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Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate axes death penalty in select offences
Listen to article The Senate on Friday passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2025, eliminating the death penalty for public assault of women, including disrobing, and for harbouring a hijacker, and replacing it with a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. The House, which met with Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan Nasir in the chair, also passed two other bills seeking amendments to the Extradition Act, 1972, and the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951. All three bills were tabled by Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposes changes to Sections 354-A and 402-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). However, opposition Senators Ali Zafar and Samina Mumtaz Zehri opposed the bill. In response, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the House that the severity of punishment did not necessarily deter crime. "Giving the death penalty does not reduce crimes," he said. "We have a very high crime rate, so we have to fix our system," he added. He referred to an incident during the regime of former military ruler Gen Ziaul Haq, in which village elders had torn the clothes off a woman. "This law was then passed by the martial law administrator," he recalled, adding that life imprisonment remained a very serious punishment. "I request that we should end the terrible gift of the martial law era," the law minister told the House. He suggested that apart from the four punishments of death given in Sharia under Hudood laws, there should be no other capital punishment. Regarding the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Tarar said the extradition law was bilateral. In Pakistan, the extradition process involves five stages, beginning with cabinet approval. "And after an inquiry, the federal government finally approves the extradition," he said. He explained that the bill abolished the requirement of cabinet approval at the initial stage. "The cases are processed under the Extradition Act, 1972, and have to be forwarded to the Federal Cabinet twice, which takes considerable time due to the busy schedule of cabinet business," he noted. The statement of objectives of the Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill highlighted that a large number of overseas Pakistanis were forced to renounce their citizenship to acquire the nationality of a foreign country for residence or legal stay. However, when such countries later entered into dual nationality arrangements with Pakistan, there was no provision in the Citizenship Act allowing them to resume Pakistani citizenship. The amendment now provides the legal cover to allow the diaspora to reclaim their citizenship. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar introduced the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025, as reported by the relevant standing committee. The statement of objectives of the bill said the act had been amended to provide a comprehensive framework for the board to organise, regulate, conduct and oversee intermediate and secondary education in line with international best practices. The proposed amendments aim to facilitate swift and flexible decision-making while enabling the board to establish international collaborations. The board's composition has also been revised to adopt a more inclusive structure. Speaking on the bill, Tarar said steps had been taken to reduce the workload on the federal government, with several responsibilities delegated from the federal cabinet. He added that provincial representation had also been ensured in the restructured board. During the proceedings, Senator Humayun Mohmand informed the House that private recruiting agencies had sent Pakistani girls to Serbia, where they were allegedly forced into prostitution. He demanded that the matter be referred to the relevant committee. Minister of State for Law Barrister Aqeel Malik responded by stating that the Pakistani mission had no role in sending girls to Serbia. He revealed that 38 individuals from Pakistan had gone there for jobs in fruit and vegetable farms. The matter was later referred to the relevant committee by the chair. Separately, Senator Abdul Shakoor drew the House's attention to "looting by private medical colleges". Barrister Malik also tabled the National Agri-Trade and Food Safety Authority Ordinance, 2025. The session was later adjourned until Monday.
Business Recorder
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
President Zardari gives assent to Virtual Assets Act, 2025
Following endorsements from the Federal Cabinet, President Asif Ali Zardari has given his assent to the 'Virtual Assets Act, 2025'. The law establishes the Pakistan Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (PVARA), an autonomous federal body empowered to license, regulate, and supervise entities dealing in virtual assets, read a statement. On Monday, the Federal Cabinet formally approved the summary for the creation of PVARA, a landmark step towards establishing a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for overseeing the country's rapidly growing digital assets ecosystem. The authority has been granted comprehensive powers to ensure transparency, compliance, financial integrity, and the prevention of illicit activities, in alignment with international standards including those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). As per the statement, the board of the authority will include key government stakeholders, such as the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), secretaries of finance, law and justice, and information technology and telecommunications, as well as the chairpersons of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and the Digital Pakistan Authority. Moreover, two independent directors with expertise in virtual assets, law, finance, or technology will be appointed by the federal government. The chairperson, appointed on the basis of demonstrated experience in finance, law, technology, or regulatory affairs, will oversee the authority's functions. Under the Act, any person or company intending to offer virtual asset services in or from Pakistan must be licensed by the authority. 'A structured licensing regime will be introduced, with specific requirements for incorporation, operational capacity, compliance frameworks, and reporting obligations,' it said. The legislation also incorporates a framework for 'responsible innovation by establishing a regulatory sandbox, allowing emerging technologies and business models to be tested under supervisory oversight'. In addition, the authority may issue no-action relief letters under defined conditions to facilitate experimentation while preserving regulatory accountability. Moreover, to ensure compatibility with Islamic finance principles, the law mandates the formation of a Shariah Advisory Committee, which will advise the authority on matters related to the Shariah compliance of virtual asset products and services. Licensed entities offering Islamic financial products will be bound by the rulings issued by the committee. The Act also provides for the establishment of a virtual assets appellate tribunal to hear appeals against regulatory decisions. The tribunal will function with judicial independence and a specialised bench comprising experts in law, finance, and technology.
Business Recorder
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Finance Division notifies austerity measures for FY26
ISLAMABAD: In a belt-tightening move, the Finance Division on Monday notified a continuation of stringent austerity measures for the fiscal year 2025–26, including a ban on the purchase of all types of vehicles, procurement of machinery and equipment, and creation of new posts. The measures, approved by the Federal Cabinet on June 10, aim to curb non-essential expenditures across federal departments, state-owned enterprises, and regulatory bodies. The notification issued by the division stated that the federal cabinet approved continuation of following austerity measures for the fiscal year 2025-26 as already notified by; (i) Finance Division during fiscal year 2024-25, dated 04-09-2024 in pursuance of cabinet decision dated 27.08.2024; (ii) Cabinet Division vide O.M. No. 7-1/2023-Min-I dated 28.02.2023 in pursuance of cabinet decision dated 22-02-2023; and (iii) Cabinet Division vide O.M. No. 9-148/2002-Min-II dated 28-02-2023 in pursuance of cabinet decision dated 22-02-2023. The notification further stated that the cabinet further approved that the austerity measures shall also be applicable mutatis mutandis during fiscal year 2025-26 in the case of all federal government attached departments, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and statutory bodies, including regulatory authorities: (a) Approved by the cabinet on 22-02-2023 and notified by the Cabinet Division vide O.M. No. 9-148/2002-Min-II dated 28.02.2023; and (b) Approved by the cabinet on 27-08-2024 and notified by the Finance Division dated 04-09-2024. Federal govt employees: MoF notifies 10pc ad hoc relief, 30pc DRA In the case of SOEs, these austerity measures shall be considered a direction of the federal government under Section 35 of the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance & Operations) Act, 2023 and under the relevant sections of their respective organic laws in the case of statutory bodies. It is pertinent to inform that the Finance Division notification, issued on September 4, 2024, stated that in pursuance of the cabinet's decision for case No. 232/28/2024 dated 27-8-2024, the following austerity measures are notified till further orders:- i) There shall be a complete ban on the following expenditures with respect to the current budget. (a) Purchase of all types of vehicles with the exception of operational vehicles such as ambulances and other medically equipped vehicles, fire fighting vehicles, buses and vans for educational institutions, solid waste vehicles and motorbikes; (b) Procurement of machinery/equipment with the exception of those required for hospitals/laboratories/agriculture/mining/ schools; (c) creation of new posts including contingent paid / temporary posts; (d) Continuation of contingent paid / temporary posts beyond one year; (e) Treatment abroad at government expense; and (f) All non-obligatory visits abroad where government of Pakistan funding is involved. (ii) The austerity measures notified by the Cabinet Division vide O.M. Nos. 7-1/2023- Min-I and No. 9-148/2002-Min-II dated 28-2-2023 will remain applicable unless modified or withdrawn by the Federal Cabinet. (iii) All posts lying vacant for the last three years shall be abolished. Purchase of durables and creation of posts under PSDP-funded projects shall be exempted from the application of this ban.
Business Recorder
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Senate body recommends Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control recommended the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The committee meeting chaired by Senator Faisal Saleem Rehman was held on Tuesday to review key legislative proposals and pressing national issues, including security preparations for Muharram in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad's water shortage. The committee discussed the Extradition (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has been passed by the National Assembly and referred to concerned ministries for input. As per the objective and reason of the bill, since the enactment of Extradition Act, 1972, no amendments are made. The delay in disposal of extradition cases, reflect badly at international forums. The extradition requests are received from foreign jurisdictions through diplomatic channels. The cases are processed under Extradition Act, 1972 and have to be forwarded to the Federal Cabinet twice i.e. for initiation of the process by nominating inquiry officer and after receiving report from the inquiry officer for surrendering/extradition as per sections 7, 11, and 13 of the Extradition Act, 1972. Extradition cases are forwarded to the Federal Cabinet for consideration which takes considerable time due to busy schedule of the Federal Cabinet's official business. The ministry supported the proposed amendments. The Pakistan Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was also reviewed, which seeks to address concerns of overseas Pakistanis who are unable to resume citizenship after acquiring foreign nationality. The amendment aims to bridge this legal gap in cases where dual nationality arrangements exist. Senator Hidayatullah Khan raised concerns over inefficiencies at passport offices, citing delays and mishandling of cases. Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi assured the committee that the matter would be investigated and emphasised the need for professionalism and accountability in public service. The committee also discussed quota allocations in prohibited areas, particularly, in Balochistan and KPK. Minister Naqvi informed that the policy is under revision and that NADRA-linked license cancellations are also being reviewed. The Criminal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, moved by Senator Muhammad Tallal Badar, was examined. The proposed changes include life imprisonment and fines for crimes against women and for harboring individuals involved in hijacking. The Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, was deferred. The committee discussed the Point of Public Importance regarding the water crisis in Islamabad, raised by Senator Fawzia Arshad during a sitting of the Senate. She highlighted the situation in Sector G-6/4, where thousands of complaints remain unresolved. Naqvi informed that a task force, formed on the prime minister's directive, is reviewing key water projects, and Senator Arshad has been invited to attend the task force's next meeting to assess progress. The committee also recommended convening an in-camera meeting to address security concerns raised by Senator Saifullah Abro in Sindh. Members, unanimously, agreed that no compromise should be made in matters involving threats to members' families. On the issue of Muharram security preparations, the committee was briefed on coordination efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including inter-agency collaboration, drone surveillance, and sealing of provincial boundaries. Senator Abdul Qadir raised concerns about security gaps on the DI Khan–Balochistan route. KPK Police acknowledged the issue and reported that six new security posts have been approved under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), and coordination with the Ministry of Interior and NHA has strengthened response capabilities. Regarding the recent Mardan incident, KPK Police reported significant progress, including arrests of facilitators and the elimination of key militant elements. The chairman stressed the need for maximum on-ground presence and visible deterrence to ensure peaceful observance of Muharram. The meeting was attended by senators, Fawzia Arshad, Naseema Ehsan, Palwasha Khan, Saifullah Abro, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Umer Farooq, Jam Saifullah Khan, IrfanulHaque Siddiqui, Shahadat Awan, Hidayatullah Khan, Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, Muhammad Tallal Badar, and senior officials from relevant departments, while KPK Police participated online. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
26-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PM directs authorities to ensure security during Muharram
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting of the Federal Cabinet in Parliament House Islamabad on June 26. Photo: PTV Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to ensure strict law and order during Muharram-ul-Haram processions and majalis across the country. While chairing the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, Shehbaz Sharif instructed the Interior Minister to coordinate with provincial governments, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir to maintain peace and security throughout the month. The premier praised the government's economic team, especially Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, for their dedication in preparing Pakistan's federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. He also expressed gratitude to the federal cabinet and allied political parties for their collective support in finalising the budget. Speaking about the Middle East conflict, Sharif highlighted the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, calling it a crucial step towards preventing further escalation in the region. He thanked God for the peaceful resolution and recognised the role of several countries, including Saudi Arabia, in facilitating the ceasefire. "حالیہ ایران اسرائیل جنگ میں پاکستان کا جو کردار رہا اور جنگ بندی کے لئے عالمی سطح پر رابطے کیے اس پر ایران نے پاکستان کی سیاسی و عسکری قیادت اور عوام کا کھلے انداز میں شکریہ ادا کیا۔" ~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی کابینہ اجلاس میں ابتدائی گفتگو — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 26, 2025 Shehbaz further noted that Iran had expressed appreciation for Pakistan's role in the ceasefire. 'The Iranian leadership specifically named the President of Pakistan—myself, and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir—for their contribution to the ceasefire efforts,' he said. Regarding Iran's attack on Qatar, he reiterated Pakistan's condemnation and reaffirmed the country's strong ties with Qatar. "جنوبی وزیرستان میں میجر معیز اور لانس نائیک جبران نے فتنہ الخوارج کو کاری ضربیں لگائی اور جام شہادت نوش کیا، دہشتگردی کے خلاف جنگ میں عظیم قربانیاں دی جا رہی ہیں یہ جنگ بھی جیتیں گے۔" ~ وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی کابینہ اجلاس میں ابتدائی گفتگو — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 26, 2025 Earlier, the Cabinet offered Fateha (prayers) for Major Moiz Abbas Shah Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in South Waziristan. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also chaired a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Interior on Thursday to review the nationwide security plan for Muharram. The meeting assessed the security arrangements for all provinces, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad, in preparation for the upcoming religious observances, according to a statement from the Press Information Department (PID). The government has decided to launch a crackdown on elements spreading religious hatred on social media during Muharram. "Strict legal action will be taken against those involved," said Naqvi, emphasising the need for a comprehensive strategy to curb hate content on electronic and social media platforms. Recommendations will be sent to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to monitor and prevent the spread of hate speech, the statement added. The statement also mentioned that the meeting discussed the possibility of suspending internet or mobile phone services in certain areas if the security situation deteriorates. Naqvi assured that such decisions would be made in consultation with the relevant provincial authorities and based on ground realities and security concerns. 'The Federal Government will extend full support to all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to maintain law and order,' Naqvi affirmed. He stressed that no one would be allowed to incite violence or disrupt peace during Muharram. The meeting agreed on the use of modern technology to monitor Muharram processions and gatherings. The Interior Minister instructed that strict enforcement of the Muharram code of conduct would be ensured, the statement concluded. Top officials, including the IGPs and Home Secretaries of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, briefed Naqvi on their respective security plans. The meeting also included participation from law enforcement agencies, including Rangers, police, and the Ministry of Interior.
