Posts in category: Politics

The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Election Commission has announced a reserved decision rejecting the registration of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for participation in the region’s elections.

According to the Election Commission Secretary, PTI’s registration application was rejected due to audit objections. As a result of this decision, PTI will not be able to contest the upcoming AJK elections as a political party.

PTI’s Response and Court Move

In response, PTI Azad Kashmir described the Election Commission’s decision as unconstitutional and undemocratic and announced its intention to immediately approach the higher judiciary against the ruling.

Party leader Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi stated that the move was a deliberate attempt to keep PTI out of the electoral process. He added that the decision has cast doubt over the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, warning that such an election would lack credibility.

The federal government has introduced a comprehensive new code of conduct for civil servants, replacing the 62-year-old framework with stricter rules on asset disclosures, conflicts of interest, social media activity and financial accountability.

According to a comparison between the repealed 1964 Rules and the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026, shared by official sources, the new framework retains the core principles of the earlier code, including restrictions on political activity, unauthorised disclosure of official information, nepotism and misuse of official position. However, it also introduces far-reaching accountability measures aimed at meeting the demands of modern-day governance.

One of the most significant changes is the requirement that annual asset declarations of officers in BPS-17 and above be made public after redaction of confidential personal information. Under the 1964 rules, asset declarations were filed internally and remained confidential.

The 2026 rules require senior officers to submit their declarations digitally by October 30 every year. These declarations will be subject to risk-based verification by the Federal Board of Revenue. Officers may also be asked to explain omissions, misstatements or unexplained increases in wealth.

For the first time, civil servants will be required to disclose virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies. They must also declare bank accounts, shares, securities, insurance policies and jewellery worth Rs5 million or more.

The new rules also introduce a comprehensive conflict-of-interest regime. Civil servants are required to disclose personal or family interests that may conflict with their official duties. They must also recuse themselves from procurement, selection and other decision-making processes where such conflicts arise.

Another major area covered by the new code is social media and online activity, which was not addressed in the 1964 framework. Civil servants may not own or manage websites, podcasts, blogs, YouTube channels or similar platforms without prior approval.

They are also prohibited from using personal social media accounts to showcase official work, facilities or entitlements for personal publicity or image-building. Cadre Administrators may require officers to disclose all their social media accounts.

The government has also tightened rules on gifts and hospitality. Civil servants and their family members are barred from accepting gifts from any person, company, foreign government or diplomat, except as permitted under the Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Act, 2024. They are also prohibited from offering gifts to superior officers if such gifts could be seen as attempts to obtain favours.

The new code states that civil servants should not live beyond their declared means. Officers may be required to explain expenditures on weddings and other social functions if such spending appears extravagant or inconsistent with their disclosed income.

In another new provision, officers who take private-sector jobs during sanctioned Extraordinary Leave must obtain prior approval. After returning to government service, they must refrain for three years from participating in any official matter involving their former employer.

The rules also allow officers to undertake approved teaching, consultancy and professional work, provided it does not affect official duties or create conflicts of interest. In such cases, one-twenty-fifth of the remuneration earned must be deposited in the national treasury.

Among other new provisions, civil servants must immediately report any criminal case or arrest to their Cadre Administrator. They are prohibited from filing frivolous complaints against colleagues and may not approach foreign missions or donor agencies to seek overseas visits or training opportunities for personal benefit.

The federal government has also empowered itself to extend the new rules to autonomous bodies, regulatory authorities, universities and state-owned enterprises.

Any violation of the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026, will be treated as misconduct under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, exposing violators to disciplinary action.

Officials say the new framework represents the most significant modernisation of Pakistan’s civil service ethics regime in more than six decades. They say it shifts the focus from traditional conduct standards to a stronger system of transparency, financial scrutiny and digital accountability.

Islamabad: A judicial magistrate has acquitted former National Assembly member Faheem Khan, former Provincial Assembly member Raja Azhar, and four other leaders in connection with the May 9 arson and protest cases due to lack of evidence.

The decision was announced by the Eastern Judicial Magistrate after considering the applications of the accused. The prosecution failed to prove the charges against the PTI leaders, leading to their acquittal.

Along with Faheem Khan and Raja Azhar, the court also acquitted Shahnawaz Jadun and Shehzad. The accused were represented in court by lawyers Iqrar Islam and Saima Iqrar.

According to police, the accused had faced allegations of participating in arson and protests, including damaging an armored vehicle, during the arrest of the founder of PTI.

Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan announced that the mobile phone of arrested drug trafficker Anmol, also known as Pinky, contained 835 contact numbers, including 300 active customer contacts and links to members of an international gang.

Speaking at a press conference held at Mohammad Ali Auditorium in the Central Police Office alongside senior police officials, Chief Azad Khan provided details of the investigation.

He said that on the morning of May 12, the District City Police and federal sensitive agencies conducted an intelligence-based operation and arrested the highly wanted suspect Anmol Pinky. During the raid, police recovered 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, seven kilograms of various narcotic chemicals, and a 9mm pistol from her flat. A case was registered at Garden Police Station.

According to Azad Khan, the suspect was presented in court on the same day, but due to police negligence, her remand could not be secured and she was placed in jail custody. Three officers found responsible for the negligence were immediately suspended, and new teams were formed to continue the investigation.

A team led by SP Investigations and SIU officers was assigned. Additionally, a DIG West was appointed as inquiry officer to identify those responsible for SOP violations in court and take further legal action.

Chief Khan said that under the supervision of DIG South, a team including two SSPs was formed, which successfully obtained a three-day remand for the suspect. During these three days, police gathered significant investigative details.

He added that due to the large scale of the case, IG Sindh formed a special team under his supervision, including DIG Crime & Investigation Aamir Farooqi, DIG Special Branch Shiraz Nazir, and DIG CTD Azfar Mahesar, to ensure a thorough investigation.

Investigations revealed that the suspect has 20 cases registered in Sindh, including 17 old cases and 3 new ones, one case with ANF, and three cases registered in Lahore. Of these, 9 cases have already led to arrests, six old cases have been closed, three cases still list the suspect as wanted, and in the ANF case she remains absconding.

Azad Khan further explained that besides these 17 cases, 9 separate cases linked to her network (the “riders”) exist, in which her name does not appear. The suspect has been active in the drug trade since 2014, and in Karachi since 2018, operating primarily online.

He added that the suspect would relocate to Lahore when on police radar in Karachi to continue her activities.

Forensic analysis of her mobile phone by CTD revealed 869 contact numbers, with police having successfully obtained the location of 639 numbers, of which only 132 were in Karachi. The remaining 240 numbers’ locations are still being traced.

The Cabinet Division has released the Toshakhana records for the first quarter of 2026, covering January to March, detailing gifts received by senior government officials and ministers.

According to the report, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Chairman of the Senate, the Chairman of NAB, and several federal ministers were among the recipients of valuable gifts.

The Toshakhana record also lists IT Minister Shiza Fatima, Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, and Attaullah Tarar as officials who received gifts during this period.

Official documents confirm that all received gifts have been deposited in the Toshakhana; however, the names of the gift-givers have not been disclosed in the released records.

The Senate Standing Committee on Interior has approved a bill related to the issuance of blue (diplomatic) passports to senators and recommended removing the six-year service condition for senators and their children to obtain such passports.

The committee meeting reviewed the bill proposing changes in eligibility criteria for blue passports issued to members of the Senate and their families.

During the meeting, Chairman of the committee Senator Faisal Saleem expressed anger over the absence of the Director General of Passports and questioned his whereabouts, asking why he was not present.

The bill was presented by Senator Abdul Qadir, who stated that a senator should be eligible for a blue passport if they serve for three years in the Senate.

However, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry opposed the proposal, stating that blue passports have been misused in the past. He added that while he would not name individuals, “everyone knows” about such misuse.

Talal Chaudhry further said that holders of blue passports can travel to several countries without visas, and cited an incident involving the 28-year-old son of MNA Iqbal Afridi, who traveled to a country on a blue passport, later moved to Italy, and applied for political asylum while surrendering the passport. He said this incident caused embarrassment when a message was received from abroad.

He added that when Pakistan discusses visa facilitation with other countries, it is often questioned about the number of blue passports issued. He said the government has already tightened rules for diplomatic and blue passports and reduced their numbers, issuing them only where necessary.

The minister also stated that misuse of blue passports affects Pakistan’s ability to sign memorandums of understanding with other countries.

Karachi : Police have successfully apprehended a key figure in a large drug trafficking network, identifying the suspect as Anmol, also known as Pinky. The arrest was made following a significant crackdown on narcotics distribution in the city.

The local court has sent the accused on judicial remand and instructed the investigating officer to submit the challan (charge sheet) within the next 14 days.

According to police sources, Anmol, who is suspected of being the leader of an extensive drug network, was arrested in the Garden area of Karachi. During the arrest, authorities recovered large quantities of drugs, including hashish, as well as a weapon.

The total value of the seized narcotics is estimated to exceed Rs. 1.5 million. Despite this, Anmol was presented in court without handcuffs, a lapse that the Karachi police chief has taken notice of.

In addition to drugs, a pistol and live ammunition were also found in the possession of the accused. Law enforcement officials have revealed that Anmol was operating a well-organized narcotics network, which was responsible for supplying drugs to various regions across the country.

Her operations reportedly involved female riders, who were used to distribute the drugs discreetly. The buyers in her network included students and people from different walks of life.

Authorities have further disclosed that Anmol was allegedly supplying drugs to some influential individuals, and several police cases have been registered against her at the Garden police station.

She has been wanted in ten cases and was on the run before her arrest. Investigations into her associates and the broader drug network are ongoing, with officials collecting evidence from multiple angles.

Initial reports suggest that Anmol, originally from Kasur, had established a powerful drug trafficking operation in Karachi, which was managed with a high level of organization. It has also been revealed that the name “Pinky” was often used as a code word in narcotics transactions to conceal the operation’s activities.

Meanwhile, a leaked audio clip allegedly featuring Anmol has gone viral, in which she defiantly claims that her drug operation runs 24/7, stating, “We are operating freely; if you can catch us, go ahead.

We’ve spread chaos all over Karachi. If you can stop us, then stop us.” In the audio, Anmol further mocks law enforcement, claiming that retired officers have called her to confess their inability to arrest her. She also ridicules the competence of the police.

This disturbing revelation has raised concerns about the reach of her operations and the audacity of the accused. Police officials have vowed to continue their investigations and dismantle the drug network that Anmol allegedly ran.

Authorities have emphasized that they are committed to cracking down on drug trafficking in Karachi, and Anmol’s arrest is seen as a significant victory in the ongoing war against narcotics.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to take firm action against power theft and cut reliance on imported fuel.

The directives came during a high-level meeting on energy sector reforms in Islamabad.

Chairing the review meeting, the prime minister stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to meet future energy demands through renewable sources.

He said increasing electricity generation from hydropower, solar energy, and biogas would help lower production costs and support economic growth.

The premier instructed officials to minimise reliance on imported fuel for power generation.

He reiterated that no concessions should be given to individuals involved in electricity theft.

Strict action against power theft

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made it clear that strict measures must be taken against those involved in power theft.

He also directed authorities to speed up the installation of smart meters on transformers in areas where electricity theft is widespread.

The prime minister ordered departmental action against electricity distribution companies that recently violated the “Economic Merit Order,” a key benchmark for efficient power generation.

Push for competitive electricity market

The government plans to promote a competitive electricity market, with efforts underway to supply 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity to the private sector in the first phase under the wheeling system.

Officials also shared that work is ongoing to bring three electricity distribution companies into private sector participation, with bidding expected to conclude by November.

During the briefing, participants were informed that electricity theft, non-payment, and system losses have significantly declined due to recent measures.

Losses in the distribution system dropped from 18.3% in June 2024 to 15.3% in March 2026.

Bill recovery rates improved from 90% in June 2024 to 96.46% in March 2026, reflecting better enforcement and operational efficiency.

Additionally, smart meters have been installed on 2,500 loss-making feeders.

Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir that Pakistan stands united like a “Bunyan-um-Marsoos” — a solid and unbreakable structure — in the face of all internal and external challenges as he presided over the 275th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters.

According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the top military leadership reviewed the country’s internal security situation, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, and regional developments, while reaffirming the resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.

The forum, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians who laid down their lives in the line of duty. It noted that their “unparalleled sacrifices remain the foundation of Pakistan’s national security, unity and resilience.”

Praise for counter-terror operations

The Army Chief expressed satisfaction over the preparedness, professionalism and combat effectiveness of the armed forces, particularly in ongoing intelligence-based operations across the country.

The conference was informed about the continued progress of counter-terrorism efforts, including the targeting of militant networks and their supporting infrastructure under Operation Ghazb-ul-Haq.

Military leadership reiterated that operational momentum would be maintained to ensure the complete elimination of terrorist networks and to prevent the use of Pakistani territory for any hostile activity.

Allegations against Afghanistan rejected

The forum also discussed the regional security environment, with particular reference to the situation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

It observed that, under what it termed the “illogical and misleading policy” of the Afghan Taliban regime, safe havens continue to be provided to militant groups. The conference said such policies are against the interests of the Afghan people themselves.

Rejecting recent allegations levelled by Kabul, the military leadership stated that claims regarding Pakistani strikes inside Afghanistan were part of a “systematic disinformation campaign” aimed at shifting focus from internal challenges.

Pakistan, the forum said, categorically rejects such accusations and maintains that its operations are strictly defensive, precise, and directed only against terrorist hideouts and infiltration routes.

Call for restraint in region

Reviewing broader geopolitical developments, the Corps Commanders’ Conference emphasized that emerging regional dynamics could significantly impact stability.

It underlined the importance of restraint, dialogue and avoidance of escalation, noting that Pakistan has consistently played a responsible role in promoting regional peace and de-escalation.

“Peace and stability in the region depend on mutual tolerance, responsibility and respect for sovereignty,” the statement added.

Kashmir issue highlighted

The forum also strongly condemned ongoing human rights violations, alleged demographic changes and extrajudicial killings in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, the conference reiterated diplomatic, political and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

Field Marshal Munir also congratulated the nation and the armed forces on the completion of what he termed the commemorative year of the “Mark-e-Haq”, describing it as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s recent history.

He said the event reflects national unity, collective resolve, and an unwavering commitment to defend sovereignty “at all costs”.

“The Battle of Haq is a symbol of harmony between the people, the government and the armed forces of Pakistan,” he said, adding that the country stands together like a Bunyan-um-Marsoos in the face of every challenge.

The conference also noted that commemorating such milestones sends a clear message of national cohesion and preparedness against any threat.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the army chief directed all commanders to maintain a high level of operational readiness in view of evolving security challenges.

He stressed continuity in professionalism, improved coordination, and proactive responses to both traditional and non-traditional threats confronting the country.

The forum reiterated that Pakistan’s security institutions remain fully prepared to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure lasting stability.