Category: 1. Pakistan

  • Civil, military leadership pay tributes to soldiers and martyrs as nation observes 60th Defence Day – Pakistan

    Civil, military leadership pay tributes to soldiers and martyrs as nation observes 60th Defence Day – Pakistan

    The country’s top military brass, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari have paid glowing tributes to soldiers and martyrs from the armed forces as the nation observes the 60th Defence Day today.

    The Defence Day is observed every year on September 6 to commemorate the legacy of the 1965 War, “when the Indian forces crossed international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled [the] nefarious designs of the enemy,” a report by the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan recalled.

    The report said commemoration began with a 31-gun salute in Islamabad and 21-gun salute in provincial capitals.

    “Special prayers were offered in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country, and independence of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir from the clutches of India,” it added.

    Karachi marked Defence Day with a changing of the guard at Quaid-i-Azam’s mausoleum, performed by a contingent from the Pakistan Air Force.

    DawnNewsTV broadcast images showing personnel marching, performing elaborate display drills, singing the national anthem and hoisting the flag at the Karachi landmark.

    Air Vice Marshal Shehryar Khan also attended the ceremony.

    A contingent of Pakistan Air Force personnel performs a parade to mark Defence Day at the Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi on September 6. — AFP

    In his address broadcast on DawnNewsTV, he said: “The people and protectors of Pakistan, whether they are on the battlefield, the frontiers or in the streets of our cities, are always prepared.

    “The recent operation Bunyanum Marsoos brought back the memory of September 6, 1965. It proved that if our armed forces and brave people stand together, then no power can defeat us

    “… Any act of aggression against Pakistan will be met with a befitting response. The score will not be 6-0, but, with the help of God, 60-0,” he added.

    In Lahore, a changing of the guard ceremony took place at Mazar-i-Iqbal, with Lahore Corps Commander Lieutenant General Fayyaz Hussain Shah attending as the chief guest, according to state broadcaster PTV News.

    “The corps commander visited Iqbal’s mausoleum, where he laid a wreath of flowers and recited the fatiha,” the report read.

    PTV News added that the occasion was commemorated with a 21-gun salute, as well as a gun salute by a contingent from the Pakistan Army.

    ‘Courage of fearless heroes continues to inspire future generations’

    A statement issued by the military’s media affairs wing in relevance to the day said that on behalf of the armed forces, Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid tributes and “offered their deepest respect to the valiant martyrs and their families on the 60th Defence and Martyrs’ Day”.

    “September 6, 1965, epitomises the unflinching resolve and unshakeable spirit of the Pakistani nation. On this historic day, our brave soldiers, with the support of nation, stood like an insurmountable wall against blatant aggression, thwarting the nefarious designs of an enemy far superior in arms and numbers.

    “The feats of heroic valour and sacrifice left an indelible message on the sands of time, that a united nation can never be defeated,” it added.

    The statement further stated that the “courage of our fearless heroes continues to inspire future generations and their legacy shall live on forever”.

    An Uqaab Force commando stands guard outside Mazar-i-Quaid in Karachi on September 6, during celebrations to mark Defence Day. — AFP

    “Today, the nation honours and salutes its martyrs, its ghazis and their resilient families who have offered unparalleled sacrifices for the security of this great country,” it said.

    Recalling that the armed forces had stood resolutely against external aggression and terrorism and “have always supported the people of Pakistan in calamities and natural disasters”, it expressed their resolve to extend all-out support to people affected by the recent floods.

    Referring to the calamity, it said the Defence Day would be observed with “utmost humility”.

    The statement further read: “Today, we reaffirm our pledge to uphold the sacred responsibility entrusted to us by the nation. Pakistan’s armed forces remain ever vigilant and prepared to defend the country against all kinds of threats. Any attempt to disrupt our hard-earned peace will be met with a befitting and decisive response.”

    Messages from political leadership

    In separate messages ahead of Sept 6, PM Shehbaz and President Zardari reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty, countering external threats, and building a united, prosperous future.

    They also recalled the 1965 War with India, noting that Pakistan’s valiant armed forces, with the full support of the people, had thwarted enemy aggression, proving that the country possesses the will and capacity to defend its independence and integrity.

    Highlighting the recent Oper­ation Bunyanum Marsoos, Marka-i-Haq, PM Shehbaz lauded the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force for their unmatched professionalism and combat skills under the strategic leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir.

    He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and constructive international engagement but war­ned against ignoring the reality of continuous Indian provocations and shifting regional dynamics.

    Expressing solidarity with the oppressed people of occupied Kashmir, the prime minister reiterated unwavering support for their struggle for self-determination, stressing that it cannot be suppressed by force.

    He also strongly condemned ongoing Israeli aggression in Palestine and urged the international community to ensure the protection of civilians and uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza.

    In a separate message posted on X today, the premier said Pakistan’s policy of peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with the world, as well as the nation’s commitment to strengthening and modernising defence capabilities.

    He asserted that Pakistan remained committed to the policy of peaceful coexistence and constructive engagement with the world.

    “Yet, we cannot be oblivious to the reality of persistent Indian provocations and the changing regional environment. We shall continue to strengthen and modernise our defence capabilities, while also confronting the twin menace of state-sponsored terrorism and foreign proxies operating within our borders,” he added.

    Earlier, President Zardari, in his message, paid tribute to the valiant sacrifices of the nation’s armed forces and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its defence and sovereignty.

    He described September 6 as a glorious chapter in the country’s history and emphasised that the spirit of sacrifice from the 1965 War continued to serve as a guiding light for future generations.

    The president highlighted the significance of this year’s Defence Day in light of the recent Operation Bunyanum Marsoos conducted in May 2025 against India.

    “Just as our courageous forces demonstrated extraordinary valour and dedication in 1965, our sons once again proved their unmatched bravery during this year’s operation,” he said.

    Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that Sept 6 was a “historic day of courage and bravery, when the martyrs, the veterans and the nation together made Pakistan invincible”.

    Naqvi said that from Kasur to Lahore and from Sialkot to Kashmir, the Pakistan Army had given a “befitting response to the enemy at every front with unmatched courage and unwavering resolve”.

    He underscored that Sept 6 was the renewal of the pledge that the country’s sanctity would never be compromised.

    In his message today, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari posted on X that on Defence Day, “we honour our martyrs, their families, our ghazis, and the resilient people of Pakistan whose sacrifices shaped our destiny.”

    He added, “Our people have stood the test of time, weathering aggression, terrorism, and calamities with courage and integrity. This legacy of sacrifice and resilience continues to guide our unity and confidence in Pakistan’s future.”

    Continue Reading

  • ISPR releases new patriotic song Allah Hu on occasion of Defense and Martyrs Day – RADIO PAKISTAN

    1. ISPR releases new patriotic song Allah Hu on occasion of Defense and Martyrs Day  RADIO PAKISTAN
    2. Civil, military leadership pay tributes to soldiers and martyrs as nation observes 60th Defence Day  Dawn
    3. Defence Day marked in SW  ptv.com.pk
    4. The finest hour  Geo.tv
    5. Patriotic spirit of our forefathers still in our veins: Bilawal  Dunya News

    Continue Reading

  • Eid Milad-ul-Nabi صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ being celebrated today – RADIO PAKISTAN

    1. Eid Milad-ul-Nabi صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ being celebrated today  RADIO PAKISTAN
    2. Nation celebrates Eid Miladun Nabi in commemoration of Holy Prophet’s 1,500th birth anniversary  Dawn
    3. Nation celebrates Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) with religious fervour  The Express Tribune
    4. PM Shehbaz vows to rebuild Pakistan on golden principles of Prophet’s life  Dunya News
    5. Eid-e-Milad-Un-Nabi 2025 in India: 150+ wishes, heartfelt Eid Mubarak status in Urdu and Hindi to share with family  Hindustan Times

    Continue Reading

  • DGPR Navy Commodore Ahmed Hussain promoted as Rear Admiral

    DGPR Navy Commodore Ahmed Hussain promoted as Rear Admiral

    Islamabad  –  Director General of Public Relations Navy (DGPR Navy) Commodore Ahmed Hussain SI(M) has been promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. Rear Admiral Ahmed Hussain SI(M) has a vast experience of various command and staff appointments including command of PN Ships. He has also commanded US led CTF-151 at Bahrain. Rear Admiral Ahmed Hussain, recognized with the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Military) for his distinguished service, has played a pivotal role in maintaining transparency and communications between the Pakistan Navy and the public. His duties include briefing media, overseeing outreach campaigns, and conveying the institution’s strategic messaging across national platforms. His promotion comes at a time when naval communication has become increasingly critical, amid global and regional security challenges and maritime developments.


    Continue Reading

  • US yet to approve any help following Afghanistan earthquake, sources say

    US yet to approve any help following Afghanistan earthquake, sources say


    WASHINGTON: After months of campaigning for the Nobel Peace Prize, President Donald Trump sent a sharply different message on Friday when he signed an executive order aimed at rebranding the Department of Defense as the Department of War.

    Trump said the switch was intended to signal to the world that the United States was a force to be reckoned with, and he complained that the Department of Defense’s name was “woke.”

    “I think it sends a message of victory. I think it sends, really, a message of strength,” Trump said of the change as he authorized the Department of War as a secondary title for the Pentagon.

    Congress has to formally authorize a new name, and several of Trump’s closest supporters on Capitol Hill proposed legislation earlier Friday to codify the new name into law.

    But already there were cosmetic shifts. The Pentagon’s website went from “defense.gov” to “war.gov.” Signs were swapped around Hegseth’s office while more than a dozen employees watched. Trump said there would be new stationery, too.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom Trump has begun referring to as the “secretary of war,” said during the signing ceremony that “we’re going to go on offense, not just on defense,” using “maximum lethality” that won’t be “politically correct.”

    The attempted rebranding was another rhetorical salvo in Trump’s efforts to reshape the US military and uproot what he has described as progressive ideology. Bases have been renamed, transgender soldiers have been banned and websites have been scrubbed of posts honoring contributions by women and minorities to the armed forces.

    He’s also favored aggressive — critics say illegal — military action despite his criticism of “endless wars” under other administrations. He frequently boasts about the stealth bomber strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, and he recently ordered the destruction of a boat that the US says was carrying drugs off the coast of Venezuela.

    The Republican president insisted that his tough talk didn’t contradict his fixation on being recognized for diplomatic efforts, saying peace must be made from a position of strength. Trump has claimed credit for resolving conflicts between India and Pakistan; Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; and Armenia and Azerbaijan, among others. (He’s also expressed frustration that he hasn’t brought the war between Russia and Ukraine to a conclusion as fast as he wanted.)

    “I think I’ve gotten peace because of the fact that we’re strong,” Trump said, echoing the “peace through strength” motto associated with President Ronald Reagan

    When Trump finished his remarks on the military, he dismissed Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from the room.

    “I’m going to let these people go back to the Department of War and figure out how to maintain peace,” Trump said.

    Florida Republican Rep. Greg Steube proposed legislation in the House to formally change the name of the department.

    “From 1789 until the end of World War II, the United States military fought under the banner of the Department of War,” Steube, an Army veteran, said in a statement. “It is only fitting that we pay tribute to their eternal example and renowned commitment to lethality by restoring the name of the ‘Department of War’ to our Armed Forces.”

    Sens. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Mike Lee, R-Utah, are introducing companion legislation in the Senate.

    The Department of War was created in 1789, then renamed and reorganized through legislation signed by President Harry Truman in 1947, two years after the end of World War II. The Department of Defense incorporated the Department of War, which oversaw the Army, plus the Department of the Navy and the newly created independent Air Force.

    Hegseth complained that “we haven’t won a major war since” the name was changed. Trump said, “We never fought to win.”

    Trump and Hegseth have long talked about restoring the Department of War name.

    In August, Trump told reporters that “everybody likes that we had an unbelievable history of victory when it was Department of War. Then we changed it to Department of Defense.”

    When confronted with the possibility that making the name change would require an act of Congress, Trump told reporters that “we’re just going to do it.”

    “I’m sure Congress will go along,” he said, “if we need that.”

    Trump and Hegseth have been on a name-changing spree at the Pentagon, sometimes by sidestepping legal requirements.

    For example, they wanted to restore the names of nine military bases that once honored Confederate leaders, which were changed in 2023 following a congressionally mandated review.

    Because the original names were no longer allowed under law, Hegseth ordered the bases to be named after new people with similar names. For example, Fort Bragg now honors Army Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, a World War II paratrooper and Silver Star recipient from Maine, instead of Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg.

    In the case of Fort A.P. Hill, named for Confederate Lt. Gen. Ambrose Powell Hill, the Trump administration was forced to choose three soldiers to make the renaming work.

    The base now honors Union soldiers Pvt. Bruce Anderson and 1st Sgt. Robert A. Pinn, who contributes the two initials, and Lt. Col. Edward Hill, whose last name completes the second half of the base name.

    The move irked Republicans in Congress who, in July, moved to ban restoring any Confederate names in this year’s defense authorization bill.

    Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, a Republican who co-sponsored the earlier amendment to remove the Confederate names, said that “what this administration is doing, particularly this secretary of defense, is sticking his finger in the eye of Congress by going back and changing the names to the old names.”

     

    Continue Reading

  • ‘Caught on camera’: Pakistan’s jailed former PM Imran Khan’s sister hit with egg – Video

    ‘Caught on camera’: Pakistan’s jailed former PM Imran Khan’s sister hit with egg – Video

    Screengrab of the incident from video (X/@dauranbaloch1)

    Aleema Khan, sister of Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, was attacked with an egg while addressing reporters outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail on Friday.A video of the episode has gone viral on social media, showing the egg hitting Aleema as she spoke to the media.Supporters of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party quickly apprehended two women accused of throwing the eggs and handed them over to police, news agency PTI reported.Rawalpindi police said the arrested women were PTI party supporters who had travelled with members of the All-Government Employees Grand Alliance to protest against unmet demands. The statement added that the egg was thrown after Aleema did not respond to questions from the two women. Both were later taken into custody and moved to the Adiala checkpoint.PTI condemned the act as “shameful,” alleging the women were planted for political motives and accusing police of helping them escape in a car. “The women were sent to Aleema’s media talk as part of an agenda,” the party said.Leaders across the political spectrum criticized the attack.Balochistan National Party-Mengal chief Akhtar Mengal condemned the act, calling it “the lowest form of politics.” He said, “Even in enmity, a woman deserves dignity. Targeting women is the lowest form of politics, and this cheap stunt must be condemned in the strongest words.”Federal minister for development Ahsan Iqbal said, “Politics must remain a contest of ideas, not of violence or hatred. We should all work to keep it healthy and respectful.”Meanwhile, PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique described the incident as “shameful, vile and crude.”Imran Khan has been in prison for more than two years facing multiple charges. In January 2025, a Pakistani tribunal sentenced the former prime minister to 14 years in prison, while his wife, Bushra Bibi, received a seven-year sentence in connection with a corruption case involving land graft.The allegations centred on the acceptance of land from a property magnate in exchange for facilitating money laundering during Khan’s tenure as prime minister.Prior to this verdict, Khan had received three separate convictions related to corruption, disclosure of state secrets, and violations of marriage laws, carrying sentences of 10, 14 and seven years respectively.


    Continue Reading

  • Millions displaced but peace still elusive, says Fazl – Newspaper

    Millions displaced but peace still elusive, says Fazl – Newspaper

    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

    Continue Reading

  • Hybrid failures – Newspaper – DAWN.COM

    Hybrid failures – Newspaper – DAWN.COM

    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

    Continue Reading

  • Nine judicial officers terminated for misconduct, corruption – Newspaper

    Nine judicial officers terminated for misconduct, corruption – Newspaper

    PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Attique Shah has dismissed from service nine judicial officers, who were restored early this year, as they were found guilty of ‘misconduct, corruption, and inefficiency’ in a fresh inquiry against them.

    The dismissed judicial officers include four additional district and sessions judges Malik Amjid Rahim, Manzoor Qadir, Qaiser Rahim and Ms Riffat Aamir; four senior civil judges named Safeer Qaiser Malik, Adil Akbar Khan, Rashid Rauf Swati and Shah Hussain, and a civil judge Tasawar Hussain.

    The high court had initiated disciplinary proceedings under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2011 on charges of misconduct, corruption, and inefficiency against the said officers, according to a press release issued here on Friday.

    The inquiry into the charges was conducted by a PHC judge, who found the officers guilty and recommended the imposition of a major penalty.

    PHC CJ imposes major penalty after inquiry

    “Upon receipt of the inquiry report, the chief justice, being the competent authority, issued final show-cause notices and afforded each officer an opportunity of personal hearing,” the release stated.

    “After hearing the accused officers, the chief justice found them guilty of the charges and imposed the major penalty of dismissal from service,” it concluded.

    It merits a mention here that the said officers were reinstated in April this year after eight years of their removal from service orders, which were set aside last year by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Subordinate Judiciary Service Tribunal.

    A notification was issued for their reinstatement by the high court stating that in pursuance of the judgment of the Subordinate Judiciary Service Tribunal of July 26, 2024, and recommendations of the administration committee of the high court given in a meeting on April 8, 2025, the competent authority (chief justice) had reinstated the said judicial officers.

    However, the notification provided that their reinstatement would be without any back-dated benefits and would be subject to the outcome of de-novo inquiry proceedings against them as well as pending appeals filed by the high court before the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

    While terminating their services along with two other judicial officers in April 2017, the high court had announced that those judges had violated the disciplinary law.

    At that time, Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi was the chief justice of the high court.

    The high court had declared that after those judicial officers were found guilty, the chief justice with the concurrence of the administration committee had imposed the major penalty of removal from service on them.

    Last year, the service tribunal had ordered reinstatement of 11 judicial officers, including the present nine officers and a district and sessions judge, Sardar Mohammad Irshad and an additional district and sessions judge, Abdul Hakeem Hashmi.

    However, as Sardar Irshad had attained the age of superannuation and Abdul Hakeem had passed away, therefore, their names were not included in the reinstatement notification.

    These judicial officers had contended before the tribunal that merely over allegations about their general reputation, social contacts and conduct they could not be removed from service.

    Full court meeting

    A full court meeting of the judges of the Peshawar High Court was held here on Friday under the chairmanship of Chief Justice SM Attique Shah.

    The chief justice apprised the judges of the initiatives undertaken to ensure expeditious and comprehensive dispensation of justice.

    He emphasised the vigorous application of information and computer technology-based solutions to address challenges relating to court and case management, enhance facilitation for litigants, and safeguard people’s fundamental rights.

    The judges reaffirmed their commitment to translating the chief justice’s vision into reality within the shortest possible time.

    The chief justice expressed satisfaction over the performance of the district judiciary, acknowledging both the quality and quantity of their output as well as their sense of duty and commitment.

    He also appreciated the constructive role of the bar as an integral partner in the administration of justice.

    He also recognised the contribution of the court staff, and said that individuals found indulging in malpractice would soon be dealt with firmly.

    A comprehensive agenda comprising 20 items was deliberated upon during the full court meeting.

    The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution that the new judicial year would usher in greater achievements and continued success for the institution.

    Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2025

    Continue Reading

  • Water in rivers is receding but we must remain fully prepared, says Murad – Newspaper

    Water in rivers is receding but we must remain fully prepared, says Murad – Newspaper

    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

    Continue Reading