logo
PTA chairman reconciles with ANP president

PTA chairman reconciles with ANP president

Express Tribune26-05-2025
Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeez-ur-Rehman, visited the Bacha Khan Markaz to mend ties with the Awami National Party (ANP) President, Aimal Wali Khan, following a recent dispute. The meeting ended on a positive note, with both leaders embracing and reconciling their differences.
The two had a disagreement during a session of the National Assembly's Standing Committee. In a gesture of goodwill and in accordance with Pashtun traditions, the PTA chairman arrived at Bacha Khan Markaz accompanied by a Jirga. Aimal Wali Khan warmly received the delegation and accepted their apology.
Speaking on the occasion, Rehman said the misunderstanding that occurred was unintentional and regrettable. "I had expressed my regret at the time and have come here again to clear the air. I hold Senator Aimal Wali Khan and his family in the highest esteem," he stated.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Balochistan lawmakers sound alarm on poppy
Balochistan lawmakers sound alarm on poppy

Express Tribune

timea day ago

  • Express Tribune

Balochistan lawmakers sound alarm on poppy

Lawmakers from both treasury and opposition benches of the Balochistan Assembly on Thursday voiced deep concern over the growing cultivation of poppy across various parts of the province, warning that the trend could trigger a full-blown drug crisis if not addressed promptly. Raising the issue on the assembly floor, Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Zabid Reki from Dalbandin said the shift of poppy cultivation from Afghanistan into Pakistani territory is an alarming development. "After Afghanistan's ban on opium, poppy growers are now moving into Baloch and Pashtun regions of Pakistan. This is disastrous," Reki said. "The unchecked expansion of this crop is poisoning our youth and must be addressed urgently." Former Chief Minister and National Party leader Dr Abdul Malik Baloch supported the concern, saying that the issue extends far beyond agriculture. "Poppy cultivation is not just an agricultural issue, it's a threat to our society," he said. "Strict legal action must be taken against those promoting and facilitating this trade." On the government side, Ali Madad Jatak of the Pakistan Peoples Party assured the House of the administration's commitment to curbing the illegal crop. "We will not tolerate poppy cultivation anywhere in the province," he declared. "Opposition lawmakers should help us by identifying the areas so we can initiate swift action." Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, Captain (retd) Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, took serious notice of the matter and issued a formal ruling. He directed the relevant government departments to identify affected areas and launch immediate measures against those involved in the illicit cultivation.

Punjab Assembly: opposition member suspended for 15 sessions
Punjab Assembly: opposition member suspended for 15 sessions

Business Recorder

time2 days ago

  • Business Recorder

Punjab Assembly: opposition member suspended for 15 sessions

LAHORE: Acting Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Zahir Iqbal Channer suspended a member for using inappropriate language in the House. The Punjab Assembly session began two hours and 30 minutes late under the chairmanship of Acting Speaker Malik Zahir Iqbal Channer. At the outset, Deputy Opposition Leader Mian Riaz Qureshi addressed the House, stating that peaceful protest is everyone's right. He said, 'Our party has called for a protest on August 5. For the past two days, the police have been harassing our workers and raiding their homes. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman responded, 'I am not aware of any raids on their homes. I will check with the police and Home Department. Peaceful protest is indeed everyone's right. If needed, we may even stand with them.' The previous day's session included questions related to the Finance Department, with only one question submitted by Uzma Kardar. However, due to her absence, it was postponed. Later, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman presented the Principal Policy Annual Report for 2023 and the six-month progress report on the implementation of the NFC Award for the fiscal year 2019-20. Government member Amjad Ali Javed raised an objection, stating that reports were supposed to be submitted but were not available. As usual, the Punjab Assembly witnessed verbal clashes between opposition and treasury members. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister urged the Speaker to proceed with assembly business, emphasising that debates should not hinder proceedings. The Speaker deferred opposition member Nadia Khar's adjournment motion regarding local government due to her absence and lack of response. Similarly, Qazi Ahmad Saeed's adjournment motion on Services and General Administration was also postponed. Opposition member Tayyab Rashid Sindhu raised concerns over an incident in Sheikhupura where a poor man's kidney was allegedly removed by a mafia. 'Such incidents have been happening for a long time. The government must take notice,' he said. Qazi Ahmad Saeed highlighted farmers' distress, stating, 'Influential people divert water to their lands, leaving poor farmers helpless. The Chief Irrigation Officer is highly incompetent. Despite repeated complaints, no action has been taken. My constituency in Rahim Yar Khan faces severe water shortages, which must be addressed.' Government member Amjad Ali Javed emphasised the Punjab government's focus on promoting computer education to boost Pakistan's exports. 'However, the Punjab Higher Education Commission's policies are creating obstacles. They have imposed a condition that computer science degrees will not be recognised without accreditation from a specific council. The council's fees are so high that major universities are shutting down their computer science departments. Students who have completed semesters are distressed. The commission must review its policy or relax the conditions,' he said. Acting Speaker Zahir Iqbal Channer suspended opposition member Ijaz Shafi for 15 assembly sittings for using unparliamentarily and inappropriate language. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

JI allowed to stage ‘Balochistan March' protest outside LPC
JI allowed to stage ‘Balochistan March' protest outside LPC

Business Recorder

time2 days ago

  • Business Recorder

JI allowed to stage ‘Balochistan March' protest outside LPC

LAHORE: The two-day negotiations between Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and the Punjab government concluded successfully on Wednesday, resulting in an agreement allowing the participants of the Haq Do Balochistan Long March to stage a peaceful protest and set up a camp outside the Lahore Press Club. A key outcome of the talks was the decision to initiate formal negotiations between a high-powered federal government committee and JI Balochistan Chief Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman over the demands of the march. The announcement was made at a joint press conference addressed by JI Naib Ameer Liaqat Baloch and Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb. They were joined by JI Secretary General Ameerul Azeem, Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Punjab Ministers Salman Rafique and Sohail Bhatti, JI Punjab Central Emir Javed Kasuri, and Lahore Emir Ziauddin Ansari. Liaqat Baloch stated that JI and the people of Punjab stand in solidarity with the people of Balochistan and would not compromise on their constitutional rights. He called for a political solution to national issues and a comprehensive national dialogue. Maryam Aurangzeb announced that the federal dialogue committee will comprise ministers Mohsin Naqvi, Jam Kamal, Atta Tarar, PM's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, the Federal Interior Secretary, and the Special Secretary. The committee will engage in direct talks with a delegation led by Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman in Islamabad with the Punjab government acting as a facilitator. She expressed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's support for the legitimate demands of the Baloch people and thanked JI leadership including Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Liaqat Baloch, Ameerul Azeem, and Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman for their cooperation. Aurangzeb also apologized for the difficulties faced by marchers upon entering Punjab and assured dignified treatment for all participants. Hidayat-ur-Rehman outlined the key demands of the march, which include peace in Balochistan, fair access to provincial resources, legalization of cross-border trade, an end to harassment in the name of security, and the release of Dr Mahrang Baloch and other detainees. He expressed optimism that the federal government would respond positively to these democratic and constitutional demands. JI Secretary General Ameerul Azeem reaffirmed the party's unwavering support for the people of Balochistan and emphasized that granting their rights is essential for lasting peace. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store