Category: 1. Pakistan

KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated a probe into alleged illegal recruitments and corruption in Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC), ARY News reported.

The investigation launched against former Chairman Noor Muhammad Jadmani and 15 other official, claims of irregularities in the commission’s hiring processes, favoritism and misuse of authority.

NAB has summoned records from the SPSC, demanding comprehensive documentation related to appointments made by the commission. This includes records of court petitions, both pending and resolved, filed against the SPSC. Authorities have directed the current SPSC Chairman to provide the complete record within one week.

Sources within NAB revealed that the 16 officials, including former chairmen, members, secretaries, controllers, and additional controllers, submitted incomplete recruitment records during initial inquiries.

Expressing dissatisfaction, NAB officials have reiterated their demand for a full account of all appointments within the stipulated timeframe.

The investigation has uncovered allegations that government officers manipulated the SPSC examination process to secure jobs for their children and other relatives. In the next phase, NAB plans to summon beneficiaries of these alleged illegal recruitments to further probe the extent of the irregularities.

It is worth mentioning here that in 2020, NAB initiated a probe into the alleged forged recruitments via Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) in at least three provincial departments under Sindh government.

According to the details of the case, NAB said, in some 30 vacancies across three provincial departments the names successful candidates, that were qualified via SPSC, were scrapped and replaced with bogus officers.

The details of the case divulged by the anti-corruption watchdog alleged that the forgery took place in the SPSC exams of 2018 which saw bogus placements in three provincial departments of Sindh.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday said that Pakistan received “divine help” during its confrontation with India and credited the country’s armed forces for strategic successes in regional conflicts, including Iran’s standoff with Israel.

Chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on law and order during the holy month of Muharram, Naqvi said that religious scholars have always played a key role in maintaining peace and urged unity across sects.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad, and other notable clerics.

“Religious harmony must be our priority. The theme should be: do not abandon your own sect, nor interfere with anyone else’s,” Naqvi told participants.

Recalling recent military developments, the interior minister said Pakistan experienced unseen assistance during its tensions with India.

“During the conflict, we had no intention of escalating tensions or harming Indian civilians. When Pakistan fired missiles, there were slight miscalculations in coordinates, and we feared civilian areas might be hit. But those missiles ended up striking India’s largest oil depot,” he said.

He also revealed that India had launched around 11 missiles at a Pakistani airbase where both aircraft and personnel were present. “We were deeply concerned about heavy losses, but thankfully, we received information that no damage occurred. Not a single Pakistani plane or person was harmed,” he added.

The interior minister said that “These are just two examples of how divine help came to Pakistan’s aid,” adding that the military command had made it clear that time that if India initiated aggression, it would have to bear severe consequences.

Referring to regional tensions, Naqvi said, “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif played an important role in the ceasefire between Iran and Israel.

Naqvi said that there was also the uniform behind Iran’s visible success and ceasefire.

Pakistan downs Indian drone near Lahore’s Walton amid heightened tensions

 

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Prime Minister Sehbaz Sharif had played an important role in the Iran-Israel ceasefire, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Mohsin Naqvi said this while talking to a delegation of ulema during a meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday in connection with Muharram security.

The interior minister said that Allah Almighty provided “unseen help” in the war against India and there is no doubt about it that the Army Chief stood like a rock in the war against India.

The minister recalled the Army Chief had then said that India had suffered four times greater loss for attacking Pakistan.

Mohsin Naqvi said that the Indian population was not targeted by Pakistan forces while responding to the Indian aggression.

About Muharram security, Mohsin Naqvi said Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) does not belong to one sect only but to all. 

Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the vital role of religious scholars in maintaining law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram. He noted that the efforts of law-enforcement agencies are as important as those of religious scholars.

Underscoring the need for sectarian harmony, he said that invitation will also be extended to the religious scholars of all schools of thought to collectively offer Zohar prayer at Faisal Mosque on the 14th August this year.  He said this will deliver a message that we are all united.

He said harmony is very important during Muharram-ul-Haram and ulema always played a key role in maintaining peace and security during this month.

The role of ulema in establishing peace and security during Muharram is as important as that of security agencies, Mohsin Naqvi said.

Interior Minister said ulema are in constant contact with the administration during Muharram and even minor disputes are resolved by the ulema. “I am a witness to the fact that ulema have resolved many issues amicably,” Mohsin Naqvi added.

He further said “I also agree that one should not abandon one’s own religion and should not disturb the religion of others and we should spread this golden rule all over Pakistan because we are all Muslims.” 

This year, an exemplary Independence Day will be celebrated due to the victory that Allah Almighty has given us in the war and the government will also be fully represented on this occasion, Interior Minister said.

He said that terrorism is on the rise in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and “I wish that we get together and meet the ulema of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa so that they can play a vital role in eradicating the scourge.”

The role of all scholars in this regard is of utmost importance, Mohsin Naqvi said and added Insha’Allah, together we will eradicate terrorism from this country and make this country a cradle of peace.

In his remarks, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary underlined the need for unity to ensure law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram as well as to defeat the terrorist elements.

Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad said they are all united for the security of the country.

PAHALGAM, India: Hindus began a vast month-long pilgrimage in contested Indian Kashmir on Thursday, with many of the faithful starting from near the site where a deadly April attack triggered conflict with Pakistan.

Last year, half a million devotees took part in the Amarnath pilgrimage to a sacred ice pillar located in a cave in the forested Himalayan hills above the town of Pahalgam.

Pahalgam is the site where gunmen on April 22 killed 26 mostly Hindu tourists.

New Delhi said the gunmen were backed by Pakistan, claims Islamabad rejected — triggering a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic measures that escalated into a four-day conflict.

It was the worst standoff by the nuclear-armed nations since 1999, with more than 70 people killed in missile, drone and artillery fire on both sides, before a May 10 ceasefire.

But pilgrim Muneshwar Das Shashtri, who traveled from Uttar Pradesh state, told AFP “there is no fear of any kind.”

“Our army is standing guard everywhere. No one can raise a finger toward us,” he said.

India has ramped up security for the event, deploying 45,000 troops with high-tech surveillance tools overseeing the grueling trek to reach the high-altitude cave, dedicated to the Hindu deity of destruction Shiva.

“We have multi-layered and in-depth security arrangements so that we can make the pilgrimage safe and smooth for the devotees,” said VK Birdi, police chief for the Muslim-majority territory.

At Pahalgam, soldiers have turned a tented base camp into a fortress encircled by razor wire.

Troops in newly deployed armored cars, or from gun positions behind sandbags, keep a close watch — efforts boosted by facial recognition cameras.

“High-quality surveillance cameras have been installed at all major points along the route,” said Manoj Sinha, the Indian-appointed top administrator for Jammu and Kashmir.

All pilgrims must be registered and travel in guarded vehicle convoys, until they start out to walk.

Camouflaged bunkers have been erected in the forests along the route, where dozens of makeshift kitchens provide free food.

Electronic radio cards pinpoint their location.

Pilgrims can take several days to reach the cave, perched at 3,900 meters (12,800 feet) high, around 30 kilometers (18 miles) uphill from the last easily motorable track.

“Whatever the attack that was carried out here, I am not afraid. I have come to get a glimpse of baba (the ice formation)” said Ujwal Yadav, 29, from India’s Uttar Pradesh state, undertaking his first pilgrimage to the shrine.

“Such are the security arrangements here that no one can be hurt.”

Sinha has said that “public confidence is returning,” but admits that pilgrim registration had dipped by 10 percent this year.

Once a modest, little-known ritual, attended by only a few thousand mainly local devotees, the pilgrimage has grown since an armed insurgency erupted in 1989.

India’s government has since heavily promoted the annual event, which runs until August 9.

Rebels fighting against India’s control of Kashmir have said the pilgrimage is not a target, but have warned they would act if it was used to assert Hindu dominance.

In 2017, suspected rebels attacked a pilgrim bus, killing 11 people.

The gunmen who carried out the April 22 killings remain at large, despite the manhunt by security forces in Kashmir where India has half a million soldiers permanently deployed.

On June 22, India’s National Investigation Agency said two men had been arrested from the Pahalgam area who they said had “provided food, shelter and logistical support” to the gunmen.

Indian police have issued wanted notices for three of the gunmen, two of whom they said were Pakistani citizens. Pakistani has rejected the claim.

ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at improving the safety of commuters in the federal capital, the authorities have made helmet mandatory for motorcyclists and pillion passengers.

“The decision will be implemented after a two-week awareness campaign [after which] a fine will be imposed on both riders and pillion passengers for not wearing helmets,” said Islamabad Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Zeeshan Haider on Thursday.

With the requirement equally applying to both male and female motorcyclists, the official said that the move will increase the survival rate in accidents by 50%.

The development comes as motorcycles are a key source of affordable commute for people in the country, where over 40% of the population lives below the World Bank’s newly updated international poverty line, set at $4.20 per person per day.

However, despite proving to be a rather resourceful and practical means of travel, motorcycles are prone to accidents, which often prove to be fatal, occurring due to various reasons, including driver negligence and lack of safety measures such as helmets.

Even if the motorcycle rider is wearing a helmet, passengers rarely wear it — exposing them to harmful injuries and even death in case of an accident.

This is reflected in Karachi’s traffic situation where over 370 people have died and more than 5,500 have been wounded in various road accidents across Karachi — most of which involved motorcycle accidents — so far this year.

Meanwhile, the death toll from heavy traffic in the ongoing year stands at 138.

In 2024, the city recorded 775 deaths and 8,111 injuries from road accidents, the rescue sources said. 

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) has made it mandatory for both riders and passengers on motorcycles to wear helmets, irrespective of gender.

The announcement was made by Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Zeeshan Haider, who emphasized that the rule will be enforced following a two-week awareness campaign aimed at educating the public on road safety. “This decision applies to everyone male or female riding or accompanying on a motorcycle,” said Haider.

He explained that the two-week grace period will focus on raising awareness about the lifesaving benefits of helmets. After this phase, strict enforcement will begin, and violators will face fines for non-compliance with the “double-helmet” rule.

The CTO highlighted that helmet usage can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries or fatalities in road accidents. “Our priority is to ensure public safety. Wearing helmets is a proven measure that saves lives,” he added.

The move is part of ITP’s broader efforts to improve traffic discipline and reduce road accident casualties in the capital.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has credited the Prime Minister with playing an important role in facilitating a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, stating that “even behind the Iran-Israel ceasefire, there is the uniform,” in reference to the military’s involvement.

Addressing a gathering alongside Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, where religious scholars from all schools of thought were briefed on Muharram security arrangements, Naqvi thanked the clerics for their continued cooperation in maintaining peace.

He noted that the Chairman of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee consistently includes all sects in decision-making.

Naqvi emphasized the importance of religious harmony during Muharram, saying, “Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) belongs to everyone. Promoting unity is essential.”

Speaking on regional tensions, he commented that Pakistan made efforts to avoid civilian casualties during conflict with India. “One of our missiles struck an Indian oil depot but spared civilian areas. India ultimately suffered four times greater losses. With Allah’s help, we achieved victory, and this year we are celebrating Independence Day with four times more enthusiasm.”

Regarding the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Naqvi stressed that counterterrorism requires engagement with local communities and scholars, as their support is critical to eradicating militancy.

Echoing his remarks, Talal Chaudhry praised the scholars’ role in countering extremism and called for even greater involvement. He said security forces remain steadfast in fighting terrorism and urged the public to reject hatred, sectarianism, and the enemy’s agenda.

Chairman of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad also spoke on the occasion, highlighting Pakistan’s contributions to religious tolerance.

He stated that the country successfully countered Indian aggression during Operation Banyan al-Marsous and responded resolutely.

“Our friendly nation Iran responded forcefully to Israel, and Pakistan’s role in the Iran-Israel conflict has been significant,” he added. “Allah has blessed us with great successes.”