Defense failed to counter evidence in £190m scam, says Tarar
on political rhetoric rather than presenting substantive evidence to prove the innocence of the accused, including Pakistan
Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan The judge, in the verdict, clearly stated that the defense counsel could not provide evidence to refute the prosecution’s proofs of bribery corruption and misuse of authority Tarar said Highlighting the scandal s details, Tarar stated that the funds in question were confiscated by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and returned to Pakistan However he accused the PTI leadership of diverting the recovered amount back to the person it was initially seized from, calling this move a blatant misuse of power
Imran Khan vows to ‘endure imprisonment’, calls for upholding r ule of law
S TA F F R E P O R T
After the court s verdict in the £190 million reference, former prime minister Imran Khan reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law declaring that he would endure imprisonment for as long as necessary This was disclosed by his lawyer, Faisal Chaudhry, following a meeting with Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, at Adiala jail, moments after the court awarded the couple years-long imprisonment Speaking to the media after the
meeting Chaudhry also revealed that Bushra Bibi expressed her unwavering support for Khan, saying: I stand with him and will continue to do so He also confirmed that Bushra Bibi would soon be shifted to a cell in Adiala Jail Chaudhry however remained optimistic asserting: We will win this match This is a match for justice and fairness in the country, and Imran Khan will emerge victorious An accountability court in Islamabad after delaying the verdict three times convicted the PTI founder and his wife Bushra Bibi in the £190 million case
SMES
ports under Customs Computerized System, to and from Azerbaijan It will cover Azerbaijan’s cargo imported through Karachi Port Port Muhammad Bin Qasim and Gwadar Port and Azerbaijan s cargo to other countries through Karachi Port Port Muhammad Bin Qasim and Gwadar Port
The rules revealed that Azerbaijan s registered vehicles holding valid permits and being utilized for the transport of transit and bilateral trade cargo shall enter Pakistan without the requirement of submission of any financial security for the duty and taxes leviable on the vehicle on the basis of reciprocity as agreed by the two
was
bank to begin reducing policy rates, further easing inflationary pressures The report highlights regional trends noting that growth in South Asia excluding India rose to 3 9% in 2024 from 3% in 2023, largely due to recoveries in Pakistan and Sri Lanka However, it flagged concerns over per capita income growth in countries like Bangladesh Pakistan and Sri Lanka which remains weaker than pre-pandemic levels This slower pace of income growth is expected to impede poverty reduction and delay economic catch-up with higher-income nations
The World Bank expressed concerns about food insecurity in Pakistan, noting that while hunger has moderated in some countries, it remains a significant challenge in Afghanistan and Pakistan compared to the decade before the pandemic Delays in implementing policy reforms, particularly under IMF-supported programs, pose additional risks for countries like Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka The report warned that such delays could erode investor confidence trigger capital outflows and increase fiscal vulnerabilities A lack of fiscal discipline could raise borrowing costs for both the government and the private sector, dampening private investment and slowing economic activity While fiscal adjustments are expected to stabilize deficits in South Asia the report pointed out that higher interest payments in Pakistan and infrastructure investments in Bangladesh could offset these gains, maintaining pressure on
PSX and 1LINK collaborate to revolutionize IPO book building process
D e s k The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and 1LINK (Pvt) Limited have signed a groundbreaking agreement to upgrade the Book Building System (BBS) at PSX This move is set to transform the capital markets by introducing seamless online payments exceeding Rs1 million through the 1LINK 1BILL platform, integrated with PSX’s revamped indigenously developed BBS The updated system offers advanced functionalities enabling multiple simultaneous book-building processes with a user-friendly interface It introduces features to streamline bidding,
financial inclusion through its secure and innovative digital payment solutions, including the 1BILL platform Established in 1999, 1LINK already plays a key role in modernising Pakistan s payment ecosystem Expected to roll out in the coming weeks the improved BBS underscores the importance of digitisation in driving Pakistan s capital market forward It positions PSX as a more investorfriendly platform aiming to attract greater participation in equity offerings
the event citing meaningful discussions that could lead to impactful collaborations Exhibitors expressed optimism about international interest with Amir Iqbal of Fashion Art International and Adeel Pirzada of Polani Textile highlighting the event s potential to drive global expansion
COMMENT
PTI in action
TH AT PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan and CM Ali Amin Gandapur met with Chief of Army Staff
Gen Asim Munir was conceded but it does not seem to have brought PTI founding chairman Imran Khan any relief in the Al-Qadir University reference involving the alleged benefit of £190 million being given to a real estate tycoon in return for a plot of land
Though Mr Khan had expressed pleasure at the meeting, the verdict in the case, which had been postponed from December 18, when it was first reserved The three deferrals have been made for dates coming a few days after the various meetings scheduled of the PTIgovernment talks committee The verdict was now announced, with both Imran and his wife Bushra Bibi (who was convicted of accepting a diamond ring for intervening in the matter) have been sentenced to 14 years and seven years imprisonment respectively
Meanwhile the PTI negotiators handed over a charter of demands to the PML(N) which was more or less entirely what was anticipated: it demanded the release of all political prisoners (by grant of bails by the non-PTI provincial governments), the setting up of commissions to the 9 May 2023 and 26 November 2024 incidents It is perhaps positive that the negotiators have taken up the most contentious, before moving on to such issues as the restoration of the Constitution or the results of last year s polls The government has seven days to reply, and the earlier indications are that the government will object strenuously to the setting up of inquiry commissions on the ground that both events are sub judice and thus outside the scope of the courts On the other hand PTI negotiating team member Sahibzada Hamid Reza has said that the commissions are a dealbreaker in that their being set up will determine whether the negotiations are to continue It might be remembered that on 9 May 2023, PTI workers are said to have attacked military installations, including martyrs memorials, while on November 26, the PTI
While
Regional shifts, US politics, and the path ahead
heightened security concerns One of the most notable outcomes of the war is the widening rift over the prospect of a two-state solution Many Arab and European nations have intensified calls for a sovereign Palestinian state viewing the conflict as a turning point However in Israel the idea of an independent Palestine faces staunch opposition, as many fear it could lead to more attacks akin to those on 7 October 2023
TH E prolonged and devastating conflict between Hamas and Israel has reached a pivotal moment with the announcement of a ceasefire deal This agreement marks a significant step toward ending a 15-month-long war that has left countless lives shattered and entire regions in ruins As the world watches this moment unfold the ceasefire provides an opportunity for reflection on the war s implications, the challenges of rebuilding, and the prospects for peace This ceasefire agreement exposes its immediate and long-term impacts on the Middle East the political implications in the USA and the daunting future that lies ahead for Gaza and the rest of Palestine
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is a complex arrangement aimed at halting hostilities and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza The deal includes a 42-day cessation of fighting, the release of 33 hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza While it brings temporary relief to both sides it is far from comprehensive lacking guarantees for long-term peace or post-war reconstruction Negotiated under US President Joe Biden s administration and set to be implemented during President-elect Donald Trump’s term, the deal reflects significant international pressure and changing dynamics in the region Both Biden and Trump claim credit for the agreement with Biden emphasizing diplomatic efforts and Trump highlighting a hardline approach However, the terms remain fragile, with potential risks of resumed violence if either side perceives breaches or unmet commitments
The ceasefire offers a temporary respite but leaves the region grappling with deep scars and unresolved tensions For Gaza the destruction is monumental with tens of thousands of lives lost entire neighborhoods obliterated and critical infrastructure decimated Israel, though safer than before, has paid a heavy price with significant military casualties and
The war has also reshaped regional power dynamics Hezbollah a key ally of Hamas has been severely weakened and Iran s influence in the region is at its lowest since 1979 Meanwhile Lebanon and Syria are witnessing political shifts, offering glimmers of hope for more stable governance However, these changes are overshadowed by the immense humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the uncertainty of what comes next
In the USA the ceasefire agreement is a rare instance of bipartisan support Both Democrats and Republicans are claiming credit for its success reflecting their distinct approaches to Middle East diplomacy For President Biden, the deal underscores his administration s commitment to stabilizing the region through diplomacy and military aid Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the US role in preventing
From education to quality education
TThe Pakistani diplomats should be experts in the history economy culture politics and social dynamics of the coun-
try wherein he or she is deputed Our research is confined to the big powers and major areas of research Language barriers modern techniques and equipment and taking students as a source of income are the main hurdles in the way of quality education Pakistan can elevate itself at the international level with the help of its human resource while the best human resources can be achieved if the government ensures quality education in the institutions The Honhaar Scholarship scheme initiated by the Minister of Higher Education under the auspices of the Chief Minister brought the whole of the Punjab academics to the magnificent hall of the Punjab University Lahore From the students to the highest officials and cabinet members listened to the Chief Minister Education and health are the departments directly dealing with the masses The electioneering campaign prioritized it massively in every election but unfortunately, these are the most neglected domains and governments could not bring some gigantic changes Knowledge economy is a term pervasive throughout the world and the youth in Pakistan is earning much through education and skills
but the question seeking response is whether knowledge means earning money only The CM pointed out so many standards of educated youth including decency civility righteousness respecting the otherness of others, and responsible citizens The standard of a responsible citizen was highlighted to the youth as a message that the Pakistani youth ought to be nonviolent and respect the law of the land so that this decency can travel to the Western societies which perceive us otherwise Her eloquence was much appreciated especially when she promised to award them scholarships, laptops, and funding for foreign education irrespective of their political affiliations “You all are my sons and daughters and I plan things related to you as a mother ” Dr Farrukh Naveed the Secretary of Higher Education briefed about the measures being taken by the provincial government to promote meritocracy and facilities The CM talked about numerous reforms in the fields of education and challenged whether the past governments had taken up such creative measures to encourage the youth The youth will benefit from the Honahaar scholarships and other measures of the Punjab government But the biggest achievement of the government will be the quality of education if it is ensured Brain drain was another point discussed by the CM who declared the utilization of the creativity of the youth necessary to Pakistani society The educational institutions prepare the youth to serve the nation so the government would initiate numerous projects which would absorb the skilled and talented youth The young audience appreciated Maryam Nawaz’s generous and encouraging speech and left the hall with smiling faces and dreams of a glorious future
The writer is a historian and Principal of Government
Rural education
A neglected town
A cr y for help from the bench
Noor Zafar
that laid bare the struggles of our judicial system During a court proceeding at the Multan Bench of the Lahore High Court a recently transferred High Court judge overwhelmed by the caseload, turned to a senior lawyer and said, Please, do something to increase the number of judges at the Multan High Court ” His heartfelt plea underscored the immense strain on judges at this critical regional bench highlighting the urgent need for reform to ensure swift and fair justice
This request, coming from someone entrusted with the authority to uphold justice, reflects the dire state of judicial resources in southern Punjab It is not just an institutional problem but a moral issue that must be addressed for the benefit of society
THE CURRENT STATE OF THE MULTAN HIGH COURT BENCH: As of January 2025, the Multan Bench of the Lahore High Court comprises the following six judges:
n Mr Justice Syed Shahbaz Ali Rizvi
n Mr Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar
n Mr Justice Anwaarul Haq Pannun
n Mr Justice Rasaal Hasan Syed
n Mr Justice Ali Zia Bajwa
n Mr Justice Raheel Kamran
These six judges are responsible for handling the legal needs of a vast and populous region Unfortunately this limited bench is burdened with an overwhelming backlog of approximately 44,000 cases This is not a new challenge for the Multan Bench Between September and October 2024 under a slightly different composition the bench worked tirelessly to address this backlog The judges during that period included:
n Mr Justice Ali Baqar Najafi
n Mr Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan
n Mr Justice Shahid Karim
n Mr Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhry
The case for more Judges in Multan
n Mr Justice Muhammad Waheed Khan
n Mr Justice Asim Hafeez
n Mr Justice Anwar Hussain
n Mr Justice Muhammad Raza Qureshi
This team of judges achieved remarkable results, resolving over 8,000 cases in a short span Their dedication demonstrated what is possible when the judiciary is adequately staffed and supported However the sheer number of pending cases reveals the structural challenges that even the most committed judges cannot overcome without systemic changes
THE CONSEQUENCES OF JUDICIAL
SHORTAGE: The backlog at the Multan Bench is a microcosm of the larger crisis facing Pakistan s judiciary For litigants the delays mean years of uncertainty, financial burden, and emotional toll Individuals seeking justice in criminal cases, property disputes or family matters are often left waiting indefinitely
The strain on judges is equally severe
With an unmanageable number of cases to hear daily judges are forced to rush through proceedings, making it difficult to give each case the attention it deserves This pressure not only compromises the quality of justice but also takes a toll on the well-being of judges
Additionally the delays erode public trust in the judiciary When cases drag on for years people lose faith in the system and may turn to alternative means of resolving disputes, which undermines the rule of law
WHY THE MULTAN BENCH NEEDS
MORE JUDGES: The solution to this crisis is clear: the number of judges at the Multan
W e a d v i s e B u r n s a n d h i s i l k t o t r y o u t ‘ R e d N o t e ’
by
Ae d i to r i a l
choir of American children recently sang the Chinese song Ru Yuan ( As You Wish ) during a visit to the Temple of Heaven, garnering millions of likes online Meanwhile, a wave of “TikTok refugees ” foreign influencers is flooding Chinese social media app RedNote or Xiaohongshu inadvertently opening new channels for mutual engagement between the peoples of the US and China At the same time, the outgoing Biden administration, now in its final lap, has rolled out a series of policies targeting China from semiconductors to AI to connected vehicles Former US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns who recently concluded his tenure stated I ve spent probably 80 percent of my time on the competitive edge with China and about 20 on the positive engagement,” claiming this was “the right balance ” These events illustrate the richness and complexity of US-China relations
China-US relations are multifaceted
Whether it s RedNote or Burns both represent different aspects of this relationship Washington s zero-sum, even negative-sum, mind-set largely shapes its perception of and policies toward China - this is an undeniable fact Equally true is the growing dissatisfaction among ordinary Americans with Washington’s various “decoupling moves and the significant grass-roots demand for engagement with China leading to a surge in organic exchanges The harm caused by Washington s bias in its China policy is real, but so too is the healing power of increased people-to-people exchanges
“Hello ” When many American influencers first log onto RedNote they tentatively post this simple greeting Some admit that years of Western politicians and media shaping an information cocoon to demonize China left them initially apprehensive about exploring a Chinese-language platform Yet, they quickly discover that the friendliness and openness of Chinese users dissolve their unease Some are even moved to tears by a single hello from a stranger across the Pacific From sharing memes and cat taxes to helping with homework and balancing budgets, the enthusiasm for mutual exchanges between netizens of both countries is rising rapidly Conversations are transitioning from lighthearted to profound causing the “information cocoon to be squeezed into its cracks Meanwhile figures in Washington including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, have recently weighed in on China-US relations with no shortage of negative remarks, such as continued disparagement of so-called “Chinese influence ” While their attitudes and policy pref-
Bench must be increased This would address multiple issues simultaneously:
1 Reducing Backlog: More judges would allow cases to be distributed more evenly, reducing delays and enabling the judiciary to work through the backlog efficiently
2 Specialized Benches: With additional judges the Multan Bench could create specialized divisions to handle specific types of cases such as criminal law family disputes, or commercial litigation
3 Improved Morale and Efficiency: A manageable workload would allow judges to focus more on individual cases leading to better deliberation and outcomes
4 Restoring Public Trust: When justice is delivered promptly, it restores public confidence in the judiciary and strengthens the rule of law
THE RIPPLE EFFECTS OF JUDICIAL
EFFICIENCY: A well-functioning judiciary has far-reaching benefits for society For businesses, it ensures the swift enforcement of contracts and fosters an environment conducive to investment For individuals, timely justice prevents disputes from escalating and provides a sense of security Moreover a robust judicial system acts as a deterrent to crime When cases are resolved swiftly, it sends a clear message that the law will be enforced Conversely, delays embolden wrongdoers, as they see the system as incapable of holding them accountable
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND
POLICY REFORM: In December 2022 the government announced plans to appoint 870 new judges across Punjab, including 700 civil judges and 170 additional district and sessions judges However the pace of implementation has been disappointingly slow The Multan Bench continues to operate with insufficient resources leaving judges and litigants to bear the brunt of the delays It is imperative for the government to prioritize judicial reform and ensure that the Multan Bench receives its fair share of resources This includes appointing additional judges improving court infrastructure and adopting technology to streamline administrative processes Digitizing case records for example, could significantly reduce delays and enhance efficiency
THE HUMAN SIDE OF THE CRISIS: The plea from the High Court judge reflects not just an institutional problem but a deeply human one Judges are not machines they are individuals entrusted with the immense responsibility of delivering justice When they are overburdened and under-resourced, the entire system suffers Investing in judicial resources is not
Witkoff
in
erences may impact China-US relations to some extent they do not determine their trajectory As one American talk show host noted when Washington s TikTok ban looms US netizens respond by downloading another Chinese app Although China and the US are separated by the vast Pacific Ocean, their economies, societies and cultures are deeply intertwined establishing intricate connections in global industrial and supply chains technological cooperation educational exchanges and personnel interactions The common interests between China and the US have not diminished but rather increased; the willingness of the people of both countries to enhance mutual understanding and deepen exchanges and cooperation has not weakened but grown stronger On the significant question of what kind of China-US relationship the US needs there is a notable gap between American politicians and the general public The approach described by Burns, in which he spends 80 percent of his time on competition with Beijing and 20 percent on engagement seriously deviates from public sentiment Demonizing China s development and using it as a scapegoat for Washington s ineffective governance is a narrative that is increasingly losing its ability to deceive in light of evident truths As one popular post by an American netizen on the X platform noted, “Thousands of people downloaded RedNote to spite the US government finding themselves having lovely interactions with the millions of Chinese citizens on the app & inadvertently undoing decades of US propaganda As the world s two largest economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council, there is vast potential for cooperation and mutual benefit between China and the US This is the “ironclad foundation of US-China relations which should not and cannot be defined solely by hawkish politicians They want the two great powers in the world to be enemies, but we want to be friends “We must remember the love and trust we have for each other in this moment ” Now, “RedNote” has become a message board for the people of China and the US reflecting the simple wish of both countries and the international community for a world of peace prosperity and universal security People see the trend and the direction of public sentiment through the song of “Ru Yuan” (“As you wish”), the messages on “RedNote ” the enthusiasm for “China Travel ” and the explosive popularity of Black Myth: Wukong The hope of the China-US relationship lies in the people its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels We advise Burns and his ilk to try out “RedNote,” and it is hoped that the “RedNote phenomenon” can serve as a mirror for Washington to reference when formulating and adjusting its policies toward China
ON Saturday, Gaza ceasefire talks were down to the wire, and President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy wanted to hash out the deal once and for all with Benjamin Netanyahu but the Israeli leader s office said he could not be roused during Shabbat Steve Witkoff allegedly gave a salty reply making it clear he didn t care if it was the Sabbath the Jewish day of rest In the words of one report from Haaretz, Witkoff said Trump expected Israel to agree to the ceasefire, and things that Netanyahu had termed life-and-death issues suddenly vanished” So who is Witkoff Trump’s new man in the Middle East?
Witkoff is a Republican and a billionaire Jewish-American real estate developer His soft slightly nasally voice masks his reputation as a hard-charging negotiator who developed the nerve for leveraged loans as a teenager betting at the racetrack When he was starting off in the cut-throat world of New York City real estate in the 1990s, he wore a handgun strapped to his ankle according to a Wall Street Journal expose from the time Witkoff has been praised for pushing the ceasefire across the finish line Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani credited him in a speech announcing the deal on Wednesday, albeit one usurped by Trump s earlier proclamation that an EPIC ceasefire had been reached It is important to note that Witkoff was mentioned before the sitting Biden administration’s envoy Brett McGurk The New Yorker turned south Floridian has no official training as a diplomat and his appointment epitomises Trump s disdain for traditional bureaucrats and policy wonks who are steeped in area expertise and boast graduate degrees in international relations but lack private
GLOBAL TIMES
ETA N YA H U C O N F I R M S B R E A K T H R O U G H D E A L F O R R ET U R N O F H O S TA G E S H E L D I N G A Z A
A group of 101 farmers will once again take a protest march to New Delhi from Punjab s Shambhu border point with neighbouring Haryana on January 21 The announcement has come as the protesting farmers led by fasting farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal are in talks to forge a united front with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) an umbrella body of farmer unions that protested on the Delhi borders in 2020-21 against the Centre s now-scrapped farm laws A 35-year-old farmer, Pritpal Singh from Kapurthala who is part of the group of 111 farmers fasting on the Haryana side of the Khanauri border in support of Jagjit Singh Dallewal, suffered an epileptic attack He was attended by a team of doctors after which he resumed his fast On Tuesday a group of 111 farmers had also started an indefinite fast in support of Dallewal on the Haryana side of the Khanauri border under tight security as the Haryana administration clamped movement restrictions around their protest site Farmers under the SKM (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have been protesting on the Shambhu and Khanauri border points of Punjab since February 13 last year, when their march to Delhi was halted by security personnel Giving information about their foot march on January 21 farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher slammed the Centre for not accepting their demands, including a law ensuring minimum support prices for crops President
tanyahu has ordered Israel s security cabinet to convene to discuss the next steps However, the agreement still awaits approval by the full Israeli government, which is expected to meet soon
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday spoke with U S P
calling for greater progress in China-U S relations at a new starting point
Congratulating Trump on his election as president of the United States, Xi said they both attach great importance to interaction with each other and hope that China-U S relations will have a good start in the new U S presidential term China and the United States are two great countries that are pursuing their own dreams and are committed to making their people live a better life Xi said adding that the two countries share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation
China and the U S can become partners and friends, achieve mutual success and prosperity and benefit both countries and the world he said
As two major countries with different national conditions it is inevitable that there will be some differences between China and the United States, Xi said, adding that the key is to respect each other s core interests and major concerns and find appropriate ways to properly resolve the issues Xi said the Taiwan question concerns China’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity expressing hope that the U S will handle it with extra prudence The nature of China-U S economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial and win-win he said adding that confrontation and conflict should not be a choice
He called on both sides to uphold the principles of
CORPORATE
mutual respect peaceful coexistence and win-win co-
operation strengthen collaboration and do more great practical and good things
Trump
with
The U S and China are the most important countries in the world, and they should maintain their long-lasting friendship and work together to safeguard world peace, Trump said The two leaders exchanged views on major international and regional issues of common concern such as the Ukraine crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
They agreed to establish a strategic communication channel to maintain regular contact on major issues of common concern to the two countries
C hinese premier urges redoubled effor ts to build clean government, fight corruption
BEIJING
Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Friday called for persistent efforts to improve Party conduct build a clean government and fight corruption to provide a strong guarantee for high-quality development and the Chinese modernization drive Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks at a State Council meeting on clean governance
Addressing the meeting Li stressed the need to resolutely implement the strategic plans of the CPC Central Committee on exercising full and rigorous Party selfgovernance The premier noted that the current anti-
complex, and stressed the need to continue the battle with unwavering perseverance Urging strict adher-
KNOWLEDGE CARAVAN REACHES OK ARA: CM MARYAM NAWA
K
from Institute of
(IHRI)
K-Electric (KE) continues
and non-payment of
With the support of law enforcement agencies, the power utility conducted an operation in Gadap, removing over 1800 illegal connections weighing 5500 kilograms from KE’s infrastructure These illegal connections were being used for theft of approximately 700 000 units of electricity in the last three months The illegal connections commonly known as kunda, bypass the network s safety protocols, increasing risks to K-Electric's infrastructure and safety hazard for citizens Ibrahim Hasan Murad to Attend
Donald Trump’s Presidential Inauguration
Ibrahim Hasan Murad President of the University of Management and Technology (UMT) and former Minister is set to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 in Washington, D C Expressing his best wishes to President Trump and the American people Mr Murad said “I am hopeful that President Trump’s tenure will bring about progress and prosperity for the United States He further highlighted the prospect of meeting global leaders during this historic event, noting that such gatherings offer invaluable opportunities to discuss global peace, international relations, and cooperation for development Mr Murad underscored the importance of bolstering ties between the United States and Pakistan emphasizing that bilateral relations between the two nations are of significant strategic and economic importance He reaffirmed his confidence that these ties will continue to strengthen in the years ahead
PSX & 1LINK
PTI TO CHALLENGE IMRAN’S CONVICTION IN £190M CASE IN HIGHER COURTS
FinM in stresses timely implementation of E V polic y
policy interventions to ensure smooth adoption of NEVs in line with national priorities
Discussions focused on overcoming barriers to electric vehicle production and adoption, improving manufacturing processes addressing infrastructure needs necessary policy corrections to streamline EV production addressing supply chain issues, and encouraging private sector investment
Securit
g EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS, REVISED SEISMIC PARAMETERS, AND SECURITY NEEDS CITED AS PRIMARY REASONS FOR COST ESCALATION
Secretary Industries and Production delivered a detailed presentation outlining the current state of the electric vehicle industry The presentation emphasized
The finance minister stressed the importance of the timely development and implementation of the NEV Policy 2025-30 The minister stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to achieve policy targets and align them with
Pakistan s environmental and economic priorities
The meeting concluded with a commitment to expedite efforts for the successful implementation of the NEV Policy, paving the way for a cleaner greener and more sustainable future for Pakistan
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Secretary Finance, Secretary Commerce Secretary Climate Change Member Custom Policy Additional Secretary Trade Policy (Ministry of Commerce) and senior officers from relevant ministries and divisions
C abinet approves right-sizing of housing ministr y, closure of construc tion subsidiaries
g KEY CHANGES INCLUDE SHUTTING DOWN NCL, RESTRUCTURING FGEHA, AND OUTSOURCING ESTATE OFFICE OPERATIONS
The federal cabinet has approved a right-sizing plan for the Ministry of Housing and Construction, which includes the closure of several subsidiaries and the restructuring of key departments
The cabinet decided to shut down the National Construction Company (NCL), a subsidiary of the ministry, ceasing all new projects under its operations Similarly, the Pak Environmental Planning and Architectural Consulting (PEPAC) will also be closed with no new projects to be initiated As part of the downsizing, the government plans to dissolve the
Pakistan Public Works Department (Pak PWD) by June 30 2025 This will be facilitated through the issuance of the Civil Servants Amendment Act
The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) will undergo a major transformation becoming a selfgoverning and self-financing body
The board of directors will be restructured under the State Enterprises Act to include independent directors, with the process set to be completed by December 31 2025
A similar approach will be applied to the Pakistan Housing Authority where a new board of directors will be established
The cabinet has also decided to outsource operations of the Estate
Office As a pilot project Chamba House and Qasr-e-Naz will be the first facilities to be outsourced The Right-Sizing Committee has been tasked with preparing an implementation plan for the Estate Office by January 25 Additionally the Sindh Infrastructure Development Company will be converted into the Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company Further decisions regarding its functions will be made by a ministerial committee
The cabinet directed the Right-Sizing Committee to present its implementation plan by January 20 The current staff-toofficer ratio of 7:2 in the Ministry of Housing and Construction will be adjusted to 5:2
PTI’s Gohar demands judicial commission as condition for talks with govt
ISLAMABAD S TA F F R E P O R T
Following the accountability court s sentencing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in the Al-Qadir Trust case Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has made the formation of a judicial commission within seven days a key condition for any future negotiations with the gov-
ernment
Speaking to the media outside Adiala Jail Gohar Ali Khan expressed that neither he nor the PTI leadership was surprised by the court’s decision, which sentenced Imran Khan to 14 years and Bushra Bibi to seven years in prison He noted that both Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi were seen smiling when the verdict was announced reinforcing their resilience in the face of what they regard as politi-
cally motivated charges The verdict is just another chapter in the ongoing political victimisation of the PTI leadership It highlights the systemic injustice that the party and its leaders are enduring ” Gohar said He emphasized that the future of any negotiations with the government hinged on the immediate formation of a judicial commission to ensure transparency and fairness in the legal proceedings
