فیچرڈ

LOWER KOHISTAN: The District Youth Office Lower Kohistan, in collaboration with the district administration and the education department, organised a ceremony at Government Model Girls High School (GMGHS), Pattan, on Wednesday to observe Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir and reaffirm solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The event was attended by district administration officials, education department representatives, teachers, students, youth, and members of the local community. Participants paid tribute to the courage and resilience of the Kashmiri people and reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for their internationally recognised right to self-determination. Students presented speeches highlighting the historical significance of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir and staged thought-provoking tableau performances portraying the sacrifices, determination, and ongoing struggle of the people of Kashmir. The performances received appreciation from the audience for effectively conveying the message of peace, resilience, and national solidarity. Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Abbas Khan Afridi said that the youth of the province had an important role in promoting awareness about the Kashmir issue and strengthening the values of unity, peace, and justice. He said the observance of Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir reflected the nation’s unwavering commitment to standing with the people of Kashmir and supporting their legitimate right to self-determination. He urged young people to remain informed, responsible, and actively engaged in promoting truth, human rights, and national cohesion. The organisers said the event formed part of the Directorate of Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s continued efforts to engage young people in constructive civic activities while fostering patriotism, national unity, and awareness of issues of national importance.

  Renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman has strongly criticized Pakistan’s judicial and economic systems, stating that a justice system that fails to deliver justice even after forty years cannot be considered a true system of justice but rather a system of oppression. He made these remarks while addressing a public ceremony in Karachi, where he spoke about the country’s pressing legal and economic challenges. During his speech, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman expressed concern over the prolonged delays in the judicial process. He argued that when people have to wait decades for justice, the very purpose of the legal system is defeated. According to him, justice delayed for such an extended period effectively becomes justice denied, leaving citizens frustrated and deprived of their fundamental rights. He emphasized that a judicial system should provide timely and fair decisions so that public confidence in the rule of law remains intact. The scholar also urged those in positions of authority to focus on resolving Pakistan’s domestic problems instead of concentrating solely on international issues. He remarked that while government leaders often discuss and engage with global affairs, the country’s internal challenges require immediate attention. He specifically called upon policymakers and those holding power to prioritize the welfare of the people by addressing the nation’s economic difficulties. One of the major issues highlighted by Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman was the problem of Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He appealed to the government to find a practical and sustainable solution to the IPP issue, which has been widely debated due to its impact on electricity prices and the country’s financial stability. According to him, resolving this matter would help reduce the economic burden on both the government and ordinary citizens. Speaking about the national economy, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman painted a concerning picture of Pakistan’s financial condition. He stated that after distributing the constitutionally allocated shares to the provinces and making payments on interest obligations, the federal government is left with very limited financial resources. This situation, he suggested, reflects the severity of the country’s fiscal challenges and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive economic reforms. He stressed that policymakers should adopt measures that promote financial stability, reduce unnecessary expenditures, and improve revenue generation without placing excessive burdens on the public. The event also featured an address by Maulana Bashir Farooqi, who criticized the government’s approach toward eliminating the interest-based financial system. He argued that the authorities are not demonstrating sufficient seriousness in transitioning toward an Islamic banking framework. According to him, meaningful reforms require not only policy changes but also practical steps to prepare financial institutions for such a transformation. Maulana Bashir Farooqi announced that his organization is willing to provide training for approximately 100,000 employees working in conventional banks. He explained that this initiative aims to equip banking professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate within an interest-free Islamic banking system if the government decides to pursue such reforms. He maintained that the availability of trained professionals would facilitate a smoother transition and strengthen the implementation of Islamic financial principles in the country’s banking sector. The speeches delivered at the Karachi ceremony underscored concerns regarding Pakistan’s judicial efficiency, economic management, and financial policies. Both religious leaders called on the government to prioritize domestic reforms, strengthen public institutions, address long-standing economic challenges, and work toward a system that better serves the interests of the people.

  The Sindh provincial cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, has approved the imposition of a toll tax on heavy commercial vehicles using the Mehran Highway. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting as part of the provincial government’s broader strategy to establish a sustainable financial system for the maintenance and development of road infrastructure across Sindh. According to the cabinet’s decision, the toll tax will apply exclusively to heavy and commercial vehicles traveling on the 135-kilometer-long Mehran Highway. Private passenger vehicles will not be subject to the new toll under the current policy. Officials stated that commercial transport vehicles place greater pressure on road infrastructure due to their size and weight, making it appropriate for them to contribute to the highway’s maintenance through toll payments. During the meeting, cabinet members received a detailed briefing on the ongoing development of the Mehran Highway. Officials informed the cabinet that the project to expand the highway into a dual carriageway is currently underway at an estimated cost of Rs41 billion. The project is intended to improve road safety, increase transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, and accommodate the growing volume of traffic, particularly heavy commercial vehicles that regularly use the route for the movement of goods. The briefing also highlighted the expected financial benefits of the toll collection system. It was estimated that the toll tax would generate approximately Rs2.14 billion in annual gross revenue. After deducting operational and administrative expenses associated with collecting the toll, the government expects a net annual income of around Rs1.48 billion. These funds are intended to support the regular maintenance, repair, and future upgrading of the highway, ensuring that it remains in good condition for years to come. The cabinet further approved a schedule of toll charges based on different categories of vehicles. Under this system, toll rates will vary according to the type, size, and classification of each vehicle. Heavy trucks, trailers, buses, and other commercial transport vehicles will be charged according to predetermined rates. Officials explained that this category-based approach is designed to make the toll system fair and proportionate, with larger vehicles contributing more because of the greater wear and tear they cause to road infrastructure. In another significant administrative decision, the Sindh cabinet approved the restoration of the traditional name of the provincial department responsible for road construction and public infrastructure. The department, which had previously been renamed the Works and Services Department will once again be known as the Communication and Works Department. The government stated that the name change is intended to align Sindh’s administrative structure with that of the federal government and other provinces, where the department is commonly known by the same title. Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the Sindh government is committed to introducing a self-sustaining financial model for the long-term maintenance of highways and road networks. He said that relying solely on government budget allocations is not sufficient to meet the increasing costs of maintaining modern transportation jobs infrastructure. According to him, the introduction of toll collection on major highways will provide a stable source of revenue that can be reinvested directly into road maintenance and improvement projects. The Chief Minister added that better roads are essential for economic growth, trade, and public safety. By ensuring a reliable funding mechanism for highway upkeep, the government aims to enhance transportation services, reduce infrastructure deterioration, and improve connectivity throughout the province. The approval of the toll tax and the continuation of the Mehran Highway expansion project represent important steps toward achieving these long-term development objectives while promoting a more efficient and financially sustainable road network in Sindh.