Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: Coordinator to the Prime Minister Rana Ihsan Afzal Friday under the PML-N leadership, Pakistan's economy is back on track and yielding positive results, driven by the party's focus on economic revival, industrial growth and infrastructure development, as outlined in their manifesto.

Talking to a private news channel, Rana Ihsan said that PML-N's economic revival strategy focuses on bringing inflation down to a single digit and increasing the investment-GDP ratio to 20%, driven by export-led growth, a stable stock exchange, a strengthened rupee and increased confidence among foreign investors.

To a question, he said that the PTI is the only party that desires instability and refuses to engage in constructive dialogue.

He also urged PTI to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that the country is progressing and it is essential to put the nation's welfare above partisan interests.

Islamabad: United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan in a move to empower young voices in the fight against climate change, has appointed 14-year-old Zunaira Qayyum as its Youth Advocate for Climate Action and Girls' Empowerment.

The announcement was made at the Dawn Media Breathe Pakistan Climate Conference, highlighting Zunaira's remarkable work as a champion for climate action and child rights.

Hailing from Balochistan, Zunaira has represented Pakistan's youth at national and international forums, including COP 29.

Her research on the impacts of climate change-induced floods on girls' secondary education in Hub, Balochistan, was recognized as one of the winners of the UNICEF Policy Research Challenge in 2023.

Zunaira's passion for advocacy has led her to train adolescents in Hub, Balochistan, using UNICEF's Youth Advocacy Guide.

Her dedication to creating positive change has inspired many, and her appointment as UNICEF Youth Advocate is a testament to her hard work.

"The climate crisis poses one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced, but when I listen to Zunaira and the children of Pakistan, I find hope and inspiration for the future," said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan. "We must do more to empower children and young people with opportunities to lead, act, and help this country prosper".

The appointment comes at a critical time, as children in Pakistan face increasing threats from climate change and destructive weather events.

A recent UNICEF analysis revealed that climate-induced hazards disrupted schooling for 26 million children in Pakistan in 2024, with 16 million children affected by air pollution in Punjab alone.

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: Allama Iqbal Open University(AIOU) had set February 10 as late date for admissions in Matric, Intermediate, and B.Ed programs offered for the Spring 2025 semester.

According to the details, no decision had been made yet regarding an extension of the admission deadline. Therefore, interested students were advised to take advantage of the opportunity and register themselves within the given timeframe.

Admissions for Associate Degree (BA/B.Com), BS, Postgraduate Diplomas, MS, MPhil, and PhD programs would remain open until 17th February. According to the issued schedule, continuing students could enroll themselves until 24th February.

Admission forms and prospectuses for all programs were available on the university's website. To facilitate students, an online admission facility had been provided for all programs.

However, admissions for Matric, FA, Associate Degree, and B.Ed programs could also be obtained through the manual process. The admission forms for these programs were available at the university's regional offices across the country.

Prospective students were advised to complete their enrollment within the specified deadlines to avoid late fees. They could also seek assistance in the admission process from the regional offices, where facilitation centers had been established to guide and support them.

Islamabad: Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain on Friday chaired the Sugar Advisory Board meeting to review the production and demand of sugar in the country.

The meeting was attended by Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Rashid Mahmood Langrial and other senior officials, said a news release.

The minister emphasized the need for a joint policy between federal and provincial governments to ensure stable sugar prices and availability and all stakeholders would be taken on board in this regard.

It was decided to convene another meeting on Monday to finalize prices for Ramazan, ensuring that sugar prices remain stable during the holy month.

The government will take concrete measures to maintain sugar prices at a reasonable level in collaboration with the provinces and effective strategies will be adopted to prevent artificial shortages or price hikes.

The minister assured that all necessary steps will be taken to eliminate artificial shortages and price hikes, and action will be taken against those involved in unjustified price increases.

The government has ensured that sugar is available in the market at a reasonable price, and the public will not face any difficulties.

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.