web analytics

ARY NEWS

Azhar Farooq

  • PM Shehbaz to depart for three-day visit to Saudi Arabia

    PM Shehbaz to depart for three-day visit to Saudi Arabia

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to depart for a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia next week, accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Deputy Prime Minister, key federal ministers, and senior officials, ARY News reported citing sources.

    During the visit, PM Shehbaz will hold discussions with Saudi officials on enhancing trade and economic cooperation, promoting investment, and strengthening bilateral ties. A meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is also scheduled.

    The Pakistani delegation will express its full support for Saudi Arabia’s regional integrity and domestic sovereignty. The visit will also feature talks on Saudi investments in various sectors and the situation in Gaza.

    This trip aims to bolster the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, with a focus on mutual cooperation and regional stability.

    Earlier, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to form a joint committee which would promote collaborations between the two countries for joint production of songs, films and documentaries.

    Both sides agreed to this end during a meeting between Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar, and Saudi Arabia’s Media Minister Salman bin Youssef Al-Dosari on the sidelines of the Saudi Media Forum.

    They also agreed on enhancing bilateral cooperation in media fields, especially through exchange programme and trainings for journalists.

  • Pakistan amends Civil Servants Promotion Rules 1973

    Pakistan amends Civil Servants Promotion Rules 1973

    The Pakistan government has amended the Civil Servants Promotion Rules, 1973 following the Prime Minister’s directives, ARY News reported on Friday.

    As per details, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved amendments to Civil Servants Promotion Rules 1973, with the Establishment Division issuing a new Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO).

    As per the revised rules, an officer’s case for promotion to Grade 22 will only be considered twice. If promotion is not granted in both instances, the officer will not be reconsidered, effectively retiring in their current grade.

    A notification regarding these amendments has been published in the Gazette of Pakistan.

    Read more: PM Shehbaz pins hope on civil servants to steer country out of crises

    Earlier, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif urged the civil servants to serve the country and nation with their utmost capacities and expressed the hope that they were capable of steering the country out of the current crises.

    According to details, the prime minister made these remarks while addressing the passing out ceremony of probationary officers of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS).

    PM Shehbaz Sharif reminded probationary officers that after assuming their basic responsibilities in the practical life, they would be confronted with issues like unemployment, poverty, disease, lack of education and delayed response to public problems.

    Appreciating the civil bureaucracy, the prime minister said that he personally knew a number of good officers who had strived to serve the country by shedding their sweat and blood.

  • Maulana Fazl meets PM Shehbaz, ‘demands’ fresh elections

    Maulana Fazl meets PM Shehbaz, ‘demands’ fresh elections

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, where the latter reiterated demand for fresh elections, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to sources, the JUI-F chief presented opposition’s demands before PM Shehbaz pressing for fresh elections, a stance he has maintained consistently.

    Maulana Fazl reiterated his reservations about the current setup, saying that he does not recognize them. He suggested that holding fresh elections would help erase the stigma of rigging.

    Sources revealed that the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief reaffirmed his commitment to the opposition alliance’s stance.

    In response, PM Shehbaz Sharif sought cooperation from Maulana Fazlur Rehman. However, the JUI-F chief remained firm on his position. The prime minister requested time for further consultation, sources added.

    The development came after the Grand Opposition Alliance, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), held a meeting, to discuss the current political situation in the country and explore possibilities for expanding movement against the government.

    The meeting held at the residence of PTI leader Asad Qaiser in Islamabad was attended by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) head Mahmood Achakzai, Awam Pakistan Party chief Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, and senior politician Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar.

    Also read: Fazl says questions raised over Pakistan’s democratic system

    Other key figures in attendance in the Grand Opposition Alliance meeting included Allama Nasir Abbas, Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Asad Qaiser.

    According to sources, the meeting focused on discussing the current political situation in the country and exploring possibilities for a potential alliance against the government.

    The leaders also deliberated on a plan of action for the proposed alliance, indicating a unified effort to address the country’s challenges.

    Maulana Fazlur Rehman demanded resignation from the Chief Election Commissioner for holding ‘rigged’ elections on February 8 last year.

  • PECA Amendment Act 2025 enforced

    PECA Amendment Act 2025 enforced

    ISLAMABAD: The ‘controversial’ Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) Amendments Act, 2025, has been enforced across Pakistan, following assent from President Asif Ali Zarari, ARY News reported.

    Following passage of the PECA Amendment Bill. 2025 from the Senate and National Assembly, the journalist community staged protests across Pakistan and demanded the government to take the ‘controversial’ legislation.

    The Establishment Division has issued gazette notification for PECA Amendment Act, 2025.

    On January 28, the Senate passed the PECA Amendments Bill, 2025.

    The bill was moved in the upper House of the Parliament after the Senate Standing Committee on Interior Monday approved the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act Bill, despite strong opposition from journalist organizations.

    Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain moved the bill on behalf of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

    Read more: President enacts PECA Amendment Bill 2025 into law

    In his remarks, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill, 2025 is aimed at dealing with the issues on social media.

    He assured it is not directed against the journalists of television and newspapers.

    The minister said the opposition was also engaged on the bill through the platforms of standing committees of both the National Assembly and the Senate.

  • PTI-backed Junaid Akbar unanimously elected PAC chairman

    PTI-backed Junaid Akbar unanimously elected PAC chairman

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-backed Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) MNA Junaid Akbar Khan has been elected as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Friday, ARY News reported.

    The election of the PAC chairman took a year to materialise, with PTI and government blaming each other for the delay. Since the current government came into power after the February 2024 elections, the position has been unfilled.

    An emergent meeting of the PAC was summoned after the PTI-backed SIC sent a panel for the position on the government’s demand. Besides Junaid Akbar Khan, the name of Adil Bazai was also among the panel.

    Junaid Akbar Khan’s name was proposed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and none of the PAC members objected to it, paving the way for unanimous selection.

    He was elected member National Assembly for the third time in general elections 2024 a PTI-backed independent candidate from NA-9 Malakand, securing 113,513 votes while the runner-up, Syed Ahmad Ali Shah of PPP bagged 40,740 votes.

    It is to be noted here that all PTI-backed MNAs are being displayed as SIC members on the National Assembly website amid the legal issues pending before the Supreme Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan.

    “It took a year to elect the PAC chairman, and the government is responsible for this delay,” said PTI Chief Whip Amir Dogar.

    Amir Dogar also criticised the government for demanding a panel for the chairman’s election, stating that this was a new precedent. “When Shehbaz Sharif was made the PAC chairman, no panel was demanded,” he said.

    Tariq Fazal Chaudhry praised the government for electing the PAC chairman, saying that he would give credit to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the decision.

    “Despite pressure from allies, the government decided to give the chairmanship to PTI, Chaudhry added,” he added.

    Read More: PAC chairmanship: Govt to again seek names from PTI

    The PTI initially suggested Sher Afzal Marwat for the slot just to replace with Sheikh Waqas Akram.

    SIC chief Hamid Raza formally apprised the National Assembly (NA) Secretariat about the party’s nominee for the slot. “Sheikh Waqas Akram has been nominated for the chairmanship of the PAC,” Hamid Raza told the NA secretariat.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the slot became a bone of contention and triggered a tug-of-war between senior PTI members as Sher Afzal Marwat, who was earlier named by the party, openly critisised the party leadership.

    Later on July 12, the PTI suspended the membership of Sher Afzal Marwat on directives of party founder Imran Khan.

  • National Assembly passes PECA Amendment Bill, 2025

    National Assembly passes PECA Amendment Bill, 2025

    ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly has passed the PECA Amendment Bill, 2025, a contentious bill aimed at regulating social media in Pakistan, ARY News reported.

    As per details, the bill, presented by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer, seeks to establish a new authority to oversee social media platforms and protect users’ rights.

    The authority will be responsible for facilitating social media platforms, ensuring users’ rights, and registering social media platforms.

    After the formation of the authority, it will have the power to take disciplinary action against social media platforms that violate the law, direct relevant institutions to remove illegal content, and register and deregister social media platforms.

    Furthermore, the authority will consist of nine members, including the Secretary Interior, Chairman PTA, and Chairman PEMRA as ex-officio members. The chairman and five members will be appointed for a five-year term.

    It is worth noting here that the government has decided to give representation to journalists in the authority, with five members having at least 10 years of experience as journalists, software engineers, lawyers, social media professionals, and IT experts.

    Earlier, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) decided to amend the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law, and handed over the legal draft to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

    As per details, PML-N proposed a punishment of over ten years for spreading fake news, a suggestion that the PPP did not agree with. Despite the disagreement over the proposed sentence, both parties have reached an agreement on certain aspects of the PECA law, particularly regarding the control of social media.

    Last year, seven more people were booked for allegedly engaging in anti-state propaganda and spreading false narratives via social media platforms.

    Read more: Seven more booked for ‘propaganda’ against state on social media

    The accused, identified as Muhammad Sohail, Muhammad Junaid, Sheikh Muhammad Ehsan, and others, were reportedly using WhatsApp and X (formerly Twitter) to disseminate propaganda.

    Authorities confirmed that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects.

  • May 9 riots: Govt ‘decides’ against forming judicial commission

    May 9 riots: Govt ‘decides’ against forming judicial commission

    ISLAMABAD: The federal government has reportedly decided against forming judicial commission to probe May 9 riots, ARY News reported on Monday, citing sources.

    The development follows after PTI handed over written demands to the government during third round of talks.

    They further said the government has finalised its reply following PTI’s demands after reviewing it. Judicial commission cannot be formed on under trial cases, the govt committee reply read, as per sources.

    “Challans in the May 9 riot cases have been submitted and there is no political prisoner in Pakistan”, the answer finalsied by the government for PTI read

    “GHQ, Corps Commander’s House were attacked on May 9 under an organised planning.”

    The government will hand over the answer to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf during fourth round of talks, the sources added.

    Read more: Govt likely to ‘turn down’ PTI’s demands

    Earlier on Thursday, the PTI presented its charter of demands during the third round of negotiations with the federal government.

    The document outlined the party’s call for the establishment of two Commissions of Inquiry to address critical events and ensure transparency in the judicial process.

    During the meeting, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq offered to step down as the committee chairman, but PTI’s Omar Ayub expressed confidence in his leadership. Subsequently, PTI presented a three-page charter detailing its demands.

    In the written demands, PTI demanded of the federal government to establish two commissions. The first would investigate the events of May 9 and the legality of PTI’s chairman’s arrest, while the second would examine incidents occurring between November 24 and 27.

    The PTI demanded that both commissions be chaired by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and include three judges from the Supreme Court.

  • PTI presents written demands to govt during third round of negotiations

    PTI presents written demands to govt during third round of negotiations

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has submitted a charter of demands during the third round of negotiations with the federal government.

    The document outlines the party’s call for the establishment of two Commissions of Inquiry to address critical events and ensure transparency in the judicial process.

    During the meeting, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq offered to step down as the committee chairman, but PTI’s Omar Ayub expressed confidence in his leadership. Subsequently, PTI presented a three-page charter detailing its demands.

    In the written demands, PTI has demanded of the federal government to establish two commissions. The first would investigate the events of May 9 and the legality of PTI’s chairman’s arrest, while the second would examine incidents occurring between November 24 and 27.

    PTI demands that both commissions be chaired by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and include three judges from the Supreme Court.

    The commissions should be formed within seven days through mutual consultation between PTI and the government. Their proceedings must be open to the public and the media, the demand read.

    Read more: No dialogue if Govt disagrees over judicial commission: Hamid Raza

    The commissions should also provide transparent legal assistance for political detainees involved in the events of May 9 and November 2024.

    PTI has further demanded an evaluation of the legality and impact of internet outages during these events.

    PTI emphasized that the establishment of the commissions would signify the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised. If the demands are not met, PTI warned that it would cease negotiations with the government.

    The document bears signatures from prominent PTI leaders, including Ali Amin Gandapur, Omar Ayub, Nasir Abbas, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram, and Hamid Raza.

    The outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain as both sides deliberate on the proposed demands.

  • PTI-Centre talks: NA speaker summons third meeting on Jan 15

    PTI-Centre talks: NA speaker summons third meeting on Jan 15

    ISLAMABAD: In a bid to ease the ongoing political tensions, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has summoned a third meeting between the government and PTI representatives on January 15, ARY News reported.

    The in-camera meeting, scheduled to take place at 3:00 pm at Parliament House, will see PTI negotiators presenting its written demands, including a judicial probe into the May 9 and November 26 incidents and the release of political prisoners.

    The meeting will be chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and it is expected to be crucial in addressing the ongoing political polarization in Pakistan.

    The development came after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) negotiation committee announced that they are ready for the third round of talks with the government, following a meeting with party founder Imran Khan in a “controlled environment”.

    Addressing reporters outside Adiala Jail along with PTI senior leaders Omar Ayub and Asad Qaiser, Sunni Ittehad Council head Sahibzada Hamid Raza said that the PTI committee will present two written demands during the upcoming meeting, which includes the formation of an “impartial judicial commission” to investigate the events of May 9 and November 26. The commission should be headed by a senior Supreme Court judge to probe the incidents and identify those responsible.

    Imran Khan – Latest news

    Raza stated that the government must make progress on their demands during the upcoming round of negotiations, warning that the talks will not proceed if the judicial commission is not formed by January 31. He also stressed that the release of political prisoners is also part of their demands.

    It is important to mention here that the first meeting between PTI and PML-N led coalition government took place on December 23, while the second one occurred on January 2. So far, the two sides have not made major progress, as the PTI leadership sought frequent meetings with Imran to finalise their list of demands.

  • PM Shehbaz ‘decides’ to expand federal cabinet

    PM Shehbaz ‘decides’ to expand federal cabinet

    ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif decided to expand his cabinet by inducting at least eight more ministers, ARY News reported citing sources.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Hanif Abbasi, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Talal Chaudhry, Sardar Yousuf are likely to be inducted as ministers or advisers on January 9 or 10.

    The names of Pir Imran Shah, Tauqeer Shah, Saad Waseem and Sheikh Aftab are also being considered for the cabinet members.

    In May last year, PM Shehbaz Sharif expanded his federal cabinet by inducting MNA Ali Pervaiz Malik as Ali Pervaiz Malik was appointed as state minister.

    Also read: PML-N to ‘again requests’ PPP to join federal cabinet

    It is important to note here that earlier Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had earlier requested the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to join the federal cabinet. The insiders revealed Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar along with other senior PML-N leaders held a meeting with PPP leadership and request to join the cabinet.

    However, PPP was divided on joining the Shehbaz-led federal cabinet  and eventually refused to join federal government.