Category: 1. Pakistan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has expressed serious concerns over the governance issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that the government’s presence in the province has become almost meaningless.

He made these remarks during an informal interaction with mediapersons at a gathering here on Friday.

Mr Rehman stated that while the government had ‘left’ citizens at the mercy of circumstances, his party couldn’t ‘abandon’ the people.

He highlighted the sacrifices made by the residents for the cause of peace, noting that millions of people from Bajaur to South Waziristan were forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods. “But despite these sacrifices, lasting peace has yet to be achieved in the province.”

He criticised the government for failing to protect citizens’ lives, property, and dignity, saying that the government possessed the capacity to do so but prioritised its own interests over public welfare. According to him, such an approach is detrimental not only to the country but also to the armed forces themselves.

Claims govt presence in KP has become meaningless

Responding to a question, Mr Rehman clarified that his party was neither against the army nor did it advocate resistance against state institutions.

He emphasised that their criticism was directed at the political roles and policies of the institutions, which directly affected citizens and politicians alike.

The JUI-F chief stressed that the people’s respect and affection for the armed forces should remain intact.

However, he warned that if public support for the military continued to decline, it could prove disastrous for the country, the armed forces, and all stakeholders.

Mr Rehman further explained that the survival of the country, its institutions, politicians, and citizens was interconnected. “Weakening the political system and constitutional framework will inevitably affect the military, and any compromise in national defence could have far-reaching consequences for the entire nation.”

He said their efforts to challenge the establishment aimed to underline this vital connection between governance, public support, and national security.

HOSPITAL SECURITY: In view of the prevailing security situation, Tank district police officer Shabbir Hussain Shah visited the Christian Hospital on Friday to review security arrangements there.

He directed the officers to make security measures foolproof by utilising all available resources.

He instructed personnel to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary use of mobile phones, closely monitor suspicious individuals, and ensure public protection alongside their own safety. He emphasised the use of bulletproof jackets and helmets as mandatory.

TWO CRIMINALS HELD: The Tank police have arrested two proclaimed offenders and seized arms and ammunition.

An official said Rizwan, a resident of Garah Koda area, was caught with a 12-bore repeater and five cartridges, while Aurangzeb alias Toor of Ranwal was found in possession of a pistol and 10 cartridges. He said the two were wanted by the police in different cases.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2025

IT is difficult to disagree with the remarks of the Supreme Court’s Justice Athar Minallah, who on Thursday indicated that the hybrid system in Pakistan — where unelected powers are actively involved in civilian affairs — is a euphemism for dictatorship.

The veteran judge, while speaking in Karachi, also dwelt on the role the senior judiciary has played in the country’s history by endorsing the unconstitutional moves of strongmen.

Putting it bluntly, he said that the “77-year judicial history is not a matter of pride for me”, while giving examples of the Maulvi Tamizuddin case, as well as of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s trial and Gen Musharraf’s assaults on the constitutional order, to prove how at crucial times their lordships have sided with authoritarian rulers to subvert the rule of law. Mr Minallah also praised the bravery of judges who refused to bow before dictators.

Pakistan’s damaging experiments with different forms of hybridity, from earlier decades to the present day, have only weakened institutions, particularly parliament and the judiciary. And rarely have proponents of the hybrid system been held to account for their failures; the actual powers wash their hands of mistakes, while their civilian partners face the music. In contrast, in fully functioning democratic systems, elected leaders are held accountable before the voter.

Considering the judiciary’s role, as highlighted by Justice Minallah, in supporting unconstitutional moves — and these grim episodes are well-documented in our history — ‘willing’ collaborators on the bench have worked with usurpers to subvert the constitutional system, often guided by the ‘doctrine of necessity’. Sadly, in the current scenario too, many of their lordships have been perceived as coming to the aid of the real powers to give their legal blessings to doubtful laws and amendments.

The solution, as Justice Minallah suggested, is deceptively simple on paper, but difficult to put into practice: abiding by the Constitution, with all institutions staying within the bounds prescribed for them by the basic law. In this regard, when the country faces rampant insecurity, it is essential that the military sticks to its core duty of defending Pakistan. We face two major militant insurgencies — in KP and Balochistan — while a hostile neighbour to the east, and an unreliable regime in Kabul, mean we must constantly remain vigilant.

In such a situation, if the security apparatus indulges in political management, the focus on defence can become diluted. Whether it is direct military rule or a ‘hybrid’ system, both have left lasting scars on the constitutional system. Hence, there is a need to move away from the hybrid model in the interest of democracy, and in the interests of both the civilian and military leaderships.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2025

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that although water level in rivers are gradually receding, the province must remain fully prepared to cope with the potential threat flood as it is estimated that the peak flow entering Guddu might range between 700,000 and 900,000 cusecs.

Chairing a high-level meeting at CM House on Friday to review the situation, preparedness and relief operations across the province, he reiterated that the Sindh government would utilise all available resources to safeguard people’s lives and livelihoods.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Mohammad Ali Malkani, Jam Ikramullah Dharejo and Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman, besides CM’s Principal Secretary Abdul Rahim Shaikh and secretaries of various departments including Livestock, Environment and rehabilitation. PDMA director general Salman Shah and other senior officials were also present while Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Agriculture Minister Mohammad Bakhsh Mahar, Excise Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Zakat & Ushr Minister Riaz Shah Shirazi, Irrigation Secretary Zarif Khero, divisional commissioners and DIGs joined the meeting through video link.

The CM cautioned that Guddu Barrage would face the peak flood on Sept 8, preparedness, timely evacuation of people and establishment of relief camps must be ensured.

He was informed that the inflow at Guddu Barrage as on Friday stood at 359,570 cusecs against the outflow of 377,481 cusecs while at Sukkur Barrage the inflow was 331,155 cusecs against outflow of 277,355 cusecs, indicating a rising trend downstream.

The meeting was told that the Met Office had predicted widespread heavy rains across Sindh from Sept 7 to 9 and warned of possible urban flooding and flash floods.

The public and travellers have been advised to stay alert, avoid unnecessary movement and follow official updates, while all concerned departments have been placed on high alert.

Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman and PDMA DG Salman Shah informed the CM that A total of 528 relief camps had been established but not many displaced families had moved into them. So far, 109,320 people have been evacuated from the riverine areas to safe places, according to them.

The meeting was also informed that strengthening of Kashmore-Kandhkot (KK) Bund and Qadirpur Shaink Bund was under way.

Mohammad Ali Malkani and Kazim Jatoi informed the CM that out of a total 49.952 million livestock heads, 652,000 had already been safely evacuated to safe areas. In case of very high flood, about 40pc (or 19.98m) of them could be affected. About 5.125m of the total animals were present in the ‘highly vulnerable’ riverine belt.

They told the meeting that 110 livestock health camps had been set up.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2025

RAWALPINDI:

The 1500th Eid Miladun Nabi (pbuh) will be celebrated today (Saturday) with great religious zeal, devotion, and respect. In Rawalpindi, two central processions will be taken out, starting at 9am and continuing till late night, with recitation of naats and durood echoing along the routes.

Strict security and administrative measures have been finalized. Authorities have banned all unlawful practices during the processions, including display of weapons, political flags, slogans, loud music, heavy vehicles, donkey carts, and construction material along the routes. Parking has also been prohibited. Reception camps will only be allowed with official NOCs, while stalls serving milk, drinks, tea, and food will be set up.

All hospitals in the city have been placed on emergency alert, with doctors, nurses, and paramedics’ leaves cancelled. A contingent of the 111 Brigade will remain on standby. Throughout the day, procession routes will be sprinkled with rosewater, and participants will also be showered with it.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination to begin immediate preparations for the 2026 monsoon season and present a comprehensive climate resilience action plan, within two weeks, that must address Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to climate change, including increasingly intense rainfall and flooding.

The prime minister chaired a high-level review meeting here to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rains and flooding, as well as the ongoing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts underway across the country, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.

PM Shehbaz declared the rehabilitation of flood-affected citizens a top national priority. He directed authorities to ensure full preparedness in river-adjacent areas of southern Pakistan, which remain vulnerable to flooding.

He emphasized that the federal government stands fully prepared to support provincial governments in all aspects of relief and rehabilitation.

The Prime Minister stressed the need for real-time monitoring of evacuation and relief operations to ensure that timely assistance reaches those in need. He instructed the establishment of a special committee to facilitate financial assistance for flood victims who are not currently registered with NADRA.

In addition, he urged the Ministry of Climate Change to begin immediate preparations for the 2026 monsoon season and directed it to present a comprehensive climate resilience action plan within two weeks. The plan, he said, must address Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to climate change, including increasingly intense rainfall and flooding.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister praised the efforts of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), the Pakistan Army, and federal and provincial rescue and relief agencies for their coordinated operations in affected areas.

Officials briefed the Prime Minister on the extent of the damage and the current status of operations. According to the latest updates, floodwaters from the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers have reached parts of central and southern Punjab and are expected to pass through Panjnad.

Authorities have made preparations to handle a potential water flow of 1 to 1.2 million cusecs; however, the actual flow is expected to be around 600,000 cusecs, significantly lower than initially projected.

In Multan, district administration teams, military units, and rescue workers are fully mobilized and working to safely manage the passage of the floodwaters without damaging embankments. Restoration efforts in the power sector have also shown progress, with 80 percent of the affected electricity infrastructure in northern and central Pakistan already restored. Damaged roads and bridges have been repaired and reopened to traffic, facilitating relief supply and mobility.

It was reported that over two million people have been evacuated from flood-prone areas across the country, while more than 4,100 individuals stranded in isolated areas have been rescued.

The federal government has dispatched over 6,300 tons of relief goods to affected communities. To provide immediate healthcare support, more than 2,400 medical camps have been established in flood-hit regions.

The meeting was further informed that compensation for deceased persons, the injured, and property damages is being processed through NADRA, with priority given to those most affected.

ISLAMABAD: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah asked the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi to publicly respond to his six questions regarding the “pressing institutional concerns”.

Justice Shah wrote in his letter that his correspondence was made in his capacity as the most senior judge which must not be mistaken for a personal grievance.

“As the senior-most judge of this Court after yourself, I write this letter with reluctance, but in discharge of an unavoidable institutional duty. What compels me to write is your persistent and complete indifference.”

The Supreme Court senior judge complained that he had earlier sent multiple letters but received no written or verbal response.

He urged the CJP to answer his question publicly at the upcoming judicial conference scheduled for September 8, as on that day, a new judicial year will commence and the said forum will review the reforms undertaken under the top jurist’s leadership besides laying down priority areas for the coming year.

The queries raised by Justice Mansoor include:

• Why has the PaPA Committee never been convened to carry out its statutory responsibilities?
  PaPA [Practice and Procedure Act] Committee is mandated by the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023, to constitute benches to delibrate on all causes, matters, petitions, appeals, or reviews, other than those within the domain of the Constitutional Benches under Article 191 A(3).
• Why was the historic revision of the 1980 Rules approved by circulation rather than after discussion and deliberation in a Full Court Meeting?
• Why was the policy on releasing dissenting opinions adopted by soliciting individual opinions of the Judges (a process unheard of) rather than an open deliberation in a Full Court Meeting?
• Why was a General Standing Order on leave issued that subjects Judges to controls inconsistent with judicial independence and the Presidential Order of 1997?
• Why have the petitions challenging the 26th Amendment not been fixed before the original Full Court?
• Most fundamentally, are you nurturing independence among Judges, or enforcing compliance to turn this Court into a regimented force rather than a constitutional court of free and equal Judges?