تازہ ترین

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    Islamabad symposium examines Xi Jinping’s approa…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: A joint symposium on “Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building” was held in Islamabad on Wednesday, bringing together senior Pakistani and Chinese officials, diplomats, parliamentarians, academics and representatives of think tanks to discuss China’s approach to political organisation, governance and institutional development. The symposium was organised by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan in collaboration with the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS). Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani attended the event as chief guest. The Chinese delegation included Liu Daxiu, Head of Delegation and First-Class Inspector at the Party Building Research Institute of the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Zheng Huan, Professor of Party Building at the Central Party School of the CPC Central Committee. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong also addressed the gathering. While adressing, Pakistani and Chinese representatives reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between the two countries, noting that political and institutional exchanges have expanded alongside cooperation in economic, infrastructure and development-related fields. They further added that dialogue between political parties has become an important pillar of the Pakistan-China strategic relationship. Speakers outlined the evolution of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, describing it as a doctrine centred on strengthening the Communist Party of China through disciplined leadership, rigorous internal governance, organisational cohesion and ideological development. They said the framework seeks to ensure the Party’s long-term capacity to govern while maintaining accountability, institutional resilience and public trust. CPC’s efforts to curb corruption and maintain discipline, while strengthening the organisation at different levels were also discussed. The recurring theme throughout the symposium was that China’s development should not be viewed solely through the lens of economic growth. Pakistani and Chinese speakers argued that the country’s transformation has also been shaped by strong political organisation, consistent policy implementation and institutional continuity. At the same time, Chinese experts stressed that these experiences were not being presented as a model for direct replication, noting that every country must pursue its own path according to its national circumstances. Participants also reflected on the broader relevance of the CPC’s experience for political parties worldwide, discussing issues such as governance capacity, organisational resilience, leadership development and the ability of institutions to translate policy into tangible results. Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and IRS President Jauhar Saleem affirmed the importance of sustained engagement between the two countries and welcomed continued exchanges on governance, public policy and institutional development. The symposium concluded with an interactive session in which participants discussed the relevance of Party building, leadership and governance reforms to contemporary political challenges and future Pakistan-China cooperation.

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    Rabya Kulsoom demands action over leaked drama footage

    ByJustpaste.in

    KARACHI: Pakistani actor Rabya Kulsoom has called for stronger measures against the unauthorised release of footage from television drama sets, saying such leaks should carry legal consequences. The actor raised the issue after unreleased footage from the popular drama Zanjeerain appeared online. The clip reportedly features actors Sajal Ali and Danyal Zafar in a scene that had not yet been broadcast. Kulsoom stressed that actors and production teams should have control over how material recorded on a drama set is used or shared. She argued that private conversations, behind-the-scenes moments and scenes connected to future storylines should not be circulated without consent. In a social media post, the actor urged production houses and television channels to introduce stricter rules to prevent unauthorised recordings from reaching the public. She said repeated leaks could create problems for actors, directors, writers and other members of a production team. According to her, sharing sensitive set material without permission can affect both the privacy of those involved and the impact of an upcoming storyline. Actor Usman Javed, who is also part of Zanjeerain, criticised the leak and questioned how the footage was obtained. He called on those responsible to stop sharing unauthorised material, saying such actions undermine the efforts of the entire cast and crew. The incident has also drawn reactions from viewers, with several fans supporting calls for greater protection of unreleased drama content and actors’ privacy. The leak comes as Zanjeerain approaches its conclusion. The drama has so far aired 29 episodes, with eight episodes remaining before the finale. With several major developments still expected in the remaining episodes, the unauthorised release of footage has raised concerns that future plot points could be revealed before their scheduled broadcast.

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    MLO removed after lapses in Mir Raza autopsy

    ByJustpaste.in

    Authorities have removed Medico-Legal Officer Dr Osama from his post following an inquiry into serious shortcomings in the initial post-mortem examination of businessman Mir Raza Ali. Officials said the doctor has been directed to appear before the relevant authorities as part of an inquiry into the alleged procedural lapses. The action comes after questions were raised over the accuracy and completeness of the initial medico-legal examination. The case came under renewed scrutiny after a dispute emerged between police investigators and the Karachi police surgeon over shortcomings in the original medico-legal report. The family subsequently approached a Karachi court, seeking a fresh examination of the body. The court later permitted the exhumation of Mir Raza Ali. A second autopsy conducted after the exhumation reportedly found evidence indicating that the businessman had sustained a gunshot injury to the back. The new medical examination identified two gunshot holes in his clothing, along with several other injuries. Medical findings also reportedly included marks of violence, injuries to the feet, a fracture and a roughly 12-centimetre injury to the right thigh, as well as a deep injury and fracture around the jaw. A separate chemical examination has also added new dimensions to the investigation. According to the report, particles consistent with acid were detected on the victim’s shirt, while material associated with gunshot residue was also found. The report further indicated that efforts may have been made to conceal the victim’s identity and that fingerprints were not detected on his hands. Family lawyer Jibran Nasir has previously raised questions about the initial investigation, including the absence of an X-ray and the failure to establish the cause of death in the first examination. He has also alleged that acid burns may have damaged the victim’s face. The family has urged investigators to examine CCTV footage, digital records and other forensic evidence. Questions have also been raised over the handling of the victim’s mobile phone, smartwatch and surveillance recordings from locations linked to the case. Investigators are now examining additional evidence and locations connected to the death. Authorities have also moved to obtain the victim’s mobile data records and conduct geofencing around the relevant crime scene. The new probe team is also coordinating with the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency to determine whether Mir Raza had received threats before his death. Mir Raza’s family has said it is cooperating with investigators and has provided information about several suspicious individuals and locations. His father, Mir Hussain, has expressed hope that the newly constituted investigation team will establish the facts and take the case to its logical conclusion.

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    US revokes over 600 visas in crackdown on birth to…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States has revoked more than 600 visas from foreign nationals over the past month as part of a sweeping campaign against birth tourism operations, the State Department announced Wednesday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media that American citizenship is not for sale, accusing criminal organizations of profiting by coaching foreign nationals to defraud the visa system and forge documents in order to secure citizenship for their children. He said these networks have systematically exploited weaknesses in US immigration law for financial gain. The State Department recently launched a dedicated Birth Tourism Prevention Task Force tasked with identifying and dismantling these networks. Rubio said the unit will continue reviewing the activities of visa holders to put an end to what he called a heinous abuse of national law, and said the department intends to use every tool available to dismantle birth tourism networks and protect the integrity of American citizenship. The crackdown follows an executive order President Donald Trump signed on August 6 that describes birth tourism as a calculated exploitation of immigration policy and casts it as a threat to national security. The order gives the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security authority to permanently bar entry and revoke documentation for individuals found to be facilitating these schemes. Trump signed two executive orders on August 6 in a narrower attempt to limit birthright citizenship, again testing a constitutional provision even after the Supreme Court rejected an earlier version of his effort. Curbing birthright citizenship has remained one of the central goals of Trump’s broader immigration crackdown, with the White House specifically targeting birth tourism, in which pregnant foreign nationals travel to the United States specifically to give birth on American soil. Following the Supreme Court setback on June 30, Trump initially urged Congress to pass legislation addressing the issue before ultimately turning to executive orders instead, a route that allows the administration to set policy directly but carries less legal weight than legislation passed by Congress.

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    Australian court denies India exclusive claim over…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Federal Court of Australia has thrown out an appeal by India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority seeking to register Basmati as a certification trademark for rice in the country, a ruling Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce welcomed in a statement issued Wednesday. The Indian authority, known as APEDA, had originally applied to register Basmati as a certification trademark for rice sold in Australia. A delegate of the Australian Registrar of Trade Marks rejected that application on December 22, 2022, finding that the word Basmati could not distinguish rice certified by APEDA from Basmati rice legitimately grown and sold by other producers. APEDA then appealed the decision to the Federal Court of Australia, which has now upheld the original rejection. Pakistan’s commerce ministry said the ruling confirms its longstanding position that Basmati functions as a geographical indication tied to a historically recognized growing region spanning parts of both Pakistan and India, rather than a term any single country can claim exclusively. The ministry noted that the original registrar’s decision had already acknowledged that Basmati rice is grown in Pakistan as well, and that Pakistani traders hold an equally legitimate claim to use the name. By dismissing APEDA’s appeal, the ministry said, the Federal Court affirmed those earlier findings. The ministry added that the Australian court also ordered APEDA to cover the respondent’s legal costs, either through agreement or a formal assessment. Islamabad described the ruling as a significant setback to Indian efforts to secure exclusive international rights over the Basmati name. The ministry said no single national authority can claim sole ownership of the term while excluding producers and exporters who have an equally valid right to use it, adding that Pakistan has consistently pushed back against Indian attempts to monopolize the Basmati name and has worked with relevant institutions and industry stakeholders to protect the interests of the country’s growers, millers and exporters. According to the ministry, the outcome safeguards the commercial and intellectual property interests of Pakistan’s Basmati sector and preserves the right of Pakistani producers to market authentic Basmati rice in the Australian market. Officials said they intend to keep protecting Basmati as a core part of Pakistan’s agricultural heritage and export identity, pursuing similar protections in other foreign jurisdictions on the basis of the rice variety’s historical origin, established reputation and distinctive qualities. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan praised ministry officials and other stakeholders involved in the case, calling the ruling an important win for Pakistan’s agricultural heritage, commercial interests and export identity. India and Pakistan have long disputed the origins of Basmati rice, which both countries grow extensively. The rice traces its roots to the Punjab region, which was split into East Punjab, now part of India, and West Punjab, now part of Pakistan, following partition in 1947. In 2006, the European Union formally recognized Basmati as a joint product of both countries under its special geographical indication rules.

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    State Department report calls for greater civilian…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The US State Department said Wednesday that Pakistan needs to strengthen civilian oversight of public finances to improve fiscal transparency, releasing findings that highlighted persistent gaps in how the country discloses key financial information. The department’s assessment described fiscal transparency as a core component of effective public financial management, noting that it allows citizens to understand how government revenues and tax dollars are spent. That visibility into budgets, the report said, gives citizens the tools they need to hold their governments accountable. The findings arrive weeks after Pakistan’s National Assembly passed an 18.8 trillion rupee Finance Bill for 2026 to 2027 in June, which included a defence budget of 3 trillion rupees, with at least 335 billion rupees coming from provincial contributions. In its 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report on Pakistan, the State Department said the country continues to fall short in disclosing important financial data, particularly around debt obligations and the budgets of military and intelligence agencies. The report found that Pakistan’s government did not publish its executive budget proposal within a reasonable timeframe and made only limited information available on debt obligations, including debt held by major state owned enterprises. It further noted that military and intelligence budgets remain outside the scope of adequate parliamentary or civilian oversight. The assessment also pointed to areas of progress. During the review period, the report said, Pakistan’s government made its enacted budget and end of year financial reports widely and easily accessible to the public, including through online platforms. It found that publicly available budget documents offered a substantially complete picture of most planned government expenditures and revenues, including revenue generated from natural resources. The report described the information contained in the budget as generally reliable and subject to audit by the country’s supreme audit institution, which it said meets international standards of independence. Audit reports, the department noted, are published within a reasonable period and contain substantive findings. It also found that the government has specified, and largely followed in practice, clear legal criteria and procedures for awarding natural resource extraction contracts and licenses, while making basic information about such awards publicly available. The report added that Pakistan’s sovereign wealth fund operates under a sound legal framework and that the government publishes accessible information on public procurement contracts. Among its recommendations, the State Department urged Pakistan to make its executive budget proposal available to the public within a reasonable timeframe, disclose more detailed information on government debt, including debt tied to state owned enterprises, and bring military and intelligence agency budgets under parliamentary or civilian oversight. Responding to questions about the report during a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi acknowledged that the report had been released the previous day. He said Pakistan adheres to internationally recognized best practices around fiscal transparency, budgeting and financial disclosure, while also operating within its own constitutional, legislative and regulatory frameworks. Andrabi noted that Pakistan remains engaged in an ongoing International Monetary Fund program centered on structural reform and improved fiscal management. He said the country has completed three IMF reviews so far, adding that the reform measures taken under the program have drawn broad recognition, including credit rating upgrades from three international rating agencies as well as positive assessments from the IMF itself.

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    Balochistan postpones launch of Sariab-Kuchlak Peo…

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    QUETTA: The Balochistan Transport Department has confirmed that the inauguration of the People’s Train service between Sariab and Kuchlak has been postponed. Balochistan Transport Secretary Hayat Kakar said seven stations have been established along the 32-kilometre route between Sariab and Kuchlak to facilitate the new train service. He said the inauguration was delayed because the specially prepared train coaches have not yet reached Quetta. The launch ceremony had been scheduled to take place at Quetta Railway Station on August 14. According to Kakar, the coaches for the People’s Train have been prepared at the Carriage Factory in Islamabad. However, their arrival in Quetta has been delayed. He said the provincial government, federal government and Pakistan Railways would consult each other before announcing a new date for the inauguration. The Balochistan Transport Department said the People’s Train project has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs4 billion. The new service is expected to improve public transport connectivity between Sariab and Kuchlak and provide an additional commuting option for residents along the route.

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    Pakistan’s debt growth falls to 20-year low: Fin…

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Ministry has reported a significant slowdown in the country’s debt growth, saying the rate of increase fell to its lowest level in two decades during fiscal year 2025-26. According to the ministry, Pakistan’s debt increased by only 7.7 per cent during 2025-26, compared with an average annual growth rate of around 16 per cent over the past 20 years. The ministry said the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio also improved, falling to 68.3 per cent from 75 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23. Between 2019 and 2021, the ratio had remained between 86 and 88 per cent. Pakistan’s external debt-to-GDP ratio also declined to 21.5 per cent, which the ministry described as the lowest level in nine years. The country’s foreign exchange reserves have meanwhile increased substantially, rising from $2.9 billion to $18.4 billion, according to the ministry. The Finance Ministry said Pakistan also repaid Rs4.72 trillion in debt ahead of schedule. It added that annual interest expenditure on government debt declined by nearly Rs2 trillion. The burden of interest payments on government revenue also fell sharply, from 61 per cent to 35 per cent, indicating an improvement in the government’s fiscal position. The ministry further said Pakistan has recorded a primary budget surplus for three consecutive years, reflecting continued efforts to strengthen fiscal management and control expenditure. Pakistan has also returned to international capital markets after a four-year gap. The country’s Panda Bond reportedly attracted demand nearly five times higher than the amount offered, indicating strong investor interest. The ministry also highlighted Pakistan’s improved credit outlook. S&P Global Ratings has maintained Pakistan’s rating at B with a stable outlook, with the ministry describing the current rating as the agency’s highest level for Pakistan in nearly nine years.

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    Mir Raza Murder case takes new turn as police prep…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The investigation into the murder of young Karachi resident Mir Raza has taken a significant turn after investigators prepared a list of 10 people who had allegedly lent money to the deceased. According to investigative sources cited by Express News, Mir Raza had borrowed more than Rs50 million (Rs5 crore) from the 10 individuals. Investigators have decided to question the people on the list as part of efforts to determine whether the victim’s financial dealings were connected to his death. The details obtained by Express News show that one lender, identified as Abid, had allegedly given Mir Raza more than Rs17.5 million (Rs1.75 crore). Another individual, identified as Muni, had reportedly lent him Rs500,000 (Rs5 lakh). Authorities have compiled the financial information concerning all 10 lenders and are expected to question them about their dealings with Mir Raza, including the nature of the loans, outstanding amounts and their last interactions with the deceased. The financial trail has emerged as an important part of the investigation following questions surrounding Mir Raza’s death. His body was recovered from Gulistan-e-Johar on July 29, 2026. The death was initially allegedly presented as a suicide, but concerns were later raised following protests and observations by the police surgeon. On August 8, the body was exhumed for a fresh medical examination. An eight-member medical board subsequently prepared a report detailing its findings about the cause of death. Following the medical team’s report, the government changed the investigation team. A new team was formed under the leadership of Aamir Farooqi. Two additional members were also included in the team following a request submitted by Mir Raza’s parents and lawyer. The latest development indicates that investigators are now examining not only the circumstances surrounding Mir Raza’s death but also his financial relationships and outstanding debts. Questioning the 10 lenders could help investigators establish whether any financial dispute, pressure or other connection may have played a role in the case. However, the identities of most of the lenders and the exact amounts allegedly owed to each person have not been publicly disclosed in the available report. The investigation remains ongoing, and the financial information alone does not establish that any lender was involved in Mir Raza’s death.

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    Pakistan plans $500 million export-oriented auto z…

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      A major initiative has been announced to establish an automotive zone on 150 acres of land at Port Qasim in Karachi, with the government expecting the project to create new opportunities for exports and generate significant foreign exchange for Pakistan. The announcement was made during a meeting of the Port Qasim Authority Board, chaired by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. The meeting reviewed plans aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s maritime infrastructure and promoting industrial and export-related activities through the country’s major port facilities. Speaking at the meeting, Federal Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said the proposed auto zone would cover approximately 150 acres at Port Qasim. He said the project was expected to generate around $500 million in annual exports, while contributing approximately $200 million in foreign exchange earnings each year According to the minister, the auto zone will provide a range of facilities linked to the automotive industry. These will include refurbishment facilities, display areas and spare-parts services. The development is expected to support businesses involved in the import, refurbishment and export of automotive products and components. The minister said the project would create new export opportunities for Pakistan’s automotive sector and help the country strengthen its position in international markets. He described the proposed auto zone as an integrated framework that would bring together automobile imports, refurbishment and exports at a single location. The initiative is also expected to encourage greater investment in the automotive sector by providing businesses with dedicated infrastructure and facilities. By bringing different stages of automotive-related activities together, the project could help improve efficiency and create opportunities for companies seeking to expand their operations in Pakistan. Port Qasim’s strategic importance as one of Pakistan’s major ports could further support the project. The location provides access to maritime transportation and international trade routes, potentially making it easier for automotive businesses to handle imported vehicles, spare parts and other related products before exporting refurbished or finished products to overseas markets. The government expects the auto zone to contribute to the country’s broader efforts to increase exports and generate foreign exchange. Pakistan has been seeking new avenues to expand its export base and reduce pressure on its foreign exchange reserves. In this context, the proposed automotive zone could provide a platform for developing value-added activities rather than relying solely on the import and sale of automotive products. The inclusion of refurbishment facilities is particularly significant because it could allow imported vehicles and automotive components to be repaired, upgraded or prepared for resale and export. Similarly, dedicated spare-parts facilities could support both local businesses and export-oriented automotive operations. The project is therefore being presented as more than a conventional industrial development. It is intended to establish an integrated automotive ecosystem connecting imports, refurbishment, display, spare parts and exports. If implemented as planned, the Port Qasim auto zone could attract investment, support businesses associated with the automotive industry, create employment opportunities and increase Pakistan’s export earnings. The government believes that the project will open new avenues for growth in the automotive sector while contributing to the country’s overall foreign exchange generation and export expansion efforts.