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Category: Politics

  • If PML-N has support within NA from PTI, it should bring motion of no-confidence against PM Khan: BBZ

    If PML-N has support within NA from PTI, it should bring motion of no-confidence against PM Khan: BBZ

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took a jibe at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying that if they have [PML-N] the support of 34 members of the National Assembly (NA) from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), then they should bring a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister (PM) Imran khan.

    Previously, PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had claimed that he knows “22 members of the NA who don’t want to remain part of the incumbent government anymore and PTI would lose majority in Lower House if those 22 people step aside.”

    Bilawal said his party “always” acts for the betterment of the Parliament and democracy in the country, saying that the party would opt for a no-confidence motion against PM Khan and not besiege the Parliament.

    Further, the Chairperson said he believes that an extreme step from political parties against the government could lead to a crisis in Pakistan. “In our agreement with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a no-confidence motion was the last option.”

    “We will not hold prolonged sit-ins and attack the institutions; we will conduct political business in the Parliament. If we wish to remove the government, then we will do it in line with the Constitution.”

    Talking about the party’s relation with the establishment, Bilawal said: “We have never been interested in forging relations with the establishment, and we never will be,” adding that relations with the establishment are based on media speculation.

    PPP is set for a long march from Karachi to Islamabad on February 27 while PDM had announced its March on Pakistan Day.

  • ‘Burden of pending cases needs to be lightened, lawyers come prepared’: CJP Bandial

    ‘Burden of pending cases needs to be lightened, lawyers come prepared’: CJP Bandial

    Justice Umar Ata Bandial after being sworn in as the 28th Chief Justice of Pakistan, in an oath-taking ceremony at the Presidential Palace, made his first appearance in a courtroom as the CJP and conversed with lawyers.

    “We need to lighten the burden of pending cases. Lawyers should come prepared and avoid seeking extensions,” he said.

    The lawyers welcomed and congratulated the newly appointed top judge.

    At this, Justice Bandial thanked them and said it was a pleasure for him to be with them.

    A day earlier, Justice Bandial while speaking at a full-court reference held in honour of the outgoing chief justice, criticised mainstream and social media alike for resorting to attacking judges rather than criticising their judgements.

    “The differences in judges’ opinions in matters of law arise from our individual perceptions and this diversity brings richness to our understanding,” said Justice Bandial.

    Justice Bandial will continue as the chief justice till his retirement on September 18, 2023.

  • Prime Minister House to be converted to university in 72 months

    Prime Minister House to be converted to university in 72 months

    The bill seeking the establishment of a university at the Prime Minister (PM) House finally reached the Senate on Tuesday, reports Dawn.

    According to the bill, which has already been passed by the National Assembly (NA), the project once started, will take 72 months to complete.

    Last year, officials from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on the direction of the PM Office, had visited Sir Syed Memorial Society building in G-5. The HEC and CDA had later shared a report with the PM office, stating the building was suitable for starting the university.

    The University of Engineering and Emerging Technology Bill 2022 was tabled in the Senate by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan on behalf of Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood.

    Chairman Mohammad Sadiq Sanjrani referred the bill to the Senate Standing Committee on Education for consideration.

    In October last year, the NA standing committee had approved the bill and last month the National Assembly passed it along the mini-budget and some other bills.

    The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has already entered its fourth year in office, implying Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan may not be able to see his dream project completed during his tenure.

  • Justice Umar Ata Bandial becomes 28th Chief Justice of Pakistan, ceremony held in Islamabad

    Justice Umar Ata Bandial becomes 28th Chief Justice of Pakistan, ceremony held in Islamabad

    Justice Umar Ata Bandial took oath as the 28th Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) at a ceremony at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad today (Wednesday). He was administered the oath of office by President Arif Alvi.

    Justice Bandial will serve in the top judicial office until September 16, 2023. He has previously served as chief justice of the Lahore High Court.

    A day earlier, Justice Bandial while speaking at a full-court reference held in honour of the outgoing chief justice, criticised mainstream and social media alike for resorting to attacking judges rather than criticising their judgements.

    “The differences in judges’ opinions in matters of law arise from our individual perceptions and this diversity brings richness to our understanding,” said Justice Bandial.

  • PM Khan slams SCBA for ‘supporting criminals, fugitives’

    PM Khan slams SCBA for ‘supporting criminals, fugitives’

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Tuesday slammed the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) over its decision to file a petition against lifelong disqualification.

    PM Khan said that one of the leading lawyers’ bodies in the country has gone to court for a “thief” who ran to London by “lying”.

    PM Khan, without taking the name of former PM Nawaz Sharif, said, “If this is how things are, then what is wrong with stealing?”

    “They [SCBA] are asking the court to give him [Nawaz Sharif] one more chance. SCBA’s next petition should be to open [the doors] of all the jails,” said PM Khan while addressing the launch ceremony of the Sehat Insaf Card in Bahawalpur.

    Referring to the criminals who were behind bars, the premier said: “If you don’t see the evil in it, then why are these poor souls behind bars? First, let them out… The next petition should be to open all jails and free all those people who have been imprisoned for theft.”

    PM Khan further said that only the powerful get away unpunished. “They can do whatever they want. Both his sons are… living in London in properties worth billions of rupees. London is the most expensive city in Europe and their properties are located in the most expensive parts of the city.”

    “Till a nation does not unite to fight [against wrongdoing], the rule of law will not prevail. Our struggle is against bandits,” said PM Imran.

    When asked about PM Khan’s comments about the petition, President SCBA Mohammad Ahsan Bhoon responded by narrating an incident about humans.

    Last week, the SCBA filed a petition against the lifelong disqualification of lawmakers and said that such a law without the right to appeal is unjust.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the result of this petition can affect the outcome of SC verdicts disqualifying Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Nawaz Sharif, as well as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) disgruntled leader Jahangir Tareen.

  • New Zealand allows pregnant journalist to return home

    New Zealand allows pregnant journalist to return home

    The New Zealand government has allowed pregnant journalist, Charlotte Bellis to return back to her home country after her application was rejected due to strict Covid protocols.

    While giving a press briefing related to Covid, New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister, Grant Robertson said, “There is a place in managed isolation and quarantine for Ms Bellis and I urge her to take it up.”

    He also denied that she was being allowed entry after the outrage caused by the media reporting. He said the staff had to daily with deal with emergency applications.

    He continued, “They always try to make contact with people and try to make arrangements work.”

    Read More: New Zealand denies re-entry of pregnant national, Taliban offers refuge

    Bellis was reporting for Al Jazeera in Afghanistan and came to know about her pregnancy on her return to Doha, Qatar. She left her job in October after she found out because a pregnancy out of wedlock is illegal in Qatar. She went to Belgium, the home country of her partner, Jim Huylebroek. As Bellis is not a resident of the country, she could not stay there for a longer period.

    The Taliban offered her refuge when she had no option except to travel back to Afghanistan with her partner as both had visas.

  • Taliban to be blamed for missing journalist, says rights group

    Taliban to be blamed for missing journalist, says rights group

    A journalists’ rights groups in Afghanistan said that the Taliban have arrested two Afghan journalists working for a local news channel, weeks after two female activists went missing.

    The rights group known as the Afghan Media Association, without naming anyone said that reporters Waris Hasrat and Aslam Hijab were picked up by masked gunmen in front of the channel’s office. They went out for lunch on Monday “and taken to an unknown location”.

    They said Taliban officials are investigating the matter and have given them insurance. However, a spokesperson told AFP he had no information on the missing journalists.

    Moreover, rights group Amnesty International demanded on Twitter that the Taliban “unconditionally and immediately release” the two.

    Two weeks earlier, two female activists went missing after taking part in a demonstration in Kabul for women’s rights.

    Previously, in September several Afghan journalists were beaten while covering rallies.

  • Nawaz Sharif majorly stressed out after wife’s death, can get worse

    Nawaz Sharif majorly stressed out after wife’s death, can get worse

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif’s latest medical report was submitted in the Lahore High Court today (February 1). According to the submitted report, Nawaz’s doctor has stopped him from travelling.

    Nawaz Sharif’s medical report has been prepared by Dr Fayaz Shawl, Director Interventional Cardiology, and has been submitted to the court through Amjad Pervez Advocate. The medical report further said that Nawaz Sharif should continue his medication and take a walk in the open air. He has also been advised to take precautionary measures against corona while walking. In view of the current global coronavirus epidemic in the world, Nawaz Sharif should refrain from any kind of travel and public places such as airports, stated his medical report.

    His medical report says that Nawaz Sharif is under more pressure after the death of his wife, Kulsoom Nawaz. Nawaz should continue his activities without stress. He is currently under severe mental stress and depression can worsen Nawaz Sharif’s illness.

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, while commenting on Nawaz’s health, said, “You are making fun of the rule of law in the country by submitting such reports.”

    “Nawaz should return the money of the people and continue living in London. This report is full of lies. The report should also have mentioned that Nawaz Sharif should only be allowed to walk in Hyde Park, otherwise his stress will increase,” said Fawad.

    Fawad further said, “I hope the courts will take notice of how Nawaz left Pakistan and his fake medical reports.”

  • TLP chief Saad Rizvi to get married this week

    TLP chief Saad Rizvi to get married this week

    Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi is set to get married this week, reports Roznama 92.

    Many important personalities are expected to attend Rizvi’s wedding. Allama Abdul Sattar Saeedi is expected to officiate the nikkah.

    Rizvi’s valima (wedding reception) will be held on February 6 in Lahore.

    On November 18, Saad Rizvi was released from jail before the death anniversary of his father, i.e. Khadim Hussain Rizvi. On November 7, the government had revoked the ban on TLP.

  • VIDEO: ‘Gilani is a bika hua siyasatdaan,’ Shah Mahmood Qureshi warns Senate

    VIDEO: ‘Gilani is a bika hua siyasatdaan,’ Shah Mahmood Qureshi warns Senate

    Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi while addressing the Senate lashed out at Leader of the Opposition Yusuf Raza Gilani.

    “I said it yesterday and I am saying it today, he [Gilani] said that I don’t want to be Leader of the Opposition, he was lying. He will stay, he will take back his resignation. He will stick to this chair. This was all a drama,” said Qureshi.

    Qureshi said, “I am warning you, honourable members of the Senate, listen and pay attention to what I am saying. Members of the Senate, the Leader of the Opposition is a compromised leader. Don’t rely on him.”

    “Don’t you see a seasoned and respected parliamentarian like Raza Rabbani? Don’t you see a respected politician like Sherry Rehman sitting in your rows? He [Gilani] is compromised and a sellout,” said Qureshi.

    On Monday, Gilani announced that he had submitted his resignation as Leader of the Opposition to his party. “In the end, I will say that I have already submitted my resignation to my party that I don’t want to be the Leader of the Opposition.”