CM orders full-scale flood relief operations across Punjab

  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.

Pakistan’s Senate Health Subcommittee held an important meeting to discuss concerns surrounding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the country’s medical education policies, and the increasing number of students pursuing medical education abroad. The session was chaired by Senator Samina Zehri, the convener of the subcommittee, and attended by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Senator Anusha Rahman, Senator Shahzaib, and officials from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). During the meeting, Senator Samina Zehri highlighted the significant differences between Pakistan’s FSc (Faculty of Science) education system and the internationally recognized A-Level qualification. She remarked that Pakistan’s education system is well known for its challenges and that the disparity between the two academic streams should not be overlooked when formulating admission policies for medical colleges. Responding to these concerns, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that the MDCAT examination is designed in a way that does not favor either A-Level or FSc students. He explained that the test includes questions that can be answered by candidates from both educational backgrounds, ensuring fairness in the admission process. According to the minister, the examination aims to assess students’ knowledge and aptitude rather than the curriculum they have studied. Mustafa Kamal further suggested that a detailed analysis should be conducted to determine how students from different educational backgrounds perform in the MDCAT. He pointed out that approximately 95,000 students had passed the examination and proposed collecting data from the past five years to determine how many successful candidates came from A-Level and FSc backgrounds. Such data, he said, would provide evidence-based insights for future policy decisions. The minister also assured members of the committee that the details of the assessment committee responsible for the MDCAT would be submitted within 24 hours. In response, Senator Anusha Rahman stated that the Senate committee was currently assisting the ministry in reviewing the admission process and therefore required complete information about the committee members involved in preparing and evaluating the examination. Following the discussion, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal formally assured the committee that all requested information regarding the assessment committee would be provided within the promised timeframe. During the meeting, Senator Anusha Rahman also called for a review of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) current policies. She emphasized the need to reassess regulations to ensure they effectively address the concerns of students and maintain the credibility of Pakistan’s medical education system. Senator Shahzaib raised another important issue regarding Pakistani students who intend to pursue higher medical education abroad. He questioned why graduates of Pakistani universities who plan to enroll in medical institutions overseas are still required to take the MDCAT. Referring to a recently issued advertisement, he noted that the existing policy appears to require these students to pass the admission test even if they have no intention of studying medicine within Pakistan. In response, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal acknowledged the concern and assured the committee that the policy would be reviewed. Senator Anusha Rahman added that while reviewing the policy, authorities should also ensure that students planning to study abroad avoid enrolling in institutions that have been identified as “red-flag” universities or those lacking proper accreditation. The Chairman of the PMDC Reforms Committee informed the meeting that students intending to study medicine overseas are required to register with the PMDC before leaving the country. This registration process, he explained, helps the regulatory body monitor students and maintain standards for foreign medical qualifications. Highlighting another major concern, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that around 40,000 Pakistani students travel abroad each year for medical education, taking an estimated US$800 million out of the country. He stressed that this represents a significant financial outflow and underlined the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s own medical education system. However, Senator Anusha Rahman offered a different perspective, arguing that many of these students eventually return to Pakistan after completing their education and contribute to the country’s economy through their professional earnings. She suggested that while the government should improve local opportunities, it should also recognize the long-term benefits that internationally educated professionals can bring back to Pakistan.