Islamabad, Pakistan: Consultation and consensus among all stakeholders on the constitutional amendment package is welcomed and the right way forward, nevertheless, earlier mishandling made this imperative amendment package controversial, resulting in the deletion of certain extremely important amendments that are the requirements of mitigating challenges faced by Pakistan. Uncalled-for hurried push, releasing deadlines for its approval, lack of ownership, and spreading doubts about the package are some of the errors that could have been averted if some adults had been in the ‘situation room’.
The process of consultation is going on among all political parties on the constitutional amendment draft, which is very welcome because the more consensus and consultation there is on this important constitutional amendment, the better for this constitutional amendment, and this is all made possible when the youngest in the situation room behaved as the only adult in the room. Bilawal Bhutto made a breakthrough but also indicated in his Friday speech in Hyderabad that he would make the package pass against all odds and even he could have to make ‘undesirable’ decisions.
It is clear and certain that the draft constitution will be approved by the Senate and the National Assembly after the approval of the federal cabinet. More consultation should be done to build consensus on key points
It is also clear as day that despite all the efforts of the government and other political parties, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the party that did not even attend the All Parties Conference (APC) on Gaza will definitely not accept this draft because this party has yet not received approval from its foreign masters who want constant unrest in Pakistan. Moreover, PTI casting is of a Cult casting in which everything revolves around the thinking of the Cult Leader who definitely does not want constitutional and legal supremacy in the country. It is understood that the meeting with the founder chairman in Adiala is just an excuse to delay this draft as much as possible.
The Constitutional Amendment Bill will ensure the supremacy of the Judiciary, the people of Pakistan, all political parties, and above all the Parliament, so it is encouraging and welcome if some more time is being spent in deliberation and consultation. – The government will certainly get this constitutional draft passed by the parliament with a majority vote and this historic package will ensure the supremacy of the constitution and law in the country.
Islamabad, Pakistan: On 18 October 24, security forces conducted a successful intelligence-based operation in District Pishin on the reported presence of Khwarij (TTP). During the operation, five khwarij were apprehended and a large number of weapons, ammunition, and explosives including 3 suicide vests were seized. Apprehended Khwarij were involved in multiple terrorist attacks and were planning to target security forces as well as innocent civilians.
In another operation in District Zhob on 17 October 2024, during a fire exchange with security forces, two khwarij were sent to hell. In the ensuing sanitization of the area, weapons and ammunition were also recovered in large quantities.
Security forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country and protect innocent civilians from this menace.
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Parliament of Pakistan unanimously passed the Bill on Special Court for Overseas Pakistanis’ Property Disputes tabled by Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, says a press statement.
According to the official press statement, the Senate and National Assembly have passed the Establishment of Special Court (Overseas Pakistanis Property) Act, 2024, a landmark legislation protecting the rights of overseas Pakistanis. The bill was moved by Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. This act facilitates swift and efficient resolution of property disputes involving overseas Pakistanis.
Overseas Pakistanis can file petitions through digital platforms, including e-filing.
The special court will allow evidence to be presented through video links or other legally acceptable modes, supervised by officials from Pakistan’s High Commissions or consulates.
Cases filed in the special court will be disposed of within 90 days, thereby providing speedy justice, preventing delays, and ultimately safeguarding the interests of overseas Pakistanis.
This legislation demonstrates the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of overseas Pakistanis and resolving property disputes of Overseas Pakistanis efficiently.
Monitoring Desk: Passing out a parade of cadets of the 150th PMA Long Course, 69th Integrated Course, 24th Lady Cadet Course, and 36th Technical Graduate Course was held at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul today.
Cadets from several friendly countries including Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Palestine, Sudan, and Yemen also graduated from Pakistan Military Academy. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCsSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) graced the occasion as chief guest and reviewed dignitary of the parade.
CJCsSC reviewed the parade and gave awards to distinguished cadets. The coveted Sword of Honor was awarded to Battalion Senior Under Officer Abdullah Afzal of the 150th PMA Long Course. The President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Babar Ullah Aman of 150th PMA Long Course. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal to Friendly Country Senior Under Officer Kshitij Gurung of 150th PMA Long Course from Nepal. Chief of Army Staff Cane was awarded to Course Junior Under Officer Muhammad Umar Sheraz of the 36th Technical Graduate Course. Commandant’s Canes were awarded to Course Junior Under Officer Muhammad Suleman of the 69th Integrated Course and Course Under Officer Pakeeza Yaqoob of the 24th Lady Cadet Course.
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Parliamentary Committee has approved the Constitutional amendment package. The committee is headed by veteran politician Khursheed Shah of the Pakistan People’s Party.
The hurried push by PMLN made the Constitutional amendment package controversial, but PPP bailed the government out when it took the initiative to contact all parties, including PTI. Now, the package will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval and then would be tabled in both houses of parliament.
Addressing a press conference after the approval of the package, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto politely said that the ruling party’s mishandling of the constitutional amendments ignited the disapproval of the packages by many parties including JUI (F) and added that ‘unnecessary actions’ were taken by the government when PPP was negotiating with other political parties.
The good news about the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which focuses on improving the judiciary and public interest, is that all major political parties have agreed on it and there is no doubt about its approval by Parliament. In the meeting held between Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan People’s Party on Tuesday night, a consensus was reached regarding the 26th constitutional amendments, after which Maulana Fazal met with PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday night.
In the meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari, the three major parties agreed to work together regarding the constitutional amendments, which were officially announced by Maulana Fazlur Rehman. The three major parties of the country and other smaller parties have fully agreed on the constitution of Pakistan regarding the constitutional amendments and it has also been said that regardless of whether a federal constitutional court is established or a federal constitutional bench is formed. It does not matter because the objective is only to enhance and improve the efficiency of the judiciary. Whether a federal constitutional court is established or a constitutional bench is formed, on the one hand, it will be possible to hear the constitutional and legal cases in the courts separately, while the courts, especially in the higher judiciary, deal with day-to-day cases. It will help reduce the backlog that exists. According to legal experts, it is important here that thousands of cases are pending in the Supreme Court as well as other courts across the country. If a constitutional court or a constitutional bench is formed, it will go a long way in reducing these figures.
According to legal experts, it is very important to clarify here that the major objectives of the Constitutional Bench or the Constitutional Federal Court have been achieved by the supervision of the judiciary through the formation of a high-powered commission, so to say that through this 26 constitutional amendments on the judiciary A ban is being imposed or a circle is being tightened around it, it may just be propaganda, but there is no truth in it.
Through the constitutional amendment package, the judiciary will be empowered more and time will prove that the performance of the judiciary will improve with the amendment package the most important thing is that with the formation of the federal constitutional court or bench, when urgent cases will start to be resolved so, people will directly benefit from it
Monitoring Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is leading in Pakistan in reported cases of sexual abuse against children as 185 of the cases were registered in 2019, 323 in 2020, 360 in 2021, and 365 in 2022, reports Express Tribune.
The newspaper further reported that the actual number of such cases is likely to be much greater, as many incidents, which occur in tribal or mostly affluent areas, often go unreported. Many families of the affected children tend to hide these incidents due to fear and shame and this is the reason that incidents of forced and sexual violence against children are increasing in KP every year because culprits know that their crime would go unreported.
Islamabad, Pakistan: With a bouquet of analysts known in the fields of foreign affairs, economy, politics, and geo-economics and manned by weather-beaten professional anchors, state-run Pakistan Television broadcast over 50 hours of marathon coverage during the 23rd SCO Summit held in Islamabad.
During this transmission, PTV News and PTV World (the only English-language channel in Pakistan) covered SCO in all its dimensions, from providing live coverage of heads of government’s arrival at Noor Khan Air Base as well as the arrival of foreign guests at Islamabad International Airport.
According to foreign media delegations with whom DND News Agency contacted for comments, PTV also provided them clean feed (without tickers/voiceover) so they could use the footage for their respective channels in their countries. “It was exciting to see how your (Pakistani) state-run television provided us with time coverage for our televisions/video news agencies and we are impressed by the professionalism of your team”, said Juratbeg Akhalqnov, a Central Asian journalist.
It may be mentioned that over 1200 foreign delegates from SCO member states were present in Islamabad from October 14 to October 17, 2024, to attend the SCO Summit along with over 150 foreign media men.
It is pertinent to mention that SCO Summit was attended by the Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Tajik Prime Minister Kohir Rasulzoda, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of Ministers’ Cabinet Zhaparov Akylbek, Trade Minister of Iran Seyyed Mohammad Atabek, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai and Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov.
When asked to comment, Managing Director PTV Sayyed Mubashar Tauqir Shah stated his team worked over 72 hours vigorously and tirelessly and most of the team members stayed inside the PTV building to make this event a success. He stated that broadcasting such a huge event was nevertheless a great challenge but also a prodigious opportunity to put the country in a global broadcasting arena and credit goes to the PTV team that, Sayyed considers a ‘family’. It may be mentioned that PTV had recently hired many new anchors from the private sector but already available professionals executed the SCO Summit marathon transmission while a new team would soon appear on the PTV screen.
Monitoring Desk: Matrix is a barristers’ chambers in London a group of independent and specialist lawyers who work across a wide range of areas of law, indicates that Imran Khan, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is not fit to contest the race for Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
The Matrix document available with DND News Agency indicates that regulation 7(d) of Oxford’s Council Regulations must be reviewed while dealing with the candidacy of Imran Khan through the lens of Oxford’s governing regulations. Regulation 7(d) of the Council Regulations 8 of 2002 outlines the eligibility criteria for individuals holding roles as trustees of the university, including the Chancellor. These criteria emphasize personal integrity, compliance with legal standards, and the fitness of candidates to serve as representatives of the university.
The document says that Imran Khan’s criminal conviction in the Tosha Khana case, in which he was found guilty of profiting from state gifts while in office, presents a significant barrier to his candidacy. Section 178 of the Charities Act 2011 explicitly disqualifies individuals with criminal convictions from holding trustee roles in registered charities, a category under which Oxford falls. King’s Counsel Hugh Southey’s legal opinion reinforces this, asserting that Khan’s conviction likely renders him ineligible under UK charity law.
Moreover, the clause “Fit and Proper Person” Test and HMRC Guidelines also bars Khan from contesting the election. The “fit and proper person” test, as defined by HMRC, plays a critical role in determining the suitability of candidates for positions of influence in charitable organizations. This test assesses whether individuals can be trusted to manage charity resources responsibly and act in the best interests of the institution.
Khan’s criminal record, alongside his continued involvement in politically divisive activities, raises concerns about his ability to meet these standards. The question of Khan’s fitness for office is not merely legal; it speaks to the broader issue of whether his leadership would align with Oxford’s values of transparency, integrity, and intellectual freedom. These legal and moral hurdles cast doubt on the feasibility of his candidacy, particularly given the high ethical standards Oxford maintains.
Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan has handed over the SCO Presidentship to Russia at the concluding first session of the 23rd SCO Head of Government Summit held here in Islamabad. At the end of the first session of the 23rd SCO Head of Government Summit, an eight-point agenda was adopted. The next meeting of the SCO Head of Government Summit shall be held in Russia in the year 2025.
Pakistan proposed a New Economic Dialogue among SCO members and the prosal was adopted in the Islamabad Declaration.
We stand at a pivotal moment in history, where tectonic shifts are taking place in the social, political, economic, and security spheres. However, I firmly believe that from the platform of SCO, which symbolizes the spirit of collaboration, we have the resolve and determination to forge a brighter, more prosperous, and secure future for our people, and the region. Let us seize this opportunity to envision a path forward, that is inclusive and beneficial for all Member-States.
Excellencies,
Last year, when Pakistan assumed the Chair of this august forum, we reiterated our priorities in the fields of regional peace and stability, strengthening interconnectivity and sustainable development, and promoting socio-cultural initiatives, which we believe are vital for the Organization’s future and our collective advancement.
With the help of our brotherly Member-States, we have been able to progress on this path, which is reflected in the Joint Communiqué of our meeting, which aptly highlights our common vision of strengthening sustainable and inclusive economic growth, through inter-connectivity and relevant financial support mechanisms; coordinating efforts in the spheres of green development and environmental protection; while also enhancing socio-cultural ties, through academic and tourism linkages, as well as by sharing best practices to combat poverty and empowering our women and youth.
We are also pleased that during our chairmanship, several positive and forward-looking initiatives were adopted. These included concepts on establishing the SCO Economic Preference Base; Cooperation between Trade Promotion Organizations of the SCO Member-States; Framework for Cooperation among the SCO Member-States in the field of creative economy development; and the SCO New Economic Dialogue Program.
I propose that we collectively enter into the implementation phase of these concepts through Plans of Action, which will strengthen and deepen the existing cooperation among member states in the economic and trade spheres.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Owing to its contiguity with the SCO region, a socio-economically stable Afghanistan can offer all Member, viable and economically beneficial trade and transit routes for better connectivity. A stable Afghanistan is crucial for achieving this objective. While the international community must extend the needed assistance to help the Afghan Interim Government in staving off the humanitarian crisis and preventing an economic meltdown, it must also demand that the Afghan Interim Government to take concrete measures to promote political inclusivity, as well as to ensure that its soil is not used for terrorism against its neighbors, by any entity.
Excellencies,
Economic collaboration is at the heart of SCO engagement. Investment in regional infrastructure projects, such as transport and energy corridors, is crucial for economic integration. In this regard, Pakistan welcomes the decisions of the SCO Council of Heads of State on Strategy for the Development of Energy Cooperation, for the period up to 2030, as well as the establishment of an Association of Investors. While welcoming all connectivity initiatives by SCO countries, Pakistan strongly advocates for establishing a robust SCO connectivity framework, which not only serves as a gateway for regional trade but also takes the vision of Eurasian connectivity and trade to the next level.
To this end, projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and International North-South Corridor (INSC) can be expanded to improve connectivity, focusing on roads, railways, and digital infrastructure.
Let us not look at such projects through the narrow political prism and invest in our collective connectivity capacities, which are crucial to advancing the shared vision of an economically integrated region. Let us work together for a well-integrated and prosperous region that benefits all member states.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Combating poverty is not just a moral imperative but a fundamental driver of economic development and prosperity. The presence of the largest number of poor people on the planet within the SCO borders obliges us to have closer cooperation for poverty alleviation.
As the permanent chair of the SCO Special Working Group to Combat Poverty, Pakistan carried out several joint seminars, webinars, etc. aimed at sharing knowledge and best practices. We will continue to provide the required impetus to our collective efforts to address the root causes of poverty, enabling member states to unlock their full economic potential, create sustainable growth, and improve the overall quality of life of their citizens.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
The unpredictable climate changes are the greatest threat to humanity’s existence. Its devastation is colossal and transcends all borders. Combating climate change and protecting the environment within the SCO region, is essential for ensuring sustainable development, economic stability, and social well-being.
As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries, Pakistan testifies to the need for prioritizing environmental cooperation among Member-States, to enhance resilience, foster collaboration, and secure a safer future for our present and future generations.
We welcome the recently concluded SCO Agreement on Environmental Protection and urge member states to actively collaborate in all such efforts at the regional and global scale.
Pakistan has developed an innovative model of a technology-based, proactive disaster management system, which provides early warning for emergencies relating to climate change. This has enabled us to undertake timely corrective measures to save precious resources of men and material. Pakistan looks forward to organizing simulation exercises for the relevant ministries and departments of SCO countries, to enable them to make country-specific disaster management responses.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Unilateral coercive or protectionist measures run contrary to international law, curb economic growth, and disproportionately hurt the scientific and technological development of affected countries. The international financial architecture and the world trade and technology regimes must be reformed and aligned to promote development and global equity. Over the years, we have built a strong base for SCO’s development cooperation matrix.
However, there is a growing realization that a gap exists between the Organization’s aspirations and our performances. This is particularly so between the raft of Agreements and MoUs we have signed and their implementation. It is time we translate our political will into action on the ground.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
The SCO Consortium of Economic Analytic Think Tanks is an important forum of scholars who understand the intricacies of economies and trade trends. Their academic inputs can improve the canvas of regional economic and trade patterns. As Chair of the Consortium, Pakistan led the useful research work this year, which has been shared with Member States.
As Heads of Government, we need to encourage our private sectors to create a conducive environment for business and investment promotion within the SCO region. With the participation of the SCO Business Council, Pakistan’s Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, held a very useful Conference on the sidelines of the meeting of SCO Ministers for External Trade on 12 September 2024 in Islamabad. I encourage the Business Council to regularly hold such events to enhance interaction among our business community.
We observe a clear understanding among all SCO member states about the need for settlement in mutually acceptable currencies. In the face of unilateral sanctions on some of the SCO member states, SCO’s Interbank Union is rightly placed to discuss and resolve the banking issues, which can translate into a multiplier effect for enhancing trade within the SCO region.
Pakistan also supports the proposal to create an SCO alternative development funding mechanism, to give the needed impetus to various stalled development initiatives. We also welcome the timely decision of the SCO Council of Heads of State on the mechanisms of financial support to project activities of SCO.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen;
Pakistan strongly believes that a strengthened and effective SCO can spearhead sustainable development in the region. We, therefore, support the ongoing efforts to reform and modernize the SCO, including the provision of adequate resources to the SCO Secretariat and SCO RATS, which will lead to their effectiveness and implementation capacities.
Last but not least, SCO’s strength lies not only in its political and economic dimensions but also in its rich cultural diversity. Pakistan values the importance of fostering people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges among our member states. By promoting mutual understanding and respect, we can build a foundation for lasting cooperation that transcends borders and enriches our societies.
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Parliament of Pakistan unanimously passed the Bill on Special Court for Overseas Pakistanis' Property Disputes tabled by Chaudhry Salik Hussain, the...
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Parliamentary Committee has approved the Constitutional amendment package. The committee is headed by veteran politician Khursheed Shah of the Pakistan People’s...
Monitoring Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is leading in Pakistan in reported cases of sexual abuse against children as 185 of the cases were registered in...
Islamabad, Pakistan: With a bouquet of analysts known in the fields of foreign affairs, economy, politics, and geo-economics and manned by weather-beaten professional anchors,...
