Latest news with #RubinaKhalid
Express Tribune
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Senate race heats up as K-P battle begins
The race for 11 vacant Senate seats from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has officially begun, with the Election Commission of Pakistan announcing the polling schedule following the notification of reserved seats in the provincial assembly. The polling is set to take place on July 21 inside the K-P Assembly. The vacant positions include seven general seats, two technocrat seats, and two reserved for women, drawing a mix of seasoned politicians and new contenders. High-profile figures such as former federal minister Azam Khan Swati, Murad Saeeda Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader currently in hidingRubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme, and the son of Federal Minister Amir Muqam are among those who have submitted nomination papers. A total of 16 candidates are vying for the seven general seats, with PTI-backed candidates contesting as independents due to the party's ongoing legal and political challenges. The general seat hopefuls include Asif Rafiq, Azhar Mashwani, Khurram Zeeshan, Dilawar Khan, Shafqat Ayaz, Irfan Saleem, Faisal Javed, Faizur Rehman, Muhammad Azam Swati, Muhammad Waqas Arakzai, Murad Saeed, Mirza Muhammad Afridi, and Pir Noorul Haq Qadriall running independently. Party-nominated candidates include Niaz Ahmad from Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Muhammad Talha Mehmood from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Attaul Haq Darwesh representing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F). Meanwhile, competition for the two women's reserved seats has also intensified, with four candidates in the fray. Rubina Khalid has been nominated by the PPP, while Rubina Naz, Ayesha Bano, and Mehwish Ali Khan are running as independents. The contest for the two technocrat seats is equally competitive, with six candidates in the field. Among them are independent candidates Khalid Masood, Syed Irshad Hussain, Azam Swati, Noorul Haq Qadri, and Waqar Ahmad Qazi. JUI-F has fielded Dilawar Khan as its sole candidate for this category. Based on the current numerical strength of parties in the provincial assembly, analysts expect the ruling coalition to secure seven of the eleven seatsincluding five general, one women's, and one technocrat seat. The opposition is projected to win four seats, likely divided into two general, one women's, and one technocrat seat. However, the final outcome remains uncertain as negotiations and behind-the-scenes maneuvering continue among opposition parties, each aiming to increase their share of representation in the upper house. The run-up to the July 21 Senate elections is expected to remain tense, with shifting alliances and unexpected withdrawals potentially altering the final lineup. Currently, the opposition holds a significant presence in the provincial assembly, with JUI-F occupying 19 seats, PML-N 16, PPP 11, ANP three, and PTI Parliamentarians also holding three seats. Following the recent implementation of decisions regarding reserved seats, the strength of the opposition bloc in the assembly has risen to 52 members.
Business Recorder
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
BISP Chairperson visits Swat to honour Hilal Khan
PESHAWAR: Chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid, visited Swat on Sunday on the special directions of President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Pakistan People's Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to meet Hilal Khan, the brave volunteer who risked his life to save people during the recent Swat River tragedy. The visit came two days after the tragic incident in Swat, where 14 members of a tourist family from Sialkot were swept away by a sudden flash flood in the river while having breakfast, after being stranded for almost two hours. With official rescue teams failing to respond in time, Hilal Khan jumped into action. Using a makeshift boat, he fought the strong currents of the river and tried to save as many lives as possible. He managed to rescue a couple of family members and later helped fished out the bodies of those who drowned, returning them to their grieving families. Senator Rubina Khalid praised Hilal Khan for his bravery and humanity. 'Hilal Khan is the face of humanity. He acted when it mattered most,' she said. 'His courage and selfless service are an inspiration for the entire nation. Heroes like Hilal are the pride of Pakistan. Saving one life is like saving all of humanity.' Speaking to the people of Swat, Senator Rubina Khalid said that President Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were deeply moved by Hilal Khan's bravery. They instructed her to meet him personally, offer support, and assess how the Sindh Government could help strengthen local volunteer rescue efforts in Swat region. Senator Rubina Khalid announced that the Sindh Government would provide equipment and resources to local volunteers to support future rescue operations. She also contributed Rs. 100,000 from her own pocket to Hilal Khan to help him and fellow volunteers purchase basic rescue equipment. 'This is a small personal contribution to the cause of volunteerism in Swat,' she concluded. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
05-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
BISP, World Bank discuss data security
Listen to article The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and the World Bank have agreed to deepen collaboration to strengthen data security, transparency, and operational reforms in Pakistan's social protection systems. The decision was made during a meeting between BISP Chairperson Senator Rubina Khalid and World Bank Lead Economist Melis U Guven at BISP Headquarters. The two sides discussed strategies to improve data sharing practices, ensure cyber safety, and implement structural improvements in welfare delivery. Khalid called for a national-level workshop to raise awareness among provincial stakeholders about cybersecurity risks and the importance of responsible data sharing. "After NADRA, BISP maintains the second-largest household data repository in Pakistan through the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER)," she said. "There is now a pressing need to centralise this data to enhance its use in development planning."
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
BISP chairperson assails PTI for ‘corruption'
PESHAWAR: President Pakistan People's Party Women Wing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), Senator Rubina Khalid has severely criticized Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for its corruption spree in KP and said people of the province were bearing the brunt of mega corruption scams of provincial government. Talking to the media here, Senator Rubina Khalid announced that PPP would hold a massive protest campaign on May 26 to save the province. She urged people to support the protest for removal and accountability of corrupt elements. The PPP leader said PTI has shattered the ideals of justice by engaging in large scale corruption, particularly in KP where the province has seen no progress in the past 13 years. 'Instead of development, the region has plunged into decline due to poor governance and lawlessness,' she said. Rubina Khalid urged the public to rise against those who looted national wealth. 'It is the time for people to question how billions of rupees were gobbled overnight,' she remarked, calling for public trials of corrupt figures. She said that billions of rupees were misappropriated that were meant for the development of Kohistan. She praised the Pakistan Army for its role in defending the country, stating, 'We salute our armed forces for burying the enemy in their trenches. But it is unfortunate that some internal actors now question their sacrifices and demand proof just to seek the release of a corruption-tainted political leader.' She lauded PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for raising Pakistan's voice on international diplomatic fronts particularly highlighting the Kashmir issue globally. She reiterated that India has proven to be neither a friend nor a trustworthy neighbour. The PPP leader announced that the party's Women's Wing would actively participate in a major protest rally on May 26. She appealed to women to join in large numbers alongside their brothers in what she described as a historic movement against injustice and exploitation. Criticizing the current state of governance, she highlighted increasing unemployment, failing education and healthcare systems and widespread lawlessness in KP. She accused the provincial administration of mismanaging the NFC Award funds and fostering a culture of corruption. 'The time has come to unite and oust the group that has plundered the hard earned money of people,' she said, adding that attacking the federation is treason and not patriotism. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
BISP Chairperson, WFP official discuss collaboration
ISLAMABAD: Chair-person Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Rubina Khalid held a meeting with World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director Coco Ushiyama to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at improving nutrition and education initiatives for BISP beneficiaries, said a press release on Tuesday. The discussions focused on the School Meal Programme, development of the Nashonuma Dashboard, data sharing, and the repurposing of Nashonuma centres into counselling hubs for maternal and child health, the press release added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
