Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) had appealed the people of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir to observe complete shutdown on February 11 (Tuesday) to memorize the great son of the soil, Mohamed Maqbool Butt and other martyrs of the territory.

India had hanged prominent liberation leader, Muhammad Maqbool Butt in New Delhi's Tihar Jail on 11th February, 1984 and Muhammad Afzal Guru in the same jail on 9th February, 2013. Their bodies remain buried in the premises of the jail.

APHC leaders and parties in a meeting in Srinagar deliberated on the current political situation and expressed grave concern over the killing of two Kashmiris, Waseem Ahmad Mir of Sopore and Makhan Din of Kathua by Indian forces and discussed the prevailing atmosphere of oppression and suppression perpetrated by the Indian forces and BJP regime in the territory.

The APHC spokesman Advocate, Abdul Rashid Minhas, in a statement in Srinagar said the meeting while memorizing the great sons of the soil, including Mohammad Maqbool Butt and Muhammad Afzal Guru, on their martyrdom anniversaries and appealed the peace and freedom-loving people of the territory to observe complete shutdown on 11th February.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) advised all consumers to verify the tax payment status of mobile devices before making any purchase.

Buyers must ensure that all required taxes have been paid for devices and are registered under the correct CNIC or passport category in the Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), according to a news release.

For those purchasing an unregistered mobile device, it is the buyer's responsibility to pay all applicable taxes and duties within 60 days to enable usage on local networks.

Individuals are further advised to personally submit the required taxes exclusively through authorized banking channels. Caution is crucial to avoid fraudulent offers or unauthorized intermediaries claiming to facilitate tax payments.

It is important to note that these taxes and duties are imposed solely by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). The PTA's role is limited to overseeing the registration of devices through DIRBS to ensure their legal use and connectivity on local networks.

Islamabad: During the first 100 days (Oct 26, 2024 to Feb 6, 2025) under the leadership of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the judiciary has implemented significant reforms to enhance efficiency, transparency, accountability, and accessibility in the justice sector, says a press release issued by the media office of the Supreme Court Friday.

According to the release these efforts have focused on improving case management, facilitating litigants and lawyers, and ensuring the timely resolution of legal matters. To build a more inclusive legal framework, the Chief Justice has engaged with the legal fraternity, development experts, and academia as well as 'Online Feedback Form - Stakeholders' Engagement for Judicial Reform,' has been made available on the official website of the Supreme Court to gather insights and recommendations for strengthening the justice system. These discussions have been instrumental in shaping policies that address systemic challenges and streamline legal processes through short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals.

A major step in these reforms has been the introduction of E-affidavits and instant certified copies, significantly reducing procedural delays and improving accessibility for litigants and lawyers. Additionally, guidelines for early case hearings have been developed in consultation with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). Recognizing the role of tax-related litigation in economic governance, the judiciary has introduced categorization measures to expedite the resolution of such cases and reduce the backlog. Over the last 100 days, the Supreme Court has demonstrated increased resolve by deciding 8,174 cases while receiving 4,963 new cases. This reflects a positive shift in judicial workflow, where case resolution outpaces new filings, reducing backlogs and ensuring timely justice. This improvement highlights the impact of recent reforms, including structured rule-making, automation, and streamlined procedures, contributing to a more effective and responsive judicial system.

To enhance the effectiveness of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), the primary focus was on framing comprehensive rules through stakeholder consultation. These rules establish clear merit-based criteria, streamline evaluations, and integrate automation to ensure transparency and efficiency. A dedicated secretariat reinforces accountability, making the judicial appointment process more structured and impartial. The appointment process for the Secretary to the Commission has been initiated, while new appointments of 36 additional judges in all five High Courts and the formation of constitutional benches at the Supreme Court of Pakistan and High Court of Sindh have been made. In adherence to the constitutional mandate, steps have been taken to ensure fair and equitable provincial representation in the Islamabad High Court. Merit-based elevations in the Supreme Court have also been reinforced, with the five senior-most judges from each High Court being considered for elevation, ensuring transparency in th e judicial system.

In reinforcing judicial accountability, the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) has established a separate secretariat to enhance its operational capacity. The appointment process for a regular/permanent Secretary SJC has been initiated, and regular meetings have been institutionalized for better oversight and faster case disposal. A key aspect of these reforms includes the swift resolution of complaints against constitutional officeholders, ensuring accountability mechanisms function efficiently, and upholding public confidence in the judiciary. The amendments in the Supreme Judicial Council Code of Conduct and Procedure of Enquiry 2005 are being considered. The Council in its two meetings examined 46 complaints under Article 209 of the Constitution received against constitutional officeholders, out of which 40 have been disposed of, whereas comments in 5 complaints were sought, and one was sent for information.

The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) has introduced major reforms to strengthen judicial efficiency and legal representation by replacing retired judges, ensuring broader stakeholder participation. The newly inducted bar representatives include Makhdoom Ali Khan (Karachi), Khawaja Haris (Punjab), Kamran Murtaza (Balochistan), Fazal-e-Haq (Peshawar), and Munir Paracha (Islamabad)and one member jointly nominated by all Bar Councils of Pakistan. In further efforts to improve access to justice, the LJCP has initiated jail reforms, including regular prison visits and outreach to the farthest districts to assess conditions and ensure fair legal oversight. To strengthen the capacity of the district judiciary, foreign training programs have been introduced for the district judiciary, enabling judges to gain exposure to international best practices. Moreover, the appointment of a new Secretary to LJCP will enhance administrative effectiveness. The agenda preparation for the NJPMC meeting expected in the l ast week of Feb is in full swing.

Following the vision of the Hon'ble Chief Justice, the Federal Judicial Academy (FJA) has launched an initiative for continuous legal education and professional development. A dedicated WhatsApp Community for Bar Councils and Bar Associations has been established, providing legal practitioners nationwide with free access to online courses and educational resources. This initiative complements on-campus training, particularly benefiting lawyers from remote regions who may not have access to professional development opportunities.

The steps have been taken to strengthen the legal fraternity by ensuring the active participation of the Bar in judicial reforms. The Bar is being consulted in stages of reforms, i.e. from conception to implementation. In consultation with the bar, the policy on early hearing on an urgent basis has been finalized and put to immediate practice. Additionally, training and capacity-building programs have been introduced to equip legal professionals with contemporary legal knowledge, modern litigation techniques, and ethical best practices.

Islamabad: Speakers at a symposium to commemorate 'Kashmir Day' held here expressed unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause and highlighted the necessity for proactive strategies to keep this issue alive at international forums.

The symposium held at the Quaid gallery in Aiwan-e- Quaid, F-9 Park late Thursday, was attended by notable personalities and Kashmri leaders.

Addressing on the occasion, President AJK, Sardar Masood Khan, as a chief guest, underscored the importance of understanding Kashmir's history to effectively highlight the Kashmir issue.

Highlighting the significance of 'Kashmir Solidarity Day', he said, "The purpose of observing this day is to express unity and solidarity with the people of Kashmir".

He paid tribute to the martyrs of Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) whose numbers have exceeded 100,000, condemning India's actions since 2019.

He expressed regret that India was trying to mislead the global community on the Kashmir issue.

Sardar Ateeq Khan on the occasion said, "I pray that Nazaria Pakistan Council and Faisal Zahid Malik will continue to pursue the Kashmir cause till its resolution."

"February 5 is a day that Pakistan commemorates as 'Kashmir Day' to show solidarity with the people of occupied Kashmir who are facing atrocities from Indian troops from the past seven decades."

He congratulated the organisers for making this event successful.

Abdullah Gul, Chairman of Tehreek-e-Naujawanan Pakistan, emphasized that the Kashmiri people has made its decision and remains steadfast in its struggle.

He recounted the long history of Kashmir's resistance, dating back to 1932, when people endured extreme atrocities. He recalled the tragic event when 22 people were martyred while delivering the longest-ever call to prayer (Azaan) in Kashmir.

He asserted that Pakistan's independence movement had origins both in Bengal and Kashmir.

He reminded the attendees that Kashmir's accession had been decided 26 days before India's invasion and that, until October 26, 1947, Pakistan's postal stamps were still in use in Kashmir.

Gul rejected India's claim that Kashmir is an "integral part" of the country, calling it a false narrative.

He called for a clear and comprehensive National Kashmir Policy, stressing its urgency.

He welcomed the recent visit of Pakistan's army chief and prime minister to Azad Kashmir, considering it a positive development.

Highlighting the importance of modern technology in advocacy, he proposed the creation of a dedicated social media application to expose India's actions in Kashmir to the global community.

He emphasized that this digital platform would play a crucial role in countering Indian propaganda and raising awareness about human rights violations in occupied Kashmir.

Faisal Zahid Malik, Senior Vice Chairman Nazaria Pakistan Council while addressing the symposium, said, "I am badly missing my father, late Zahid Malik, today, who was the founder of the Pakistan Observer newspaper. On this occasion, he always raised his voice for the Kashmir cause.

"For the past 15 years, Pak Observer has dedicated one page for Kashmir," he shared proudly.

I am grateful to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief for their unwavering support of the Kashmir cause.

He thanked the honourable speakers and guests for becoming part of the Kashmir cause.

It is to mention here that Nazaria Pakistan, with the collaboration of Pakistan Observer, organized the gracious event. This event reinforced the unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause and the necessity for proactive strategies to keep the issue alive on international forums.

Islamabad: The weekly inflation, measured by the Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI), went down by 0.21 percent for the combined consumption groups during the week ended on February 6, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Friday.

According to the PBS data, the SPI for the week under review in the above-mentioned group was recorded at 318.38 points as compared to 319.06 points during the past week.

As compared to the corresponding week of last year, the SPI for the combined consumption group in the week under review witnessed an increase of 1.02 per cent.

The weekly SPI with the base year 2015-16 =100 covers 17 urban centres and 51 essential items for all expenditure groups.

The SPI for the lowest consumption group of up to Rs 17,732 witnessed decrease of 0.29 per cent and went down to 308.96 points from last week's 309.85 points.

The SPI for consumption groups of Rs 17,732 to 22,888; Rs 22,889-29,517; Rs 29,518-44,175 and above Rs 44,175, declined by 0.27 percent, 0.24 percent, 0.23 percent and 0.19 percent respectively.

During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 13 (25.49%) items increased, 16 (31.37%) items decreased and 22 (43.14%) items remained stable.

The items, which recorded major decrease in their average prices on a week-on-week basis included tomatoes (11.42%), potatoes (5.99%), onions (4.38%), chicken (3.95%), pulse gram (1.72%), LPG (1.08%), pulse mash (0.82%), rice irri-6/9 (0.54%) and mustard oil (0.47%).

The commodities which recorded major increase in their average prices on a week-on-week basis included bananas (3.25%), diesel (2.67%), sugar (1.78%), garlic (0.44%), powdered salt (0.39%), petrol (0.38%), cigarettes (0.25%), long cloth (0.24%), powdered milk (0.07%), cooking oil 5 litre (0.04%) and rice basmati broken (0.03%).

Year-on-year basis, the commodities that witnessed decrease included onions (54.79%), tomatoes (42.99%), wheat flour (36.76%), chilies powder (20.00%), electricity charges for q1 (18.92%), eggs (12.09%), pulse mash (11.61%), pulse masoor (11.25%), rice basmati broken (8.41%), petrol (5.71%), diesel (3.87%) and LPG (1.70%).

The commodities which recorded an increase in their average prices on year-on-year basis included, ladies sandal (75.09%), pulse moong (31.08%), pulse gram (30.36%), powdered milk (25.80%), potatoes (23.42%), beef (22.35%), vegetable ghee 1 kg (17.15%), garlic (16.30%), gas charges for q1 (15.52%), vegetable ghee 2.5 kg (14.84%), shirting (14.11%), and firewood (13.07%).

Islamabad: Japanese Ambassador AKAMATSU Shuichi on Friday called on Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar to discuss issues pertaining to strengthen bilateral relations.

The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation between Pakistan and Japan.

During the discussion, both sides emphasized the longstanding friendly relations between the peoples of Pakistan and Japan.

The Federal Minister acknowledged Japan's support in Pakistan's economic and industrial development and expressed Pakistan's desire to further strengthen cooperation with Japan.

Ambassador AKAMATSU reiterated Japan's commitment to supporting Pakistan's development goals and agreed to enhance collaboration in various sectors.

He also highlighted the completion of 70 years of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) between Japan and Pakistan and reaffirmed Japan's willingness to continue its partnership in Pakistan's progress.

Both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and agreed to further expand bilateral relations for the benefit of both nations.