Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: An international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) held in Islamabad on June 30 has marked an extraordinary milestone in Pakistan’s legal, diplomatic, and media strategy.

This first-of-its-kind international gathering successfully catapulted the IWT back into the global spotlight, highlighting Pakistan’s stance that the unilateral suspension or modification of international treaties aligns neither with international law nor the spirit of the international system.

The event proved that Pakistan has effectively shifted the narrative, transforming an issue that India sought to treat as a closed, silent bilateral file into a central topic of global diplomatic dialogue.

The strategic seminar was not merely an academic or policy debate, but a calculated diplomatic initiative designed to elevate the treaty into a broader international discourse centered on treaty obligations, lower riparian rights, water security, and regional stability.

Pakistan effectively framed the IWT not as a simple administrative arrangement between two states, but as a binding international legal obligation affecting regional peace and the water security of millions of people.

Pakistan brought its long-standing legal case, which is permanently recorded at the United Nations Security Council and the Court of Arbitration, directly to the forefront of global public opinion.

The core measure of the seminar’s success was its immense international resonance and its ability to shape the global agenda.

Within hours of the event, global newspapers, news agencies, and policy platforms prominently reported on Pakistan’s legal stance.

Prestigious international print and news agencies, including The Washington Post, Associated Press, The Independent, Arab News, TRT World, BBC Hindi, The Discourse, and The Eastern Herald, published analytical articles and news reports detailing the sanctity of the treaty, lower riparian rights, and regional stability.

While India uses the term “suspension,” the international press focused heavily on international law and treaty compliance, achieving editorial space in Washington, London, Riyadh, and Hong Kong on the exact same day.

Concurrently, the event gained overwhelming traction across India’s top-tier media landscapes, proving that New Delhi could not ignore Islamabad’s narrative.

Major Indian print and digital outlets-including The Hindu, India Today, NDTV, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Navbharat Times, Dainik Jagran, News9, India Herald, MSN India, Deccan Herald, and The Economic Times-provided extensive coverage.

Indian electronic media and YouTube channels, such as ANI, Times Now, CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNN-News18, and News18 India, aired broadcast packages, dedicating unprecedented prime-time coverage to the event.

This massive media mobilization revealed a striking disparity in narratives: while global media focused on legal tenets and the principles of international law, the bulk of Indian media avoided the core legal debate, resorting instead to emotional quotes, political reactions, and a framework of fear and anxiety.

However, the Press Trust of India (PTI) stood out as a notable exception by providing straight news reporting without aggressive angles.

The diplomatic impact was fully solidified when the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued an official denial within 72 hours of the seminar.

This rapid response from New Delhi, coupled with its massive media panic, serves as definitive proof of the seminar’s effectiveness.

Ultimately, the seminar demonstrated that Pakistan’s arguments are no longer just Islamabad’s voice, but are now a permanent part of the global policy discourse, leaving India to search for counterarguments in its TV studios.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Monday formally launched the E-Appeal Management System (EAMS) Public Interface Management Dashboard and video-link facility for e-hearings of cases in the Federal Service Tribunal (FST), marking a significant step in the government’s judicial reform agenda aimed at improving access to justice, enhancing transparency, and modernizing judicial administration.

Developed by the Development Wing of the Ministry of Law and Justice under the leadership of Justice (R) Rooh-ul-Amin Khan, Chairman of the Federal Service Tribunal, the web-based EAMS has been deployed across all FST benches nationwide.

The system provides end-to-end digital management of appeals, from registration to disposal, while offering litigants, lawyers, and court officials faster and more convenient access to case-related information through an online dashboard.

The system also introduces video-link facilities connecting the Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, and Karachi benches, enabling virtual proceedings where appropriate. Officials said the initiative is expected to reduce delays caused by travel, improve the utilization of court time, and lower administrative and logistical costs.

Addressing the launch ceremony, Senator Tarar said the government remained committed to strengthening the justice sector through the adoption of modern technology. He said the digital transformation of the Federal Service Tribunal would improve service delivery, reduce delays in judicial proceedings, and make the justice system more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric.

The launch ceremony was attended by members of the Federal Service Tribunal, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice, deputy and assistant attorneys general, members of the legal fraternity, and officials from various ministries, divisions, and government departments. Tribunal camp offices were connected through video link, while lawyers from Lahore, Karachi, and Peshawar also participated remotely.

During the event, Muhammad Javed, Director of the Planning and Development Wing, Ministry of Law and Justice, presented the key features of the EAMS, highlighting its role in ensuring end-to-end digital management of appeals, improving transparency, enhancing procedural efficiency, and facilitating the timely disposal of cases.

He said the initiative reflects the tribunal’s commitment to modernizing judicial administration through the effective use of information technology for the benefit of litigants and the legal community.

Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Group Captain Asim Tariq, who lost his life on Sunday while trying to protect an innocent woman here.

The president, in a statement, said that sacrificing one’s life to protect an innocent woman was a bright example of high human values and national service.

He extended his condolences to the family of the martyred Group Captain Asim Tariq and prayed for strength to them to bear the loss.

The president said that such an incident on a main avenue in Islamabad was a matter of concern, stressing the need to ensure the complete eradication of such crimes.

Islamabad: The district administration intensified its action against illegal construction and encroachments in Shah Allah Ditta, demolishing seven unauthorized structures and arresting nine individuals during the latest operation.

Officials also suspended a patwari and removed a revenue estate numberdar over alleged negligence in carrying out official responsibilities.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner Shalimar as part of an ongoing campaign against unlawful construction in the area. According to the district administration here on Monday, teams carried out inspections in Mauza Shah Allah Ditta and took action against structures built without the required approvals.

During the operation, authorities demolished seven illegal construction sites, including a commercial padel court that was under construction without a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Officials said the action was taken without distinction and that all unauthorized developments were treated in accordance with the law.

Nine people were taken into custody from the site during the enforcement drive. The administration did not immediately disclose further details regarding the arrests but stated that legal proceedings would follow under relevant laws.

The district administration also initiated disciplinary measures against officials responsible for monitoring land records and construction activity in the area. A patwari was suspended after authorities determined that he had failed to identify and report illegal construction activities. In a separate action, the numberdar of the revenue estate was removed from his position for alleged negligence in fulfilling official duties.

Officials reiterated that no construction activity was currently permitted in Mauza Shah Allah Ditta and Sangjhani without prior approval from the relevant authorities. The administration warned that any structure built without a valid NOC would be considered illegal and would face immediate demolition.

The district administration said the crackdown would continue and that enforcement teams would remain active to prevent unauthorized development and protect public land. Authorities stressed that all construction projects must comply with legal requirements and obtain the necessary permissions before work begins.

Residents and property owners have been urged to avoid starting any type of construction without securing the required NOC. The administration warned that violations could result in demolition, legal action, and financial losses for those involved.

Officials said the campaign was aimed at ensuring compliance with planning regulations and preventing unlawful occupation and development of land in the affected areas.

Islamabad: Sardar Mohammad Asif, Deputy Commissioner Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Senior Special Magistrate on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining close coordination with the business community and assured that his office will remain readily accessible for addressing issues confronting traders and entrepreneurs.

He expressed these views during his visit to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Monday, where he held a detailed interaction with the chamber leadership and members, said a press release.

Addressing the gathering, Sardar Mohammad Asif said that the business community is the real engine of the national economy, which continues to contribute towards the country’s development with resilience and dedication despite numerous challenges.

He emphasized that all stakeholders must work collectively to transform Islamabad into a model capital city par excellence, equipped with modern civic facilities and a conducive business environment.

He stated that the doors of his office would always remain open for the resolution of issues faced by the business community, adding that stronger collaboration between the civic administration and the private sector would contribute significantly towards sustainable urban development.

Speaking on the occasion, President ICCI Sardar Tahir Mehmood said that the business community and the Capital Development Authority share a special relationship aimed at promoting the development of the federal capital and enhancing trade and investment activities.

He observed that close cooperation between the two institutions is essential to realize the vision of transforming Islamabad into a regional business hub.

He highlighted the significance of cordial relations between ICCI and CDA in making Islamabad a clean, green and attractive city, expressing confidence that this partnership would further strengthen in the coming days to make the capital more vibrant, business-friendly and aesthetically appealing.

Islamabad: Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq paid rich tribute to Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) on the occasion of his 27th martyrdom anniversary, saying that the valiant soldier laid down his life while defending the motherland.

He said that Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed’s exemplary courage, unwavering sense of duty and supreme sacrifice have earned him an enduring place in the nation’s history and remain a source of immense pride for every Pakistani.

Ayaz Sadiq said that on July 7, 1999, during the Kargil conflict, Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed embraced martyrdom while bravely repelling repeated enemy attacks with exceptional courage, steadfastness and professional excellence.

Despite intense shelling and extremely challenging battlefield conditions, he continued to defend his post until his last breath, foiling the enemy’s designs through his extraordinary resilience and determination.

NA Speaker said that the mountains of Kargil still stand as silent witnesses to his remarkable bravery and sacrifice.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the officers and personnel of Pakistan’s armed forces have always rendered unparalleled sacrifices in defence of the country’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

He said that the entire nation salutes its martyrs and holds their families in the highest esteem for their patience, resilience and invaluable sacrifices.

Ayaz Sadiq said that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs continue to strengthen the spirit of national unity, stability and the collective resolve to safeguard the homeland.

The Speaker said that the nation will always remember the sacrifices made by its brave defenders in the line of duty.

Ayaz Sadiq also prayed to Allah Almighty to elevate the ranks of Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed in Jannat-ul-Firdous and to bless Pakistan with lasting peace, security, progress, and prosperity.

Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah also paid rich tribute to Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed and said that his courage, devotion to duty and unwavering loyalty to the motherland serve as a shining example for future generations.

He said that the nation remains the custodian of the legacy of its martyrs and will always remember their extraordinary sacrifices with profound respect, honour, and pride.

Mustafa Shah said that the matchless sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs constitute the foundation of Pakistan’s security, freedom and sovereignty.

He also prayed to Allah Almighty to grant Havaldar Lalak Jan Shaheed the highest ranks in Jannah and bless Pakistan with enduring peace, stability, and security.