Pakistan strikes landmark offshore gas find

  Overseas Pakistanis have welcomed the proposal to create new provinces in the country, describing it as a positive step toward improving administrative efficiency, strengthening governance and bringing public institutions closer to citizens. Rajah Nasir Hussain, a representative of overseas Pakistanis and a prominent businessman from Gujar Khan, expressed his support for the proposal . He said the idea of creating seven provinces should be considered alongside the establishment of an eighth province comprising Islamabad and the Potohar region. According to Hussain, the creation of new provinces could help address administrative challenges and improve the delivery of public services. He stressed, however, that any decision regarding the creation of new provinces should be made through constitutional amendments and broad political consensus. He said the issue should not be treated as a matter of political rivalry or regional competition. Instead, it should be viewed as an administrative reform aimed at improving governance and ensuring that citizens in different parts of the country receive better access to state institutions and public services. Hussain also highlighted the important role played by overseas Pakistanis in the national economy. He said millions of Pakistanis living and working abroad contribute significantly to the country through remittances. The funds sent by overseas Pakistanis provide vital support to Pakistan’s economy and help strengthen the country’s financial system. He noted that overseas Pakistanis continue to make economic contributions despite living outside the country. Their remittances support families, increase foreign exchange inflows and contribute to economic stability. In his view, their role should therefore be recognised not only in economic terms but also through greater representation in the country’s administrative and political framework. Hussain argued that the government and political leadership should explore new mechanisms through which overseas Pakistanis can participate more effectively in national affairs. He said their experience of living and working in different countries gives them exposure to modern administrative systems, business practices and governance models that could potentially benefit Pakistan. He further suggested that overseas Pakistanis should have greater opportunities to contribute to policy discussions concerning economic development, investment, governance and administrative reforms. Their participation, he said, could help policymakers understand international practices and identify approaches that may be adapted to Pakistan’s circumstances. Regarding the proposed new provinces, Hussain emphasised the importance of consultation among all stakeholders. He said political parties, provincial governments, civil society, constitutional experts and representatives of the affected regions should be involved in the discussion before any final decision is taken. He maintained that the creation of provinces should be based on administrative requirements, population, geographical considerations, economic viability and the interests of local communities rather than short-term political objectives. The proposal to consider Islamabad and Potohar as an eighth province, he said, should also be examined within this broader framework. Such a move, if supported by constitutional and political consensus, could potentially improve administrative management and representation in the region. Hussain reiterated that overseas Pakistanis support reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s administrative structure. He said the debate over new provinces provides an opportunity to consider broader governance reforms while ensuring constitutional procedures and national consensus. He concluded that overseas Pakistanis should be regarded as important stakeholders in Pakistan’s future. Given their economic contributions and national role, developing effective mechanisms for their political and administrative representation should be considered a priority alongside wider institutional reforms.

The Punjab government has imposed a one-month ban on eight stage actresses following complaints and monitoring reports concerning inappropriate performances and gestures during theatre shows. According to a notification issued by the Punjab Information and Culture Department the action was taken on the basis of monitoring reports prepared by the Punjab Council of the Arts (PUCAR). The actresses affected by the ban are Mahi Rajput, Hina Sheikh, Malaika Shehzadi, Madiha Khan, Mehak Noor, Mano Multani, Raima Mehr and Hasna Jutt. They will not be permitted to perform in theatres during the one-month suspension period. PUCAR Director Mughis Bin Aziz said that monitoring of stage dramas was continuing across Punjab. He added that action was being taken against performers and productions found violating the applicable rules and regulations. According to the government notification, complaints regarding inappropriate acts and gestures during stage performances were investigated and found to be valid. The authorities subsequently decided to impose temporary performance restrictions on the eight actresses. The action comes amid increased government monitoring of stage dramas in Punjab. Authorities have been focusing on the quality of theatre productions, compliance with performance regulations and the prevention of content considered inappropriate under existing rules. A Punjab government spokesperson said that the measures were aimed at preventing dances gestures and other performances that violate established regulations or ethical standards. The Punjab bans 8 stage actresses decision highlights the government’s continued efforts to regulate theatre performances across the province. Officials have indicated that monitoring will continue and that further action may be taken if similar violations are identified. The one-month restriction applies specifically to theatre performances according to the notification. The latest action is expected to keep the debate over artistic expression, theatre regulation and government oversight of stage dramas in Punjab in the spotlight.