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Articles by Salman Farrukh
The ‘ban plan’
The government’s decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will again land in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. As many as 10 judges of the court have recently declared PTI to be a legitimate party despite being stripped of the bat-symbol for the purpose of 2024 elections. Then why has the government taken such a bold measure as banning the PTI if the prospects of succeeding are negligible? The answer is that perhaps it is a thought-through plan.
Pathways to Decarbonization of Deep-Sea Shipping: An Aframax Case Study
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From Tariq Aziz Show to Jeeto Pakistan: A Tale of Social Degradation
Television viewers have started equating popular television game show Jeeto Pakistan to a game of Roulette played in casinos, an equation which is both amusing yet worrisome for the observant lot. The above argument stresses that these shows act as a viable alternative to gambling, which is counted as an illegal activity in a country like Pakistan. The only difference, perhaps, is that in these game shows, people are required to put their dignity at stake instead of money.
Nothing for Sharifs, Zardaris from USA
US pressure does not favour either the PPP or the PML-N Prime Minister Imran Khan’s official visit to the USA (so far) is either considered a continuation of Republican ‘Do More’ policy or a landmark in the history of Islamabad’s bilateral relations with Washington.
Ghani’s visit hints at closer Pak-US ties
Pakistan is seeing its relevance restored Daniel S Markey was perhaps spot-on when he titled his book No Exit From Pakistan (2013), describing Pakistan’s relations with Washington– tortured, often marred with upheavals, and unbreakable– for a large part of our history. The recent indicators also suggest that Pakistan’s importance in the region has duly been recognised by not only the USA, but also by the incumbent Afghan government.
IMF bail-out in context of geopolitics
Daniel S. Markey was perhaps spot-on when he titled his book No Exit From Pakistan (2013), describing Pakistan’s tortured, often marred with upheavals, unbreakable relations with Washington for a large part of our history. Despite episodes including Salala check post attack, followed by Pakistan cutting NATO supply routes, drone attacks and US suspending military and civilian aid to Pakistan, we have never become irrelevant for the US as a crucial ally in the region.
Operation dams
The unprecedented drive launched by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar, which was subsequently joined by Prime Minister Imran Khan after elections, to build dams through public funding has received mixed responses from political and social circles of the country. To add into it, CJP’s comment about invoking Article 6 of the constitution against those contesting this very idea of creation of dams through public funding has lately generated even more controversy.
Handling suicides
We lack the capacity to deal with emotional problems The emergence of ‘suicide’ bombing as a war tactic used by non-state actors, especially after 9/11, has perhaps attached even more notorious connotations to the act of suicide committed by people due to mental, psychological, social, emotional and other problems — with no possible connection with the kind of motivation and objectives that a terrorist usually has.
Centre flouts court orders in PTA chairman appointment case
LAHORE: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the federal government continue to violate the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) 2017 orders regarding the appointment of the chairman on a permanent basis as per the due process. Although an advertisement for the appointment of a new chairman was given in February this year, the government, however, had withdrawn the advertisement after a brief period of time, with no regard for court orders.
Private sector investment crucial for Railways’ improvement: president
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday underscored the need for inclusion of private sector for development of Pakistan Railways. Addressing a ceremony after inaugurating the local train Dhabeji Express in Karachi, he said during his recent visit to Turkey, the Turkish private sector has shown a great interest in the public-private ventures with Pakistan.
Motorway police woman officer fines PTI’s MNA Raja Riaz for over-speeding
A female patrolling officer of the Motorway police on Monday issued a ticket to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MNA Raja Riaz on the charge of over-speeding, who was later rewarded for her act to uphold the law, a private media outlet reported. The constable, Uzma Shehzadi, fined the Raja Riaz for Rs750 after his car was spotted being driven 132 kilometres per hour on the motorway, near Pindi Bhattian.
Sindh energy minister seeks PM’s permission for power projects
KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Energy Imtiaz Ahmed Sheikh on Thursday appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan to give permission to several projects of Sindh pending with the Federation for creating power and energy so that power crisis in the country could be resolved. The country is facing a serious power crisis, particularly in Sindh, whereas Karachi’s citizens are facing long hours load shedding, he said while addressing a press conference at his office.
Domestic workers’ rights: LHC takes notice of delay in passage of pending Bill
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) the other day took notice of Punjab government’s complacency in passing the pending Bill for the protection of the domestic workers and inquired Additional Advocate General Rai Kharral regarding the reasons behind it. Justice Jawad Hassan while hearing a contempt petition expressed his disappointment over Punjab government’s inaction over passing legislation despite court orders issued in 2015 in this regard.
Punjab fails to pass domestic workers’ rights bill since 2015
LAHORE: As Punjab has yet not passed a pending bill regarding the for protection and rights of the domestic workers, the Lahore High Court (LHC) the other day took notice of Punjab government’s complacency in passing the pending Bill for the protection of the domestic workers and inquired Additional Advocate General Rai Kharral regarding the reasons behind it.
Usman Dar appointed PM’s Youth Programme chairperson in violation of LHC orders
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s recent appointment of Usman Dar as the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme chairperson ostensibly violates Lahore High Court’s (LHC) 2014 order, which amounts to contempt of court, Pakistan Today has learnt.
PEC offers construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam for Rs500 mn
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Chairman Javed Saleem Qureshi on Thursday offered his institution’s services for the construction of Diamer Basha Dam with an approximate cost of Rs500 billion. The offer was made by PEC chairman while talking to media. He said the engineering council is ready to save Rs200 billion of the exchequer. He said that the absence of engineers in the policy formulation is a major cause in the increase of circular debts.
LHC moved against PTI MPA Shakil Shahid’s appointment as FMWC chairman
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday issued notices to Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and Local Government Minister Aleem Khan over appointing Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) Shakil Shahid as Faisalabad Waste Management Company’s (FWMC) chairman.
LHC orders private company to compensate miner
–Ghulam Muhammad had contracted lung disease during his work at coal mine in Chakwal LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Sunday awarded compensation of Rs100,000 to a coal mine worker, Ghulam Muhammad, who had suffered a rare infectious lung disease pulmonary koch while working for a private company in the Chakwal’s Choa Saidan area.
LHC reiterates environmental interests shall prevail over economic ones
LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday took notice of the rising amount of pollution being caused due to industrial units installed in residential areas on Sheikhupura Road and in its adjourning areas in Gujranwala. The LHC directed the Punjab advocate general and other relevant officials to conform to the principle of precaution, according to which whenever there is a clash between environmental and economic interests, the former shall prevail.
Public sector companies: Will PTI stick to its pre-election stance?
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government faces a big test in terms of truly empowering the local government system in Punjab as the policy of silence continues on the presence of 56 public sector companies which curtail the power of local governments, Pakistan Today learnt on Wednesday. Despite conduction of several cabinet meetings, no discussion has taken place on the issue of these public-sector companies yet.
PTI govt benefiting from 56 public-sector companies
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government seems to be benefitting from 56 public-sector companies created by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government despite having approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) against the formation of the said companies when they were in opposition, Pakistan Today learnt on Monday.
PCSIR DG ‘illegally’ allots accommodation to blue-eyed officer
LAHORE: Pakistan Council of Scientific and Research (PCSIR) Director General Dr Quratulain Syed allegedly allotted a D-category housing unit to a blue-eyed junior officer in violation of departmental rules and procedures, Pakistan Today learnt on Friday.
Transgender persons demand representation in NA, govt depts.
LAHORE: The transgender persons on Tuesday demanded representation in the National Assembly as well as in various government departments as a step towards their social empowerment. The demand was made at a discussion held by Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan at HRCP office to discuss the availability of opportunities for transgender persons to participate in politics.
50 50: Half chances that your next PM would be lawyer
LAHORE: In Pakistan’s 72 years of history, as many as 13 prime ministers that served the country were law graduates. It is worth noting that only 26 prime ministers have served Pakistan in the said position so far, including those who served under democratic as well as a military rule. According to probability, it is 50 per cent likely that your next prime minister could be a lawyer.
Khadija Siddiqi becomes law graduate amid her fight for justice
LAHORE: Despite a brutal attempt being made on her life in May 2016, Khadija Siddiqi the other day graduated from a private law college, Blackstone School of Law (BSL), with flying colours. Facing the hardships and challenges of the country’s criminal justice system, Khadija managed to keep her focus on her study.
Shaheen Airline aircraft to bring back Pakistanis stranded in China
KARACHI: Shaheen Air International will bring back Pakistani passengers from Guangzhou, China via flight NL 892 and NL 891 on August 3, 2018. This was stated by Shaheen Air International Marketing Director Zohaib Hassan. He further added, “Reports about arresting of Passengers due to visa expiry are baseless. All the passengers are safe and sound. We have provided them with accommodation and food and they are being looked after well.
ECP says fully prepared to hold elections in organised manner
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday said that their institution is logistically fully prepared to hold the upcoming general election on July 25 in a smooth and an organised manner. The holding of elections which was considered to be a biggest logistic activity in the country required a comprehensive strategy to deal all matters related with the logistic support, ECP’s Spokesperson Altaf Khan said.
Govt assures LHC to complete Bab-e-Pakistan monument in two years
LAHORE: The government of Punjab on Monday assured the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) divisional bench comprising Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan and Justice Atir Mehmood that Bab-e-Pakistan monument would be completed in the next two years. The assistant advocate general apprised the court that the pre-qualification process has been completed and the provincial government has already contacted five different firms for that matter.
NOTA in ballot papers: LHC seeks attorney general’s recommendations
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday issued summon notice to the Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali to provide required support to the court on the proposal to add the “none of the above” (NOTA) option in the ballot papers to be published for the upcoming general elections.
NOTA in ballot papers: LHC seeks attorney general’s recommendations
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday issued summon notice to the Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali to provide required support to the court on the proposal to add the “none of the above” (NOTA) option in the ballot papers to be published for the upcoming general elections.
LHC directs education dept to settle postings, transfers issue at earliest
—Govt given six days to settle issue after ECP’s withdrawal of notice LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Punjab government’s Higher Education Department (HED) to settle the matter of transfers and postings within six days of Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) withdrawal of June 4 notice which halted transfers and postings in the government departments.
LHC warns plant breeders body against undue protection for MNCs
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday warned Plant Breeders Rights Registry (PBRR), a body said to have been made by the government to protect the interests of the multinational corporations (MNCs) manufacturing the genetically modified seeds, of halting its functioning while issuing summons notices to the officials to appear before the court on the next hearing.
Genetically Modified Food: LHC moved against multinationals’ ‘hegemony’
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) the other day heard a petition filed by Non-Governmental Oganisation (NGO) Human Voice regarding the impugned Plant Breeders Rights Act 2016 passed by the National Assembly (NA) and directed Punjab government to produce a resolution passed by Punjab Assembly in this regard.
Former RAW chief calls Trump ‘nuts’
LAHORE: Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief AS Dulat, while referring to the US President Donald Trump, said that “the guy’s nuts” and that “there is no doubt about that”. He expressed these views in the recently released book titled “The Spy Chronicles”, co-authored by former ISI head General (r) Asad Durrani. He claimed to have predicted Trump’s victory in the elections but said that his win was a ‘disappointment’ for him.
Khadija Siqqiqui Case: LHC adjourns sentence suspension, reduction appeals till May 28
LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday heard the appeal filed by convict Shah Hussain in Khadija Siqqiqui case in which he sought the suspension of his five-year imprisonment in order to be released on bail and serve the remaining sentence out of jail.
Former ISI chief says regaining Kargil was Musharraf’s ‘obsession’
LAHORE: Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general (DG) General (R) Asad Durrani, in his newly released book, termed the Kargil operation as former chief of army staff (COAS) General (R) Pervez Musharraf’s “obsession”, claiming that even during Benazir Bhutto’s second term in office as the prime minister (PM), Musharraf, as director general of military operation (DGMO), told her “prime minister, we can do that”.
Dr Aafia’s family ‘rejects’ rumours of her death
LAHORE: Amid speculations of Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s death on the social media, her sister and Aafia Movement Pakistan founder Dr Fauzia Siddiqui on Sunday rejected the ‘rumours’ regarding Dr Aafia’s death. Talking to Pakistan Today, Dr Fauzia said that such rumours may be a preemptive measure to divert the outrage of the people against Dr Shakeel Afridi’s possible escape from Pakistan to the United States.
Infrastructure and Environment: LHC commends govt’s effort to compensate tree culling
LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) Green Bench on Thursday expressed its satisfaction over Punjab’s Parks and Horticulture Authority’s (PHA) report in which it submitted that as many as 27,000 trees were planted across Lahore to compensate the tree culling caused due to various infrastructure projects including the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) and widening of Lahore’s canal road.
LHC commends govt’s efforts to compensate tree felling
LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) Green Bench on Thursday expressed its satisfaction over Punjab’s Parks and Horticulture Authority’s (PHA) report in which it submitted that as many as 27,000 trees were planted across Lahore to compensate the tree felling caused due to various infrastructure projects including the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) and widening of Lahore’s canal road.
MOHR only recieved 26% of total budgetary allocation for PSDP
ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Human Rights (MOHR) has received only 26 per cent (Rs80.25 million) funds from the total amount of Rs306 million reserved for its six projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the fiscal year 2017-18. Funds have not been released for projects including acquisition of land and construction of building for National Institute of Human Rights in Islamabad for which total amount of Rs112 million was reserved.
Levies Force official shot dead in Quetta
Levies Force official shot dead in Quetta QUETTA: Levies Force personnel were shot dead by some unidentified armed assailants at Qambarani Road near Sariab area here on Tuesday. According to the police sources, the victim was a resident of district Mastung. The assailants fled from the crime scene. The body of the deceased was shifted to Sheikh Zahid Hospital for medico-legal formalities. The police cordoned off the entire area and started efforts to trace the suspects.
‘All Women Peace March’ against violence in educational institutions today
LAHORE: A group of female students will hold ‘All Women Peace March’ on Friday (today) against the backdrop of a clash between two groups of students at the Punjab University. The demonstration will take place outside the Punjab Assembly between 12:00 noon and 1:00 pm against what is being seen as a surge in violence in educational institutions.
Rangers arrest 13 with arms, drugs in Karachi
Rangers arrest 13 with arms, drugs in Karachi KARACHI: Sindh Rangers arrested 13 people including alleged target killers and banned outfit members with arms and drugs during separate actions in the metropolis on Monday. The spokesman for Sindh Rangers said that the paramilitary forces conducted operations against the miscreants in different areas of Karachi. Arms and drugs were recovered from the possession of the detainees who are being interrogated.
Mob kills Gilgit student at playground in Lahore’s Model Town
LAHORE: An intermediate Gilgit student succumbed to injuries at Lahore’s General Hospital on Tuesday after being beaten with cricket bats in Model Town’s Dungi Ground area on Saturday (January 13), said the police. Dilawar Abbass, the deceased, remained on a ventilator for three days after which he could not bear the fatal injuries. He belonged to Khaplu area of Gilgit-Baltistan and was enrolled as an FSC student at a government college of Model Town.
Young man beaten, killed with cricket bat in Model Town
LAHORE: An intermediate student succumbed to injuries here at the General Hospital on Tuesday after being beaten with a cricket bat in Model Town’s Dungi Ground area on Saturday (January 13), according to the police. Dilawar Abbass, the victim, remained on a ventilator for three days after which he could not succumb the fatal injuries. The victim belonged to Khaplu area of Gilgit-Baltistan and was enrolled as FSC student at the Government College of Model Town.
Iran’s Suspicions
It goes without saying that those Iranians participating in the on-going protests against their government must have legitimate political and social grievances, such as high unemployment rate, increasing corruption and the lack of socio-political freedoms, to name a few. Any democratic government must have an immense tolerance for such exercise of its citizens’ fundamental right to protest without making an attempt to attribute it to a nexus that involves a foreign hand.
AIOU to launch degree programs on Seerat study: VC AIOU
ISLAMABAD: Vice Chancellor (VC) of Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said that the AIOU will soon launch academic programs, Master, M.Phil and PhD- level on ‘Seerat-un- Nabi’. He made the announcement during his address to a ‘Mehfil-e- Naat’, held here at the University as a part of ‘Jashan-e—Milad un Nabi’, which was arranged by the University’s Employees Welfare Association (EWA).
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Comedy made people LOL (laugh out loud)
LAHORE: A two-day event, called the Comic Conference 14, came to an end on Sunday in Lahore. A troupe of young, talented and witty actors performed at Alhamra Arts Council, gathering an audience of hundreds— making it a house-full. The one and half hour-long show was divided in various segments: prepared, situational and improvisational comedy.
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