad by Jhang PHATA Sub-Region Deputy Director Tariq Mahmood, however, explicitly excluded members of the Ahmadiyya community and said that only Muslims were eligible to bid for the 17 residential and commercial plots.

The ad, reports said, explicitly added that individuals belonging to Ahmadi, Qadiani, Mirzai or Lahori groups were prohibited from participating in the auction for commercial and residential plots in Satellite Town Jhang, Era Development Scheme Chiniot, Era Development Scheme Chenabnagar and Era Development Scheme Shorkot.

Saying that members of the community were not allowed to participate in the auction, the ad further stated that if the authority later found anyone from the Ahmadiyya community had submitted a bid, their payment, plot or any other materials shall not be returned.

The ad was condemned by rights activists, legal experts and minority rights groups, calling it a violation of Article 25 of the Constitution, which ensured equal treatment under the law for all citizens, prohibiting discrimination based on religion.

“This is a clear violation of fundamental rights. If a government agency openly discriminates against the citizens based on faith, what hope is there for equality before the law?” lawyer Ehsan Ullah Jatt said.

Condemning the policy, spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya community Amir Mahmood said it was not just about plots but also about the state endorsing “apartheid against Ahmadis”.

“If we are barred from basic economic opportunities, how can we claim to be equal citizens?” he asked.

PHATA officials, on the other hand, are yet to issue any clarification or justification for the exclusionary clause.

Separately, a Union Council chairman among 14 other suspects involved in the lynching of an Ahmadi man in Karachi’s Saddar area have been arrested. 

Laeeq Ahmad Cheema, a 46-year-old businessman, was beaten to death when hundreds of religiopolitical party supporters stormed a hall belonging to the Ahmadiyya community to bar them from performing religious rituals last Friday.

A report quoted South Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Syed Asad Raza as saying that 15 suspects had so far been arrested with the help of CCTV footage and technical data.

“They [arrested suspects] were physically present at the murder scene,” he said, adding that the suspects belonged to the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

A signboard installed by the Central Business District (CBD) authorities, which restricted the entry of motorcyclists, rickshaws and a couple other transport vehicles to the provincial capital’s premier business district, has been removed following strong reactions on social media.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, senior leader of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and former railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafique had also objected to the signboard.

“Central Business District Authority placed this board [signboard] at the start of the Kalma Chowk/Walton-road flyover. Motorcycles and rickshaws are public’s choice of transport. A ban on such transport in the area is unacceptable,” he had said, adding that such a ban would make the CBD a “no-go area”.

He had also later revealed having spoken to CBD authorities, announcing that the restriction would be lifted and the flyover be declared thoroughfare.

“Alhamdulillah, the mentioned board has been removed. Thank you, CBD,” he wrote in a subsequent post.

Earlier, CBD successfully completed the upgradation of Walton Road, covering a stretch of 4.5 kilometres.

A CBD spokesperson said that the project marked a significant step towards modernising Lahore’s urban infrastructure and improving the daily commute for thousands of residents.

As part of the upgradation, a newly-installed inaugural monument now stands as a symbol of progress at Walton Road. Out of the five planned overhead pedestrian crossing bridges, two have been installed, with the remaining three nearing completion.

The key features of the project include latest sewerage system, diversion of Adda Nullah, Major Ishaq Shaheed flyover, the installation of lane markings and modern LED streetlights.