National

Dera Ghazi Khan – Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, under her farmer-friendly vision, has initiated the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme to promote agricultural development and economic prosperity for cultivators. As part of this initiative, land allotment certificates were distributed among 122 farmers in District Dera Ghazi Khan. A ceremony was held at the District Council Hall in Dera Ghazi Khan, where Members of the Punjab Assembly Muhammad Hanif Patafi and Sardar Salahuddin Khan Khosa attended as special guests. The event was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Niaz Ahmed Mughal. On this occasion, Assistant Commissioners Taimur Usman and Hafiz Umar Saeed, along with officials from the agriculture, revenue, and other relevant departments, a large number of farmers, and prominent figures from the district were present. Addressing the ceremony, the members of the provincial assembly and other speakers said that the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme, launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to make small and medium-scale farmers self-reliant in the agricultural sector. They noted that providing easy access to modern farm machinery, reducing production costs, increasing agricultural output, and promoting advanced farming technologies are all integral components of this initiative. Under the scheme, eligible farmers selected through a transparent ballot process are being provided subsidized agricultural machinery, which will not only boost their income but also foster innovation, mechanisation, and sustainable growth in the farming sector. The special guests, in their addresses, emphasised that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of farmers as a top agenda. They stated that the “Apna Khet, Apna Rozgar” scheme is a key part of these efforts, through which thousands of cultivators will benefit and the agricultural sector will be further strengthened. During the ceremony, land allotment certificates were distributed among the selected 122 farmers, and a firm commitment was expressed that the Punjab government will continue its support for farmers prosperity, agricultural self-sufficiency, and food security. Additionally, a development grant of 50,000 rupees per acre will also be provided for cultivation purposes.

Islamabad: A fresh controversy has emerged in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development after lawmakers raised questions over the preparation of the new emigration policy, the role of parliamentarians in policy making and mistakes in official committee records. The debate started when members questioned whether important stakeholders were consulted before the approval of the new immigration policy and why some members of the committee were not included in the policy launch event. During the meeting, Dr Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto, a member of the committee pointed out that concerns raised in an earlier meeting regarding the emigration policy were missing from the official minutes. She questioned the process through which the policy was prepared and asked whether relevant stakeholders were taken on board before the policy was approved. The lawmaker argued that public policies affect millions of people and should be prepared after consultation with all important groups, including representatives of the people. She also questioned statements regarding the policy’s approval timeline, noting confusion about when the policy was actually introduced and approved. The issue created a debate inside the committee over the difference between the government’s authority to make policies and parliament’s responsibility to monitor their implementation. Committee Chairman Syed Rafiullah stated that making government policy falls under the authority of the government and the minister concerned. He said the role of the committee is to review, monitor and examine whether the policy is being implemented properly. The chairman maintained that the government has the right to prepare policies, while parliamentary committees can examine their performance and suggest improvements. However, the member disagreed, arguing that while the government has the authority to create policies, consulting stakeholders strengthens the policy and improves public confidence. She said that parliamentarians should be involved before policies are presented for final approval because they represent public concerns. The lawmaker stressed that policies become public documents after approval, but meaningful consultation should happen before final decisions are made. The chairman responded that members would have the opportunity to discuss issues within the policy and provide suggestions after reviewing the document. The discussion also highlighted the importance of clearly defining the connection between government policy making and parliamentary oversight. Another controversy emerged when members raised objections over the wording used in committee documents regarding the Federal Secretary of the Inter Provincial Coordination Division. Dr Mahreen questioned why the word “summon” was used for a federal secretary in the committee recommendations, arguing that such language is generally associated with legal authority and court proceedings. She questioned whether a parliamentary committee should use the term for a senior government official who was being requested to attend a meeting. Officials clarified that the use of the word appeared to be a drafting mistake and that the actual intention was to invite the secretary to attend the meeting. The committee secretary explained that the official agenda mentioned the secretary was invited along with relevant officers to participate in discussions. The member insisted that official documents should use accurate wording because committee reports become public records and represent parliamentary proceedings. She said that drafting mistakes can confuse the powers and procedures of parliamentary committees. The meeting also witnessed a heated exchange between members over the issue, with the chairman asking members to follow the committee procedure and discuss matters according to their turn. The chairman advised members that disagreements should remain within the rules of parliamentary discussion and that the committee should continue its work in an organised manner. The committee later continued discussion on the relevant agenda items while maintaining that official records and policy discussions must remain clear and accurate.

A 14 year old girl from Pakistan’s Balochistan province has achieved an inspiring milestone by climbing one of the country’s highest mountains despite facing family concerns and difficult training. Malika Khilji became the first young girl from Balochistan to reach the top of Khushal Gang a 6,040 meter high peak making history with her achievement. she had always loved sports but growing up she had very few opportunities to take part. When she got the chance to learn mountaineering she decided to follow her passion. She explained that she received a training scholarship from the Alpine Club of Pakistan and the Balochistan Institute for Tourism Hospitality and Culture Management where she began formal mountain climbing training. Malika shared that her family was not supportive at first. She said girls in her community often have limited opportunities but her brother encouraged her and convinced their parents to let her join the expedition. Before attempting Khushal Gang she practiced on the hills around Quetta. However she had little experience with technical climbing. During the expedition she used professional climbing equipment for the first time and faced harsh weather conditions. The toughest part of  the climb came at around 3 a.m. during the final push to the summit when she had to climb a steep wall of snow. Feeling exhausted she almost decided to turn back. Her guide encouraged her by reminding her that she could become the first girl from Balochistan to reach the summit.  Inspired by those words she continued climbing and successfully reached the top. Malika said she hopes to keep climbing more mountains represent Pakistan proudly and encourage other girls to believe in themselves and chase their dreams.

ISLAMABAD: A serious debate erupted in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training after lawmakers questioned whether educational institutions were doing enough to stop the spread of drugs among students, warning that awareness campaigns alone cannot defeat organised supply networks operating around campuses. The committee, chaired by Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi, examined the growing problem of narcotics in educational institutions and demanded practical results instead of only reports, seminars and awareness programmes. The committee stressed that the issue was not limited to students using drugs but also involved people supplying these substances to young people. During the meeting, officials of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) informed the committee that no drug use incident had been officially reported inside its public sector institutions. They said multiple measures were being taken, including drug awareness education, life skills programmes, tobacco free zones, monitoring committees and coordination with law enforcement agencies. However, Member of the Committee Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro expressed dissatisfaction with the briefing and questioned whether awareness campaigns were producing real results. She said simply giving presentations about awareness was not enough and asked authorities how many suppliers had been caught, how many institutions had reported cases and what action had been taken against those involved in supplying drugs. “This is not a joke,” Chairperson Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi said while stressing that the problem required serious action. She questioned why authorities were focusing mainly on awareness while failing to show clear results against those involved in supplying drugs. The committee also raised concerns that drug suppliers were using new methods to reach students. Members pointed towards reports suggesting that drugs were being supplied through online channels and other hidden methods, including delivery systems that make it difficult for institutions to detect the problem. Dr Shazia Sobia informed the meeting that Islamabad Police had reported seizing 370 kilograms of drugs over three years, with 214 cases reported in educational institutions and 263 people arrested. The member questioned why education authorities were mostly discussing awareness instead of providing details about cooperation with police, the Anti Narcotics Force and rehabilitation centres. The committee raised another major concern that disciplinary action was often taken against students, while the people supplying drugs were not being targeted enough. Members questioned why students faced penalties while suppliers operating around educational institutions continued to escape. They demanded stronger action against those bringing drugs into campuses rather than focusing only on students who may already be victims of addiction. Chairperson Ms. Mahtab Akbar Rashdi said educational institutions must take responsibility because they control campuses, hostels and facilities where students spend their time. She said institutions cannot reach inside homes, but they must ensure strict monitoring within their own premises. She further directed that universities and colleges should provide regular reports about drug related cases, actions taken and rehabilitation efforts. She emphasised that the goal should not only be punishment but also helping affected students recover. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) informed the committee that it had implemented a drug and tobacco control policy across around 249 universities. According to HEC officials, committees had been formed in universities, monitoring mechanisms were introduced and coordination was established with the Anti Narcotics Force and other agencies. HEC officials told the committee that around 1,418 drug related cases were reported in 250 institutions. They said penalties, warnings, counselling and other disciplinary actions were taken in different cases. The committee, however, questioned whether these numbers reflected a real improvement or only showed administrative action after incidents had already occurred. Members also raised concerns about suppliers operating near universities, including allegations that some people connected with campus facilities could be involved in supplying drugs. They demanded that authorities investigate suppliers instead of limiting action to students. HEC officials responded that action had been taken against suppliers where evidence was available. They said surveillance systems, including CCTV monitoring, were being used and that students involved in supplying drugs could face suspension or termination. The committee decided that future discussions should include the Anti Narcotics Force, police authorities and relevant rehabilitation experts to develop a stronger strategy against drug supply networks. Officials were asked to return with practical results, including information about suppliers caught, students rehabilitated and improvements achieved.

Islamabad: The future of Karachi’s major water supply project K IV came under discussion in the National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources as lawmakers questioned the scheme’s progress and summoned senior Sindh government officials for a detailed briefing. The committee was informed that the portion of the K IV Project under the responsibility of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is expected to be completed by 2027. The WAPDA Chairman told the committee that the funds required for this part of the project have already been secured, removing a major financial hurdle. However, questions remain over the overall progress of the project, as the committee decided to summon key Sindh officials in its next meeting to seek a clear update on the remaining work and coordination between different departments. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources, chaired by Mr. Ahmad Atteeq Anwer, MNA, directed that the Chief Secretary Government of Sindh, Secretary Irrigation Department Sindh, CEO Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation and Project Director K IV must attend the next meeting to explain the current status of the project. The K IV project is considered an important scheme for improving water availability for Karachi, a city that has faced long standing challenges related to water supply. The committee stressed the need for better coordination among federal and provincial institutions to ensure timely completion. During the meeting, the committee also reviewed the WAPDA Security Force Bill, 2026. After detailed discussions, members directed that a comprehensive comparison study of the proposed legislation should be provided before the next meeting so that lawmakers can examine its provisions in detail. The committee members emphasised that major water projects require continuous monitoring and effective implementation to ensure public benefit. The committee will continue reviewing progress and seek updates from concerned departments in future meetings.