Latest news with #CCD
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Punjab PA approves Rs5,335bn budget
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly on Thursday approved a tax-free budget of Rs 5,335 billion for the fiscal year 2025-26, maintaining the current tax structure without imposing any new taxes. The Finance Bill 2025-26 was also passed, ensuring no changes in provincial taxes, property tax, or transport tax, with no additional levies on industries, agriculture, health, or education sectors. During the session, the House approved 41 demands for grants worth Rs4,306.9792 billion, while rejecting eight cut motions presented by the opposition. The newly passed budget and finance bill will take effect from July 1, 2025. Key allocations in the budget includes; Rs120 billion for construction of roads and bridges, Rs462 billion for pensions, Rs258 billion for healthcare facilities, Rs137 billion for education reforms, Rs200 billion for police to maintain law and order, Rs27 billion for jail administration, Rs1 billion for civil defence, Rs26 billion for farmers welfare, Rs66 billion for agricultural loans, Rs18.22 billion for industrial development and Rs37.96 billion for irrigation projects. Moreover, the assembly approved Rs910 billion for various development projects, Rs161 billion for government buildings, Rs26.5 billion for agriculture, Rs19 billion for veterinary services and Rs1.6 billion for fisheries. Grants for registration, stamps, motor vehicle acts, and excise were also approved. Four significant bills were presented by Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman which include Punjab Autism School and Resource Centre Bill 2025, Urban Immovable Property Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025, Essential Commodities Price Control (Amendment) Bill 2025 and Punjab Labour Courts Bill 2025 These bills were referred to relevant standing committees, with the Speaker seeking reports within two months. During the session, government member Saeed Akbar Nawani raised objections over duplicate serial numbers (35 and 41) in the demands for grants, suggesting they should be merged for clarity. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman responded that the practice was longstanding but assured a review to determine if a technical merger was feasible. The Punjab Assembly session was commenced under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan after a delay of 4 hours and 6 minutes. The proceedings began with heated exchanges over a point of order, as government member Munawar Ghous lashed out at the alleged illegal actions of the Counter-Cybercrime Department (CCD). Ghous claimed that a former councillor from his constituency was unlawfully arrested by a CCD DSP, handcuffed, paraded in public, and humiliated. He further alleged that the officer slapped the detainee, recorded videos, and encouraged bystanders to film the incident, saying, 'Look at him and make videos.' Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan termed the act unconstitutional and illegal, stating, 'If a video was indeed made, it violates both the law and a High Court order.' He directed the Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs to investigate the matter, calling it a 'bad practice.' In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman assured the assembly that he would look into the issue immediately. The Speaker also emphasized the need for the government to disarm the public, stating, 'I will consider this government successful only when it retrieves weapons from people's hands.' He expressed concern over personal vendettas leading to entire villages living in fear, urging the minister to take the matter to the cabinet. 'Armed civilians spread terror, and murders are occurring in broad daylight,' he added. Minister Shujaur Rehman responded that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was already working on a campaign to eliminate weapons from society and eradicate such a culture. He recalled that the cabinet had previously discussed reopening arms licences in Punjab. Meanwhile, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan read the ruling regarding his decision on June 16th incident in which the Speaker suspend opposition member Hassan Malik for his misconduct during the budget session. The Speaker stated that opposition members attempted to disrupt the budget speech, with Hassan Malik allegedly throwing the budget book at the Finance Minister. 'After reviewing the video footage, it became clear that this behaviour was repeated, forcing the Finance Minister to halt his speech,' the Speaker said. While acknowledging that protest is a constitutional right, he emphasized, 'I will not allow the assembly to be taken over. I have the authority to suspend members for misconduct. Attempts to obstruct House proceedings will not be tolerated.' The Speaker warned that strict action would be taken against any member trying to disrupt the assembly's functioning. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Rawalpindi deports over 45 aliens
Afghan refugees wait in a queue to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Torkham on October 27, 2023. PHOTO: AFP The repatriation of Afghan nationals from Rawalpindi continues, with more than 45 individuals, including the family members and associates of an Afghan national, Wali Jan, deported to Afghanistan. These individuals were residing illegally at the incarcerated suspect's home in Pakistan. Wali Jan is currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail and will be deported to Afghanistan upon completion of legal proceedings. Sources said Wali Jan is involved in several serious criminal cases registered at various police stations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. These include charges related to terrorism, attempted murder, resistance to law enforcement, aerial firing, and display of weapons on social media. In the first week of this month, CCD and Mandrah police arrested Wali Jan and his accomplices for brandishing weapons on TikTok. Authorities recovered three rifles, including Kalashnikov and M4, along with 13 magazines, bullets, and other items. Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani stated that promoting weapons is a criminal offense and will not be tolerated. "No one will be allowed to become a symbol of fear for citizens," he asserted. Following his arrest, Wali Jan was declared a proclaimed offender in a case registered at Sadar Bairooni Police Station. During the investigation, authorities discovered more Afghan nationals residing illegally at his camp. A joint search operation was conducted by Sadar Division Police in the Mandira area, during which illegal Afghan residents were taken into custody. Among those detained were two men, 12 women, and 35 children. Wali Jan's own Afghan identification card was found to be expired. Upon confirmation of their illegal status and the suspect's involvement in criminal activities, Rawalpindi police transferred the individuals to a holding camp before completing their deportation via land route under tight security. A senior police officer confirmed to The Express Tribune that all individuals associated with Wali Jan, totaling over 45, have been repatriated to Afghanistan. Legal formalities for Wali Jan are ongoing, and he will be deported once the process is completed.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Zen Technologies shares in focus after board approves acquisition of TISA Aerospace
Shares of Zen Technologies are likely to be in focus on Monday, June 23, following the company's announcement of a proposed acquisition of a majority stake in TISA Aerospace, an emerging defence technology firm specialising in loitering munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In an exchange filing, Zen Technologies disclosed that its Board of Directors, at a meeting held on Saturday, approved an investment of up to Rs 6.56 crore towards the proposed acquisition. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Costco Shoppers Say This Wrinkle Cream Is "Actually Worth It" The Skincare Magazine Undo The investment will be executed through two components: The acquisition of 2,06,518 equity shares of Rs 10 each from an existing shareholder of TISA Aerospace, representing 54.67% of the total equity paid-up share capital of the company. The acquisition of 4,00,000 units of 6% Compulsory Convertible Debentures (CCDs) of Rs 100 face value each, from an existing CCD holder, also issued by TISA. The Board of Directors has unanimously approved the investment, which involves acquiring shares from current stakeholders of TISA as well as CCDs previously issued by TISA. The company stated that the transaction represents an investment in a domain of strategic relevance, comprising indigenously developed defence technologies. Live Events TISA Aerospace is positioned as a domestic player within the high-technology defence ecosystem. The company is engaged in the development of loitering munitions and UAVs—both of which are key segments within the evolving landscape of modern precision-guided weapon systems. Zen Technologies, through this acquisition, is entering a segment associated with advanced defence applications. 'This acquisition is a decisive step towards strengthening Zen's position in the rapidly evolving defence drone sector. TISA's expertise in loitering munitions provides us with immediate access to advanced technologies and platforms that align with the emerging operational requirements of the Armed Forces. TISA has achieved significant R&D milestones, including the successful execution of a project for DRDO with critical design assistance from IIT Madras. By integrating these capabilities with our existing strengths in anti-drone systems and propulsion technologies, we are building a broader and more future-ready defence portfolio,' said Ashok Atluri, Chairman and Managing Director of ZenTechnologies. Also read: How will US strikes on Iran affect Indian markets this week? Shares of Zen Technologies closed flat at Rs 1,900.30 on the BSE on Friday. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
Canada Standard
17-06-2025
- Health
- Canada Standard
and so is our commitment to human rights
The British Columbia Supreme Court has begun hearing a long-awaited constitutional challenge to the province's Mental Health Act. The case, nearly a decade in the making, is now drawing greater attention in the wake of the tragedy at the Filipino Lapu Lapu Day street festival earlier this year that left 11 people dead in Vancouver. The event has shaken many in the community, leaving behind grief and fear. Furthermore, in light of reports that the person accused of the crime was under Mental Health Act supervision, difficult questions arise. The pain is real, and any conversation about mental health must begin with compassion for all of those affected. Read more: Vancouver SUV attack exposes crowd management falldowns and casts a pall on Canada's election At the same time, it's important to ensure this moment of reckoning leads to thoughtful dialogue, not reactive policy. Unfortunately, much of the public discourse has become mired in fear and misinformation, creating a false and dangerous choice: that Canada must sacrifice individual rights in order to protect public safety. As a legal scholar in equality rights and public interest litigation, I don't believe Canadians have to choose. A mental health system that respects Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms can also promote safety. The case currently before the B.C. Supreme Court was initiated by the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD), a national human rights organization led by people with disabilities. The group is fighting provisions in the province's Mental Health Act that strip patients of any right to choose their own health care, or to appoint a loved one to make health care decisions on their behalf. The CCD's motto - "Nothing about us without us" - reflects a longstanding commitment to ensuring that people most affected by policies and systems have a voice in shaping them. This litigation will amplify the voices of people who underwent psychiatric treatment without consent and to shine a light on the deep and lasting harms they have suffered. Let's be clear about what this Charter challenge actually seeks and what it doesn't. It doesn't aim to eliminate involuntary hospitalization. It does not change who can be detained, how long they can be held or the legal criteria for involuntary admission. What it does seek is something far more modest and humane: to ensure that when psychiatric care is forced, it is delivered with dignity, oversight and the involvement of trusted supporters in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. One of the key reforms that CCD has long advocated for is the right for people to name a family member or friend to be involved in treatment decisions. Far from undermining care, this kind of involvement can help bridge the gap between medical necessity and personal dignity. It's a safeguard that respects patients' values and builds trust, which the current system desperately lacks. And yes, it could even enhance public safety. Reports suggest that a family member of the man accused in the Lapu Lapu mass murders in April was concerned about his deteriorating mental health and had reached out for help just before the tragedy occurred. A more responsive system with the embedded involvement of trusted decision-makers might have made a difference. Read more: Fraudulent crowdfunding after the Lapu Lapu tragedy highlights the need for vigilance and oversight British Columbia is currently an outlier in Canada. It's the only province where people detained under mental health laws are automatically deemed to consent to any treatment authorized by the facility - regardless of their actual wishes or capacity. There's no right to name a substitute decision-maker, no ability to appeal a treatment decision, no independent oversight, and treatment is often imposed through isolation, physical restraints or security force. Advocates have been calling for change for decades. But in the wake of the Lapu Lapu attack, some politicians are proposing not a more compassionate or rights-respecting approach, but harsher, more coercive powers over people with mental health issues. That would be a mistake. The current system, which experts have long said is inconsistent with human rights, did nothing to prevent this tragedy. Violating the rights of people in crisis did not and will not keep the public safer. B.C. Premier David Eby has acknowledged the shortcomings in the current system, but has said that engaging in law reform while litigation is undergoing would pose a risk. Instead, he says it's better to wait to hear what the court decides before changing the law. That logic is arguably akin to a citizen saying it's risky to stop driving at a speed they know is over the lawful limit until they're pulled over. Waiting for the courts to force change wastes precious time, and public resources, that could be better spent on designing a new, Charter-compliant mental health system in collaboration with experts, service providers, families and people with lived experiences. Meanwhile, substantial public funds are being spent on government lawyers to fight a legal battle defending a regime that is clearly unconstitutional and fails both patients and public safety. That money would be far better spent consulting with experts, families and people with lived experiences and developing legislation that upholds constitutional rights and keeps communities safe. The time for delay is over. The B.C. government must act now to rewrite the Mental Health Act in order to protect the public and respect Charter rights.
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Rs300 billion set aside for law and order maintenance
The Punjab government has allocated Rs300 billion for law and order in its budget for the fiscal year 202526. The announcement marks one of the largest-ever investments in internal security in the province's history, with emphasis on technology-driven policing, prison reform and the establishment of specialised crime-fighting institutions. More than Rs200 billion of the total allocation has been reserved for non-development expenditures, primarily covering operational costs and salaries for police across Punjab. Meanwhile, over Rs10 billion will be spent on development schemes in the police, prisons and Rescue 1122 sectors. A highlight of this year's budget is the establishment of the Crime Control Department (CCD) tasked with investigating heinous and organised crimes across the province. The CCD will be headquartered in Lahore and will receive a total Rs6.54 billion. This includes Rs3.24 billion under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the construction of its state-of-the-art headquarters and investigative facilities, while another Rs3.3 billion is earmarked for staffing, logistics and operations. The government has rolled out a plan to upgrade police infrastructure, with Rs600 million allocated for the renovation and modernisation of police stations across all districts. Additionally, Rs734.7 million has been allocated to bolster the Police Training School in Rawalpindi, while the Specialised Protection Unit (SPU) headquarters in Lahore will receive Rs797.2 million. To improve crowd control and tactical response capabilities, Rs382 million has been approved for the establishment of an Anti-Riot Headquarters in Lahore. Meanwhile, construction of new administrative facilities and residences is under way, including Rs450 million for the DPO office and residence in Murree, Rs350 million for investigation offices in Mandi Bahauddin and Rs280 million for officers' residences in Lahore. Emergency services under Rescue 1122 are set for expansion, with Rs508 million allocated for current and new initiatives. The Emergency Services Academy in Lahore will undergo a Rs352 million upgrade to improve training capacity, while two new rescue stations will be developed in Gujrat's Mangowali and Kathala Chowk areas at a cost of Rs291.8 million. Furthermore, Rs50 million will support Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTS) in rural areas, aiming to bridge emergency response gaps in under-served regions of Punjab. The government plans to significantly invest in the surveillance and command-and-control systems through its Smart Safe Cities and Tehsil Project. The Lahore Safe City initiative will be revamped with Rs1.2 billion to install high-resolution cameras and AI-based threat detection tools. To complete Smart Safe Cities in 19 additional districts, Rs2.54 billion has been earmarked, while Rs5.8 billion will fund the CM's Tehsil Project, which brings surveillance infrastructure to high-crime divisions across the province. The flagship Lahore Prisons Complex will receive Rs6 billion for construction of a modern correctional facility featuring vocational training, rehabilitation programmes and high-security zones. Another Rs4.8 billion will go toward building a new district jail in Sialkot with a capacity of 1,500 inmates. For ongoing prison infrastructure improvements, Rs674.5 million has been allocated for staff accommodations and inmate reintegration initiatives. Additional funds include Rs65.6 million for the expansion of Child Protection Units in eight districts and Rs1.17 billion for establishing inter-provincial joint checkpoints at key locations like Attock and Bhakkar to counter crime and smuggling across the provincial border.
