Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi announces names of four women’s teams for CM Punjab Champions League

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan has distanced the party from recent remarks made by Imran Khan’s sister, Noreen Niazi, stating that her comments reflected her personal opinion and should not be viewed as the official position of PTI. Speaking to journalists outside Adiala Jail on Tuesday, Gohar said he had been informed that the interview in question was recorded nearly three months ago. He emphasized that Noreen Niazi holds no office within the party and is not involved in PTI’s political decision-making process. Highlighting national security, the PTI chairman described Pakistan’s recent success in Marka-e-Haq as a matter of national pride and credited it as a blessing for the country. He said Pakistan’s response to external threats had demonstrated its strength before the world and warned that any future aggression would be met with an even stronger reaction. Gohar also appealed to political leaders and the public to avoid making controversial statements about the armed forces or the country’s martyrs, stressing that such sensitive issues should remain above political disagreements. Reaffirming PTI’s position on terrorism, he said the party fully supports decisive action against terrorist elements and called for a united national strategy to eliminate the threat through collective efforts and available state resources. On the political front, Gohar confirmed that PTI’s boycott of parliamentary standing committees and the Judicial Commission remains unchanged. Discussing the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, he said the party had received reports that the electoral process had been rescheduled into three phases. Although some members had proposed reconsidering the boycott, no agreement had been reached, and the party’s decision to stay away from the polls remains in force. Separately, prison sources confirmed that former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were allowed to meet inside Adiala Jail. The meeting reportedly took place in the prison’s conference room and lasted around 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan called on PTI lawmakers and senior leaders to actively participate in the party’s anti-government campaign instead of leaving the responsibility to a limited number of workers and family members. Expressing concern over the lack of updates regarding her brother’s condition, she questioned how long the movement could continue without stronger support from the party’s elected representatives and leadership.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral trade to $10 billion, underscoring their determination to strengthen economic cooperation and deepen commercial ties. The pledge was made during the 10th session of the Pakistan-Iran Joint Trade Committee, where representatives from both countries reviewed trade relations and explored measures to enhance economic collaboration. Addressing the meeting, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, said the longstanding brotherly relationship between Pakistan and Iran should now be transformed into a robust economic partnership. He emphasized the importance of finalizing the proposed Pakistan-Iran Free Trade Agreement, saying it would open new opportunities for businesses and significantly increase trade between the two neighboring countries. The minister stressed the need to remove barriers affecting cross-border logistics, customs procedures, and cargo transportation to ensure smoother and more efficient trade flows. He also highlighted the potential of establishing joint border markets and implementing an electronic data interchange system to facilitate commerce and improve connectivity. Jam Kamal Khan noted that the private sectors of both countries are ready to expand trade and investment, adding that it is the responsibility of governments to provide a stable, business-friendly, and predictable environment that encourages commercial activity. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the Joint Trade Committee meeting would produce a practical roadmap for strengthening Pakistan-Iran economic relations and accelerating progress toward the shared trade target of $10 billion.

  National Assembly Member Sher Afzal Marwat has said that the government appears to be stuck on an issue that could negatively affect its public image and political standing. Marwat said the government needed to carefully consider its decisions and avoid taking positions that could ultimately damage its reputation among the public. He emphasized that decisions involving ordinary citizens, particularly matters related to healthcare, should be approached with greater understanding and consideration.   Commenting on the issue of medical treatment, Marwat said there was nothing wrong with a patient choosing to receive treatment at a private hospital at their own expense. He argued that if an individual is willing and able to pay for medical services privately, the government should not necessarily object to that choice.   According to Marwat, people should have the freedom to decide where and how they want to receive medical treatment, particularly when they are using their own resources. He suggested that restricting such choices could create unnecessary controversy and may not serve the interests of either the government or the public.   Marwat further stressed that the government must think carefully before making decisions that could have political or social consequences. He said that authorities should assess both the immediate and long-term impact of their policies instead of becoming fixated on a single issue. His comments come amid ongoing public debate over government decisions concerning healthcare and access to medical facilities. The issue has drawn attention because healthcare remains a sensitive matter for citizens, particularly those who seek timely treatment and may prefer private hospitals because of availability, facilities, or personal choice. Marwat’s remarks also highlight the broader question of how governments should balance public-sector policies with individual rights and choices. While governments have a responsibility to regulate healthcare and ensure that citizens have access to affordable and quality treatment, individuals may also want the option of using private healthcare services when they can afford them. The lawmaker maintained that the government should adopt a practical and carefully considered approach rather than allowing political disagreements to influence decisions that directly affect citizens. In his view, policies should be designed in a way that protects public interests while also respecting individual choices. He warned that continuing to remain focused on an issue without considering its wider implications could harm the government’s political standing. According to him, the government needs to recognize how its decisions are perceived by the public and make choices accordingly. Marwat’s statement reflects growing calls for greater flexibility and careful decision-making in matters that affect ordinary people. His comments suggest that governments can avoid unnecessary criticism by taking public concerns into account and ensuring that their policies remain focused on practical solutions. The National Assembly member ultimately urged the government to reconsider its approach and make decisions after carefully examining their possible consequences. He emphasized that thoughtful policymaking is essential to maintaining public confidence and avoiding decisions that could damage the government’s image. The remarks underline the importance of balancing government policy with the rights, needs, and preferences of citizens, particularly in sensitive areas such as healthcare.