Category: National

Following the demolition of a World War I memorial in Islamabad, the remains of a Mughal-era building in Rehara village have also been destroyed to make way for a private housing project.

The 16th-century structure was located about 200 meters from the British-era obelisk at the archaeological site. According to the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), the building was possibly constructed during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar and was the oldest historical ruin in the area.

A DOAM official told a private media outlest that the building’s above-ground arch and the remaining structure, including an 8×4.5 meters main chamber with 1.5-meter-thick walls built from limestone and sandstone blocks, had been demolished. “These elements required careful excavation,” the official said.

A departmental team that visited the site confirmed that the remnants, visible in earlier photographs, had been completely removed.

Documents reviewed by a private media outlet show that the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) had written to the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the developing partner of the housing scheme, seeking records to enable protection of historical sites. The department said it had been corresponding with CDA’s revenue department since 2020 regarding the war memorial and the Mughal-era Rehara structure.

An official from the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture said, “The CDA has not once responded to the numerous letters DOAM has written in the last six years.”

DOAM has clarified its position regarding the World War I monument, stating that it was not protected under the Antiquities Act 1975 and that a no-objection certificate was not required for its removal. Earlier, the department had claimed it did not permit CDA to demolish the monuments.

The department added that while the monument was within Islamabad Capital Territory, efforts were being made to place it under formal protection. DOAM cited lack of finances and other legal requirements as reasons why the memorial could not be notified as a protected site.

In a statement, DOAM said, “The monument possesses cultural and historical significance. In line with internationally recognised best practices for commemorative and historical structures, DOAM was consulted and provided advisory guidance to first protect the monument under the Antiquities Act 1975, but it was not done.”

The department also stated, “It is better to re-erect the monument at the same place with grace and dignity as it was erected for the same village of Rehara.”

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ordered a medical team to examine former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan’s eye following a report submitted in court indicating that he has “only 15 percent” vision remaining in his right eye. The court also directed that Khan be allowed to speak with his children. 

Following the Supreme Court’s order for a medical examination of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s right eye and permission to speak with his children, political leaders, journalists, and legal experts have expressed concerns over his condition.

Khawaja Saad Rafique said, “Immediate and effective treatment is every individual’s basic right. Prisoners, regardless of political affiliation, must have their medical needs met. Authorities should allow family visits, grant doctors access, and issue a clear position on Khan’s health.” He also emphasized that respecting prisoners’ rights is crucial, even for political opponents.

Akhtar Mengal, president of the Balochistan National Party, compared Khan’s case with that of convicted spies, saying, “Spies get dignity. A leader gets neglect. A state that treats enemies better than its own has lost its moral compass. My prayers are with him for a speedy recovery.”

Kasim Khan, the former prime minister’s son, confirmed reports of severe vision loss, stating, “My father has retained only 15 percent vision in his right eye. This is a direct consequence of 922 days of solitary confinement, medical neglect, and deliberate denial of proper treatment.” 

Journalists have also expressed concern. Fahd Hussain wrote, “Shocked and horrified to read about the damage done to Imran Khan’s eyesight. Zero justification. He must be provided the best medical treatment and those responsible for this inexcusable neglect must be taken to task.” 

Hamid Mir said, “The government’s claims that Imran Khan’s eye problem was minor and resolved after a 20-minute check-up have been proven false. According to the report submitted to the Supreme Court, Khan’s right eye vision has been severely affected. Will any action be taken against those responsible for this negligence?”

Mushahid Hussain, journalist and former Minister of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan while speaking on a private media talk show, said that the condition appeared to result from jail negligence and required a formal investigation, describing it as a matter of torture.

Rana Sanaullah, the prime minister’s political affairs advisor, said Khan would be allowed to consult any doctor of his choice. Barrister Aqeel Malik urged patience, stating, “All medical facilities are being provided as per Supreme Court orders. Every prisoner has a right to healthcare, including Khan. Politics should not precede expert evaluations.”

PTI leaders, including Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, held a press briefing in Peshawar, calling the situation alarming. Afridi said, “Imran Khan repeatedly informed authorities about his vision problems, but no action was taken. When his eyesight was finally lost, he was taken to the hospital. This could have been prevented if family and lawyers had been allowed access.”

“Disturbing reports regarding Imran Khan’s eye infection with the right eye badly affected. This is totally unacceptable and the blame squarely on the government. The best possible medical treatment should be immediately arranged for him,” Shafqat Mehmood said.

The Supreme Court’s directives have now set in motion the medical review and family contact, with authorities required to comply by February 16.

Two Pakistani nationals have been indicted in the United States of America on charges of being involved in a health care fraud scheme that prosecutors say caused losses of about $10 million to Medicare and private insurance programmes.

The indictment was announced by the US Department of Justice on Thursday and was returned by a federal grand jury in Chicago. The accused were identified as Burhan Mirza, 31, and Kashif Iqbal, 48.

According to the indictment, the case relates to fraudulent billing for medical services and equipment that were never provided. Prosecutors said the alleged scheme was operated during 2023 and 2024 and relied on nominee-owned laboratories and durable medical equipment providers to submit claims to insurers.

Court documents state that Mirza, who is a resident of Pakistan, obtained identifying information of individuals and health care providers without their knowledge. This information was then used to support false insurance claims submitted to Medicare and private insurance programmes.

Iqbal, who lived in Lavon, is accused of laundering proceeds generated through the scheme and coordinating the transfer of funds from the United States to Pakistan. The indictment further alleges that he was linked to several durable medical equipment companies that submitted fraudulent claims to insurance providers.

Prosecutors said the individuals affected by the scheme were often US citizens of Pakistani origin. The indictment describes these victims as people whose identities were used without consent to facilitate the submission of false claims.

The case also names three other individuals who have already pleaded guilty in connection with the same scheme. They were identified as Mir Akbar Khan, 57, of West Chicago; Fasiur Rahman Syed, 47, of Chicago; and Navaid Rasheed, 43, of Plano, Texas. All three are currently awaiting sentencing in federal court. 

Commenting on the case, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement: “Rooting out fraud is a priority for this Justice Department.”

US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros, whose office is handling the prosecution in the Northern District of Illinois, said: “The defendants didn’t just steal from a government programme; they stole from taxpayers who fund the promise of healthcare in this country.”

According to the charges outlined in the indictment, Mirza faces 12 counts of health care fraud and five counts of money laundering. Iqbal has been charged with 12 counts of health care fraud, six counts of money laundering and one count of making a false statement to law enforcement.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Thursday said any fee charged by private medical and dental colleges beyond the approved cap would be refunded to students or adjusted in the following academic year, reiterating that enforcement of the fee policy would continue across the country.

Speaking to reporters, PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj said that the regulator remained committed to ensuring compliance with the recently agreed fee structure. PMDC Registrar Dr Rehan Asghar Naqvi was also present during the media interaction.

The clarification follows an agreement between the PMDC and the Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions (PAMI) to cap annual tuition fees for private medical and dental colleges at Rs1.8 million. Under the agreement, institutions will be allowed a maximum increase of 5 percent for the 2025–26 academic session, while future adjustments will be linked to the Consumer Price Index.

According to the framework shared by the PMDC, the maximum profit margin permissible for private institutions will be 20 percent of revenue. Colleges will not be allowed to charge tuition fees exceeding the approved cap. Any amount charged beyond the limit without prior approval will invite regulatory action.

Dr Taj said the PMDC was monitoring private medical and dental colleges to ensure full implementation of the fee policy. Responding to concerns that some institutions were still charging fees above the cap, he said the regulator had taken notice of the issue. “Every aspiring student deserves access to medical and dental education,” he said.

He added that the council had repeatedly issued public notices and awareness messages advising students and parents not to pay any amount beyond the approved fee. Dr Taj said strict action had already been taken against institutions found in violation of the policy, including the issuance of show-cause notices to 12 medical and dental colleges.

He noted that some of the institutions had approached courts, making the matter sub judice. Despite the legal proceedings, he said an agreement had been reached with PAMI under which the institutions would withdraw litigation and provide relief to students.

Dr Taj said a follow-up meeting with PAMI was scheduled for later this month to review implementation of the agreement. During the meeting, a mechanism would be discussed for institutions seeking an enhanced fee cap of up to Rs2.5 million. He said any such request would require submission of detailed financial justifications to the PMDC.

Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem announced on Wednesday that Punjab Police and traffic personnel will be provided body cameras in phases over the next two months.

Chairing a meeting at the Central Police Office to review the implementation of reforms under the ‘Fast, Fearless, Transparent Justice’ initiative, the IGP said that panic buttons were being installed outside police stations to allow citizens to immediately lodge complaints in cases of misconduct or unresponsiveness.

He ordered that at all police stations, offices, checkpoints, and Khidmat Marakaz, citizens should be addressed respectfully as “sir or madam” and “sahib or sahiba.” Counseling and training for officers and personnel would also be arranged to improve the public perception of Punjab Police.

IGP Kareem emphasised strict accountability, stating that officials involved in corruption, abuse of authority, or misconduct would face immediate action. He also instructed that CCTV cameras in all police stations be kept fully operational, with backup systems ensured.

A modern control and monitoring room at the Central Police Office is being activated for effective oversight of police stations. Through the Safe Cities mechanism, direct monitoring of police stations, SHOs (Station House Officer), moharrirs, and investigation rooms will also be carried out. 

The IGP stressed enhancing core policing, supervision, and command systems for effective crime control, noting that Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz is personally overseeing police reforms.

Traffic law enforcement will continue, and crackdowns on violations will be strictly implemented. The IGP said that the investigation process and citizens’ activities at police stations would be fully recorded, and practical implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs) scorecards will be ensured. He revealed that he personally calls citizens from the Central Police Office to collect feedback.

RPOs (Regional Province Officer) and DPOs (District Police Officer) were directed to maintain direct contact with citizens for grievance redressal. In cases involving abuse, harassment, or violence, investigations involving women and children must be conducted with civility and respect. 

Priority will be given to cases involving women and children, with support from data collected at Virtual Women Police Stations and the Center for Child Safety.

IGP Kareem also initiated direct contact with citizens through the 1787 Complaint Center, speaking to several individuals via phone to gather feedback on complaint resolution, police responsiveness, and conduct. Citizens shared their opinions on actions taken and responses provided by the police.

He further instructed that complaints received via phone, SMS, email, and other channels be resolved promptly according to prescribed timelines and SOPs. Citizens were urged to report any irregularity or misconduct by the police through the 1787 helpline.

During the briefing, Punjab Additional IG Imran Arshad, Additional IG (Internal Accountability) Imran Mehmood, Additional IG (Logistics) Fawad-ud-Din Qureshi, AIG Inspection, AIG Operations, and other senior officers were also present.

The Sindh government has suspended Professor Azhar Shah, the pro vice chancellor of Sindh University’s Dadu campus, after viral videos on social media sparked allegations of intoxication, use of inappropriate language and disruption of academic activities.

According to reports, Sindh Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahoo confirmed the suspension and said the government acted immediately to safeguard the dignity and reputation of the institute.

An official notification issued by the Universities and Boards Department on February 10 said the minister took notice of the matter after the videos surfaced online and raised concerns about damage to the varsity’s image.

The notification instructed the vice chancellor to suspend Professor Shah with immediate effect and launch a formal inquiry to establish the facts of the case.

It directed the university to conduct the inquiry under the Sindh University Act and other relevant rules, give the officer a fair opportunity to present his position, and complete the process within 15 days.

The varsity has been told to submit a detailed report, along with findings and recommendations, to the minister.

The notification also said the university will place the matter before its syndicate for further action under the law.

Pakistan has improved its standing in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2025, moving up one spot – from 135 out of 180 countries in 2024 to 136 out of 182 countries this year.

According to a report by Berlin-based Transparency International, the country’s CPI score also inched upward, rising from 27 to 28.

In its report, Transparency International noted that corruption is a growing global concern, affecting even well-established democracies as leadership accountability declines. The 2025 index reveals a shrinking number of countries performing exceptionally well, with only five nations scoring above 80.

Since 2012, global trends in CPI scores show 31 countries improved, 50 declined and 100 remained unchanged, highlighting the uneven progress in tackling corruption worldwide.

This year, 182 countries and territories were ranked based on perceptions of public-sector corruption among experts and business leaders.

Per the rankings, Denmark led for the eighth consecutive year with a score of 89 while only a handful of countries, mainly in Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, scored above 75, and just five surpassed 80.

Meanwhile, over two-thirds of countries (68%) scored below 50, indicating widespread corruption challenges. The lowest-ranked countries, such as Somalia and South Sudan, scored just nine, reflecting the link between conflict, repression and corruption.

Even long-standing democracies experienced troubling declines, the report said.

Countries like the United States (64), Canada (75), New Zealand (81), the United Kingdom (70), France (66) and Sweden (80) showed a downward trend in anti-corruption performance.

Transparency International highlighted that restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association are closely tied to declining CPI scores, with 36 of the 50 countries showing significant drops also experiencing reduced civic space since 2012.

“Corruption is not inevitable. Our global research shows that strong democratic processes, independent oversight, and active civil societies create a clear blueprint to hold power accountable,” Transparency International Chair Francois Velerian said in a statement.

He also urged leaders to uphold integrity and international norms to secure a better future for citizens globally, as the global corruption watchdog urged governments worldwide to strengthen justice systems, ensure independent oversight of public spending, increase transparency in political funding and protect civic freedoms and media independence.

These measures are vital to curb corruption and reinforce accountability, it said.

India is preparing to spend billions on 114 Rafale fighter jets in what could be its largest-ever defence purchase, but the decision has triggered a wave of ridicule from Pakistanis, many mocking the country’s past military losses and questioning the logic behind the deal.

The Indian government is reportedly set to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets from France at an estimated cost of 11.21 trillion PKR ($39 billion). Reports quoted sources as saying that 18 of the jets would be bought in “fly-away” condition from France, while the remaining 96 will be produced in India under a strategic partnership.

However, Pakistanis on social media were quick to question the logic and effectiveness of the purchase. One user commented, “O dear India, think you have to upgrade your pilots, not aircraft. A good pilot gives good results, not just a good machine.” Another pointed out, “4th largest economy, sir… can’t even make a single fighter jet.”

Several posts mocked India’s past military setbacks, with one saying, “Welcome back to be downed again by Pakistan,” while another added, “More aircrafts for Indians to crash.” 

Others highlighted concerns over cost and production timelines: “Wow, spending taxpayer money to buy a useless overpriced 4th-generation Rafale from the ’90s, which IAF will get in 2030s from an almost bankrupt country, which can only produce 10 Rafales a year. Congratulations, great job and decision-making.”

Some users were more direct, calling it “a scam” . One post read: “As a Pakistani, please buy 200 Rafales,” while others referenced recent skirmishes: “Didn’t Paki shoot these out of the air in the recent skirmish?”

Even humorous reactions dominated, with comments such as “6-0,” “Dreams of the Indians” and “No problem, it will be 114-0,” reflecting both sarcasm and nationalistic pride.

The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to meet on February 12 to give the crucial Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approval for the deal. The decision comes ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to India later this month.