Category: 1. Pakistan

LAHORE / ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday hailed US President Donald Trump’s involvement in stopping the war between Pakistan and India, calling it a “big diplomatic achievement” for Pakistan.

“US President Mr Trump has said that he got the war between Pakistan and India stopped. There is no achievement bigger than this diplomatic achievement,” PM Shehbaz said while speaking at a gathering after inaugurating the upgraded Pak Business Express and newly introduced passenger facilities at Lahore railway station.

“We are streamlining our relations with the United States,” he added.

On Pakistan’s relations with China, PM Shehbaz said work was underway on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. “We are in full coordination with China on the CPEC-2,” he said.

Lauds railways for upgrading dining facilities and other services like Wi-Fi

He also highlighted improvements in Pakistan’s economic performance, including a drop in inflation from 38pc to 5pc and a reduction in the policy rate to 11pc.

Railway ‘progress’

In his address, the prime minister acknowledged the deterioration of Pakistan’s railway system, once considered a model for public transport. “The railway system in Pakistan was once the best, but unfortunately, it faced destruction,” he said, adding that he had appointed Hanif Abbasi as Minister for Railways to address these issues.

PM Shehbaz applauded the railways for upgrading its passenger services, including the introduction of Wi-Fi, escalators, modern dining rooms and clean washrooms, as well as the ending of obsolete ticket checking and purchasing systems. He stressed the need for further digitisation to meet future goals.

He asked Mr Abbasi to revive international freight services through goods train operations and commended the improvements in cleanliness and the provision of ATMs at railway stations.

Mr Abbasi, in his address, discussed ongoing developments in the railway sector, including digitisation, new coaches and the expansion of online ticketing services. He stressed that the railways had earned Rs93 billion in revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year, with support from provincial governments for infrastructure improvements.

Kyrgyzstan ties

PM Shehbaz on Tuesday also met with a high-level delegation from Kyrgyzstan, led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Edil Baisalov, to discuss bilateral cooperation.

The delegation is in Pakistan for the 5th Session of the Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan Joint Intergovernmental Commission (IGC), aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The premier welcomed the delegation and praised the successful convening of the IGC session. He appreciated the signing of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs), which he believed would enhance trade, energy cooperation, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges between the two nations.

SCO visit

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz is expected to head to China today (Wednesday) to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, PM Office sources said.

He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Chinese leadership during the visit and will also meet world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The PM has convened the federal cabinet’s meeting today (Wednesday).

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has called for a review of pension regulations, which it said were “built on patriarchal assumptions” and perpetuate stereotypes about women.

The remarks came from Justice Ayesha A. Malik , who was a member of the two-judge bench alongside Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, which decided the Sindh government’s appeal against a Feb 27 decision of the Sindh High Court (SHC) Circuit Bench Larkana.

The case was brought by Sorath Fatima, whose father was an employee of the Road and Transport Department, Sindh.

He died in February 2002 and his pension was awarded to his widow — Ms Fatima’s mother — who also died in December 2012.

Ms Fatima, being an unmarried daughter, sought the pension of her father, which she received until she married.

However, when Ms Fatima’s marriage ended in August 2022, she sought the resumption of her father’s pension on the grounds that being a divorced daughter, she was entitled to it.

The Sindh government denied her application, and Ms Fatima challenged the decision before the SHC, which ruled in her favour. The Sindh government then appealed against the decision in the Supreme Court.

In the 10-page judgment, Justice Malik expressed the concern that a daughter’s entitlment to pension depended entirely on her marital status.

“This dependency model reveals that there is a systematic bias that treats a daughter as a dependent, with her financial dependency shifting from parent to spouse,” the judgment added.

This assumption not only perpetuated “stereotypical mindset about women being dependent members” but also fails to recognise women as individuals or “autonomous individuals” who can be financially independent.

It is also based in the “flawed belief” that unmarried or divorced women are financially dependent, while married women are financially secure, the judgment highlighted.

Justice Malik said pension was an “earned right” passed onto the legal heirs of a deceased government servant.

Justice Malik emphasised the need to revisit pension law and remove marital status as a condition for entitlement.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2025

• Panel told recent price fluctuations yielded Rs300bn profit for mills; chairman says ‘only 42 families’ benefitted
• Officials’ reluctance to share names of mill owners with lawmakers draws rebuke
• Committee told Rs150m spent out of Rs1.95bn allocated for flood awareness campaign, rest of the money diverted

ISLAMABAD: Amid a hike in sugar price, the Public Accounts Committee was informed on Tuesday that the sugar mills have earned Rs300 billion due to recent fluctuations in the rates of the essential commodity.

The Auditor General of Pakistan made these revelations during the meeting of the apex parliamentary panel, which convened the high-stakes session to review the sugar import and export policy, rising prices, and the lack of transparency in the sugar industry.

The PAC met under the chairmanship of Junaid Akbar Khan and it was briefed by Industries and Production Secretary Saif Anjum, who stated that price regulation and relevant laws fell under provincial jurisdictions.

He revealed that from 2013 to 2023, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) permitted sugar exports amounting to 5.09 million metric tonnes, of which 3.927 million tonnes were actually exported. In 2023-24 alone, the country had a surplus of 1.3 million tonnes, and 790,000 tonnes were cleared for export, the secretary said, adding that the price remained “stable”.

However, the PAC members expressed serious concern, citing ground realities. Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan and other members, including Omar Ayub and Senator Fauzia Arshad, contradicted the government’s claims about the commodity.

Omar Ayub reported that sugar was selling for over Rs200 per kilogramme in many regions, while National Food Secu­rity Secr­etary Amir Mohy­uddin maintained the national average was Rs173. According to Senator Fauzia Arshad, sugar had become both scarce and unaffordable.

‘Cycle of mismanagement’

Mr Akbar, meanwhile, slammed the cycle of mismanagement, stating, “Every year we repeat the same drama: first export (sugar), then import it.”

The PTI lawmaker questioned the lack of transparency, asking, “Who owns these sugar mills?” The committee had requested a list of owners, but the industries secretary said only directors’ names were available.

The committee rejected this explanation, demanding complete records. It warned, “No further briefings will be accepted without disclosure of owners.”

The Sugar Advisory Board (SAB) also drew flak for failing to regulate the industry effectively. “This is daylight robbery,” said MNA Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood, citing massive profiteering and poor governance. “Rs287 billion have gone into a few pockets,” claimed MNA Riaz Fatyana, while others accused the president and prime minister of allegedly protecting the profiteers.

The Federal Board of Revenue officials told the panel that a list of mills’ directors had been obtained, but the lawmakers sought full ownership transparency, leading to heated exchanges among the members.

Malik Amir Dogar named President Asif Ali Zardari, Jahangir Tareen, and the ruling Sharif family as major sugar mill stakeholders, leading to fiery arguments with fellow lawmakers Shazia Marri, Afnanullah Khan, and Bilal Mandokhail.

PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan noted that only 42 families profited from this massive windfall. “Why is no one else allowed to set up sugar mills?” he questioned, pointing to the concentration of ownership and lack of competition.

PAC member Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood highlighted that sugar was currently available in India at the equivalent of Rs143/kg, much cheaper than local prices.

The food secretary responded that the reduction in sales and other taxes was intended to make sugar more affordable. However, he warned that an import duty of Rs80 per kg would naturally make imported sugar more expensive.

The PAC chairman also questioned the rationale behind importing sugar despite claims from all provinces that ample stock was available. “If there was enough stock, why was the decision made to import it?” he asked.

Regarding sugar stocks, officials claimed 1.9 million tonnes were available, which will last till November. Nonetheless, PAC members voiced concern about potential spoilage and stressed the need for careful planning ahead of the next crushing season. The government had approved the import of 300,000 tons of sugar to stabilise the supply, while pledging it would not affect farmers or involve previous export destinations.

The PAC members reiterated that the issue would not be dropped until full transparency over sugar mill ownership and profit beneficiaries was achieved. Separately, the PAC scrutinised Rs1.95 billion supplementary grant allocated to the Press Information Department for a flood awareness campaign. Audit officials revealed that only Rs150 million was spent on the campaign, while the rest was diverted elsewhere. The matter was referred to a subcommittee for investigation.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2025

• Seat falls vacant after order
• Chitral MNA decries conviction based on ‘political vendetta’
• Gohar warns commission to stick to Constitution
• ECP official says appeals process remains open

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday disqualified Abdul Latif, a PTI MNA from the NA-1 constituency (Upper and Lower Chitral), raising questions over the haste with which a flurry of similar decisions have been taken in recent days.

The move comes just a day after three other PTI lawmakers were disqualified, including a senator and the leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly.

In a notification, the ECP said that under its July 29 order, Mr Latif was disqualified in accordance with Article 63(1h) of the Constitution. His seat in the National Assembly has become vacant following the disqualification.

In May, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Islamabad sentenced Mr Latif and four others to 27 years in prison for their involvement in the May 9, 2023, attack on the Ramna police station. The verdict was announced by ATC Special Court-II Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, who found the accused guilty of arson, violence and attacking law enforcement personnel during the riots.

Earlier on Tuesday, a five-member bench of the commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja heard a reference, a representation and a complaint to de-seat Chitrali on the basis of Anti-Terrorism Court verdict of May 30, 2025. The bench reserved judgement, which was placed on its website after office hours.

“Deriving wisdom from the referred judgement wherein it has been held that “where there is a conviction recorded by a competent court against a person who is a member of the Parliament which has attained finality, the role and function of the Election Commission is confined to issuing notification of disqualification of the concerned member on the basis of the verdict of the Court,” it reads.

Despite his conviction, a firebrand Mr Latif denied the charges, claiming he was wrongfully convicted in retaliation for refusing a Rs2 billion bribe to support the “controversial” 26th Constitutional Amendment. Mr Latif described the conviction as politically motivated, calling it an act of vengeance.

‘Democracy at stake’

PTI leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed concerns over the disqualification of PTI lawmakers, warning that “democracy is at stake”.

Talking to a private TV channel, he acknowledged the growing concerns regarding the way political trials have been conducted, hinting that the situation had been clear from the beginning.

“We could see the writing on the wall,” he added.

The PTI leader also asked the ECP to refrain from justifying its actions and instead “follow the Constitution and the law”.

Appeals ‘open’

When asked for comment, a senior ECP official clarified that under the Constitution, a parliamentarian stood disqualified from office following a conviction.

The official explained that while the right to appeal remains intact even after disqualification, the disqualified member’s seat remains vacant until a court ruling overturns the conviction.

The official noted that if a member receives interim relief from a high court, which suspends the sentence, the disqualification remains in place. However, should higher courts overturn the conviction, the ECP would restore the individual’s victory notification.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2025

• IHC bench explains reasons for suspending earlier order directing govt to form probe body
• Mysterious woman accused of ‘trapping’ accused men surfaces in court

ISLAMABAD: A two-judge bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has said any commission formed to investigate the alleged misuse of the blasphemy law could interfere in cases pending before other courts.

The judges on Tuesday explained the reasons for suspending a single bench’s order in the high-profile case.

The now-suspended judgement was issued by Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan after 42 hearings in the case whose proceedings were streamed live, in a divergence from the norm.

It directed the federal government to establish an inquiry commission within 30 days to investigate the allegations of entrapment, custodial deaths, flawed investigations and violations of fundamental rights.

The order, issued on July 15, said nearly 400 FIRs and around 700 individuals were implicated for allegedly committing blasphemy online.

The court also flagged irregularities in FIA’s investigations, including the reuse of Facebook IDs across multiple FIRs, same-day arrests and FIR registrations, private detentions and the use of unverified digital evidence.

Last week, an IHC bench comprising Justices Khadim Hussain Soomro and Mohammad Azam Khan heard appeals challenging the single-bench’s ruling.

After a preliminary hearing, the bench suspended for a month the order to form the commission.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the two-judge bench noted the nearly 400 blasphemy cases, at the heart of this issue, were registered nationwide.

The trials in most of these cases had already concluded, resulting in either convictions or acquittals. In some cases, appeals have been filed against those decisions that are currently pending before various high courts.

The order stated that forming an inquiry commission in such a context could interfere with pending, potentially rendering the legal process “ineffective”.

Interim or final order

The two-judge bench also clarified that Justice Khan’s order was final as it had allowed the plea to establish the commission.

The question over the order’s status was raised during the last hearing when the petitioners’ lawyer claimed the case was initially decided but the written verdict stated it would remain pending.

The division bench further clarified that although intra-court appeals are typically not filed against interim orders, the single bench’s ruling was final in nature as it had allowed the plea to establish the commission.

‘Mysterious’ woman

Also on Tuesday, a woman named Komal Ismail also appeared before the division bench along with her lawyer.

She is accused of honey-trapping the victims using a false social media identity by the name of “Imaan”.

In a hearing earlier this month, Justice Khan directed the FIA to block her national identity card after she repeatedly failed to appear before the court.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Ms Ismail’s counsel argued her client was not a party in the main case, yet her CNIC was blocked and her name placed on the Exit Control List.

Justice Soomro responded that Ms Ismail had only been asked to appear before the investigating officer and questioned the harm in complying with that direction.

The bench emphasised that while the case involving Ms Ismail remained under investigation, the court would not interfere in the matter.

Later, the court linked Ms Ismail’s applications with the already pending intra-court appeals and adjourned the hearing.

Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2025

Amnesty International called on Pakistan’s authorities on Tuesday to end the systemic discrimination and human rights violations against sanitation workers in the country, following the release of a new report.

The organization emphasized how these abuses violate Pakistan’s obligations under international law and urged authorities to amend existing laws to align with international norms.

The report revealed that sanitation workers in Pakistan faced discriminatory practices based on religion and caste. This situation was further compounded by dangerous working conditions and a lack of adequate labor laws. According to the rights group, a significant number of interviewed workers reported experiencing stigmatization due to their profession in the sanitation sector, which is often viewed as a caste-designated occupation linked to religious minorities like Dalits or Christians. They also reportedly faced discrimination in public, including segregation in eating establishments.

Discrimination was also apparent during the recruitment of sanitation workers, who claimed that they were offered lower job positions due to their diminished social status. Female sanitation workers were paid less than their male counterparts and were more likely to work in the informal sector. The report further revealed how employers tended to avoid offering steady employment, depriving workers of job security, benefits, and legal protections such as fair pay and social security.

Workers often lacked access to safety equipment, leading many to develop health issues like allergies and breathing problems. Despite these risks, interviewed workers stated they could not refuse or quit their jobs due to job insecurity and feared sudden employment termination. The group pressured Pakistani authorities to take legal and practical measures to protect sanitation workers from all forms of discrimination, including those based on religion and caste.

Amnesty International conducted a report with the Pakistani human rights organization Centre for Law and Justice for which they interviewed sanitation workers who experienced discrimination and human rights violations between February and September 2024 in various regions of the country.

Reporters urged the Pakistani government to review existing labor laws and make necessary amendments to comply with international human rights obligations. This includes implementing national legislation that prohibits caste-based discrimination, ends discriminatory recruitment practices, and addresses issues of mistreatment and worker safety.

Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) stipulates that all individuals are equal before the law which should prohibit discrimination and guarantee equal protection. Additionally, the Discrimination Convention of the International Labour Organization (ILO) forbids exclusions or preferences based on race, religion, or social origin.

Pakistan has previously faced criticism for discrimination against religious minorities and has received international pressure to enact legislative reforms to protect these individuals from all forms of abuse. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported in June that Pakistan’s “blasphemy laws” were misused in a discriminatory manner to persecute religious minorities. In July, the UN condemned increasing violence against vulnerable communities due to their religion or beliefs, urging the Pakistani government to implement proactive measures to prevent assaults on religious minorities and their places of worship.

After a calm of about two years, authorities in the twin cities are once again trying to bring stability to the currency market. Several meetings have been held over the past few days – the first with exchange companies, the second with bank presidents in the presence of the SBP Governor and Finance Minister, followed by operational-level engagements that also included grey market players.

The objective is simple: stop the currency from depreciating. The general sentiment among bankers is that authorities believe the fair value of the PKR/USD is 250, and they are concerned about the recent depreciation. The aim is to address the issue administratively and encourage banks to play an active role in maintaining currency market stability.

In September 2023, when there was widespread panic and the interbank PKR/USD rate touched 307 while the open market rate hovered around 330, authorities cracked down on smuggling and hundi-hawala networks. The danda worked then, and within a few weeks, the PKR/USD fell below 280—hovering around similar levels since.

Banks were instructed to establish their own exchange companies, while licenses of dubious firms were cancelled, and the grey market nearly vanished. Consequently, inflows into the interbank market improved, and SBP began buying dollars—reportedly $12–14 billion over the last eighteen months. Banks were asked to manage outflows (import payments) through their own inflows (exports and remittances). SBP continued buying from surplus banks and, in most cases, did not allow deficit banks to purchase from the interbank market.

Lately, however, a partial revival in economic demand—due in part to interest rates being slashed by half—has led to rising imports and, broadly, increased foreign currency demand in the interbank market. Meanwhile, growth in home remittances (up from $27.3 billion in FY23 to $38.3 billion in FY25) is tapering off.

In addition to administrative efforts to curb money laundering, a fiscal subsidy (shared between banks and remitting partners) also contributed to enhanced flows through formal channels. But its continuation in FY26 is unclear—no allocation has been budgeted. Inflows dropped significantly in July, even as imports rose, resulting in a supply shortage.

With the currency moving at a snail’s pace, banks began settling import payments (including for oil) at a premium to the interbank rate. This caused open market rates to drift upward—reaching close to 290 last week.

That prompted authorities to intervene. However, there is no foul play this time, nor is there panic in the market. Hence, little can be achieved through these meetings. What is required is the supply of foreign currency through external debt or foreign direct investment. The alternative is to contain imports via policy tools (such as higher interest rates) and pressure banks to tighten L/C openings.

But that cannot happen if the goal is to revive growth and employment. You cannot have your cake and eat it too. Over the past two years, economic strangulation allowed SBP to buy dollars and rebuild reserves. Revival, however, will only occur if SBP supports the interbank market and allows it to function independently. At the same time, reserves should continue to build—and for that, authorities must work to attract foreign investment and debt inflows.

RAWALPINDI:

A local court on Tuesday granted an additional four-day physical remand for the arrested rickshaw driver and sent two other suspects in the honour killing case of 17-year-old Sidra to Adiala Jail on a 14-day judicial remand.

Ms Sidra was murdered allegedly by her family members following the decision of an illegal jirga in Ziaul Haq Colony in Pirwadhai police limits.

Civil Judge Qamar Abbas Tarrar granted an additional four-day physical remand for rickshaw driver, Khayal Muhammad, ordering that he be presented again on Friday, August 1.

However, the court rejected the police request for further remand of the two other accused – gravedigger Rashid Mehmood and cemetery secretary Saifur Rehman – instead placing them on 14-day judicial remand and sending them to Adiala Jail. The suspects are scheduled to appear in court again on August 11, with investigators stating that their interrogation has been completed.

On Monday, during the exhumation of Ms Sidra’s body, forensic samples were collected.

The following day, these samples were hand-delivered to the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) via a special dispatch. Given the gravity of the case, authorities have formally requested that the forensic analysis be expedited and the results returned on a priority basis.

In a related breakthrough, the investigation team recovered the large red loader rickshaw used to transport Sidra’s body from her residence to the cemetery. The vehicle, found in a concealed parking location, was seized by police and formally impounded.

The court has also directed that a headstone bearing Ms Sidra’s name be placed on her grave, and that her burial details be officially recorded in the cemetery register. Sources associated with the ongoing investigation claim that all seven suspects currently in custody have confessed to their involvement in the crime.