title Story

Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi has called for sweeping structural reforms, warning that Pakistan cannot overcome its long-standing economic and governance challenges without fundamental changes to the country’s political and administrative systems. Speaking at the First Pakistan Investment Summit in Islamabad, Naqvi said the existing governance structure has become outdated and is no longer capable of meeting the country’s growing economic needs. He cautioned that without meaningful reforms, Pakistan could still be facing the same problems a decade from now. Addressing business leaders and investors, the minister said responsibility for the current state of affairs does not rest solely with politicians. He argued that the business community also plays a significant role in sustaining the existing system by financing political campaigns. Naqvi urged business leaders to stop funding political parties during elections and instead push for greater transparency, accountability and institutional reforms. He said reducing financial dependence on wealthy donors could help strengthen democratic institutions and improve governance. The minister also stressed the need to reduce Pakistan’s reliance on foreign loans. He said the country must focus on generating domestic resources, expanding investment and building a stronger economic foundation through long-term planning. Calling for national unity, Naqvi urged political parties to set aside differences and work together on a comprehensive reform agenda. He said lasting economic stability can only be achieved through collective decision-making and institutional improvements. Other speakers at the summit also highlighted the need for major administrative reforms. They argued that changes in governance structures, including decentralisation and stronger regional administration, could improve service delivery and reduce governance challenges. Business leader S.M. Tanvir said structural weaknesses continue to slow economic progress and called for fresh leadership and institutional reforms to strengthen the country’s administrative framework. Participants also expressed concern over Pakistan’s social and economic indicators. They noted that a large segment of the population continues to live below the poverty line, while unemployment remains a major challenge, particularly among young people. Several speakers said temporary welfare measures alone cannot address the country’s long-term economic issues. They called for policies that create sustainable employment opportunities, promote merit-based recruitment and equip young people with the skills needed to participate in the economy

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has warned that any attempt to manipulate election results would trigger serious political consequences, saying the federal government’s “countdown” would begin if the public mandate was stolen. Addressing a public gathering in Muzaffarabad, Bilawal stressed that elections must be decided through the ballot box and not through alleged interference or manipulation. He called for transparency in the electoral process and said any theft of votes should not be concealed. He said the principle of democracy demands that the candidate who receives the people’s votes should emerge victorious. Bilawal added that he wanted to see peace, justice and genuine public representation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The PPP chairman pledged to safeguard the rights of the people of Kashmir, saying decisions regarding the region should be made by its elected assembly. He also announced plans to convene a constitutional convention after the elections, bringing together representatives of the government, opposition, refugees, lawyers and civil society to discuss constitutional and governance reforms. Highlighting the concerns of Kashmiri refugees, Bilawal said their genuine representation must be protected. He argued that if their votes were manipulated or controlled by others, their longstanding issues would remain unresolved. He described Kashmiri refugees as an integral part of the region’s history and political movement and said Kashmir should have representation in institutions where major national decisions are made. During the address, Bilawal also extended what he described as a political olive branch to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), urging the party to abandon the politics of boycott and actively participate in the democratic process. He said PTI should contest elections, engage in parliamentary politics and work through committees instead of distancing itself from democratic institutions. Bilawal added that if the party intended to boycott every political process, it would have been better to remain outside politics altogether. Calling for broader political cooperation, the PPP chairman invited what he termed “serious politicians” from PTI and other political workers to join hands in pursuing parliamentary reforms. He said all democratic forces should work together to strengthen institutions and improve the country’s political system.

QUETTA: The death toll from a deadly coal mine explosion near Quetta has climbed to 34 after rescue teams recovered the bodies of eight more miners from the site. The incident occurred at a coal mine in the Sorange area, where dozens of workers were underground when a powerful methane gas explosion ripped through the mine. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), a total of 42 miners were trapped following the blast. Rescue teams have managed to recover 34 bodies so far, while efforts continue to locate the remaining workers. Officials said the operation is being carried out under difficult conditions, with emergency personnel working around the clock to reach those still inside the mine. The mine owner confirmed that 42 labourers were present in the mine at the time of the explosion. Preliminary findings suggest that methane gas accumulated inside the mine, triggering the deadly blast. Balochistan Chief Minister has ordered an immediate report on the incident and directed authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. He warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found responsible if negligence or safety violations are established. Coal mining accidents remain a recurring concern in Balochistan, where hazardous working conditions and poor safety standards have claimed numerous lives over the years. The latest disaster has once again raised questions about the enforcement of mine safety regulations and the protection of workers in the province’s mining sector. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue their search for the miners who remain unaccounted for.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam has strongly rejected Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s allegations regarding the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. He urged the PPP to accept the public mandate instead of questioning the election results. Addressing a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) public gathering in the Khawra area of Muzaffarabad, Muqam said the people of Mirpur had freely voted for the PML-N. He stated that the election outcome reflected the will of the people and should be respected by all political parties. Muqam said the PPP should review the reasons behind its electoral defeat instead of making accusations of rigging. According to him, the party should reflect on why voters chose another political party rather than blaming the election process. The federal minister also pointed out that the government and administrative setup in Azad Kashmir are under the influence of the PPP. He argued that, under such circumstances, allegations of election manipulation were difficult to justify. He maintained that political leaders should avoid making baseless claims and instead respect the democratic decision of the electorate. Responding to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s warning directed at the federal government, Muqam said repeated threats were not appropriate in a democratic system. He remarked that the PPP should remember it is itself part of the country’s political structure and continues to hold important constitutional positions. He further said that political stability should remain a priority and warned that if one government falls, the consequences could affect the entire political system. He stressed that responsible political leadership requires dialogue and respect for democratic institutions rather than confrontational statements. The exchange of remarks follows Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s speech in Muzaffarabad, where he warned that if the AJK elections were manipulated or the public mandate was ignored, the federal government’s “countdown” would begin. Bilawal had alleged that any attempt to undermine the election results would have political consequences and called for transparency in the electoral process. The controversy has intensified political tensions following the AJK elections, with leaders from different parties exchanging criticism over the results. Earlier, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal also responded to Bilawal’s allegations. He questioned why the PPP accepted election results when it formed governments elsewhere but raised allegations of rigging after losing in Azad Kashmir. Iqbal urged the PPP leadership to respect the outcome of the elections and accept the decision made by voters. He said political parties should strengthen democratic traditions by honoring the people’s mandate regardless of the results.