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ISLAMABAD: The federal government has initiated steps to launch a high-speed rail service between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, aiming to reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion and provide affordable transport to residents of the twin cities.

A high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquartersto finalise key aspects of the project, with the participation of Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry and senior officials from the interior ministry, Pakistan Railways, CDA, Rawalpindi Commissioner’s Office and law enforcement agencies.

According to a press release issued by the interior ministry, the rail link will connect Margalla Railway Station in Islamabad with Saddar Railway Station in Rawalpindi, covering the distance in just 20 minutes. The project is expected to be launched on March 23, with the first phase utilising the existing railway track. A second phase will extend the service to other parts of the federal capital.

Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi confirmed that the project would operate on the existing track and would require the procurement of modern Diesel Multiple Units (DMUs), expected to be imported from China or another country.

Railway ministry to provide and maintain track infrastructure, CDA to manage operations

He said the procurement process could take at least a month, and the formal PC-I of the project would be presented to the Planning Division soon.

To enhance connectivity, the CDA’s electric buses will act as feeder services, facilitating easy access to Margalla Station. Metro buses already connected to the station will also support the initiative.

Under the agreed framework, the railways ministry will provide and maintain the track infrastructure, while the CDA will manage the rail operations. The framework agreement is set to be finalised and signed next week.

Participants agreed to import state-of-the-art trains to ensure a modern, efficient and comfortable commuting experience. The initiative aims to save time and fuel, reduce traffic pressure and provide a cost-effective public transport alternative.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the project reflected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of public-centric development and modern infrastructure. “With its completion, thousands of citizens will have access to a quality travel facility,” he stated.

Railway Minister Hanif Abbasi called it a milestone in public welfare, enabling swift and convenient travel for residents of both cities.

Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry described the initiative as a low-cost, high-speed transport option that will ease the growing burden on roads connecting Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The concept of a rail link between the twin cities dates back to the early 2000s during the tenure of former President Pervez Musharraf. Earlier proposals included running trains from Chaklala to Margalla Station or along the Islamabad Expressway. In 2014, even the construction of the elevated Metro Bus route between Saddar and Faizabad was partially aimed at supporting future rail connectivity.

Pakistan Railways to introduce reforms

Pakistan Railways announced inclusive reforms ensuring safety and dignity for Women and Persons with Special Abilities.

In a meeting, chaired by Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi at the Ministry of Railways, it was decided to enhance passenger facilities and ensure safety. The meeting placed special emphasis on the welfare of women and persons with special abilities.

The minister announced that gender-responsive protocols would be implemented across railway stations and trains to ensure a safe, dignified and peaceful travel environment for women passengers.

For this purpose, it was decided that awareness posters would be displayed inside railway stations and trains, regular announcements and awareness messages will be broadcast at stations, railway staff will be provided with gender sensitisation and specialised training and a comprehensive awareness campaign will be launched for women’s safety.

In addition, it was decided that all upcoming refurbished trains will include designated seating for persons with special abilities, while wheelchairs will be ensured at major railway stations to facilitate their travel with dignity and ease.

On the occasion, Mr. Abbasi said: “Pakistan Railways considers all its passengers a valuable asset. These initiatives, particularly for women and persons with special abilities, reflect our commitment to providing a modern, inclusive, and passenger-friendly railway system.”

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Convener of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) MNA Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan has urged young girls to take benefit from the vaccination campaign launched by the government against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccinate against the virus being the leading cause of cervical cancer.

“Today marks an important milestone in safeguarding the health and future of our children, as Pakistan launches a nationwide Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign from Sept 15 to 27. This campaign focuses on vaccinating girls aged 9 to 15 years.

“As Convener of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, I strongly endorse this initiative, which is a vital step toward protecting the lives of young girls and reducing the future burden of preventable diseases. Cervical cancer claims thousands of lives every year, yet it is a disease we can defeat through timely vaccination, awareness, and access to healthcare.

“This campaign reflects the government’s commitment, in collaboration with our partners, to prioritize child health and well-being. It is not only an investment in the health of our young girls but also a critical stride towards achieving our national and global commitments on child rights, women’s health, and sustainable development.

“I call upon parents, communities, educators, healthcare workers, and media to extend their full support to ensure maximum participation in this campaign. “By protecting our girls today, we are securing a healthier, stronger, and brighter Pakistan tomorrow.”

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The special judge central on Monday summoned two army officers to testify in Toshakhana case against PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

The judge concluded cross-examination of two key witnesses including an approver Sohaib Abbasi in over six-hour-long proceeding inside Adiala Jail in the case relating to alleged irregularities in retaining the expensive Bulgari Jewelry set from Toshakhana gifts.

Special Judge Central Shahrukh Arjum­and presided over the trial, during which the defence team completed cross-examination of the two witnesses.

Private appraiser Sohaib Abbasi, who had submitted an affidavit in the case, and former prime minister’s personal secretary Inam Shah, were both questioned extensively by defence lawyers.

The court summoned two more witnesses — former prime minister’s military secretary Brig Muhammad Ahmed and deputy military secretary Col Rehan — to appear at the next hearing and record their statements.

During the proceedings, Mr Khan and his wife were produced before the special court, while his three sisters, along with defence counsel Barrister Ali Zafar, were present in courtroom.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Apart from the affluent sheikhs of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who lavished Pakistan’s dignitaries — including visiting bureaucrats — with expensive gifts, mainly wristwatches, Prime Minister Sheh­baz Sharif received a traditional golden dagger during the first six months of 2025.

The Toshakhana record, made public by the cabinet division for the period between January and June 2025, lists high-value items such as watches, luxury vehicles, carpets, handicrafts, and traditional artefacts presented to top state functionaries, including the president, prime minister, ministers, and senior officials during foreign visits and local engagements.

The data, comprising 137 entries, records gifts received from heads of state, royal families, diplomats, and business delegations. However, the value of these gifts is still being assessed by the cabinet division.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received a total of 61 gifts, mostly decorative and traditional items. These included several high-end wristwatches. Notably, on the first day of 2025, he was presented with two luxury wristwatches — an IWC Schaffhausen and a Panerai, both with warranty cards — by Sheikh Abdul Hadi Mana Al-Hajri of Qatar.

Record shows PM received 61 out of total 137 gifts presented to state officials

The Shah of the State of Selangor, Malaysia, gifted PM Shehbaz a ‘Golden Kris’ — a traditional Malaysian dagger. Additionally, the president of Turkiye presented him with an electric car.

During his visit to Azerbaijan, the prime minister received a handmade silk carpet and other items. The President of Tajikistan gifted him a box containing a golden teacup with a spoon.

While in Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz received a model of Mimbar-e-Rasool from Prince Mansour Bin Muhammad Bin Saad bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and a wooden box containing two documents — the Charter of Makkah in English and Arabic — from Dr Mohammad Abdulkareem Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League.

From Iran, the PM was presented with a wall hanging and a shield by the Chief of General Staff. Other gifts included handmade carpets, onyx decorations, paintings, tea sets, books, and shields.

Interestingly, while the Saudi hosts did not overwhelm the prime minister with lavish gifts, several Pakistani officials visiting the Kingdom — led by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi — received high-end wristwatches.

On Jan 28, Interior Minister of Saudi Arabia gifted six Rolex watches, five Tudor watches, three Black Armin watches, and nine Frank Rosha watches to Pakistani officials, primarily government officers.

The record shows that President Asif Ali Zardari received 11 gifts, including a ladies’ suit and a bedsheet from the High Commissioner of Bangladesh. The most valuable among his gifts was an electric vehicle from the president of Turkiye. He also received a carpet from the Iranian foreign minister, as well as vases, candle stands, shields, a coffee set, and onyx items.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received several Afghan carpets and traditional bowls, while Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was presented with prayer mats and Turkish handicrafts.

Other ministers, advisers, and security officials were gifted watches, rugs, wall hangings, and porcelain items.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to establish a centralised customs assessment centre in Islamabad to process Goods Declarations (GDs) from across Pakistan under the faceless assessment framework.

The move aims to reduce corruption and ensure fair treatment of genuine importers by replacing the current assessment unit based in Karachi.

Member Customs Operations Shakeel Shah announced the plan during a press briefing on Monday, which was also attended by Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial and other senior customs officials.

The centre is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the Faceless Customs Assessment (FCA) system, despite recent internal audit reports indicating revenue shortfalls following its rollout.

Audit report

Recent months saw leaks of internal FBR audit reports suggesting revenue losses between Rs53bn and Rs100bn after the FCA implementation. However, the FBR leadership rejected these findings as flawed.

Member Operations Shakeel Shah said the government is committed to expanding the FCA’s scope and effectiveness to dismantle corrupt networks within customs. “We will not roll back the system,” he stated, adding that the framework would be tightened further.

FBR defends customs reform amid audit report leaks

Director General of Reforms and Automation (Customs), Imran Khan Mohmand, said the new Islamabad centre would be staffed primarily by fresh graduates recruited on a three-year contract.

Their performance will be reviewed rigorously, and only the most capable will be retained. The current appraisers at Karachi will be reassigned to other departments due to staff shortages.

Mr Shah highlighted a zero-tolerance stance towards corruption, noting that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been asked to arrest two customs officers linked to illegal vehicle registrations, which have caused significant revenue losses.

He also accused beneficiaries of the old system of spreading misinformation about the FCA and alleged that some authors of the leaked audit reports have personal grievances related to departmental promotions and supersessions.

To address the leaks, the FBR has formed an inquiry committee tasked with identifying those responsible. Disciplinary action will follow against individuals involved in the premature disclosure of internal reports.

Revenue performance

DG Imran Khan presented data indicating an increase in revenue collected per GD over the past seven months at Karachi port and dry ports, contradicting the audit report conclusions.

He emphasised that customs oversight has improved, with more irregularities detected and addressed since the FCA system’s launch. The FBR commissioned a post-clearance audit in May 2025 to identify system weaknesses and ensure timely corrective action.

FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial said the primary goal of the FCA system was to reduce corruption. “We did not expect an immediate rise in revenue, but the data shows a noticeable improvement since FCA was introduced,” he said.

He added that the system would be strengthened over time to eradicate ‘speed money’ in tax operations. “The genuine business community is the main beneficiary, while those involved in corrupt networks are the losers,” Mr Langrial remarked.

He also assured strict action against corrupt officers and said only honest personnel would be appointed to key positions, with no external influence on postings.

Responding to concerns about increased customs clearance times, the chairman clarified that minor delays were due mainly to external issues such as port congestion and procedural bottlenecks, not the FCA system itself.

This centralisation of customs assessment is a significant reform in Pakistan’s trade and customs regime, aimed at enhancing transparency, reducing corruption, and ultimately improving revenue collection.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: After Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz took cognisance of a complaint, lodged by lawyer Imaan Mazari against Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar, the court administration stripped the judge of her powers to entertain harassment complaints.

Ms Mazari earlier approached the IHC’s anti-harassment committee, and also sent a reference against CJ Dogar to Supreme Judicial Council.

In response to her complaint, Justice Imtiaz, being the ‘competent authority’, not only entertained the complaint but also formed an inquiry committee in consultation with her fellow judges.

A circular from her office said that, being the competent authority under the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010, the inquiry committee comprising Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan, Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, and Justice Imtiaz has been formed to conduct an inquiry into the complaints of harassment against the IHC judges.

Imaan Mazari-Hazir also moves plaint before SJC

However, the court administration sw­iftly de-notified her as the competent au­­thority and replaced her with Justice Ina­­am Ameen Minhas.

As per the court record, a similar committee was already constituted in 2019, comprising the member inspection team (MIT), deputy and assistant registrars under the said act, in order to probe the allegations of harassment. A senior official of the IHC, however, claimed that the act was not applicable to judges as they could only be charged under Article 209 of the Constitution.

Another reason for de-notifying Justice Imtiaz was that being the competent authority, she could not be part of the inquiry committee. Subsection 4 of section 4 of the Act says, “The Inquiry Committee shall submit its findings and recommendations to the Competent Authority within thirty days of the initiation of inquiry.”

Last week, Ms Mazari and CJ Dogar had a heated exchange during the hearing of case. At the time, Justice Dogar had warned Ms Mazari of contempt and was reported to have passed warning remarks along the lines of “getting hold of her”. Ms Mazari said she was only fulfilling her professional duty and was ready to face contempt proceedings.

Separately, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) submitted a challan in the controversial tweet case against Ms Mazari and her husband, Hadi Ali Chatha, in the court of Senior Civil Judge Abbas Shah.

The court has also issued notices to the accused and directed that copies of the challan be provided to them at the next hearing, scheduled for Sept 17.

The NCCIA had registered a case against them over alleged controversial tweets under cybercrime laws. Both accused are facing charges of violating online content regulations, which authorities argue could incite unrest.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Following the collapse of the previous deal, President Asif Ali Zardari extended a renewed invitation on Monday to Shanghai Electric Power Company to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector, assuring that any “outstanding issues” will be resolved amicably.

The assurance comes after Shanghai Electric’s recent withdrawal of their $1.77 billion bid to acquire a 66.4 per cent stake in Karachi-based K-Electric, due to shifting dynamics in Pakistan’s business climate.

At the time, Shanghai Electric said the deal was terminated to protect its shareholders and company’s direction because the counterparty, Abraaj Group, did not meet closing conditions.

The acquisition had faced significant hurdles as K-Electric struggled with regulatory approvals amid Pakistan’s rising circular debt in the power sector.

Assures any ‘outstanding issues’ will be resolved amicably; signs MoU to establish coal gasification plant in Thar

According to a statement from the Presidency, Mr Zardari visited the company’s headquarters and witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a coal gasification plant in Thar, Sindh.

The project is the first of its kind based on Thar coal and is ex­­pected to meet energy needs while also supporting the country’s agriculture sector, the statement said.

The MoU was signed between MFTC Coal Gasification & Man­u­facturing (Pvt) Ltd, represented by CEO Shahid Tawawalla, and Sino Sindh Res­ources (Private) Ltd / Shanghai Electric, represented by CEO Lin Jigen.

Meeting with Shanghai Elec­tric Chairman Wu Lei, Mr Zar­d­ari invited the company to exp­l­o­­re further investment in the modernisation of Pakistan’s transmis­sion and distribution network.

He thanked the chairman for the company’s contribution to Pakistan’s energy needs and socio-economic development.

The chairman of Shanghai Electric briefed the president on the company’s existing projects in Pakistan, which include work in Thar coal, nuclear energy, and coal-fired power plants.

In response, Mr Zardari reaffi­rmed Pakistan’s commitment to en­­hancing security measures to ensure a safe environment for Chi­­nese workers in the country. The company’s CEO expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for the security arrangem­ents provided to their employees.

Earlier, Mr Zardari visited the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Shanghai, where the party was founded in July 1921.

The president was accompanied on his visit by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. Also present were Sindh ministers Sharjeel Memon and Syed Nasir Shah, along with senior officials.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2025

LAKKI MARWAT: Dozens of terrorists were killed in intelligence-based operations in Bannu and Lakki Marwat over the weekend, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement issued on Monday.

Local sources claimed that fighter jets targeted militant hideouts in the Bakkakhel area of Bannu district, killing terrorists and injuring many others.

They said that a community hall and a school being used by the terrorists as safe havens and for storing explosive devices, rocket launchers, ammunition and explosives, were destroyed in the strikes on Saturday and Sunday.

The military’s media wing said that security forces killed 31 terrorists during the intelligence-based operations in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts. There was no mention of the aerial strikes in the official statement.

Five security officials, including army captain, martyred in Kech blast

The ISPR said that the operations were conducted by the security forces on the reported presence of Khawarij in the area.

The term ‘Fitna al Khawarij’ is used by the state to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakis­tan (TTP). It said that during the operation in Lakki Marwat, security forces effectively engaged the terrorist location and, after an intense exchange of fire, 14 Indian-sponsored Khawarij were eliminated.

“Another intelligence-based operation was conducted in Bannu, and in the ensuing exchange of fire, 17 more Khawarij were neutralised by the security forces”, the statement added.

The ISPR said that sanitisation operation was underway to eliminate any remaining Indian-sponsored Khawarij, reaffirming that security forces were determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.

An official source said that law enforcement agencies had received credible reports about the movement of terrorists, who were planning subversive and terrorist activities, in the region.

He said that the presence of khawarij in the Shaikh Badin mountain range in Lakki Marwat district had also been reported, prompting security personnel to be placed on high alert and launch operations.

According to the source, the successful operation by security forces would help halt the terrorists’ movements and disrupt their plans.

Five security men martyred

On the other hand, in Balochistan’s Kech district, five security personnel, including an officer, were martyred in an explosion on Monday.

Official sources, while confirming the attack, said that militants planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Mand area, near Pak-Iran border. The device was detonated by a remote control to target the vehicle moving between tehsil Dashat and Mand.

“The vehicle was blown up and all five security personnel were martyred,” a senior official told Dawn, identifying the martyred officer as Captain Waqir Kakar.

Other martyred personnel were identified as Naik Junaid, Naik Asmat, Lance Naik Khan Muhammad and Sepoy Zahoor Ahmed.

After receiving information about the incident, security forces rushed to the site and shifted the bodies to nearby health facilities.

Later, the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the IED attack.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti paid tribute in a statement on X, saying: “Another brave son of Balochistan, Captain Waqir Kakar, embraced martyrdom while defending the people and his beloved Pakistan. His sacrifice will forever remain a shining chapter of courage and honour. Balochistan and Pakistan will never forget you.”

Saleem Shahid in Quetta also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2025