Month: July 2026

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Madr-e-Millat Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah on the occasion of her 59th death anniversary, acknowledging her invaluable contributions to the Pakistan Movement and nation-building.

‘In his message, the prime minister said the entire nation pays homage to Fatima Jinnah for her remarkable national and political services, describing her role in the struggle for Pakistan’s independence as a source of enduring pride in the country’s history,’ PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying.

The prime minister said that by standing shoulder to shoulder with Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Fatima Jinnah demonstrated unwavering commitment, courage, and exemplary dedication throughout the Pakistan Movement.

He further observed that her relentless efforts and fearless leadership remained a treasured national legacy.

The prime minister said that Fatima Jinnah continued to serve as an inspiration for the younger generation, particularly women, symbolizing resilience, selfless service, and steadfast commitment to national objectives despite challenging circumstances.

She proved that women could play an effective and constructive role in achieving national goals, he added.

Highlighting the contributions of women during the Pakistan Movement, the prime minister said people from all walks of life made historic sacrifices, while Madr-e-Millat provided exemplary leadership and representation for women.

Alongside other prominent women leaders, she courageously led from the front, demonstrating that the women of the subcontinent could overcome every obstacle and become a powerful and unforgettable voice in the struggle for freedom and the pursuit of national aspirations, he added.

The prime minister further said that after the creation of Pakistan, Fatima Jinnah remained actively engaged in promoting the country’s social and political development, strengthening social harmony, and fostering constructive and positive values.

He also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of her soul and said that her services and contributions to the nation would always be remembered with great respect in country’s history.

Islamabad: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCCP) has ruled that land acquired for a public purpose under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, cannot be diverted to any other purpose-particularly for private, commercial use or a housing scheme-without the prior approval of the government.

The court further held that even a purchaser acquiring such land through a court auction remains bound by all legal and contractual obligations applicable to the original company and does not acquire an absolute right to alter the nature of its use.

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Justice Aminuddin Khan and Justice Ali Baqar Najafi dismissed the leave to appeal petition filed by M/s Adil International (Pvt.) Ltd. in a 39-page judgment, upholding the decision of the Peshawar High Court.

The court observed that when the State acquires private land in the public interest, the constitutional justification for such acquisition rests solely on the public purpose for which the land is taken. If the land is subsequently used for private or commercial purposes, the constitutional basis of the acquisition itself is undermined.

According to the judgment, 1,020 kanals and 19 marlas of land in Nowshera were acquired in 1954 for the establishment of Board and Paper Mills. After the mills ceased operations, their assets were sold through a public auction under the orders of a Banking Court, where the petitioner company purchased the assets.

The company later demolished the factory and sought to develop a housing scheme on the land. However, the relevant authorities refused to approve the change in land use and registration of plots. The company’s constitutional petition challenging the decision was earlier dismissed by the Peshawar High Court.

The Federal Constitutional Court held that the transfer of ownership through a judicial auction does not alter the legal character of the land. The new purchaser acquires only those rights that were available to the original company and remains bound by the same statutory and contractual conditions attached to the acquisition.

The judgment noted that under Section 41 of the Land Acquisition Act, the agreement between the government and the original company had legal force, restricting the use of the land exclusively to the establishment and operation of the Board and Paper Mills. It further observed that under Section 43-A of the Act, the sale, lease, mortgage, transfer or change in the use of such land cannot be undertaken without the prior approval of the provincial government.

The court emphasized that land acquired for a public purpose does not become ordinary private property, as its public character continues to subsist. Allowing such land to be used for private commercial gain, it said, would be contrary to the legal framework of the Land Acquisition Act and Article 24 of the Constitution.

The judgment further observed that while the Constitution guarantees citizens the fundamental right to own property, the State may acquire private property only in accordance with law and for a public purpose. Therefore, if the original public purpose ceases to exist or the land is used contrary to that purpose, the government is competent to take action under the law.

Referring to Islamic principles, the court noted that Islam protects private property rights and prohibits the unlawful appropriation or misuse of another person’s property. It held that the principles of Shariah also support the view that land acquired for a public purpose cannot be diverted to private commercial interests.

The court concluded that since the land in question had been specifically acquired for the establishment of the Board and Paper Mills, the petitioner company failed to establish any legal, absolute or indefeasible right to convert it into a housing scheme.

It further observed that if the provincial government concludes that the land is no longer required for the original purpose or is being used in violation of that purpose, it is competent to proceed in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, and the agreement executed on October 16, 1954.

Finding no legal, constitutional or jurisdictional infirmity in the judgment of the Peshawar High Court, the Federal Constitutional Court dismissed the leave to appeal petition and upheld the impugned judgment.

Islamabad: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has ruled that the main accused, Hashim Abbasi, is mentally fit to stand trial in a case related to the deaths of four Rangers personnel during the PTI protest on November 26.

Following the medical assessment, the court decided to begin formal trial proceedings and summoned prosecution witnesses.

The case concerns allegations that four Rangers officials were killed after being run over by a vehicle during the protest. Hashim Abbasi has been named as the main accused in the case.

The court had been awaiting a medical report on the accused’s mental condition, which delayed significant progress in the proceedings for nearly eight months. In December last year, the court directed a medical board to examine the accused and submit its findings.

According to the report presented before the court, Hashim Abbasi does not suffer from any mental illness and is capable of facing trial. The report noted that he experiences only mild anxiety and does not require any special consideration regarding his mental fitness.

After reviewing the findings, the court concluded that there was no legal obstacle to continuing the proceedings. It ordered the prosecution witnesses to appear before the court so that evidence can be recorded and the trial can move forward.

The Anti-Terrorism Court has adjourned the hearing until tomorrow for further proceedings.

The case also names PTI founder, Bushra Bibi, Ali Amin Gandapur, and several others among the accused.

Islamabad: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting with senior police officers to review administrative, operational and security matters, directing officers to further strengthen coordination and improve public service delivery.

An official told reporter that the meeting was attended by DIG Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq, DIG Muhammad Haroon Joiya and other senior police officers, who reviewed the overall policing situation, operational preparedness and administrative affairs.

IGP Rizvi emphasized the need for closer coordination among all police units to ensure an effective response to operational and security challenges across the federal capital.

Rizvi directed officers to further improve service delivery, enhance operational efficiency and uphold the highest standards of professionalism to ensure effective and people-friendly policing.

Islamabad: Chairperson Peace and Culture Organization and wife of jailed Kashmiri freedom fighter Yasin Malik,Mushaal Hussein Mullick on Wednesday paid tribute to Burhan Muzaffar Wani on his eighth martyrdom anniversary, describing him as a symbol of the Kashmiri freedom movement.

In a video message issued from Islamabad, the former special assistant to the prime minister said Wani’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Kashmiris and renewed her call for international attention to the situation in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Malik said Burhan Wani’s courage and resistance against oppression by Indian forces had made him an enduring inspiration for Kashmiri youth.

She said the movement associated with Wani had expanded across Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and continued to shape the modern freedom struggle.

Mushaal said Wani transformed the movement by using digital communication platforms to bypass media restrictions and project the situation in the region before the international community.

She said his efforts amplified the aspirations of a generation seeking dignity and the right to self determination, drawing wider global attention to developments in Jammu and Kashmir.

She said the sacrifices of Burhan Wani and other Kashmiri martyrs would continue to inspire the political and peaceful struggle for the right to self determination.

Mushaal said thousands of young Kashmiris had carried forward Wani’s mission by raising their voices against alleged human rights violations and advocating for their rights on international forums.

She urged the international community and global human rights organisations to take notice of the humanitarian situation in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and called for attention to the continued detention of Kashmiri political leaders.

Islamabad: Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Sindh/Minister for IT, Ali Rashid, called on Minister of State/Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Media, Fahd Haroon, in Islamabad.

The meeting discussed matters of mutual interest relating to digital media, digital transformation, and Pakistan’s evolving digital landscape.

The meeting was held in a cordial and congenial atmosphere.

Fahd Haroon appreciated the exchange of views and shared perspectives on relevant areas of focus.