Federal Constitutional Court

FCC Declares Pension a Fundamental Legal Right of Retired Employees

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court has declared pensions and pension-related benefits to be the legitimate fundamental legal right of retired employees, ruling that such entitlements cannot be withheld without an order from a competent court.

The nine-page written judgment, authored by Justice Arshad Hussain, states that pensions and retirement benefits cannot be stopped unless authorized by a competent court. The court further held that unnecessary delays in the payment of pensions constitute a violation of the law and may amount to contempt of court.

According to the judgment, if no appeal or review petition is filed within the prescribed time against a court order, the decision attains finality. It added that a review petition filed after the prescribed period cannot later be challenged through a constitutional petition.

The Federal Constitutional Court also directed the implementation of the Labour Court’s decision ordering the reinstatement of Muhammad Akram, a dismissed driver of a private bank, along with all his previous benefits.

The judgment observed that the failure to implement the Labour Court’s ruling even after 17 years was a matter of serious concern and described the prolonged delay in executing the decision as regrettable.

Also Read: Lahore High Court Upholds Death Sentences in Motorway Gang Rape Case

Mohsin Naqvi

If Pakistan’s cockroaches unite, they’ll overturn everything: Mohsin Naqvi

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said that Pakistan’s existing system needs to be reset, stressing that new administrative units and new leadership are essential to address the country’s long-standing challenges. He said he is the biggest supporter of democracy, but added that there are different forms of democracy and that reforms should be carried out while remaining within its true spirit.

Naqvi made these remarks while addressing the first-ever Pakistan Economic Summit held in Islamabad. The event brought together economic experts from across the country, along with federal ministers and political leaders.

During his speech, the interior minister said that the country would continue to face the same problems even after another 10 years if meaningful reforms were not introduced. He stated that the current system has collapsed, whether people choose to acknowledge it or not, adding that the country has remained trapped in the same system for decades.

He said he strongly supports democracy but believes there are different forms of it. According to Naqvi, the existing system should be corrected while remaining within the spirit of democracy. Addressing members of the business community present at the summit, he said those running the political system were present in the hall, and so were those who fund it in one way or another. He remarked that the day they decide to fix the system, it can be reformed.

The interior minister emphasized that reforms within the system are necessary to resolve the country’s issues. He said both those operating the political system and those financing it were present at the event, adding that some provide funding due to one compulsion and others due to different circumstances. He maintained that once they collectively decide to improve the system, it can be fixed. However, he also noted that not everything within the current system is bad.

Naqvi said ordinary citizens require basic public services that the state has been unable to provide. He pointed out that even today, people have to travel for ten hours to reach a court. He added that the common citizen seeks justice, employment, and education.

Referring to the country’s youth, the interior minister said that regardless of what name people choose to give them, even if they call them “cockroaches,” if they unite, they could bring down the existing system. He said action must be taken before such a situation arises.

 

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Naqvi stressed that all political parties must sit together in one room and work collectively to resolve every issue facing the country, from the creation of new provinces to other national challenges. He warned that unless political stakeholders come together, the country will remain in its current condition.

He further stated that young people cannot be satisfied merely by distributing laptops and tablets. According to him, the youth want the system to be reformed and expect to secure jobs through a fair and transparent process. He said the younger generation is demanding employment and its rightful share.

The interior minister also said that he had listened carefully to Mian Aamir’s presentation and emphasized the need to take that administration to the people. He said the efforts being made require new leadership and reiterated that new provinces are the solution to the country’s problems. He added that the matter must ultimately be taken to the public.

Concluding his address, Mohsin Naqvi said that Pakistan can never achieve progress unless all stakeholders come together and sit at one table to resolve the country’s issues.

Aleema khan

Islamabad ATC Declares Aleema and Uzma Khan Proclaimed Offenders

ISLAMABAD: An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has declared Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, sisters of the PTI founder, as proclaimed offenders in connection with the October 4 protest case.

The court also issued permanent arrest warrants for both sisters.

The case was heard by ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra. During the hearing, the police submitted a report stating that the proclaimed offender proceedings had been completed.

Based on the report, the court declared Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan proclaimed offenders.

The court further directed the issuance of permanent arrest warrants for both accused and sought details of their properties.

Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan are facing charges in a case registered at Kohsar Police Station in connection with the October 4 protest.

Also Read: India Opens Salal Dam Gates, Water Released into Chenab River Toward Pakistan

Saqib Chatar

Actress Arooba Mirza Alleges Contact Attempts by MPA Saqib Chadhar, Shares Alleged Chats

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani actress Arooba Mirza has claimed that Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Saqib Chadhar repeatedly attempted to contact her, sharing screenshots of alleged Instagram messages that she says were sent by the politician.

The actress posted the alleged screenshots on her Instagram Stories. According to the screenshots, Saqib Chadhar allegedly initiated a conversation on Instagram and requested that the discussion continue on Snapchat.

 

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A post shared by Amna Rasool (@allpakshowbizstarz)

Alongside the screenshots, Arooba Mirza wrote, “Momina Iqbal, Syeda Tuba, and now me too.”

The claim marks a new development in the controversy currently circulating on social media.

However, Saqib Chadhar has not yet issued any official response to Arooba Mirza’s allegations or the screenshots she shared.

Also Read: Court Extends Interim Bail of MPA Saqib Chadhar and Wife in Momina Iqbal Threat Case

asad ali toor

IHC to Hear Asad Ali Toor’s Petition Challenging NCCIA Notice Tomorrow

The Islamabad High Court has scheduled for hearing tomorrow a petition filed by YouTuber Asad Ali Toor challenging a summons notice issued to him by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).

The case will be heard by Justice Azam Khan of the Islamabad High Court.

The petition was filed on behalf of Asad Ali Toor by Advocate Attaullah Kundi.

In the petition, the court has been requested to declare the notice issued by the NCCIA as null and void. The petitioner has sought the cancellation of the summons notice through the proceedings before the Islamabad High Court.

The matter is scheduled to come up for hearing before the court tomorrow.

Also Read: NCCIA Summons Senior Journalist Asad Ali Toor in Fresh PECA Inquiry

petrol price

Government Raises Diesel Price by Rs2.24 Per Litre, Cuts Petrol Price by Rs0.75

The government has increased the price of diesel by Rs2.24 per litre while reducing the price of petrol by Rs0.75 per litre.

The Petroleum Division has issued a notification announcing the revised prices of petrol and diesel for July 30.

According to the notification, the new price of diesel has been set at Rs390.62 per litre.

The notification also stated that the price of petrol has been reduced by Rs0.75 per litre, bringing the new petrol price to Rs335.06 per litre.

According to the notification, the revised prices of petrol and diesel will be effective for July 30.

It is worth recalling that the government had yesterday increased the price of diesel by Rs1.55 per litre and the price of petrol by Rs1.63 per litre.

Also Read: Govt Assures IMF of Electricity and Gas Price Hikes Amid Budget Negotiations

Blue-Passport

KP Assembly Decides to End Lifetime Blue Passport Provision for Lawmakers

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has decided to abolish the provision granting lifetime blue passports to its members, according to sources. Key decisions regarding the Privileges Bill were made during a meeting of the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Privileges.

According to sources, the committee agreed that blue passports for members of the provincial assembly will now be issued only for the duration of their term in office instead of on a lifetime basis.

The meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly’s Standing Committee on Privileges was chaired by Deputy Speaker Soraya Bibi, who also serves as the chairperson of the committee.

During the meeting, a proposal to issue Assembly NADRA cards to members was discussed. The committee also considered ending the issuance of such cards to family members of lawmakers.

The committee further decided that amendments would be made to media-related provisions in the Members’ Privileges and Benefits Bill to make them more flexible. At the same time, it was decided to retain all privileges and expenses allocated to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Also Read: KP Government Withdraws Proposed Assembly Members’ Benefits and Blue Passport Amendments

Several members of the provincial assembly expressed serious reservations over the decision to abolish the lifetime blue passport provision.

According to sources, the amended draft of the Provincial Assembly Privileges Bill will soon be finalized and, after receiving cabinet approval, will be presented in the assembly once again.

Sources said Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had asked Speaker Babar Saleem to review the Privileges Bill.

Iran US Deal

US Announces New Sanctions on Iran, Increasing Economic Pressure

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, further increasing economic pressure on the country.

The US Department of the Treasury announced the new sanctions, claiming that Tehran had been collecting mandatory maritime insurance payments from commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and using those funds to provide financial support for the activities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to US officials, the new sanctions are aimed at targeting this alleged network.

According to a statement issued by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), sanctions have been imposed on two Iranian entities, eight companies involved in oil trading, and several oil tankers. The entities are accused of helping Iran continue its oil exports and financial activities.

US officials said the sanctions focus on an alleged financial network operating in the Strait of Hormuz, through which commercial vessels were reportedly required to purchase mandatory maritime insurance.

The United States claims that although the system appeared to provide security for ships, it was actually being used to collect funds to financially support the activities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The statement identified the two sanctioned Iranian entities as Persian Gulf Marine Insurance Company and Hormoz Safe Marine Services Authority. According to the US Treasury Department, Hormoz Safe also accepted payments in Bitcoin and other digital assets in an effort to evade Western sanctions.

As part of the action, the United States also targeted Iran’s alleged “shadow fleet.” US officials said that several oil tankers were involved in transporting Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, particularly to China. Eight shipping companies linked to those tankers have also been added to the sanctions list.

abdullah-Tahir

PTI Leader Chaudhry Abdullah Tahir Dies After Gun Attack in Lahore

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Chaudhry Abdullah Tahir has died after unidentified armed assailants opened fire on his vehicle in Lahore.

According to police, the incident occurred when Abdullah Tahir was travelling from his residence in Gulberg to a hospital for a routine medical check-up. During the journey, two unidentified attackers riding a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle and opened indiscriminate fire.

As a result of the attack, Abdullah Tahir sustained critical injuries. He was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds despite efforts to save his life.

Police and rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after the incident, secured the area, and collected evidence. An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest the assailants, while investigators are examining the case from multiple angles. A search operation has also been initiated in the surrounding area.

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Chaudhry Abdullah Tahir was considered one of the prominent political figures from Okara. He contested the 2018 general elections for the Punjab Assembly on a PTI ticket.

Police have registered a case and begun a detailed investigation into the motive behind the attack. Forensic experts have also collected evidence from the crime scene to assist in identifying those responsible.

Azad-Kashmir-Election

AJK Elections: Election Commission Announces Final Results for All 13 Mirpur Division Constituencies

MUZAFFARABAD: The Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir has announced the final results for all 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division in the first phase of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections.

According to the Election Commission, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) secured a decisive lead by winning nine out of 13 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) won the remaining four seats.

Under the officially announced results, Azhar Sadiq of PML-N was elected from LA-1 Mirpur-I, while Qasim Majeed of PPP won LA-2 Mirpur-II. Chaudhry Yasir Sultan of PPP emerged victorious from LA-3 Mirpur-III, whereas Chaudhry Rukhsar Ahmed of PML-N secured LA-4 Mirpur-IV.

In Bhimber, Waqar Ahmed Noor of PML-N won LA-5 Bhimber-I, Muhammad Razaq Chaudhry of PML-N was declared successful from LA-6 Bhimber-II, and Tariq Farooq of PML-N won LA-7 Bhimber-III.

For Kotli, Zafar Iqbal Malik of PPP secured victory in LA-8 Kotli-I. Umair Naeem of PML-N was declared successful from LA-9 Kotli-II, while Muhammad Yasin Chaudhry of PPP won LA-10 Kotli-III.

Also Read: Atta Tarar Says Violent Group Failed to Undermine AJK Elections, Vows to Protect Kashmir Cause

The remaining constituencies were won by PML-N, with Muhammad Asif elected from LA-11 Kotli-IV, Muhammad Riasat Khan from LA-12 Kotli-V, and Ayaz Ahmed from LA-13 Kotli-VI.

With the announcement of the final results, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has established a clear lead in Mirpur Division, strengthening its position for the next phase of political developments in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.