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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>Karachi walls call for federal, military control as tensions rise after Gul Plaza fire</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2589301/karachi-walls-call-for-federal-military-control-as-tensions-rise-after-gul-plaza-fire</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2589301/karachi-walls-call-for-federal-military-control-as-tensions-rise-after-gul-plaza-fire#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 26 07:35:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Mehak Nadeem]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Karachi]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2589301</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[MQM-P steps up criticism of Sindh govt as security is withdrawn from party leaders]]>
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				<![CDATA[Political tensions in Karachi have deepened after wall chalking appeared across several neighbourhoods calling for the city to be placed under federal or military control, following the deadly Gul Plaza fire and a sharp war of words between the MQM-P and the ruling PPP in Sindh.

Slogans reading &ldquo;Karachi ko wafaq ke hawalay karo&rdquo; (Hand Karachi over to the federation) and &ldquo;Karachi ko fauj ke hawalay karo&rdquo; (Hand Karachi over to the military) were seen in areas including Liaquatabad, North Nazimabad and Haidery Market.

The messages were reportedly written by unidentified individuals late on Monday night and into the early hours of Tuesday. Videos of the wall chalking circulated widely on social media.



The graffiti gained attention in the aftermath of the January 17 fire at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, which engulfed the commercial building within hours. At least 74 people have died, with 23 victims identified so far, according to officials.

One of the survivors of the Gul Plaza fire said she was grateful to have escaped but noted that similar tragedies had happened before. &ldquo;I thank God I was lucky enough to escape the fire, but this is not the first time this has happened &ndash; Baldia factory fire, Bolton Market, Cooperative Market, RJ Mall,&rdquo; she said.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, she questioned the lack of accountability. &ldquo;Tell me who was held accountable in earlier cases, and even now. What will the federal government do if Karachi is handed over to them?&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Karachi and its people have always been on their own for help (apni madad app). I think it is better to make Karachi independent and give it provincial status.&rdquo;

In the days following the tragedy, Federal Health Minister and MQM-P leader Syed Mustafa Kamal openly criticised the PPP-led Sindh government and questioned the 18th Constitutional Amendment, calling for Karachi to be placed under federal control.

Speaking at a press conference in Bahadurabad, Kamal said, &ldquo;People are still missing. May Allah have mercy on the families and grant forgiveness to the martyrs. MQM-P is one of the major political parties of this city and province. We have responsibilities, we understand them and we fulfil them.&rdquo; He accused the Sindh government of failing to administer Karachi and described the amendment as a &ldquo;nasoor&rdquo; (festering wound) for Sindh and Pakistan.

Separately, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar demanded a high-level judicial inquiry under federal oversight, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said the scale of the incident &ldquo;raised serious questions about governance and emergency response&rdquo; and showed a lack of confidence in the PPP government.

Read: Gul Plaza inferno came after ignored warnings, delayed response

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon rejected the allegations, saying the tragedy was the result of decades of administrative failures rather than negligence on a single day. &ldquo;During Sattar&rsquo;s tenure as Karachi mayor, decisions on the plaza&rsquo;s lease, regularisation, and urban planning laid the foundation for unsafe constructions,&rdquo; Memon said. &ldquo;Those who legitimised illegal constructions are morally and politically accountable.&rdquo;

Wall chalking has long been an informal political tool in Karachi, especially during periods of restricted political activity. During military rule in the late 1970s and 1980s, walls served as a key medium for spreading political messages and mobilising pro-democracy movements. Over time, the practice evolved into a way for parties and pressure groups to signal dissent and influence public opinion, particularly during elections and political crises.

After the Gul Plaza fire, some social media users suggested younger people were behind the latest slogans. However, no youth group or individual has claimed responsibility, and no organised platform linked to younger generations has emerged, suggesting the generational framing may be amplifying existing political narratives.

Read More: Karachi walls: The roadside Gallery

Political tensions rose further on Tuesday after government-provided security was withdrawn from several senior MQM-P leaders, including party chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Express News reported. Official security for Dr Siddiqui, Dr Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal was withdrawn with immediate effect, while security for Anis Kaimkhani and Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi was also discontinued.

The Ministry of Interior directed security personnel to return immediately, leading to the recall of police mobile vehicles and staff. Dr Siddiqui had been assigned one mobile and eight personnel, Dr Sattar one mobile and 10 personnel, and Ali Khurshidi one mobile and eight personnel. All were withdrawn.

No official reason was given, but MQM leaders believe the move followed their criticism of the PPP government over the Gul Plaza tragedy. The party has called an emergency press conference for Tuesday at 4pm to announce its next course of action.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, MQM-P leader Aminul Haq said the move reflected panic within the PPP. He said the ruling party could not tolerate criticism and that the MQM would continue to raise public concerns at every forum. He added that such tactics would not stop the party from highlighting what it called the Sindh government&rsquo;s criminal negligence in the Gul Plaza incident.

Meanwhile, search operations at the fire-hit Gul Plaza building were nearing completion, and the structure was set to be sealed after a final inspection, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said on Monday. Personnel from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation began sealing work, digging pits around the building to install iron shuttering, while officials said the site would also be enclosed with green plastic netting.

No formal platform linked to younger generations has emerged, indicating that generational labels are being used to frame or amplify existing political narratives rather than reflect a distinct youth-led movement.

&ndash; With additional input from Abbas Naqvi]]>
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			<title>IMF: Pakistan loses up to 6.5% of GDP to corruption as elite capture strangles growth</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578266/imf-pakistan-loses-up-to-65-of-gdp-to-corruption-as-elite-capture-strangles-growth</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578266/imf-pakistan-loses-up-to-65-of-gdp-to-corruption-as-elite-capture-strangles-growth#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 25 01:57:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Shahbaz Rana]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2578266</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Rs5.3 trillion recovered in 2 years, says report exposing scale of Pakistan's corruption crisis]]>
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				<![CDATA[Corruption recoveries totaling Rs5.3 trillion in just two years represent only a fraction of the true cost to Pakistan&#39;s economy, the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday in a scorching assessment that found corruption &quot;persistent and corrosive&quot; at every level of government.

After holding back for almost three months, the Ministry of Finance released the Governance and Corruption Diagnostics Report to meet the IMF&rsquo;s condition to release it before the meeting of the executive board for the approval of the $1.2 billion worth two loan tranches.

The Rs5.3 trillion figure added up from January 2023 to December 2024.

In the 186-page report, the global lender said that there was no reliable measure to quantify scale of corruption in Pakistan but said that &ldquo;those costs can be gleaned from the recovery of corruption-related assets&rdquo;. The IMF said the NAB recoveries in just two years are just one of the ways to scale the depth of corruption. The money obtained through asset recoveries by NAB reflects only one element in total costs of corruption to the economy, it added.

{{pdf}}

The IMF analysis projected that Pakistan could generate between a 5% to 6.5% increase in GDP by pushing through a package of governance reforms over the course of five years.

Pakistan has gone to the IMF 24 times since 1958, making it one of the Fund&#39;s most frequent borrowers. Nearly every government - military or civilian - has had to seek IMF assistance, reflecting Pakistan&#39;s chronic balance of payments crises.

The current deal under Shehbaz Sharif is Pakistan&#39;s 25th IMF program.

&ldquo;Shortly after independence, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan&rsquo;s founding father, denounced corruption in 1947 as a poison that needed to be eradicated,&rdquo; said the IMF. &ldquo;More than 70 years later, corruption continues to hinder Pakistan&rsquo;s macroeconomic and social development by diverting public funds, distorting markets, impeding fair competition, eroding public trust, and constraining domestic and foreign investment.&rdquo;

It added, &ldquo;Corruption is a persistent and corrosive feature of Pakistan&rsquo;s governance,&rdquo; in a remark that spares none of the successive governments and dictators that have remained in power. One example cited is of the PTI government&rsquo;s decision in 2019 to allow sugar exports as one of the examples of how corrupt elites have captured policies to their benefits.

The IMF report that will also be read in other world capitals, stated that Pakistanis are regularly required to pay officials for access to services. At a higher level, official policies and practices have been shaped by economic and political elites to make use of public authority to enrich themselves at the cost of greater societal well-being and economic growth.

Here are the Pakistani leaders who have signed IMF deals:

Military Rulers:


	Gen. Ayub Khan (1960s) - Early IMF engagement
	Gen. Zia-ul-Haq (1980s) - Multiple programs
	Gen. Pervez Musharraf (1999-2008) - Major program in 2000-01, another in 2008


Civilian Prime Ministers:


	Nawaz Sharif (Multiple terms: 1990-93, 1997-99, 2013-17) - Signed deals in 1997 and 2013 (the 2013 program was a major $6.6 billion EFF)
	Benazir Bhutto (1988-90, 1993-96) - Programs in her tenures
	Shaukat Aziz (2004-07) - Under Musharraf&#39;s presidency
	Yousuf Raza Gilani/Asif Ali Zardari (PPP government 2008-13) - 2008 SBA
	Imran Khan (2018-22) - Signed $6 billion EFF in 2019
	Shehbaz Sharif (2022-present) - Signed $3 billion SBA in 2023, current $7 billion EFF in 2024


The capture of judicial institutions and the lack of accountability for corrupt practices fosters corruption and the outflow of capital tied to the proceeds of corruption that might be more productively used in Pakistan, it added.

The IMF said that that indicators reflect weak control of corruption over time with negative consequences for public spending effectiveness, revenue collection, and trust in the legal system.

&ldquo;The most economically damaging manifestations involve privileged entities that exert influence over key economic sectors, including those owned by or affiliated with the state.&rdquo;

These dynamics are compounded by perceptions that the anti-corruption approach has lacked consistency and impartiality, contributing to diminished public confidence in enforcement institutions.

The IMF defines corruption as the abuse of authority for private gain. Corruption can be an individual act such as requesting or accepting a bribe, or it can happen through a long-standing network of public and private actors who work together to capture contracts, markets, or sometime entire governments.

The IMF said that Pakistan&rsquo;s corruption risks are generated by weaknesses in budgeting and reporting of fiscal information, and management of public financial and non-financial resources, particularly in capital spending, public procurement, and the management and oversight of state-owned enterprises in an overly complex and opaque tax system.

The IMF said that Pakistan&rsquo;s judicial sector is organizationally complex, is not able to reliably enforce contracts or protect property rights due to problems with efficiency, antiquated laws, and the integrity of judges and judicial personnel.

&ldquo;Corruption risks are exacerbated by fragmentation among accountability institutions and limitations in their operational independence,&rdquo; said the Fund.

Rule of law
The IMF said that governance weaknesses in the judicial sector constrain the ability of parties to rely on the effective enforcement of their economic rights and lead to exposure to corruption risks.

Existing mechanisms for overseeing the efficiency and ethics of judicial officers need to be strengthened to support improved performance and increased public trust.

The IMF wrote the report after fielding two missions to Pakistan that focused on examining the nature and severity of corruption and identifying the governance weaknesses and corruption vulnerabilities.

It said that its exercise was confined to corruption and governance issues at the federal level while important, broader political and institutional dynamics, including provincial governance and the role of the military, were largely outside the scope of this exercise.

&ldquo;The recently established Special Investment Facilitation Council, which has been vested with substantial authority to facilitate foreign investments, operates with untested transparency and accountability provisions,&rdquo; the IMF report said.

The sugar mills
While citing the 2019 infamous sugar export case of former Prime Minister Imran Khan&rsquo;s regime, the IMF said that the sugar sector provides a case study of how the intertwined relationship between economic elites and state regulators combine to capture public benefits at deep costs to the overall public.

&ldquo;Sugar mill owners, many of whom hold government positions, have ensured highly &lsquo;recommended&rsquo; prices for sugarcane and protective tariffs, keeping their operations profitable at the expense of competitiveness and they have also influenced export and pricing policies to their advantage.

In 2018&ndash;19, a government decision allowed significant sugar exports, even subsidizing them, which created domestic shortages and price spikes for consumers,&quot; said the Fund.

The IMF said that a high-profile investigation, led by the FIA, found that leading sugar mill owners colluded to create artificial shortages and manipulate prices despite ample warehouse stocks. It uncovered fraudulent practices, including speculative hoarding and the laundering of illicit profits through fake accounts. The inquiry&rsquo;s report named political heavyweights as culprits and confirmed that an export push (approved by government officials tied to the industry) had caused domestic prices to soar.58 Despite damning revelations, accountability has been limited, it added.

Judiciary
The IMF said that corruption is viewed as an important factor influencing judicial performance and undermining the rule of law in Pakistan

While citing various surveys, the IMF said that the National Corruption Survey consistently found that respondents viewed the judiciary as one of the most corrupt sectors, together with the police and public procurement.

&ldquo;The judiciary is consistently identified in public surveys as one of the most corrupt state functions, indicating the lack of trust in current judicial practices.&rdquo;

The report underlined that Pakistan&#39;s judicial system faces considerable obstacles in practice with respect to judicial independence, against the fragmented organizational backdrop.

26th constitutional amendment
The recent changes in the appointment process for Supreme Court judges have prompted discussion and a constitutional petition regarding potential implications for judicial independence and rule of law.

&ldquo;The 26th Constitutional Amendment changed the appointment process for the Chief Justice (nomination by Special Parliamentary Committee with representation from women and minorities) and expanded the number of members in the Judicial Commission of Pakistan,&rdquo; said the Fund.

The report further stated that while the amendments aim to broaden participation and enhance inclusivity, several stakeholders have expressed concerns that, absent adequate safeguards, the reforms could be perceived as heightening potential risks to judicial independence.

The IMF said that to reinforce confidence in the integrity of the appointment process, the authorities could consider codifying clear and objective selection criteria for judges; adopting transparent, evidence-based evaluation procedures; and integrating integrity and ethics screening as a systematic component of a merit-based process, consistent with international good practice.]]>
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			<title>PPP 'demands' chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2510786/ppp-demands-chairmanship-of-public-accounts-committee</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2510786/ppp-demands-chairmanship-of-public-accounts-committee#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Nov 24 08:41:12 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2510786</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mandviwala urges Speaker to convene meeting of PAC members, citing submission of requisition by 11 members in letter]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has&nbsp;requested the chairmanship of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) through a letter sent by PPP Senator, Salim Mandviwala, to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ayaz Sadiq, Express News reported.

In the letter, Mandviwala urged the Speaker to convene a meeting of the PAC members, citing the submission of a requisition by 11 members of the committee.

He also stated that if the Speaker does not call a meeting, the PPP would take the initiative to do so.

Mandviwala further requested that, until a permanent chairman is elected, the committee members should select their own chairman through an election process.

Sources indicated that Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has requested a panel of names from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the position of PAC chairman. PTI is insisting on nominating Sheikh Waqas Akram for the role.

Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has also reportedly met with Speaker Sadiq to discuss the matter.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has indicated support for PPP&#39;s demand for the PAC chairmanship.

Previously, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) officially put forth Sheikh Waqas Akram as its nominee for the chairmanship of the National Assembly&#39;s PAC.

The previous nomination had put an end to a tug-of-war that had been brewing within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Initially, the party had put its weight behind Sher Afzal Marwat for the position. However, Marwat&#39;s vocal opposition to the party leadership escalated tensions.

Since the formation of the government in March, the PAC has yet to elect a chairman.]]>
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			<title>Karachi no longer MQM's turf, says Nasir Hussain Shah</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2490711/karachi-no-longer-mqms-turf-says-nasir-hussain-shah</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2490711/karachi-no-longer-mqms-turf-says-nasir-hussain-shah#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 24 Aug 24 17:43:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Karachi]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2490711</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Karachi's citizens acknowledge our efforts, whether you do or not is irrelevant, says PPP leader]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah has stated that the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) must realise that they no longer hold control over Karachi.

Reacting to comments by MQM leader Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui about Jinnah Hospital, Shah called the remarks &quot;ridiculous&quot; and pointed out that the Sindh government spends Rs30 billion annually on Jinnah, NICVD, and NICH hospitals. &quot;Karachi&#39;s citizens acknowledge our efforts, whether you do or not is irrelevant,&quot; Shah said.

He added that Khalid Maqbool&#39;s claims about Karachi providing both taxes and donations should also recall how MQM collected donations in the form of sacrificial hides from the city&#39;s residents. &quot;The donations our hospitals receive are spent on public welfare. Where have your donations gone?&quot; Shah questioned, emphasising that the entire country recognises the work done by the Sindh government in the health sector.

&quot;You deny every good deed of the PPP government, but the people of Karachi recognise our efforts,&quot; Shah asserted. He further stressed that MQM needs to understand that Karachi is no longer under their control and that the public no longer favours them.

Shah also stated that donations made to JPMC by philanthropists reflect their trust in the Sindh government. &quot;It&#39;s a positive sign that the people of Karachi appreciate the services of the PPP,&quot; he said, adding that MQM spends its energy on rhetoric while PPP focuses its resources on serving the public.

&quot;Who is responsible for taking away the vibrancy, cultural gatherings, and educational activities from Karachi?&quot; Shah asked.

&quot;The answer is that the PPP government has restored peace, development, cultural events, and educational activities in Karachi. The city has seen enough bloodshed and violence; it has now moved past hatred, narrow-mindedness, and despair. Any attempts to push it back should be avoided,&quot; he concluded.]]>
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			<title>Bilawal set to confront PM Shehbaz over Punjab govt’s treatment of PPP</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2490074/bilawal-set-to-confront-pm-shehbaz-over-punjab-govts-treatment-of-ppp</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2490074/bilawal-set-to-confront-pm-shehbaz-over-punjab-govts-treatment-of-ppp#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Aug 24 05:56:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2490074</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP Punjab leaders voiced frustration to party chief over stalled projects and lack of cooperation]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[As tensions simmer between the Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party (PPP) and the Punjab government, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is set to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address grievances raised by Punjab party leaders.

Sources revealed that in a late-night meeting, PPP Punjab leaders, including Raja Pervez Ashraf and Hassan Murtaza, expressed their frustrations over stalled development projects and a lack of cooperation from the provincial administration.

Party members complained that the Punjab government was ignoring their elected representatives and failing to progress on written agreements.

They speculated that the provincial administration might have received specific instructions regarding the PPP, leading to deliberate sidelining.

Bilawal reportedly expressed surprise and concern over the Punjab government&rsquo;s conduct and assured the delegation that he would discuss these issues with PM Shehbaz during their scheduled meeting today.

The prime minister is also expected to host a dinner in Bilawal&#39;s honour following their discussions.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>PPP dismisses rumours of Sindh governor’s replacement as ‘media speculation’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487552/ppp-dismisses-rumours-of-sindh-governors-replacement-as-media-speculation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2487552/ppp-dismisses-rumours-of-sindh-governors-replacement-as-media-speculation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Aug 24 18:01:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2487552</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nasir Hussain Shah confirms there are no current plans to replace Governor Kamran Khan Tessori]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has dismissed reports of an imminent change in Sindh&rsquo;s governorship, stating that these rumours are confined to media speculation.

In response to a query, Sindh&rsquo;s Provincial Minister, Nasir Hussain Shah, confirmed that there are no current plans to replace Governor Kamran Khan Tessori. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve only heard of the change in the media,&rdquo; he said.

Shah clarified that a recent meeting between Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and President Asif Ali Zardari was centred on universities, specifically the establishment of a campus for a major Punjab-based university in Karachi.

Additionally, Shah announced the activation of Badin Airport, a project led by the local government. &ldquo;Today marks the beginning, and we expect further improvements in the future,&rdquo; he added.

He also shared that, in line with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari&rsquo;s vision, a new air ambulance service is being launched, with plans to extend its reach to Thar, Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, and Mohenjo-Daro, providing this service wherever airports exist.

&ldquo;Sukkur is the heart of Sindh and close to both Balochistan and Punjab, allowing both provinces to benefit from its facilities. The federal government should also support local councils,&rdquo; Shah said.]]>
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			<title>PTI led in IMF interest payments, PPP accumulated most debt: report</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2485276/pti-led-in-imf-interest-payments-ppp-accumulated-most-debt-report</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2485276/pti-led-in-imf-interest-payments-ppp-accumulated-most-debt-report#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 03 Aug 24 15:08:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Irshad Ansari]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2485276</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PML-N government returned the most, with over $5.92 billion paid back to the IMF]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs has released significant data revealing which political party&#39;s government in Pakistan borrowed the most from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and which repaid the most loans and interest.

In a briefing to the National Assembly&#39;s Standing Committee on Saturday, officials from the Ministry of Economic Affairs disclosed that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) borrowed over $7.72 billion from the IMF, ranking it at the top of the list of borrowing governments.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ranked second, having borrowed a total of $6.48 billion, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came third, taking loans amounting to $6 billion, just $480 million less than the PML-N.

In terms of repayments, the PML-N government returned the most, with over $5.92 billion paid back to the IMF, putting it in the first position. The PTI government, however, topped the list for the most interest paid, having paid $791 million in a single term.

Officials informed the Standing Committee that during its tenure from 2008 to 2013, the PPP government borrowed over 5.23 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDR) from the IMF, which amounts to more than $7.72 billion in US&nbsp;currency. Consequently, the PPP is the leading party in terms of borrowing.

The statistics presented to the Standing Committee showed that the PPP government repaid over $3 billion of the IMF loan and paid more than $484 million in interest.

Similarly, during its tenure from 2013 to 2018, the PML-N government borrowed 4.39 billion SDRs, translating to more than $6.48 billion. Over this five-year period, they repaid more than 4 billion SDRs, amounting to over $5.92 billion. The PML-N paid more than $317 million in interest during these five years.

The PTI government, from 2018 to 2022, borrowed over 4.05 billion SDRs, which translates to approximately $6 billion in loans. During this time, the PTI repaid 2.72 billion SDRs, equivalent to $4.02 billion in U.S. currency. From 2018 to 2022, PTI topped the list of interest payments to the IMF, having paid $791 million.]]>
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			<title>PPP signals talks with PTI if Imran Khan agrees</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2483576/ppp-signals-talks-with-pti-if-imran-khan-agrees</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2483576/ppp-signals-talks-with-pti-if-imran-khan-agrees#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jul 24 07:06:42 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2483576</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP leader Khurshid Shah sees dialogue as a positive step for stability]]>
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				<![CDATA[Senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Khurshid Shah has stated that his party is prepared to facilitate dialogue if Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is willing to engage.

Speaking to the media in Quetta, Shah welcomed the possibility of talks as a positive development.

&quot;It is being said that the PTI founder is ready to talk. If Imran Khan is ready to talk then that&#39;s a positive thing.

&quot;President Asif Ali Zardari has always tried to solve problems through negotiations, and the PPP would play its role if needed,&quot; Shah said.

The PPP&#39;s willingness to engage comes amidst a period of heightened political instability, following the PTI&#39;s hard-line stance against the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led government.

The PPP, along with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and other allies, supports the PML-N.

Since Khan&#39;s ouster through a vote of no confidence in 2022, the PTI has maintained a strong opposition to the PPP-PML-N alliance.

Political tensions increased after the February 8 elections, which saw the two parties forming a coalition government in the Centre.

Calls for reconciliation have been growing from various societal and political quarters, urging the PTI to negotiate with the government.

The PTI had previously rejected talks with what it termed the &quot;Form-47 government,&quot; instead showing a preference for dialogue with the military establishment.

In April, PTI&#39;s Shehryar Afridi indicated a preference for negotiations with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI).

Subsequently, PTI Secretary General Omar Ayub mentioned that Imran Khan had assigned significant responsibility to former President Dr Arif Alvi.

Last month, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar confirmed that Khan had approved discussions with the government.

Similarly, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Khan&#39;s sister Aleema Khan called for state institutions to remain neutral for the country&#39;s progress.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik also urged the PTI to come to the table for talks to resolve ongoing issues.

Shah concluded by stating that it is a positive sign if Khan acknowledges the need for political dialogue, which is crucial for the country&#39;s stability and progress.]]>
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			<title>PPP leader Sharmila Faruqui meets India's Ambani family in Paris</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2482803/ppp-leader-sharmila-faruqui-meets-indias-ambani-family-in-paris</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2482803/ppp-leader-sharmila-faruqui-meets-indias-ambani-family-in-paris#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jul 24 08:40:03 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Life &amp; Style]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP MNA posts images with Ambani family in Paris, gaining widespread attention on social media and Indian media]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Member of National Assembly (MNA) Sharmila Faruqui recently met with members of Asia&#39;s richest Ambani family in Paris.

Photos of the encounter have been circulating on social media and have caught the attention of Indian media as well.

Faruqui shared a picture on her verified Instagram account, featuring herself with Isha Ambani, the only daughter of Mukesh Ambani.



PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/sharmilafaruqui

In another post, Faruqui&#39;s husband, Hasham Sheikh, shared a photo of himself, Faruqui, and their son Hussein with Mukesh Ambani.





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A post shared by Hashaam Riaz Sheikh (@sheikhhashaam)




Faruqui also reposted this picture on her Instagram story, noting that their meeting with Mukesh Ambani took place at Disneyland Paris. She captioned it, &ldquo;And the Ambani&#39;s again.&rdquo;



PHOTO: INSTAGRAM/sharmilafaruqui

From the captions and photos, it appears that Faruqui&#39;s meetings with the high-profile Indian personalities occurred separately, rather than at a single event.

Sharmila is currently in France with her family, sharing pictures from her trip on her personal Instagram account.





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A post shared by Dr. Sharmila Saheba Faruqui (PhD) s.i (@sharmilafaruqui)




Indian media reports suggest that the billionaire Ambani family is expected to attend several events at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

This high-profile encounter has generated significant buzz on social media, highlighting the connections and interactions between prominent figures from Pakistan and India.]]>
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			<title>PPP challenges Supreme Court ruling on reserved seat after PML-N</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2482138/ppp-challenges-supreme-court-ruling-on-reserved-seat-after-pml-n</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2482138/ppp-challenges-supreme-court-ruling-on-reserved-seat-after-pml-n#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 24 07:20:35 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2482138</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP objects to granting reserved seats to PTI, arguing that it had not claimed any entitlement to them]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) challenged on Tuesday the July 12 verdict of the apex court on reserved seats, a week after the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) submitted its review petition.

The Supreme Court (SC) on July 12 announced its decision that reserved seats be allocated to PTI, reversing previous rulings by the Peshawar High Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and declaring that PTI is eligible for the reserved seats for women and minorities.

This ruling came after the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), backed by PTI, filed appeals against the ECP&#39;s decision and the PHC&#39;s subsequent affirmation of that decision. The SIC argued that the denial was unconstitutional and sought the allocation of 77 reserved seats that were originally assigned to other parties within the ruling coalition.

The decision received backlash from the ruling coalition, with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressing her surprise and questioning the legitimacy of reinstating individuals she described as &quot;criminals of the nation.

Read Reserved seats: SC verdict and aftermath

Represented by Farooq H. Naek, the PPP&#39;s review petition seeks to overturn the July 12 decision that previously annulled the decisions of the Peshawar High Court and the Election Commission, directing that the reserved seats be allocated to PTI. This ruling affirmed PTI&#39;s status as a legitimate party within the Parliament and provincial assemblies.

The SC&#39;s Practice and Procedure Committee has scheduled the hearing of the review petitions for after the September holidays.

However, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, dissenting from the majority decision, argued that the summer holidays should be cancelled to address the review petitions promptly.

He emphasized that the Constitution should take precedence over the convenience of judges, stating that delaying the hearing would be unjust.]]>
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			<title>Imran Khan rules out talks with PPP on no-confidence motion</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2481345/imran-khan-rules-out-talks-with-ppp-on-no-confidence-motion-1</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2481345/imran-khan-rules-out-talks-with-ppp-on-no-confidence-motion-1#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 20 Jul 24 13:30:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2481345</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Incarcerated PTI founder condemns elite capture of Pakistan’s politics.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan firmly ruled out any possibility of discussions with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) regarding a no-confidence motion.&nbsp;

During an informal conversation with journalists at Adiala Jail on Saturday, Khan expressed his unwavering stance, asserting that PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were indistinguishable and both were products of &lsquo;manipulated&rsquo; electoral processes.

Khan criticised the current political climate, describing it as detrimental to democracy.&nbsp;

He highlighted the restrictions placed on his party, stating that key leaders, including the chairman and vice chairman, were already imprisoned, yet the government still threatened further bans on the party.&nbsp;

He condemned this as an attack on democratic principles.

Addressing the conditions in Adiala Jail, Khan detailed the harsh treatment he faced, including unsanitary conditions and inadequate food.

He called for an investigation into the alleged poisoning and mistreatment during his imprisonment.

Khan also voiced his strong condemnation of the Bannu incident, where he claimed the military fired on unarmed civilians during a peace march.
He demanded a judicial inquiry to ensure accountability.

On the economic front, Khan criticised the government&#39;s fiscal policies, questioning the increase in the presidential budget and accusing the ruling elite of burdening the public while avoiding personal sacrifices.&nbsp;

He emphasised that transparent elections and economic reforms were essential for Pakistan&rsquo;s recovery from its current crisis.

Khan dismissed allegations related to his involvement in dissolving assemblies, stating that actions were taken in response to foreign interference, specifically referencing Donald Lu&#39;s statement.

He called for an investigation into the events of May 9, questioning why CCTV footage had not been released and why a judicial commission had not been established.

Despite facing potential lifelong imprisonment, Khan declared his readiness to stand by his principles.
He warned that if any harm came to his wife, those he had previously named would be held accountable, vowing to pursue justice relentlessly.]]>
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			<title>Nephew of PPP leader killed in Karachi shootout</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2480621/nephew-of-ppp-leader-killed-in-karachi-shootout</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2480621/nephew-of-ppp-leader-killed-in-karachi-shootout#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jul 24 05:23:47 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Karachi]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2480621</guid>
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				<![CDATA[According to Karachi Police spokesperson, a case has been registered against five suspects]]>
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				<![CDATA[A shooting occurred at a barber shop located in Karachi&#39;s Gulshan-e-Iqbal, resulting in the death of the nephew of Wasim Brohi, the president of PPP District City Area PS 101 Youth Wing and PPP regional leader Akram Baloch.

According to Karachi Police spokesperson, the deceased was identified as 35-year-old Sajid Sharif, son of Sharif Dilshan Sajid. In an interview with Express, Sajid&#39;s uncle, Sajid Brohi, mentioned that Sajid was the third among six brothers and worked at a poultry meat shop.

Five alleged suspects, Nasser, Hamza, Bilal, Razaq, and Rizwan, are believed to be involved in the murder, and a case will be filed against them.

Brohi appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the Army Chief, DG Rangers, IG Sindh, Additional IG Karachi, DIG East, and all police officers to arrest those responsible for Sajid&#39;s murder.

SHO Aziz Bhatti, Shehzad Ilyas, revealed that one of the accused, Nasser, had previously killed Sajid&#39;s cousin and was arrested by the police.

Nasser, who served 16 years in prison, was released on bail four months ago. Jinnah Hospital MLO Dr. Sikandar reported that Sajid was shot a total of 10 times.

SSP Gulshan Iqbal, Abdul Aleem, stated to the media that the shooting was the result of a family feud. Eight bullet casings were found at the scene.

While the family has named several suspects, they do not wish to officially name anyone until a case is filed.

Operational and investigative police are currently investigating the murder, and the facts will be revealed soon.

Read PPP will oppose any move to ban PTI: Qamar Zaman Kaira

Previously, a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) worker was shot dead by unidentified gunmen one of whom was also fatally injured by citizens at the scene in Korangi on Wednesday. The deceased, identified as 30-year-old Nauman Abbasi, son of Muhammad Iqbal, a resident of Kund Goth, Korangi, also owned a small restaurant in Bengali Para.

As per details, Nauman was riding his motorcycle towards Dhobi Ghat when two gunmen on another motorcycle opened fire, critically injuring him. Despite his injuries, Nauman managed to confront one of the attackers, leading to a scuffle during which both fell to the ground.

Nearby residents intervened, overpowered one attacker, and thrashed him severely. As soon as informed, a police party rushed to the scene and shifted both Nauman and the injured attacker to JPMC where both of them succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

According to police sources, Nauman was allegedly involved in several illicit activities, including land grabbing, illegal trade of carcinogenic tobacco chews such as gutka and mawa, unauthorised water connections. Besides that, he was also a police informant.]]>
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			<title>PPP will oppose any move to ban PTI: Qamar Zaman Kaira</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2480566/ppp-will-oppose-any-move-to-ban-pti-qamar-zaman-kaira</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2480566/ppp-will-oppose-any-move-to-ban-pti-qamar-zaman-kaira#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jul 24 17:46:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2480566</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP leader clarifies govt has not yet decided to ban the party, reference to be sent to court and a bench to be formed]]>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senior leader Qamar Zaman Kaira announced on Wednesday that his party will oppose any decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Kaira stressed that political parties should only be countered through democratic means. &ldquo;The political parties can only be defeated in the political arena,&rdquo; he said, emphasising that even those parties embracing fascism should be dealt with democratically.

&ldquo;My party [PPP] will show resistance in line with the ban on the PTI.&rdquo; Kaira clarified that the government has not yet decided to ban PTI, stating, &ldquo;The reference to ban the PTI will be sent to the court, and the bench will be formed.&rdquo;

This sentiment was echoed by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who earlier remarked that PTI&#39;s current predicament was self-inflicted. &ldquo;PPP&nbsp;has never supported the ban on any of the political parties,&rdquo; Shah said, adding that the PPP was not consulted about the potential ban on PTI.

The issue has sparked a broader debate, with the PPP firmly advocating for democratic responses to political challenges and cautioning against the use of bans to address political disputes.]]>
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			<title>PPP opposes banning PTI, says political differences shouldn't lead to any party's ‘annihilation'</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2479966/ppp-opposes-banning-pti-says-political-differences-shouldnt-lead-to-any-partys-annihilation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2479966/ppp-opposes-banning-pti-says-political-differences-shouldnt-lead-to-any-partys-annihilation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 15 Jul 24 11:16:36 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2479966</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Murtaza criticized decision to impose restrictions on PTI, deeming it unjustified]]>
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				<![CDATA[General Secretary of the Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) Central Punjab, Hasan Murtaza, criticised the decision to impose restrictions on political parties and Article 6 sanctions on PTI leaders, deeming it unjustified.

PPP leader emphasised that political disagreements should not lead to the dissolution of any party and stressed the importance of political entities adhering to democratic norms.

Murtaza clarified that Article 6, historically applied to former Generals Musharraf and Zia-ul-Haq but not enforced against political leaders or workers, does not encompass leaders and workers of political parties.

Read Non-bailable warrants issued for top PTI leader

He further stated that imposing restrictions cannot eliminate any political party, advocating instead for dialogue as the primary solution to national issues.

Ban on PTI

Just days after the Supreme Court resurrected PTI, the PML-N-led ruling coalition decided on Monday that a reference will be sent to the top court seeking a ban on PTI, adding that the government will also initiate Article 6 (high treason) proceedings against ex-PM Imran Khan, ex-President Dr Arif Alvi and ex-deputy speaker Qasim Suri for dissolving the National Assembly back in April 2022.

In a press conference, Federal Minister for Information &amp; Broadcasting Ataullah Tarar announced that the ruling alliance has also decided to challenge the recent decision of the Supreme Court through which it declared that the PTI is entitled to have reserved seats in the assembly, saying the government would file a review petition against the ruling.]]>
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			<title>'We know how to form and topple govts,' Zardari warns PML-N</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2478739/we-know-how-to-form-and-topple-governments-zardari-warns-pml-n</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2478739/we-know-how-to-form-and-topple-governments-zardari-warns-pml-n#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jul 24 06:08:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2478739</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The president lashes out at the coalition partner over its handling of the IMF deal]]>
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				<![CDATA[President Asif Ali Zardari has criticised the PML-N-led government over its handling of International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal and its reliance on loans.

&quot;The IMF loans are a test for the public,&quot; Zardari said, accusing the PML-N of failing to manage the government effectively. &quot;We know how to form and dismantle governments,&quot; he declared, promising that the PPP would take decisive action.

Party leaders voiced their concerns about the lack of cooperation from the Punjab and federal governments. &quot;We are not getting our full rights,&quot; a leader complained, pointing out that electoral issues remain unresolved.

Zardari assured the leaders of addressing their grievances directly, stating his commitment to active engagement in Islamabad and Lahore. He emphasized the PPP&#39;s unmatched capability in Pakistani politics, viewing criticism of the party as a form of recognition.

Directing the PPP Punjab leadership to collaborate in resolving internal issues, Zardari affirmed, &quot;We are conducting a test of the people by taking IMF loans. The Muslim League (N) is not in power. We know how to form and dismantle governments. We will not abandon our people.&quot;

He urged PPP workers to prepare for intensified efforts ahead, particularly in promoting youth leadership within the party&#39;s ranks. Zardari also called for a comprehensive report on the party&#39;s organizational structure, emphasizing the need to move beyond the politics of closed rooms and take proactive steps forward.

Read President Zardari signs Finance Bill into law

Previously, President Asif Ali Zardari revealed the government&#39;s intention to impose taxes on agricultural income in alignment with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions.

This initiative will primarily be managed by provincial governments, he said, targeting large landholding farmers based on their profitability and expenditures.

Zardari made these remarks during the Professor Waris Mir Memorial Seminar held in Lahore on Tuesday, where he also addressed issues concerning media and democracy.

Highlighting the economic challenges faced by the country, Zardari emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach and sound financial policies to drive national development.

He stressed the importance of modernising various economic sectors, particularly agriculture.]]>
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			<title>‘Jinnahpur’: PPP accuses MQM-P of conspiracy to divide Sindh</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475998/jinnahpur-ppp-accuses-mqm-p-of-conspiracy-to-divide-sindh</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475998/jinnahpur-ppp-accuses-mqm-p-of-conspiracy-to-divide-sindh#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jul 24 13:18:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2475998</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nisar Khuhro alleges MQM-P promoting division between rural and urban Sindh through provocative banners in Karachi]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has accused the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) of conspiring to divide Sindh by creating maps of Jinnahpur in the past. This allegation was made by PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro in response to a press conference held by MQM-Pakistan.

Khuhro called on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to reveal the details of any secret agreements made with MQM-P regarding the appointment of the Sindh governor.

&quot;The whole world knows that the Jinnahpur maps were seized from the old MQM, which MQM-Pakistan is a continuation of,&quot; Khuhro stated. He accused MQM-P of promoting division between rural and urban Sindh through provocative banners in Karachi.

Khuhro criticised MQM-P&#39;s demand for a separate secretariat, labelling it as a bid to divide Sindh. He also highlighted MQM-P&#39;s historical support for the quota system, noting that they backed it during the regimes of Pervez Musharraf, Imran Khan, and PML-N, and never opposed it in the past.

Khuhro questioned why MQM-P is now vocal against the quota system while being part of the current PML-N federal government, yet silent on this issue in previous coalitions.

Also read:&nbsp;Sharjeel fires broadside at Muttahida

&quot;Jobs in Sindh are the right of all residents of the province, including Urdu speakers,&quot; he asserted. He accused MQM-P of perpetuating the politics of hate and division initiated during the regimes of Musharraf and Ziaul Haq.

Khuhro demanded that PML-N disclose any agreements with MQM-P concerning the governorship of Sindh, as per the PPP and PML-N pact that the governor would be from either party. He questioned the basis on which MQM-P was given the governorship if PML-N did not appoint their own governor.

&quot;MQM-Pakistan is now yearning for Altaf Hussain,&quot; Khuhro remarked, urging MQM-P to stop sowing discord and hatred among the people of Sindh. He emphasised that the PPP had always represented a diverse range of candidates, including Hakim Said, Jamiluddin Aali, and Kamal Azfar.]]>
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			<title>Bilawal slams suppression of journalism in K-P</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475727/bilawal-slams-suppression-of-journalism-in-k-p</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475727/bilawal-slams-suppression-of-journalism-in-k-p#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 24 19:18:26 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2475727</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP chairman says many affected journalists hold chief minister and ruling party of the province accountable]]>
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				<![CDATA[PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has voiced his grave concern over diminishing space for independent journalism in K-P.

In a statement, he highlighted the alarming rise in violent incidents targeting journalists in the province, deeming it intolerable. He emphasised that many affected journalists are holding Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and the ruling provincial party accountable for these brutalities.

Read also: Govt to table journalists protection bill

He condemned the suppression of journalism through violence, attributing the acts to fascist elements. &quot;The PTI is evidently fearful of independent journalism and has lost the trust of the people,&quot; he said.

&quot;Their consistent reliance on undemocratic tactics and conspiracies to cling to power is disgraceful.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Sindh govt demands Governor Kamran Tessori's resignation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475651/sindh-govt-demands-governor-kamran-tessoris-resignation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475651/sindh-govt-demands-governor-kamran-tessoris-resignation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 24 11:46:34 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2475651</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP’s Sharjeel Memon accuses MQM-P of resorting to hatred and blame game]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Sindh government on Monday called for the immediate resignation of Governor Kamran Tessori.

Sindh Senior Minister for Excise, Taxation, Narcotics Control, Transport, and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon and Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah made the demand during a press conference, criticising the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) for its divisive politics.

Memon accused the MQM-P of resorting to hatred and a blame game, stating that the party has become irrelevant at the local level. &quot;MQM&#39;s politics of hatred and accusations are outdated. They are no longer visible at the Union Council level,&quot; he said.

He also criticised MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui for his remarks against the former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Memon claimed that the MQM-P had indulged in nepotism by hiring its workers in local government institutions and criticised the party for its stance on the quota system. &quot;The MQM-P&#39;s demands to end the quota system are inappropriate,&quot; he added.

Shah echoed Memon&#39;s sentiments, stating that the MQM-P has not abandoned its old ways and continues to engage in hateful politics. &quot;MQM-P should be ashamed of its illegal recruitments and the burning of living people for extortion in Baldia factory incident,&quot; he said.

Both ministers demanded resignation from Governor Tessori to resign, accusing him of failing to address the issues caused by the MQM-P. &quot;It is inappropriate to make baseless accusations against our martyred leaders. Governor Sindh should resign immediately,&quot; said Shah.

The ministers reiterated their commitment to maintaining decency in politics, despite MQM-P&#39;s provocations. &quot;We do not want to respond to rudeness with rudeness or to escalate hateful politics,&quot; Memon stated.]]>
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			<title>PPP banks on PML-N promise</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475294/ppp-banks-on-pml-n-promise</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2475294/ppp-banks-on-pml-n-promise#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 30 Jun 24 01:08:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[RAMEEZ KHAN.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2475294</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Party expects key ally to honour agreement amid tensions]]>
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				<![CDATA[Despite the ongoing friction between the PML-N and the PPP, hope is not lost as the PPP still believes that the ruling party will honour the agreement reached earlier this month while expressing disappointment over the PML-N&rsquo;s lower cadre&rsquo;s negation of the agreement&rsquo;s terms.

While the PML-N, at least off the record, is denying most of the PPP&rsquo;s claims, the latter contends that the power-sharing arrangements made public are not about ceding authority but ensuring fair administration.

PML-N insists that Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz will not compromise on merit or allow nepotism.

In response, PPP fired back, asserting that demanding impartial district commissioners (DCs) in their majority-held areas was essential for meritocracy, challenging any notion of favouritism.

It has contended that if ensuring fair appointments was against merit, then such officers do not deserve roles in any province. The PPP further questioned why PML-N&rsquo;s preference for appointing a &ldquo;blue-eyed candidate&rdquo; was deemed acceptable, while insisting on a politically impartial officer was labelled as &lsquo;shifarish&rsquo; (favouritism).

PPP leader Nadeem Afzal Chan, who was part of the committee, cautioned that any statement contradicting the agreement should be taken with a pinch of salt, suggesting that PML-N needs to appease its own supporters.

He emphasised that in actuality, no ground was lost, affirming that PPP would proceed with naming its law officers as agreed upon. Stressing a commitment to merit-based appointments, he affirmed, &ldquo;If they claim they will appoint based on merit, so be it. We advocate the same: appoint on merit, not political connections.&rdquo;

When questioned about PML-N sources denying the terms of the agreement, he rebutted, calling their denials outright falsehoods. He affirmed that PML-N would uphold its commitment despite their recent posturing.

PPP parliamentary leader Ali Haider Gillani stated that his party does not want officers posted in their majority areas to be favoured solely because they were close to PML-N. Instead, he stressed the importance of appointing officers based on merit.

Gillani clarified that they advocate for a consultative process before such appointments and postings, rather than seeking preferential treatment for individuals aligned with their party.

Regarding recent statements, he expressed that PPP can overlook them. However, if the agreement is not upheld, they will address it during the bi-monthly meeting scheduled for the first week of July, as previously agreed.

The PML-N leader and advisor to the prime minister reiterated that the premier had affirmed during the meeting that his government would honour all agreements made with the PPP regarding the budget.

Attempts to reach Punjab government spokesperson Azma Bukhari for comment were unsuccessful.]]>
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			<title>PPP to throw weight behind ‘new operation’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2474045/ppp-to-throw-weight-behind-new-operation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2474045/ppp-to-throw-weight-behind-new-operation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 24 22:48:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Waqas Ahmed]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2474045</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Govt assures that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence moving forward]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to throw its weight behind Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, a nationwide initiative aimed at stamping out terrorism and extremism, despite harbouring some reservations.

During a parliamentary party meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, the PPP leadership and members put their heads together to discuss the operation. After much deliberation, the party decided to back the initiative.

However, the PPP has communicated its concerns to the government regarding the operation.

The main bone of contention for the PPP was the lack of consultation before the operation was launched. In response, the government assured the party that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence moving forward.

The PPP emphasised its commitment to national decisions through consultation and reiterated its support for all anti-terrorism efforts. &ldquo;The country&rsquo;s welfare and the people&rsquo;s safety have always been the PPP&rsquo;s top priority,&rdquo; a party source stated.

PPP to vote for to avoid &lsquo;instability&rsquo;

In a related development, the PPP will vote for the budget to prevent instability in the country, senior parliamentarian Syed Naveed Qamar announced on Tuesday.

The decision was made during a parliamentary party meeting chaired by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, with Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also in attendance.

PPP Secretary Information Shazia Marri stated that members had expressed concerns about their constituencies in previous meetings.

The party leadership engaged the government to address these issues, with senior PPP parliamentarian Syed Naveed Qamar briefing members on the progress.

Qamar explained that an agreement between the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was made during the formation of the government.

This agreement included 25 points, some of which have been implemented, while others remain ambiguous.

&ldquo;Despite certain reservations, we have decided to vote for the finance bill,&rdquo; Qamar said.

&ldquo;If we do not support the budget, it would dismantle the government and lead to instability, which the PPP seeks to avoid.&rdquo;

Qamar noted that the PPP anticipates that the points raised by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the assembly will be accepted by the government.

The PPP will continue discussions with the government to ensure these issues are addressed.

On Saturday, the country&rsquo;s civil and military leadership decided to launch a new campaign in an effort to tackle the resurgence of terrorism as Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the need for all institutions of the country to collectively combat this menace instead of relying on one.]]>
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			<title>PPP to support Operation Azm-e-Istehkam despite ‘reservations’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473921/ppp-to-support-operation-azm-e-istehkam-despite-reservations</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473921/ppp-to-support-operation-azm-e-istehkam-despite-reservations#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 24 13:10:33 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2473921</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Government assures that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence moving forward]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has decided to support Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, aimed at eradicating terrorism and extremism nationwide, despite some reservations.

During a parliamentary party meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, the PPP leadership and members deliberated on the operation. Sources revealed that, after thorough discussion, the party decided to back the initiative.

On Saturday, the country&rsquo;s civil and military leadership decided to launch a new campaign in an effort to tackle the resurgence of terrorism as Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the need for all institutions of the country to collectively combat this menace instead of relying on one.

A meeting of the te Central Apex Committee on NAP, which was attended by key cabinet members, gave approval to Azm-e-Istehkam&rdquo; after consensus among all the stakeholders, including the four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

An official statement had said that the prime minister approved a reinvigorated and re-energised national counter-terrorism campaign, adding: &ldquo;Azm-e-Istehkam will integrate multiple lines of effort to combat the menace of extremism and terrorism in a comprehensive and decisive manner.&rdquo;

The PPP parliamentary party in today&rsquo;s meeting unanimously endorsed Operation Azm-e-Istehkam. However, the PPP has communicated its concerns to the government regarding the operation.

Also read: Azm-e-Istehkam not a &lsquo;new kinetic operation&rsquo;

According to sources, the PPP leadership expressed reservations about not being consulted on the operation. In response, the government assured that all stakeholders would be taken into confidence moving forward.

The PPP emphasised its commitment to national decisions through consultation and reiterated its support for all anti-terrorism efforts. &quot;The country&#39;s welfare and the people&#39;s safety have always been the PPP&#39;s top priority,&quot; a party source stated.

The office of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that &lsquo;Azm-e-Istehkam&rsquo; would not be a kinetic operation like the previous Zarb-e-Azab and Rah-e-Najaat, rather it aimed at reinvigorating the implementation of Revised National Action Plan (NAP).

A statement issued by the Press Wing of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office said that the ability of terrorist entities to carry out large scale organised operations inside Pakistan had been degraded by earlier kinetic operations, therefore, no large scale military operation was being contemplated.

&ldquo;Azm-e-Istehkam is a multi-domain, multi-agency, whole-of-the-system national vision for enduring stability in Pakistan. It is meant to reinvigorate and re-energise the ongoing implementation of Revised National Action Plan, which was initiated after the consensus across the political spectrum,&rdquo; it said.

The statement of the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office said that the recently &ldquo;announced vision for enduring stability named Azm-e-Istehkam was being erroneously misunderstood and compared with earlier launched kinetic operations.

&ldquo;The previous kinetic operations were conducted to physically dislodge terrorists from their known locations which had become no-go areas and compromised the writ of the state. These operations required mass displacement of the local population and systematic clearance of affected areas, it said.

&ldquo;There are no such no-go areas in the country since the ability of terrorist entities to or carry out large scale organised operations inside Pakistan was decisively degraded by earlier kinetic operations,&rdquo; the statement added. &ldquo;Therefore, no large scale military operation is being contemplated where displacement of population will be required.&rdquo;

Reiterating that Azm-e-Istehkam aimed at energising the ongoing intelligence-based kinetic operations &ldquo;to decisively root out the nebulous and shadowy presence of remnants of terrorists&rdquo;, their facilitators and violent extremism to ensure a secure environment in the country for its economic development.

&ldquo;This will include political, diplomatic, legal and information prongs apart from already continuing operations by all law-enforcement agencies. This should address all the misunderstandings as well as settle unnecessary debate on the subject,&rdquo; the statement concluded.]]>
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			<title>PPP to vote for budget 2024-25 to avoid ‘instability’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473912/ppp-to-vote-for-budget-2024-25-to-avoid-instability</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473912/ppp-to-vote-for-budget-2024-25-to-avoid-instability#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jun 24 12:04:42 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Newslab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2473912</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[If we do not vote for the budget, it would amount to dismantling the government, says Naveed Qamar]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will vote for the budget to prevent instability in the country, senior parliamentarian Syed Naveed Qamar announced on Tuesday.

The decision was made during a parliamentary party meeting chaired by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, with Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also in attendance.

PPP Secretary Information Shazia Marri stated that members had expressed concerns about their constituencies in previous meetings.

The party leadership engaged the government to address these issues, with senior PPP parliamentarian Syed Naveed Qamar briefing members on the progress.

Qamar explained that an agreement between the PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was made during the formation of the government.

This agreement included 25 points, some of which have been implemented, while others remain ambiguous.

&quot;Despite certain reservations, we have decided to vote for the finance bill,&quot; Qamar said.

&quot;If we do not support the budget, it would dismantle the government and lead to instability, which the PPP seeks to avoid.&quot;

Qamar noted that the PPP anticipates that the points raised by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the assembly will be accepted by the government.

The PPP will continue discussions with the government to ensure these issues are addressed.]]>
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			<title>‘Budget drama a red herring’ by PML-N, PPP: PTI</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473735/budget-drama-a-red-herring-by-pml-n-ppp-pti</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473735/budget-drama-a-red-herring-by-pml-n-ppp-pti#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jun 24 23:13:32 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2473735</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI slams both parties over ‘Muk-Muka’ behind the brief charade of discord]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has berated the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for a &lsquo;Muk-Muka&rsquo;&mdash;collusion&mdash;over the recently approved budget.

According to PTI, the two parties put on a brief charade of discord before joining hands to push the budget through.

Just a day after the PPP and PML-N settled their differences, a PTI spokesperson lashed out at the coalition partners, accusing them of play-acting to win public sympathies. He said both parties were merely putting on a show, pretending to be at odds over the federal budget, adding that the public was not so easily fooled.

Party spokesperson Raoof Hasan said that PML-N and PPP have long been orchestrating such dramas and often abruptly end their so-called fights for their vested interests.

However, the PTI leader said that the Pakistani nation was cognisant of the fact that &ldquo;these mandate thieves&rdquo; had equally contributed to the economic devastation and financial carnage that had beset the country at present.

The PTI spokesperson stated that both parties had a long history of conveniently setting aside their differences to perpetuate their self-serving agendas in total disregard for any concern for the welfare of the people, democracy and constitution.

He averred that the PPP and PML-N being birds of a feather were devoid of any concern for the public welfare, saying they conveniently put aside their past differences to protect their personal interests by making a mockery of democracy and the constitution.

After several days of pretending battle, the spokesperson went on to say that they &ldquo;clandestinely evolved consensus on the approval of the anti-people budget&rdquo; because these two parties had nothing to do with public issues. He alleged that their past was tainted with conspiracies against democracy.

In addition, he said that the politics of PPP, the so-called champion of democracy, had been shrouded under the shadows of dictatorship since its very foundation and its animosity towards democracy was well-documented in the Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report.]]>
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			<title>PPP, PML-N strike power-sharing deal in Punjab</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473449/ppp-pml-n-strike-power-sharing-deal-in-punjab</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473449/ppp-pml-n-strike-power-sharing-deal-in-punjab#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Jun 24 23:10:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[RAMEEZ KHAN.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2473449</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Party leaders say budget-related proposals reviewed thoroughly]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) have hammered out a power-sharing deal in Punjab, signalling an end to their standoff over the national and Punjab budgets, as per parliamentary leader in Punjab Assembly Ali Haider Gilani.

The PPP leader told The Express Tribune that the crux of the matter for both parties was the lack of a fair and equitable power-sharing arrangement in Punjab, leaving them feeling sidelined despite being a crucial partner of the central government.

Gilani disclosed that during the recent high-stakes meeting in Islamabad, attended by a PPP delegation led by former Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf, along with PPP General Secretary Punjab Hassan Murtaza and Nadeem Afzal Chan.

From the PML-N side, the delegation was headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Other members present included the advisor to PM and provincial president, Rana Sanaullah, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, and senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gilani explained that districts, where the PPP holds a clear majority, will fall entirely under their control, whereas districts with a substantial presence of their party will see partial control.

Specifically, districts like Multan and Rahim Yar Khan fall in the former category, while Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Muzaffargarh, Toba Tek Singh, Rajanpur, and Rawalpindi fall in the latter.

He added that funds will be evenly distributed among parliamentarians, both MNAs and MPAs, from PML-N and PPP alike. Development funds will also be allocated to their respective notables.

Moreover, he mentioned that bureaucrats would also be made aware of the importance of PPP in this alliance, underscoring the need to keep a tight rein on bureaucracy as it had the potential to destabilise the alliance if not managed carefully. However, he expressed confidence that both sides are fully aware of this risk.

Furthermore, he confirmed that PPP will have representation in various committees ranging from Zakat and Ushr Committees to market committees, district coordination committees, and DC and MC boards.

While in Multan and Rahim Yar Khan, all the aforementioned responsibilities will fall under their purview. Elaborating on this, he clarified that their nominated representatives will be part of the district coordination committees, whereas in these two districts, they will hold the position of convener.

Similarly, he mentioned their nominees will serve in all relevant authorities and boards, with their chairmanship over the Multan Development Authority boards being a key example.

He also stated they will have the right to appoint law officers both at the federal and provincial levels according to a mutually agreed formula.

&nbsp;

Furthermore, they will nominate an expert of their choice to the search committee tasked with selecting vice chancellors for Punjab&rsquo;s universities.

Regarding transfers and postings in districts with PPP&rsquo;s presence, which includes 12 districts, decisions will be made in consultation with them, while in Multan and Rahim Yar Khan, it will be solely within their domain.

He noted that they have extended a similar power-sharing formula to Sindh, ensuring that any notable figures from PML-N will be treated equally.

However, he clarified that this agreement does not erase the ideological differences between the two parties. Despite being allies, they maintain distinct views on various issues, and this arrangement does not alter their respective party lines or positions.

He confirmed that PML-N has also endorsed this agreement, with the deputy prime minister expressing commitment to its full implementation. With this issue resolved, he assured that PPP will fully support the budgets at both the federal and provincial levels.

He emphasized that the discord arose not at the federal level but in Punjab, where they felt sidelined.

This agreement, he explained, was originally agreed upon before the formation of the current government, with their main concern being its faithful implementation. However, he acknowledged that recent adjustments had been made to the original terms.

&nbsp;

&lsquo;No ministries yet&rsquo;

However, Gillani clarified that the agreement does not include ministries, as the party has yet to decide on becoming part of the government. He explained that the party&rsquo;s Central Executive Committee (CEC) will make the decision after the budget.

&nbsp;

Regarding the party&rsquo;s stance on this issue, he said nothing could be determined in advance.

Attempts to contact PML-N leaders for their perspective on the matter were unsuccessful.

However, a PPP leader regretted his party&rsquo;s move, claiming that PPP Punjab has been misleading its leadership about the ground realities.

He argued that PPP Punjab was portraying its lack of administrative control as an inability to make any inroads in Punjab, whereas the situation was actually the opposite. He asserted that by joining the administration, the party would lose the minimal traction it has with voters.

Accepting insignificant positions would damage the party&rsquo;s public image, making them appear as sellouts, he added.

He asserted that by joining the administration, the party would lose the minimal traction it has with voters. Accepting insignificant positions would damage the party&rsquo;s public image, making them appear as sellouts.

He further warned that the party would not be able to bounce back by becoming PML-N&rsquo;s subordinate team. Instead, he called for taking a strong stance against PML-N on the streets to win votes, rather than following an appeasement policy.

He accused some members of seeking power positions to line their own pockets.

Meanwhile, a source within PPP added that in addition to these agreements, it was also decided that PPP&rsquo;s development schemes under the PDSP would not face budget cuts, while schemes, which are subject to IMF-mandated reductions amount to approximately Rs200 billion.

However, Hasan Murtaza, another committee member, offered a slightly different perspective, noting that both sides had worked out a multifaceted power-sharing formula that requires endorsement from both party leaderships.

Responding to queries about dissent within the committee, he conceded that while consensus had been reached at the committee level, final approval from the leadership was still pending.

When pressed on how a budget previously criticised as unfriendly and burdensome could be considered kosher simply by gaining more influence in Punjab, he clarified that the budget-related proposals had also been thoroughly reviewed, indicating that the agreement covered more than just power sharing.

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			<title>Aseefa terms budget anti-people</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473440/aseefa-terms-budget-anti-people</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473440/aseefa-terms-budget-anti-people#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Jun 24 22:59:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2473440</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Opposition, allies criticise tax-laden budget]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari criticised on Sunday the federal budget for fiscal 2024-25, saying that it should have provided relief for farmers and ordinary citizens amid record-high inflation and unemployment.

During the National Assembly session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the opposition Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members staged walk-out in protest after they were not allowed to speak on the point of objection. They also engaged in heated arguments with the treasury members on the budget.

In their budget speeches, the lawmakers from the opposition Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) rejected the budget outright. From the treasury benches, after the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also complained of not being taken into confidence on the budget.

Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, daughter of President Asif Zardari and sister of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, slammed the anti-people&rdquo; budget. &ldquo;Do the people of Pakistan deserve this anti-people budget?&rdquo; she asked.

&ldquo;We need to move forward to provide relief for the common man and strengthen our farmers. The people of Pakistan deserve better, and we should work together to achieve improvement,&rdquo; she said, highlighting the hardships facing the vulnerable segments of the society.

&ldquo;We needed a budget that did not seek to benefit large corporations at the expense of the most vulnerable in our society, a budget which provided relief and redirected subsidies to the poor, farmers, labourers and the working class,&rdquo; she continued.

Stressing the need for unity, she said that it was the need of the hour &ldquo;at a time when divisive politics threatens to harm our nation, when the people are polarised in their ideals, beliefs and actions, when differences are weaponised and disagreements are settled with violence&rdquo;.

The PPP leader urged the lawmakers to come together for the people and base their policies on the people&rsquo;s needs. &ldquo;Together, we have to find a way to give relief to the people who are suffering 15 hours a day without electricity in this sweltering heat,&rdquo; she said.

She expressed the hope to witness a new age and beginning in politics, which allowed for working together for the prosperity and progress of the country and its citizens. &ldquo;Only then, would we be doing justice to the work for which people have elected us.&rdquo;

PPP stalwart Khursheed Shah said that the increase in population should be stopped whether or not the government went to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The people needed water, health, education and other facilities, he said, adding that here children still sat on the ground in schools.

PPP lawmaker Shazia Marri said that the party joined the ruling coalition under an agreement but it was not was not being respected by the government. &ldquo;We want to work together but [PPP Chairman] Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was not taken into confidence during the budget making,&rdquo; she said.

MQM-P&rsquo;s Jawed Hanif and Aminul Haq suggested that the government revisited tax on the salaried class, and policies for health, education and agriculture sectors. They also called for completing the urban development projects.

Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said that the opposition was unprepared for the budget debate. Maritime Affairs Minister Qaiser Sheikh said that the economy was experiencing significant growth, and credited the incumbent government the improvement.

Sheikh urged the government to focus on information technology and agriculture, enhance support for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), &ldquo;The SMEs are the backbone of economy, driving innovation, employment, and inclusive growth.&rdquo;

The SIC members termed budget an &ldquo;IMF&rsquo;s tax book&rdquo;. The added that there was no hope for any relief to the people from the present government coming on the basis of Form 47. SIC legislator Nisar Ahmed proposed interest-free loans to farmers to enhance their livelihoods.

SIC lawmaker Riaz Fatyana urged the government for creating job opportunities for the youth of the country. Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood said funds should be allocated to the education sector, especially for scholarships. Syed Waseem Hussain demanded effective steps to facilitate poor segments of the society. (WITH INPUT FROM APP)

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			<title>Government concedes to all PPP demands in key meeting</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473246/breakthrough-expected-as-govt-ppp-resume-talks-today</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473246/breakthrough-expected-as-govt-ppp-resume-talks-today#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Jun 24 06:36:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2473246</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sources say PPP will be given preference in development funds and administrative positions in Punjab]]>
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				<![CDATA[The government on Sunday agreed to all demands put forward by the Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP), Express News reported.

A meeting was held in Islamabad between the negotiating committees of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the PPP, during which the PPP presented its objections to the government.

After thorough discussions, the government accepted all of the PPP&#39;s demands. Sources indicated that the PPP will also be given preference in development funds and administrative positions in Punjab.

Following the meeting, senior PPP leader and member of the negotiating committee, Nadeem Afzal Chan, spoke to media representatives.

He stated that there were issues of accommodation in Punjab and the matter of local body elections. He added that the PPP wants to ensure no one is targeted for retribution and that good governance is provided in Punjab.

Significant progress has been made with the government, and discussions are now focusing on the implementation of the written agreement, he concluded.

Read PPP withdraws &lsquo;unconditional&rsquo; support as deadlock over budget persists

Previously, a meeting convened at the PM House on June 21 where PPP leaders voiced their grievances, alleging they were being &ldquo;victimised&rdquo; in Punjab, much like the ruling alliance&rsquo;s rivals in the PTI-turned-Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

They lamented that their legislators and party workers were facing the wrath of the administration without any respite.

The PPP stressed the importance of the administration functioning &ldquo;above board&rdquo; and demanded that local elections proceed without undue delay.

In addition, the PPP has asked the PML-N governments at the Centre and Punjab that previous development schemes should continue to be funded in the current budget instead of abandoning them.

In reaction, members of National Assembly continued the budget debate on the second consecutive day on Friday, amid an absence of federal ministers and boycott from the PPP, a major government ally.

Prior to that a statement was issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office on June 20, a one-on-one meeting between PM Shehbaz and Bilawal was held.

Bilawal was accompanied by Yousuf Raza Gilani, Khurshid Shah, Senator Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar, and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf at the Prime Minister&#39;s House.]]>
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			<title>Aseefa Bhutto criticises budget, calls for unity and relief for masses</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473320/aseefa-bhutto-criticises-budget-calls-for-unity-and-relief-for-masses</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473320/aseefa-bhutto-criticises-budget-calls-for-unity-and-relief-for-masses#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 23 Jun 24 13:45:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2473320</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP MNA slams current economic situation in Pakistan, highlighting record-high inflation and unemployment]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, daughter of President Asif Ali Zardari and sister of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has criticised the current economic situation in Pakistan, highlighting record-high inflation and unemployment.

Speaking in the National Assembly on Sunday, the PPP member said the new budget does not represent the public and should have provided relief for farmers and ordinary citizens.

&quot;Do the people of Pakistan deserve this anti-people budget?&quot; she asked. &quot;We need to move forward to provide relief for the common man and strengthen our farmers. The people of Pakistan deserve better, and we should work together to achieve improvement.&quot;



https://www.facebook.com/NationalAssemblyOfPakistan/videos/1860352251145067



Aseefa emphasised the importance of unity during times of ideological division and conflict. &quot;At a time when people are divided by their ideological beliefs, when disagreements are weaponised, and dissent is met with violence, it is crucial for us as elected members of this house to rise and discuss these issues,&quot; she said.

She urged for tolerance to extend beyond speeches and words, calling for action and the rejection of divisive politics. &quot;We must unite for the people&#39;s sake and find ways to provide them with relief,&quot; she added. &quot;We need to use our human resources for development and find methods to give direct relief to the poor. I hope we will witness a new era in politics.&quot;

Also read: Aseefa: Aks-e-Benazir in many ways

Addressing the need for national unity, Aseefa pointed out the challenges faced by Sindh, such as prolonged power outages. &quot;When the President talks about unity, it is the need of the hour. Blame games are not the solution to any problem. In this scorching heat, Sindh is suffering from power cuts of 15 to 20 hours. This is unbearable.&quot;

She concluded by expressing hope for a new political culture that rejects divisive politics and addresses critical issues like wheat import decisions. &quot;We must strengthen our farmers and work towards a better future together.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Babar Azam receives 'non-serious' advice during National Assembly session</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473059/babar-azam-receives-non-serious-advice-during-national-assembly-session</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2473059/babar-azam-receives-non-serious-advice-during-national-assembly-session#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Jun 24 09:32:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[News Desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2473059</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP MNA Abdul Qadir Patel alludes to the cipher case as he advises cricket team captain Babar Azam.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Babar Azam was named during a National Assembly session in Islamabad as a Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker gave advise to the Pakistan cricket team captain.

PPP Member of National Assembly Abdul Qadir Patel, during an NA session on Saturday, appeared to be advising the national cricket team captain on how to avoid criticism.

Following disappointing performances on the field, Pakistan cricket team faced an early exit from the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.







Babar Captain Azam has been facing of criticism from all quarters with many fans, supporters, former players and social media users offering their own advise.

Patel advised Babar to &#39;declare that a conspiracy has been plotted against him, write a letter, and then declare that the letter has been misplaced, as it would save him.&#39;

His remarks were alluding to the cipher case involving Imran Khan, the jailed founding leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Abdul Qadir Patel clarified his statement, saying it was made in jest and should not be taken seriously.

Earlier, the session of the National Assembly commenced under the presidency of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq

Members of the Pakistan People&#39;s Party ended their boycott of the session, increasing their strength in the assembly.]]>
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			<title>PPP threatens to join opposition</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472945/ppp-threatens-to-join-opposition</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472945/ppp-threatens-to-join-opposition#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 24 19:50:19 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rana Yasif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472945</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Lawmakers criticise budget, demand fair allocation of resources]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed strong concerns over the perceived discrimination against the public of South Punjab, threatening to sit on the opposition benches if the government&#39;s injustices continue.

On the second consecutive day of the &quot;general discussion on the annual budget 2024-25,&quot; lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches debated whether the budget was &quot;pro-people or anti-people.&quot;

Some lawmakers strayed from the budget discussion, instead defending their leaders and blaming each other for the current economic crises. The opposition accused the PML-N of having a &quot;eunuch&#39;s military wing&quot; that attacks police stations and PTI lawmakers.

PPP&#39;s Mumtaz Ali Khan Chaang voiced his frustration, stating, &quot;It is unfair that we are sitting on the government benches, yet our concerns are not being addressed.&quot; He lamented that the people of Rahim Yar Khan and other areas in the region are deprived of basic facilities, with the government&#39;s focus seemingly confined to Lahore.

&quot;They deserve a 34% share of the budget, but nothing is given to them,&quot; he complained.

&quot;It is highly regrettable that PPP is part of the government, yet not even a single penny was allocated for my constituency, Rahim Yar Khan.&quot;

Chaang highlighted the lack of schools, colleges, clean drinking water, road infrastructure, medicines, hospitals, and basic facilities in his constituency.

He questioned the justification for being part of the government under such circumstances.

He also offered the government a 50-acre plot of free land, demanding the construction of a college or university to provide standard education to the children of South Punjab.

He further suggested that if the government is not willing to provide relief, South Punjab areas should be included in Sindh province.]]>
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			<title>PPP withdraws ‘unconditional’ support as deadlock over budget persists</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472833/ppp-withdraws-unconditional-support-as-deadlock-over-budget-persists</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472833/ppp-withdraws-unconditional-support-as-deadlock-over-budget-persists#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 24 09:26:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472833</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sources say meeting between PM Shehbaz and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari failed to break impasse]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The deadlock between the government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over budget-related issues remained&nbsp;unresolved as the coalition partner has refused to offer &quot;unconditional&quot; support until their demands are met, Express News reported.

Sources indicate that the recent meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari was unproductive. Hence, the PPP has not yet assured the government of its participation or support in the budget session.

The party remains firm on its previous stance regarding its demands and the government has not provided any deadlines for meeting these demands.

Meanwhile, the PPP has decided on symbolic participation in the budget session, nominating four MNAs for today&rsquo;s session including Shazia Marri, Nafisa Shah, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, and Shagufta Jumani.

Additionally, another round of negotiations between the government and the PPP will take place today at the PM&#39;s House, focusing on power-sharing in Punjab.

The PPP&rsquo;s committee includes Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Nadeem Afzal Chan, and Ali Haider Gillani from Punjab.

The government&rsquo;s committee comprises National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Rana Sanaullah, and Khawaja Asif, with Rana Sanaullah and Khawaja Saad Rafique representing the Punjab government.

Read: Bilawal meets PM Shehbaz over Budget 2024-25 concerns

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office on June 20, a one-on-one meeting between PM Shehbaz and Bilawal was held.

Bilawal was accompanied by Yousuf Raza Gilani, Khurshid Shah, Senator Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar, and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf at the Prime Minister&#39;s House.

Sources indicate that Bilawal presented his party&rsquo;s reservations about the federal budget and issues pertaining to the federal and Punjab governments to the prime minister.

It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Shehbaz had invited Bilawal for discussions regarding the budget after extending Eid ul Adha greetings over the phone.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>PML-N, PPP spar amid political tensions</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472685/pml-n-ppp-spar-amid-political-tensions</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472685/pml-n-ppp-spar-amid-political-tensions#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 24 03:32:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472685</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Some analysts believe recent exchange of harsh words won’t affect their relations]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The sparring between two allies reached new heights, with a second-tier PML-N leader belittling the PPP and a PPP leader reminding the ruling party that its leadership would have been languishing behind bars if the PPP had not provided its support.

This round of friendly fire began with PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi disregarding the factual position in the National Assembly and asserting during an interview that remaining their ally was a compulsion for the PPP, not for them.

He said both the federal budget and the Punjab Defamation Bill were prepared in consultation with the PPP, as the PPP was part of the finance committee.

He said the Punjab governor&mdash;who belongs to the PPP&mdash;went on holidays to avoid directly giving his seal of approval to the defamation bill, but this move was &ldquo;not going to fool anyone.&rdquo; Abbasi claimed that the PPP had approved the defamation bill.

He also contested the notion that the PPP was not a stakeholder at the federal level, stating that the party had received the Senate chairmanship, governorship in two provinces, the government in Sindh, and the position of the president as a result of a deal. &ldquo;After taking all this, how can they say they are not part of the government?&rdquo; he asked.

Responding to Hanif Abbasi, PPP General Secretary Hassan Murtaza reminded the PML-N that it was in power due to the support of his party. &ldquo;If it were not for the PPP, you wouldn&rsquo;t have been in the Prime Minister&#39;s House; rather, you would have been in Adiala jail,&rdquo; he said.

He termed Abbasi&rsquo;s statement comical. Interestingly, he also declared the PML-N&rsquo;s success in the February 8 general elections a product of rigging. He said the former commissioner of Rawalpindi had already exposed the reality of elections &ldquo;in this region.&rdquo;

He urged Hanif Abbasi to stop fueling the politics of division and chaos, while recalling that the same leader had previously made reprehensible statements against PPP&rsquo;s slain chairperson, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

He asked the PML-N leadership to rein in elements like Abbasi within their ranks. The PPP, he said, believes in parliamentary democracy and the politics of reconciliation.

Hassan Murtaza also warned that anyone who makes derogatory statements against the PPP leadership in the future will receive a befitting response. He asked the PML-N to take cognizance of such statements.

Some political analysts believe that this war of words between the two allies is not going to strain their relationship, as it is the fear of the PTI and its chairman Imran Khan that has brought the former rivals together.]]>
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			<title>PPP links budget support to ‘more share’ in Punjab</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472716/ppp-links-budget-support-to-more-share-in-punjab</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2472716/ppp-links-budget-support-to-more-share-in-punjab#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jun 24 05:02:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rizwan Shehzad  ]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2472716</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bilawal meets Shehbaz to iron out differences]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The PPP, a key ally in the ruling alliance, has linked its support for the budget and other issues to receiving more share of power in Punjab, it emerged on Thursday after a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

In addition to receiving &ldquo;more space&rdquo; in Punjab and its set-up, sources in the ruling PML-N shared that the PPP sought additional development budget for its lawmakers in the province.

Although the premier has not yet given any assurance to the PPP in this connection, he has directed the committees of both the parties to resolve all the issues by Sunday.

The meeting between PM Shehbaz and the PPP delegation lasted for roughly 90 minutes wherein both the sides deliberated on the proposed federal budget, power-sharing in Punjab as well as other matters in line with the post-election agreement that the two parties had reached before forming the government.

The meeting on Thursday was held against the backdrop of the PPP&rsquo;s claim that the PML-N had completely sidelined it during the budget preparation, violating the agreement reached between the two parties after the general elections on February 8 this year.

Tensions between the PPP and PML-N had emerged on June 12 as the former had only engaged in a token participation in the National Assembly&rsquo;s budget session.

The PPP was prompted to opt for the step after the PML-N did not bother to address its key ally&rsquo;s reservations over the budget.

Earlier, the PPP had decided to boycott the budget session altogether. The party later changed its mind to engage in a token representation after Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, who also holds the additional portfolio of the foreign ministry, rushed to Bilawal&rsquo;s chamber to request that his party should attend the session.

However, no major breakthrough was reached during Thursday&rsquo;s meeting as both sides could only managed to agree that talks would continue through the committees of the two parties.

The leaders from both the parties said the full participation of the PPP in the budget session depended on the outcome of the negotiations between the two sides.

Federal Planning and Development MinisterAhsan Iqbal told The Express Tribune that both the PML-N and PPP, which were partners in the ruling alliance, reviewed the coalition formation in a cordial atmosphere.

He maintained that both the sides expressed the satisfaction that most of the terms of the agreement had been fulfilled.

The minister said the PPP leadership raised the issue of implementation of the agreement by the Punjab government and sought the PM&rsquo;s support in this connection during the meeting.

He added that PM Shehbaz had formed a committee to resolve all the outstanding issues by Sunday.

To a question, Iqbal said the issues related to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) had already been resolved to the extent of Sindh as Rs65 billion were allocated to the province when its chief minister approached the premier.

Commenting on further power-sharing between the two sides, Iqbal said both the parties were committed to abide by the agreement that they had reached after the elections.

&ldquo;Both parties believe that the economic crisis which the country faces demands collaborative politics,&rdquo; he added.

The minister hoped that all the issues would be resolved within the stipulated timeframe set by PM Shehbaz and the PPP would soon be back in the NA.

PPP leader Shazia Marri while talking to The Express Tribune admitted that her party wanted &ldquo;some space&rdquo; in Punjab.

However, she denied that it sought a share in the Punjab government.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s unfair for an ally to seek a proper share in the province as its lawmakers are answerable to their constituents,&rdquo; she added.

However, Marri questioned why the PPP&nbsp; should not be given some space in Punjab.

&ldquo;The PPP has won some seats in Punjab and it&rsquo;s an ally of the government. The party is unhappy with the treatment meted out to its MPAs in Punjab. It&rsquo;s inappropriate to say that the PPPP wants a share in the federal and provincial cabinets.&rdquo;

Referring to the post-election agreement signed between the PML-N and PPP, Marri claimed that it specifically stated that federal PSDP would be pre-agreed.

&ldquo;The PML-N&rsquo;s actions show a &lsquo;breach of trust&rsquo; as no input was taken from the PPP for the budget even though assurances given that the agreement would be fulfilled.&rdquo;

To the statement that the PPP&rsquo;s reservations over the PSDP budget of Sindh had already been addressed, Marri said thr PPP chairman had made it clear time and again that the party was not&nbsp; confined to the province alone.

An official statement issued after the meeting read that a PPP delegation led by its chairman met with PM Shehbaz and discussed the political situation of the country as well the budget 2024-25. The PPP delegation, led by party chief Bilawal, included Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Khursheed Shah, Naveed Qamar, and Sherry Rehman.

The statement added that the premier highlighted that the macroeconomic indicators about the country&rsquo;s economy were showing encouraging growth while a historic boom in the stock market was the endorsement of the government&rsquo;s budget by the business community.

He said all political parties should work together to ensure the country&rsquo;s development, prosperity and the public welfare, saying steps were taken to provide maximum relief to the people in the budget 2024-25.

It was agreed in the meeting that further consultation would be continued through the parliamentary committees, the statement read.

It added that the meeting was held in a positive atmosphere with both sides agreeing on the need for collaboration to address the country&rsquo;s challenges.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>‘PPP sold Sindh, its resources to gain power’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471137/ppp-sold-sindh-its-resources-to-gain-power</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471137/ppp-sold-sindh-its-resources-to-gain-power#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 24 22:54:15 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category><category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2471137</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Awami Tahreek passed a resolution to give rights to all nations as per guaranteed in 1940 Lahore Resolution]]>
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				<![CDATA[Awami Tehreek organised recently event in remembrance of Rasool Bux Palijo, the Marxist leader and thinker, on his sixth death anniversary. Thousands of admirers including Sindhyani Tahreek and Sindhi Girl Students Tahreek gathered at the event to pay tribute to their leader.

Palijo, a formidable opponent of dictatorship and a stalwart in the fight for the rights of Sindh, led numerous movements throughout his life.

His leadership in the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy (MRD) in the 80s against Zia regime and his vehement opposition to projects like the Kalabagh Dam and contentious water issues earned him a place in history as a tireless advocate for justice and equality.

Awami Tahreek, founded by Palijo, not only celebrated his contributions but also took the occasion to pass resolutions against the IRSA Amendment Act and corporate farming. They described SIFC an attack on powers of the Parliament. The party condemned these measures as direct attacks on the integrity and autonomy of Sindh, reflecting Palijo&#39;s lifelong commitment to protecting the province&#39;s resources and rights.

President of Awami Tehreek, Lal Jarwar, recalled Palijo&#39;s numerous writings and his efforts to mobilise masses through long marches.

Lal Jarwar said that Pakistan Propels Party, in order to come into power, sold the lands and resources of Sindh. He said dacoits, backed by the feudal lords, have made the lives of Sindhi people miserable.

He said Sindh will resist all actions and plans by rulers which damage its integrity. We reject SIFC. SIFC is not for investment but it is for selling out resources and lands of oppressed people.

Awami Tahreek passed a resolution to give rights to all nations as per guaranteed in 1940 Lahore Resolution.]]>
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			<title>PPP, PML-N in dispute over agriculture tax</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471132/ppp-pml-n-in-dispute-over-agriculture-tax</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471132/ppp-pml-n-in-dispute-over-agriculture-tax#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 24 22:46:09 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rizwan Shehzad  ]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Islamabad]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2471132</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP accuses PML-N of turning a deaf ear to its concerns]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) hit a stumbling block on Tuesday, unable to reconcile their differences over the proposed 18 per cent standard sales tax on agriculture inputs and machinery.

The tax, which the International Monetary Fund (IMF) insists on as part of its campaign to end

tax exemptions in Pakistan, remains a bone of contention.

Feeling left out in the cold by the PML-N ahead of the budget, the PPP leadership minced no words in expressing their displeasure. They lambasted the PML-N for sidelining a key coalition partner, making it clear that no new taxes on the agriculture sector would be tolerated.

The PPP warned that unless the prime minister or his government personally addressed these concerns, things would not proceed smoothly.

Resultantly, Tuesday brought a flurry of meetings and media talks as the prime minister called on President Asif Ali Zardari in an attempt to win his support before the budget. Separately, PPP held a party meeting, chaired by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, where its lawmakers lashed out at the ruling PML-N for completely abandoning the allied partner and not taking any input in the budget. Besides, two PPP leaders, Shazia Marri and Khursheed Shah, turned their guns towards PML-N when they talked to media at the parliament and regretted how PM Shehbaz and the ruling PML-N turned a deaf ear to the key ally by neither taking its input in budget nor apprising it what was coming peoples&rsquo; way on June 12 (today).

Surprisingly, Marri&rsquo;s outburst came after the Shehbaz-Zardari meeting where the president &ldquo;assured the prime minister of his support for the national development and achievement of fiscal targets&rdquo;.

Despite showing displeasure for not being consulted, PPP sources said that the real issue between the two allies stemmed from the IMF&rsquo;s proposal to impose an 18 per cent tax on all items as the party doesn&rsquo;t want any taxes on the agriculture sector, especially on fertiliser, pesticides, tractors, and other agriculture produces on the grounds that its lawmakers cannot face the constituents after that.

In addition, the PPP leadership is unhappy over load-shedding, importing wheat at the wrong time and the inquiry results, and not giving relief to the agriculture sector in the upcoming budget.

Marri said that many PPP lawmakers belong to rural constituencies and they have to face difficulties when the farmers are not given any relief; when there is no relief on fertilisers, tractors, or electricity, saying all these concerns were raised in the party meeting.

&ldquo;We will raise our concerns when public-importance projects [for provinces] are not included in the federal PSDP,&rdquo; Marri said.

&ldquo;We are a political party, we have an ideology and a manifesto, and we wanted to give input in line with our manifesto but when a political party is deprived of doing that then what is left for it.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Does the government want that PPPP should start protesting; does the government want us to express our anger about the way we have been treated on the floor of the house,&rdquo; Marri didn&rsquo;t mince any words before adding, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s up to the government now to look into it as the responsibility lies on it to do so.&rdquo;

The PPP leader further regretted that the party was not expecting PM Shehbaz, with whom PPP worked as an ally in the previous 16-month stint, would also treat the allied partner the way it is currently being treated, saying that &ldquo;we thought that Shehbaz Sharif was aware of our concerns and he would not only realise it but approach us. But, we are not seeing that kind of situation right now.&rdquo;

She warned that if the prime minister and the federal government continue to marginalise PPP, the party would return to its roots, focusing on its people, ideology, and manifesto. She highlighted that the PPP&rsquo;s commitment to the public includes providing relief through solar energy projects, but no progress has been made in this area.

Additionally, she reiterated that PPP had made promises to the agriculture sector and farmers, yet no relief has been provided there either.

To a question, if PPP would part ways with the federal government, Marri said that this question should be asked of the government, saying PPP has only shared its legitimate concerns and reservations and the same were raised in the party meeting, headed by Bilawal.

&ldquo;We are giving a lot of space to the government and haven&rsquo;t behaved unreasonably,&rdquo; she said, adding that the party would meet again on Wednesday to contemplate the current situation. &ldquo;If you [PMLN] treat us this way then we also have to see our constituencies, and people and ensure implementation of our manifesto,&rdquo; she said.

Surprisingly, Marri while referring to the coalition partners &lsquo;agreement&rsquo; reached before they formed the federal government incorporated the PML-N had assured that PPP&rsquo;s input would be taken in the budget but regretted that &ldquo;no input from our party has been taken in this budget; not even our viewpoint has been taken in this regard.&rdquo;

In addition, Marri explicitly mentioned that the PPP had zero input in the federal PSDP.

Marri said that PPP tried to that the issues shouldn&rsquo;t come out in public but PPPP wasn&rsquo;t expecting the kind of treatment being meted out to it. Referring to the National Economic Council meeting where all four chief ministers fought their provinces&rsquo; cases, Marri said that the Sindh CM presented his case but PPP wants the ruling PML-N to address the concerns of all the provinces and not just of Sindh.

Once again, Marri said that the PPPP was not joining the federal cabinet yet but extending support to the government as the party believed that the same was necessary for bringing political and economic stability to the country.

Referring to the party meeting, she revealed that party leaders blasted the government&rsquo;s current approach, adding that several concerns have come from Punjab province as &ndash; where PML-N is ruling with the help of PPPP and others.

She said that the government should understand the situation as the PPP chairman wants redressal of his party members&rsquo; concerns and reservations, reminding once that the power and all the portfolios were with the government and &ldquo;its government&rsquo;s responsibility now to see if it wants to keep having the support that it has from one of the biggest political parties; I leave it up to it if it wishes to talk.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

Khursheed Shah

Moreover, Shah also lashed out at the PMLN leadership for not taking PPPP into confidence over budget, the PM&rsquo;s recent visit to China, and what has been decided with the IMF. &ldquo;We are allies and should have been taken into confidence,&rdquo; Shah lamented, saying the government should take along its allies. &ldquo;We are completely in the dark about budget,&rdquo; he said.

&nbsp;

PM-President meeting

Meanwhile, an official statement said that PM Shehbaz and President Zardari discussed the country&rsquo;s overall economic situation with a particular focus on extending relief to the people in the upcoming annual budget 2024-25. Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, President Zardari emphasised that the interests of the low-income and middle class should be protected in the annual budget. The statement said that he also assured the prime minister of his support for the national development and achievement of fiscal targets.

They both deliberated on the development projects to be proposed in the next budget. PM Shehbaz also apprised the President of his recent five-day visit to China.

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>PML-N, PPP drift apart over Budget 2024-25</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471064/pml-n-ppp-drift-apart-over-budget-2024-25</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2471064/pml-n-ppp-drift-apart-over-budget-2024-25#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jun 24 17:06:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2471064</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bilawal's party voices its apprehensions about not being included in budget discussions]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed serious concern over not being consulted on the upcoming fiscal year&#39;s budget, giving a deadline for consultation by tomorrow.

The PPP&#39;s parliamentary party, chaired by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, held a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday where it voiced its apprehensions about not being included in budget discussions.

The PPP has given the committee until tomorrow to liaise with the government on budget proposals and has scheduled another parliamentary committee meeting for 2:30pm tomorrow. Members complained that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) did not include them in budget preparations, urging that relief be provided to the public.

The PPP clarified that while they support the PML-N for the sake of democracy, they will not compromise on public interests, accusing the PML-N government of not fulfilling its promises.

Previously, PPP leader Khurshid Shah stated that the government had not informed them about the budget and they had no knowledge of it.

Speaking to the media outside Parliament House, Shah said, &quot;We have no knowledge of the budget, the government did not consult us. In the past, the opposition was taken into confidence. Now that we are allies, we should have been consulted.&quot;

He added that if the IMF has set conditions, the government should have informed them. &quot;We are stuck on the budget and have not even considered participating in the cabinet. The PPP is in the dark about the budget, and the government&#39;s failures will be blamed on us.&quot;

Also read:&nbsp;Economic Survey 2023-24: Aurangzeb highlights GDP contraction, urgent need for IMF programme

Shah stressed that the government should consult PPP leadership, maintaining that parliament should function smoothly. &quot;The PPP has been in power before and will return to power with the support of the people. We stand firmly with the government in the current situation,&quot; he said.

Meanwhile, after the parliamentary party meeting, PPP spokesperson Shazia Marri spoke to the media, stating that a meeting chaired by Bilawal was held to discuss the national budget scheduled for tomorrow. &quot;Assembly members informed the party leadership of their concerns,&quot; she said.

Marri noted that difficulties arose due to the federal government&#39;s attitude towards PPP. &quot;If farmers do not get relief, we face the consequences. It is surprising that the federal government has not fulfilled its agreements.&quot;

The PPP spokesperson stated that they were not consulted on the budget and tried to avoid reaching this point.

&quot;The chairman spoke with the government, but the results were not as expected. The NEC meeting should have been held earlier. The chief minister of Sindh fought his case in the NEC. What has been given to Balochistan and Punjab? We are a political party and will provide input based on our manifesto. Does this government want the PPP to protest? The government needs to act responsibly,&quot; she said.

Marri added that they expected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to understand their concerns. &quot;We see nothing in solar energy. Another meeting will be held at 2:30pm tomorrow,&quot; she concluded.]]>
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			<title>Focus on taming inflation, PPP advices govt</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470552/focus-on-taming-inflation-ppp-advices-govt</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470552/focus-on-taming-inflation-ppp-advices-govt#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Jun 24 05:50:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rizwan Shehzad  ]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470552</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Demands all provinces should receive fair uplift share]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party (PPP) has urged the federal government to put reducing inflation at the top of its priority list, asserting that immediate relief should be given to the beleaguered middle class, who are feeling the pinch more than ever.

In a press conference held in Islamabad, PPP Central Information Secretary Shazia Atta Marri, flanked by party leaders Hussain Tariq Shah and Abrar Shah, underscored the necessity for balanced development across the country, stressing that all four provinces should receive their fair share of progress.

&quot;The government must announce a new National Finance Commission (NFC) Award formula,&quot; she demanded.

Welcoming the formation of the National Economic Council (NEC), Marri pressed the government to swiftly convene a council meeting to draft a comprehensive economic plan that promotes balanced development nationwide.

The PPP spokesperson also recalled the landmark 18th Amendment, which under President Asif Zardari&rsquo;s tenure, handed autonomy to the provinces, devolving significant powers in public services. She suggested that the government should take a leaf out of Zardari&rsquo;s book and leverage his political acumen.

Marri went on to blast the government for the relentless power blackouts plaguing Sindh. &quot;There is load shedding in Sindh for 20 hours,&quot; she lamented, brushing aside Power Minister Awais Leghari&rsquo;s claim of 10-hour outages as baseless.

She invited the minister concerned to visit Sindh and see the situation himself.

The PPP leader further quipped that the minister&rsquo;s words won&rsquo;t light up homes in Sindh, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take notice of the issue and address the electricity crisis. &quot;Without action, Eid will be a trying time for everyone,&quot; she warned, describing the power cuts as a torment that&rsquo;s turning everyday life into an uphill battle.

&#39;PPP not joining govt after budget&rsquo;

Moreover, Marri clarified that the PPP was not becoming a part of the federal government after the budget, saying there was no truth in reports that the party was joining the federal cabinet.&nbsp;

Instead, the PPP spokesperson said that the PPP was more interested in making the standing committees of the National Assembly functional, saying the party wanted to raise all the issues of public importance in the committees concerned.

The formation of the standing committees has been pending for months now and the issue was recently raised in the National Assembly as well. PPP lawmaker Khursheed Shah had reminded the speaker that the committees hadn&rsquo;t been constituted yet and the house was still incomplete.

NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq&rsquo;s comments had revealed that the issue was pending because the PML-N hasn&rsquo;t yet finalized the lists of the members of the committees. He had then directed the PML-N chief whip Tariq Fazal Chaudhry to submit the party&rsquo;s final list of committees by Friday.

As per the rules, PPP&rsquo;s Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani had apprised the speaker that the committees should have been constituted within 30 days after the members had taken oath but it has yet to happen, saying PPP had finalized and submitted the names of its members for all 41 committees a month ago but they haven&rsquo;t been constituted yet.

Jajhrani had said that the deadline for giving names has lapsed thrice. To this, the speaker said on Thursday that he would notify as many names as have already been submitted for the committees but that too has yet to happen.

During the press conference, Shazia Marri emphasised that decent relief should be provided to the people in the budget and the salaries of the daily-wage earners should be increased in proportion to the inflation.

In response to a question about whether PPP was joining the federal cabinet after the budget, Marri responded by saying that &ldquo;PPP will not be a part of the government and there is no truth in such reports. She reiterated that it only wanted standing committees to become functional soon.

The question about the PPP&rsquo;s inclusion in the government or federal cabinet has surfaced time and again as it was the PPP which supported the PML-N to form the government in the Centre following a split mandate in the February 8 general elections. The PPP sits on the treasury benches but it isn&rsquo;t yet a part of the federal government or cabinet.

The support hadn&rsquo;t come for free as both parties had decided to split key constitutional offices among them as per the post-election understanding. They both had agreed that the office of PM, speaker National Assembly and deputy chairman Senate would go to PML-N while PPP would keep the office of President, Senate chairman and deputy speaker of the National Assembly.

In addition, both the parties had split the governorship of two provinces each, with PPP keeping Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while PML-N was given Sindh and Balochistan. PML-N kept the Balochistan governor&rsquo;s post but handed over the Sindh governorship to its ally, MQM-P.

In addition, the PPP leader said that the government should provide relief to the farmers and ensure the purchase of wheat, saying the Kissan card has been announced in Sindh. She demanded from the government that the upcoming budget should be a farmer-friendly budget. On PIA, she said, instead of privatising PIA, it should be run by a private partnership.

Lashing out at PTI, Marri said that PTI founding chairman Imran Khan still wants to come to power with the help of the establishment as he along with his party has repeatedly said that it wishes to only talk to the powerful stakeholders.

In past, she lamented, PTI has become habitual of coming to power with the help of powerful stakeholders and, perhaps, it hasn&rsquo;t been trained to talk to political forces of the country.

During the press conference, Marri demanded that the federal government should allocate more funds for universities. She said that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will chair an important meeting of the party before the budget where the country&#39;s political situation as well as budget, inflation, and public issues will be discussed.

She said that the PPP is concerned about the defamation bill, passed by the Punjab government, saying it stands with journalists.

On the wheat scandal, the PPP said that it is the job of the government to give relief to the people and not just form a committee to probe issues.]]>
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			<title>Governor’s delay helps defamation bill to convert it into law</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470529/governors-delay-helps-defamation-bill-to-convert-it-into-law</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470529/governors-delay-helps-defamation-bill-to-convert-it-into-law#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Jun 24 03:30:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[RAMEEZ KHAN.]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470529</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP condemns acting governor’s assent to the bill]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) attempts to distance itself from the defamation bill that received assent from the acting governor after Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, who had been abroad since earlier this week, delayed its approval for over ten days, either advertently or due to a lack of legal knowledge, thereby paving the way for the bill to become a law.

The controversial defamation bill was passed by the Punjab Assembly on May 20 and later landed at the governor&rsquo;s office.&nbsp;

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider did not approve of the content of this bill and cited a lack of proper deliberation on the issue as a matter of grave concern.

While talking to The Express Tribune, the governor had stated that he would seek permission from the party leadership before returning it to the assembly.&nbsp;

He said that his decision would align with the PPP&rsquo;s policy. His party&rsquo;s provincial leadership was bitterly critical of the bill, and termed it a draconian move to suppress the freedom of media.&nbsp;

The open criticism of the bill and PPP&#39;s claims of their absence during the voting of the bill led many to assume that the Punjab governor would return it to the assembly for reconsideration.

Contrary to the PPP&#39;s public position, the Punjab governor continued to delay action on the bill for over ten days, opting not to return it.

Earlier this week, the governor left for Dubai, and under Article 104 of the Constitution, the charge of his office landed with Provincial Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan.&nbsp;

After assuming charge, Khan gave assent to the bill, effectively converting it into a law.

Under Article 116 of the Constitution, the Punjab governor only had 10 days to give his assent to the bill or send it back, which meant that if the governor had any intention of returning it to the assembly, he would have done so within the stipulated time period.

However, this did not deter his party from claiming that PPP was still against the bill, despite giving their coalition partner an open field.

This was not the first time the PPP adopted a hypocritically confused stance on national issues. Previously, during the constitutional matter of holding elections within 90 days, PPP publicly advocated for timely polls but, during the Council of Common Interests meeting, it sided with parties pushing for an unconstitutional delay of general elections under the pretext of fresh census.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza, reacting to the passage of the Defamation Bill 2024, said that it has been approved in haste and that its consequences would be detrimental. He believed it would have been better to take all the stakeholders on board before passing the bill. PPP considers the defamation bill a restriction on journalism and freedom of expression, he said.&nbsp;

Murtaza accused the acting Punjab governor of taking undue advantage of the situation.&nbsp;

It seems that the PML-N waited for the departure of Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider from the country, Murtaza said, adding that PPP has been expressing its reservations on the bill since day one. &ldquo;Despite the worst media trial of the party leadership, PPP never targeted journalism.&rdquo;

Murtaza noted that the defamation bill garnered immense criticism, particularly from journalists and digital rights activists.&nbsp;

The bill received its final approval from Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, who currently holds the position of acting governor in the absence of Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider.

PPP Central Punjab Information Secretary Shahzad Saeed Cheema, in a press statement issued by the party, reiterated that his party&rsquo;s stance on the defamation bill was clear and unwavering. He emphasized that questioning anyone&#39;s intentions regarding the approval of the bill is unjustifiable.

In a statement, Cheema asserted that undermining freedom of expression with allegations was not their style.
He stressed that blaming the Punjab governor for this issue is equivalent to defamation and slander, as Haider&rsquo;s overseas trip was already planned. Linking his personal activities to the approval of the defamation bill is malicious, Cheema said.

A PPP leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that the party would seek answers from the Punjab governor as to why he delayed action on the bill.

He said that the PPP had wanted the bill to be returned with suggestions, expecting the Punjab governor to engage with all stakeholders to seek their input point by point.

He said that this only reflects his lack of legal knowledge, as there was no malice on his part.
&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Govt draws PPP flak over Karachi blackouts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470399/govt-draws-ppp-flak-over-karachi-blackouts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470399/govt-draws-ppp-flak-over-karachi-blackouts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 24 05:41:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470399</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[MNAs accuse govt of downplaying power crisis severity]]>
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				<![CDATA[Tempers flared in the National Assembly on Friday as PPP lawmakers came out swinging against K-Electric and the federal government over the ongoing power crisis in Karachi.

PPP lawmakers threw down the gauntlet, challenging they would resign if they failed to substantiate claims of 16 to 20 hours of daily power outages in the city. They went on to accuse the government of downplaying the severity of the situation.

The heated debate arose amid reports of extensive power outages in several Karachi neighbourhoods, including Korangi, Lyari, North Karachi, and Surjani, which are experiencing over 12 hours of loadshedding daily during the sweltering summer heat.

Minister of State for Finance, Revenue, and Power Division Ali Pervaiz Malik addressed the assembly, stating that K-Electric had achieved zero loadshedding on 1,500 out of 2,109 feeders in Karachi.&nbsp;

He responded to a calling attention notice by explaining that loadshedding of 6 to 10 hours was occurring on feeders with higher losses.

&quot;The losses of ten feeders have exceeded 25%, and efforts are being made to reduce these losses with the help of local administration and public representatives,&quot; Malik said, asserting that no areas were experiencing 16-hour blackouts.

Read&nbsp;PPP blasts govt over Karachi blackouts

PPP MNA Nabeel Gabol contested Malik&rsquo;s statement, insisting that his Lyari constituency faced 16-hour outages. He accused the minister of being misled by inaccurate reports from departments. Gabol challenged Malik to resign if the actual loadshedding duration exceeded 10 hours, promising to resign himself if it did not.

Malik explained that the electricity tariff was regulated by the National Electrical Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and that price hikes were due to fuel price adjustments, not changes in electricity rates.&nbsp;

He acknowledged that technical issues could cause outages exceeding 10 hours and assured that the concerns of National Assembly members would be addressed.

The minister promised to visit Karachi to resolve the issue, maintaining that agreements on net metering would not be compromised. He highlighted the government&rsquo;s commitment to promoting renewable energy and addressing transformer losses to alleviate problems for consumers on high-loss feeders]]>
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			<title>Kerfuffle in the House over the chair</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470383/kerfuffle-in-the-house-over-the-chair</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470383/kerfuffle-in-the-house-over-the-chair#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jun 24 03:46:51 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470383</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PTI calls out PPP senator for presiding over the session in presence of deputy chairman ]]>
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				<![CDATA[The upper house of parliament on Friday saw tensions flare as the treasury and opposition lawmakers locked horns over the presiding authority with the PTI calling out PPP Senator Palwasha Khan for chairing the session in the presence of Deputy Chairman Senate Syedal Khan Nasir.

Initially, Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani presided over the proceedings but left 40 minutes into the session, after which Senator Palwasha took the chair.&nbsp;

This drew immediate criticism from PTI Senator Fauzia Arshad, who lamented, &quot;Regrettably, Palwasha is presiding while the deputy chairman is present.&quot; Palwasha countered, saying it was the chairman&#39;s prerogative to make that decision and that the deputy chairman had arrived after she had already begun officiating the proceedings.

Repeatedly interrupted by Senator Arshad, Palwasha kept on urging the opposition lawmakers to decide among themselves who they wanted to speak next.&nbsp;

Leader of the opposition in the Senate Shibli Faraz said, &quot;Don&rsquo;t make a mockery of the House and don&rsquo;t damage its sanctity. This is no way that you seat the deputy chairman, who has a role in the chairman&rsquo;s absence, and make him a decoration piece.&quot;

A heated exchange followed between the opposition leader and Palwasha, with the latter insisting the deputy chairman arrived after her. Faraz maintained that Nasir was already seated in the Senate. Palwasha asked the opposition leader to mind his tone, to which the senator questioned her manner of speaking.

&quot;I am speaking to you the same way you&rsquo;re speaking to me,&quot; she retorted before turning to the treasury benches and giving the mic to Rana Mehmoodul Hassan.

As the shouting continued from the opposition benches, Palwasha chastised them, saying, &quot;Fine, continue to create a ruckus. I choose to ignore you.&quot; She then ordered PPP Senator Farooq Naek be given the mic, stating, &quot;I do not fall for this hooliganism, and this cannot go on.&quot;

Faraz interrupted Naek, calling it &quot;shameful&quot; that the PML-N had sent its own chairman out of the House. Palwasha shot back, &quot;It&rsquo;s alright, he doesn&rsquo;t have an issue with this.&quot;

Naek defended Palwasha&#39;s role, stating, &quot;The Senate chairman gives a list of presiding officers. Who presides in his absence is the prerogative of the chairman. He can tell any presiding officer to preside over the session. And the way you are presiding right now, this is within the Senate rules.&quot;&nbsp;

Palwasha echoed his sentiment, asserting, &quot;The purpose of this uproar is just disruption.&quot;

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Senator Attaur Rehman added that the session should start after the chairman and deputy chairman arrive, deeming it inappropriate for someone else to preside while the deputy chairman was present.&nbsp;

&quot;It would be better if you call the deputy chairman to come sit in this seat, that will be appropriate, otherwise, we will walk out against this behaviour,&quot; Rehman said. Palwasha responded that her role was by the rules.

The opposition benches began chanting &quot;chor, chor&quot; (thief, thief) while PML-N Senator Talal Chaudhry commented, &quot;I want to thank the opposition leader and PTI that they have so much love for the PML-N deputy chairman. They only have to protest and don&rsquo;t look at the rules or situation; they only play to the gallery.&quot;

The presiding officer subsequently adjourned the meeting till 5pm on Monday.

Meanwhile, the session also debated the contentious issue of women having to carry their ex-husband&rsquo;s name on passports. Senator Samina Mumtaz called it &quot;ridiculous&quot; and questioned the logic behind such a law, suggesting the identity card should bear the father&rsquo;s name instead.

&quot;Instead of improving our passport rankings, we&rsquo;re discriminating against women,&quot; she said. &quot;If you want women to carry the names of their ex-husbands, then make men carry the names of their ex-wives too.&quot;

Senator Riaz Pirzada noted that the high court had struck down the proposal and given women the option to add their father&rsquo;s name. He recommended referring the matter to the standing committee for consultation.

Senator Faraz agreed, highlighting the need to update family laws as the current situation posed problems for many women and families. Senator Rehman concurred but suggested seeking the opinion of the Islamic Ideology Council, a proposal that faced objections from women senators.

Chairman Gilani concluded by referring the matter to the standing committee, noting that issues concerning women and minorities fell under his jurisdiction.
&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>PPP blasts govt over Karachi blackouts</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470359/ppp-blasts-govt-over-karachi-blackouts</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470359/ppp-blasts-govt-over-karachi-blackouts#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jun 24 19:02:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470359</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[MNAs accuse govt of downplaying power crisis severity]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Tempers flared in the National Assembly on Friday as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) members came out swinging against K-Electric and the federal government over the ongoing power crisis in Karachi.

PPP lawmakers threw down the gauntlet, challenging they would resign if they failed to substantiate claims of 16 to 20 hours of daily power outages in the city. They went on to accuse the government of downplaying the severity of the situation.

The heated debate arose amid reports of extensive power outages in several Karachi neighbourhoods, including Korangi, Lyari, North Karachi, and Surjani, which are experiencing over 12 hours of loadshedding daily during the sweltering summer heat.

Minister of State for Finance, Revenue, and Power Division Ali Pervaiz Malik addressed the assembly, stating that K-Electric had achieved zero loadshedding on 1,500 out of 2,109 feeders in Karachi.

He responded to a calling attention notice by explaining that loadshedding of 6 to 10 hours was occurring on feeders with higher losses.

&quot;The losses of ten feeders have exceeded 25%, and efforts are being made to reduce these losses with the help of local administration and public representatives,&quot; Malik said, asserting that no areas were experiencing 16-hour blackouts.

Also read:&nbsp;Prolonged load-shedding triggers agitations in Karachi

PPP MNA Nabeel Gabol contested Malik&rsquo;s statement, insisting that his Lyari constituency faced 16-hour outages. He accused the minister of being misled by inaccurate reports from departments. Gabol challenged Malik to resign if the actual loadshedding duration exceeded 10 hours, promising to resign himself if it did not.

Malik explained that the electricity tariff was regulated by the National Electrical Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) and that price hikes were due to fuel price adjustments, not changes in electricity rates.

He acknowledged that technical issues could cause outages exceeding 10 hours and assured that the concerns of National Assembly members would be addressed.

The minister promised to visit Karachi to resolve the issue, maintaining that agreements on net metering would not be compromised. He highlighted the government&rsquo;s commitment to promoting renewable energy and addressing transformer losses to alleviate problems for consumers on high-loss feeders.]]>
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			<title>K-P Governor Kundi accuses CM Gandapur of murder</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470123/k-p-governor-kundi-accuses-cm-gandapur-of-murder</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2470123/k-p-governor-kundi-accuses-cm-gandapur-of-murder#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jun 24 15:08:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2470123</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[What can you expect from a chief minister who is an accused murderer, says PPP leader]]>
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				<![CDATA[Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has made serious allegations against Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, claiming he is involved in the murder of a provincial minister and other political figures.

In an interview with a private radio channel on Thursday, Governor Kundi criticised Gandapur, stating, &quot;What can you expect from a chief minister who is an accused murderer?&quot; He elaborated that Gandapur faces charges related to the murder of his own provincial minister and has also been accused of involvement in the killing of a political figure in Dera Ismail Khan.

&quot;Such a chief minister cannot be expected to deliver good governance,&quot; Kundi remarked. &quot;Yet, it is somewhat amusing to hear his statements. It shows that he is feeling the pressure, so let him speak.&quot;

Kundi also referred to Gandapur&#39;s comments about having the power to &quot;switch on and off&quot; the government, responding cryptically, &quot;I have a button which, once turned off, will not turn on again. I will reveal what this button is at the right time.&quot;

Also read:&nbsp;K-P CM threatens to expel Kundi from Governor House

Taking a jab at Gandapur&#39;s mental state, Kundi suggested, &quot;If the chief minister is suffering from depression, he should seek medication for it rather than fearing me.&quot;

Governor Kundi emphasised his commitment to democracy and his long-standing position against turning &quot;political orphans&quot; into martyrs. &quot;I belong to a party that believes in democracy,&quot; he said. &quot;I have always maintained that I will never let political orphans become political martyrs.&quot;

&quot;They are trying to become political martyrs, but I will thwart their attempts,&quot; he added.]]>
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			<title>Bilawal unveils PPP govt 5-year priority map</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469983/bilawal-unveils-ppp-govt-5-year-priority-map</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469983/bilawal-unveils-ppp-govt-5-year-priority-map#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jun 24 19:28:29 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2469983</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Solar energy, education, labourers, women welfare top of list]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) provincial government is committed to providing free solar energy to the poor people and promote solar parks under public-private partnership mode, said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari unveiling a priority roadmap for his party&#39;s provincial government in Sindh.

Outlining the key objectives for the Sindh government&#39;s current five-year term, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari emphasised the following priorities: the implementation of solar energy initiatives, the welfare of labourers, improvements in education, the promotion of public-private partnerships in the mines and minerals sector, the provision of modern and affordable transport facilities, enhancing law and order, the rehabilitation of flood victims, and the immediate allocation of residential plot ownership rights to women from flood-affected families.

The PPP chairman urged provincial ministers and legislators to maintain constant engagement with the public, empathise with their struggles, and amplify their voices.

Addressing the current political situation, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed that the public is weary of the ongoing politics of hatred and division in Islamabad, noting widespread national disillusionment with such divisive tactics.

Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, at a Provincial Parliamentary Party meeting, urged provincial ministers and legislators to address the province&#39;s issues and boost development efforts. Highlighting PPP&#39;s historic victory, he stressed the need for hard work to meet public expectations. He called on MPAs to attend the House regularly, stay in touch with their constituents, and support them in times of need, asserting that genuine connection, not just big projects, garners support.

PPP chairman urged his MPAs to end the politics of transfer-postings, advocating for merit-based appointments and transfers to improve government performance. He emphasized the need for ministers and legislators to monitor officers&#39; performance to enhance service delivery. Highlighting the negative impact of infighting within the party on governance, Bhutto Zardari stressed the importance of teamwork and serving the poor. He shared a five-year plan with the Sindh Chief Minister, prioritizing free electricity through solar power and developing green solar parks via public-private partnerships. Addressing the education sector, he noted that 50% of schools in Sindh were damaged by floods, with the provincial government allocating funds for reconstruction and hopes for federal support.

Bilawal emphasised the need to prioritise addressing the problems faced by our people. &quot;Why should we concern ourselves with what Imran Khan is doing?&quot; he questioned. &quot;He has his own legal matters to address.&quot; He highlighted that people are growing increasingly disillusioned with the politics of hatred and division prevailing in Islamabad.

Chairman Bilawal extended his appreciation to PPP Women Wing Central President and MPA Faryal Talpur for her consistent engagement with party workers across Sindh.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2024.]]>
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			<title>Bilawal urges govt to focus on public issues, not Imran Khan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469929/bilawal-urges-govt-to-focus-on-public-issues-not-imran-khan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469929/bilawal-urges-govt-to-focus-on-public-issues-not-imran-khan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Jun 24 14:15:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2469929</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[PPP chairman says people are fed up with politics of hatred]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday expressed his discontent with the politics of hate and urged the government to shift its focus from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to addressing public issues.

&quot;The people of Pakistan are not interested in the politics of hatred. They want solutions to their problems. Our information department should also focus on resolving issues, not on what Imran Khan is doing. It makes no difference to people; he has his own cases to deal with,&rdquo; Bilawal said while speaking at a meeting of the PPP&rsquo;s parliamentary party in Sindh.

The PPP chairman emphasised the importance of genuine democratic behaviour, warning that the absence of such an approach leads to continual losses. &quot;We must focus on our work. It is our responsibility to deliver performance,&quot; he added.

Read more:&nbsp;&lsquo;Imran Khan to walk free from jail soon&rsquo;

Acknowledging the high expectations of the public, Bilawal said that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has apprised him of the challenging economic situation and uncertainty regarding funds from the federal government for various projects

&ldquo;We will make every effort [to address these challenges]. I know Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will fulfil his promise and resolve these issues before the budget,&rdquo; he added.

He stressed the need to improve services within limited resources. &quot;We must concentrate on enhancing our services with the resources we have.&quot;

Bilawal highlighted the PPP&#39;s historic success and called for relentless effort to meet public expectations. &quot;Our ministers must work diligently and visibly.&quot;

Also read:&nbsp;Mushahid demands Imran&rsquo;s release

He urged an end to the politics of transfers and postings, emphasising the selection of competent individuals to improve performance. &quot;We must give our teams the opportunity to complete their tasks.&quot;

The former foreign minister warned against internal conflicts affecting party and government performance. &quot;During elections, I refrained from discussing this, but now it should not impact our performance.&quot;

Expressing dismay over the prevalent politics of hate in the country, Bilawal said, &quot;The public is very disappointed with the politics of hate happening in Islamabad, and truthfully, this kind of politics is prevalent across the country. The government, assembly, and everyone should focus on public issues and be their voice. We will work together to find solutions.&quot;

He expressed full confidence in the Sindh police&#39;s capability to combat terrorism. &quot;Our regional circumstances are directly linked to our crime situation.&quot;

Concluding his address, Bilawal mentioned instructing the chief minister to review cabinet performance every six months. &quot;We will review reports like a school assessment. I will take reports from the chief minister on all ministers. All members should maintain public contact, ministers should be accessible, and specific days should be allocated for public availability.&quot;

He directed ministers to ensure that party organisations and workers have no complaints about their interactions with assembly members or ministers. &quot;If they want to meet you, be available. If they have any work, make an effort to assist them.&quot;]]>
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			<title>Body formed to mull PPP move to join cabinets: Kundi</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469529/body-formed-to-mull-ppp-move-to-join-cabinets-kundi</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469529/body-formed-to-mull-ppp-move-to-join-cabinets-kundi#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jun 24 07:05:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2469529</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[K-P governor says party’s CEC to make final decision]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A committee has been formed to discuss whether or not the PPP will join the federal and Punjab cabinets, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who belongs to the party, said on Sunday.

However, Kundi, accompanied by his Punjab counterpart and fellow party leader Sardar Saleem Haider, told the media in Lahore that the final decision in this connection would be made by the PPP&#39;s Central Executive Committee.

Recently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during his interaction with a PPP delegation, again extended an invitation to the party to join the federal government. However, the delegation told the premier that the final decision in this connection would be made by PPP co-chairperson, President Asif Ali Zardari, and his son, party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

The premier&rsquo;s invitation came a day after Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, who belongs to the PPP, said his party might join the PML-N&rsquo;s Punjab government.

Gilani, who was talking to reporters at his residence, said his party leadership could consider joining the cabinet of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz if provided with &ldquo;proper space&rdquo; in the province.

The PPP, the third-largest party in the National Assembly, supported the PML-N to form a government in the Centre in the wake of the February 8 general elections but chose not to become part of the cabinet of PM Shehbaz.

The party currently holds constitutional positions including the president, Senate chairman, NA deputy speaker, as well as governors in Punjab and K-P provinces.

Last month, there were reports that the PML-N and PPP were close to finalising a power-sharing deal and Bilawal was likely to return as the country&rsquo;s foreign minister.

However, PPP sources dismissed these reports, saying that the party would not join the federal cabinet before the presentation of the budget in parliament or even after it.

During his media interaction in Lahore, the K-P governor stressed the need for the government and political parties to work together in the face of the plethora of crises confronting the country.

&ldquo;Pakistan is passing through a difficult time. The government and political parties should play their role to tackle it ... [They should] work beyond their political interests,&rdquo; he added.

He credited the PPP for the 18th and 19th constitutional amendments.

Kundi emphasised there should be no clash between state institutions and all of them should work within their respective parameters.

He pointed out that proper forums were available for those who had objections over the election results.

The K-P governor said those who were involved in last year&rsquo;s violence on May 9 should be brought to justice.]]>
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			<title>PTI rejects govt's strings-attached talks offer</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469368/pti-rejects-govts-strings-attached-talks-offer</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2469368/pti-rejects-govts-strings-attached-talks-offer#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jun 24 04:55:21 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Rizwan Shehzad  ]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=2469368</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Says reconciliation with ‘mandate thieves, national criminals’ out of question]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) fired back on Saturday at the ruling alliance&#39;s offers for dialogue with strings attached, reiterating its founding chairman Imran Khan&rsquo;s post-February 8 general election stance against talks with the PML-N, PPP, or MQM-P.

In a statement, a PTI spokesperson lambasted Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Faisal Karim Kundi for their &ldquo;absurd statements&rdquo; about talks.

The spokesperson declared that the &ldquo;fraudulently imposed people&rdquo; lacked the mandate and authority to slash fuel prices, let alone negotiate with PTI.

The response from PTI came just a day after the deputy PM asserted that there would be no talks with those attacking state institutions, labelling such actions as &ldquo;acts of rebellion.&rdquo;

Reportedly, the foreign minister stressed his belief in political negotiation and reconciliation but drew a firm line against actions targeting the state.

K-P Governor Kundi also expressed his readiness to talk with PTI if the party apologizes for past mistakes, urging PTI to play its role in parliament instead of making noise.

In a strongly-worded retort to Dar and Kundi&rsquo;s statements, the PTI spokesperson described the invitation to the country&#39;s largest political party for talks by the &ldquo;mandate stealing puppets&rdquo; who came to power with the help of &ldquo;fake Form 47&rdquo; as extremely ridiculous.

The spokesperson said that those who stole public mandates in the dark of the night and unlawfully imposed on the nation through forged form 47 hold no authority, nor do any of their words or actions have any value.

He stated that the Sharifs and Zardari&rsquo;s &ldquo;courtiers&rdquo; were making hues and cries under the pretext of a new propaganda campaign every day, saying it was a clear indication that the end of their &ldquo;illegitimate power&rdquo; was near.

He stated that &ldquo;national criminals who seized powers with the help of striking secret deals and corruption under the auspices of powerful circles&rdquo; have no authority to make decisions in the national interest.

&ldquo;There was no room for reconciliation with the thieves and national criminals who had been looting the country by coming into power through deals with the powerful,&rdquo; the spokesperson said. He pointed out that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s authority was challenged last night when his statement reducing the prices of petroleum products was changed within minutes by the finance ministry.

Similarly, he recalled, there were several people like PML-N leader Javed Latif in the ranks of the ruling alliance testifying to the fact that they had been imposed on the people through poll rigging.

PTI reiterated that Imran Khan has made it clear that &ldquo;there will be no talks with the three parties with fake mandate PML-N, PPP and MQM-P.&rdquo;

After pushing the country into a dead-end politically and economically, he said, &ldquo;they were now begging for direct negotiations with the country&rsquo;s largest and only national-level party.&rdquo;

He concluded by saying that after seizing power through &ldquo;illegitimate means and massive loot and plunder,&rdquo; they should seek forgiveness from the nation for their crimes and &ldquo;return the public mandate rather than begging for talks.&rdquo;]]>
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			<title>PML-N, PPP invite PTI to ‘meaningful’ talks</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468469/pml-n-ppp-invite-pti-to-meaningful-talks</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468469/pml-n-ppp-invite-pti-to-meaningful-talks#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 May 24 04:10:55 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Acting president Gilani, Planning Minister Iqbal urge opposition to shun street protests]]>
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				<![CDATA[The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), two major components of the ruling coalition, have invited the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to abandon street protests and engage in political dialogue with the government.

Acting President Yousuf Raza Gilani and Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal both emphasized the government&#39;s openness to talks, but stressed that the PTI must decide with whom it wants to negotiate.

Speaking separately to the media, Gilani, in Lahore, reiterated the government&#39;s willingness to negotiate. However, he noted that the PTI seems intent on negotiating with someone else. &ldquo;The PTI wants to carve its path by confronting the establishment and the government in court,&rdquo; he remarked.

&ldquo;[Our] doors are open for meaningful talks but the PTI will have to decide with whom they wanted to negotiate,&rdquo; said Gilani. He emphasised that the country currently suffered instability, therefore, all political leaders must come on the same page.

The acting president recalled that during their time in opposition under the PTI-led government, they were willing to engage in political talks, despite the PTI&#39;s reluctance to do the same even while in power.

In response to a question, Gilani emphasized that the PPP remains committed to supporting the current government, noting that internal consultations are ongoing regarding their potential involvement in the cabinet. &ldquo;The PPP has never indicated that it is not part of the government; we are aligned with the government in all matters,&rdquo; he told reporters.

He further explained, &ldquo;Consultations within the party are underway regarding joining the ministries. Following these discussions, a decision will be made about participating in the cabinet at both the Centre and in Punjab.&rdquo; Gilani reiterated, &ldquo;The Pakistan Peoples Party is part of the government and supports it in all endeavors.&rdquo;

In response to another question regarding the defamation bill, Gilani said that there had been a detailed discussion with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in this regard. Bilawal, he added, had gone to meet President Asif Zardari, and when he returned, he would give his action plan.

However, the acting president emphasised that concerns of journalists regarding the defamation bill, recently passed by the Punjab Assembly, should be removed. He refrained from responding to a query about judiciary-establishment differences. He also said that people should get relief in the budget.

Meanwhile, speaking to the media after distributing laptops among students at the University of Narowal, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that the government&rsquo;s doors were open to all parties for purposeful and meaningful negotiations.

&ldquo;The PTI is in the government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and they should serve the people there. I advise the PTI leadership to shun streets [protests] and enter the [parliamentary] houses to play a positive role as opposition,&rdquo; he added.

In the same breath, the minister criticised the PTI, saying that the party wanted to use the courts after being defeated in politics. &ldquo;The PTI wants to make its way by fighting the establishment and the government in the court,&rdquo; he charged.

He claimed that there was uncertainty in the country because of a court decision. &ldquo;Our doors are open to all parties for purposeful and meaningful negotiations but purposeful and meaningful negotiations can only happen when the parties negotiate with a positive agenda,&rdquo; he said.

The minister also said that the nation could never forgive the events of May 9. He expressed the hope that the next five years would save the economy from political confrontation. He stressed that there should not be the game of rallies anymore rather &ldquo;we should compete for public service&rdquo;.

The planning minister stressed that the country&rsquo;s economy was headed in the right direction as the stock market index had crossed the 76,000 mark. &ldquo;This shows strong confidence of foreign and domestic investors in the policies of the government,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;We have given around 1 million laptops to youth and a politician made fun of us. But today, Pakistan is the third largest free-lancing country in the world. We want to give the youth a digital platform that can be used to make this country one of the top 10 economies of the world on its 100th birthday.&rdquo;

Earlier, Iqbal told the ceremony that an incompetent government was imposed on the country through rigged elections in 2018. &ldquo;The country is suffering after it was handed over to an incompetent politician. Due to his hate-based policies, Pakistan suffered internal unrest and extremism,&rdquo; he said.

&ldquo;Instead of promoting a culture of abuses and hate, we are providing modern higher education, digital training and equal employment opportunities to the youth. The current government has changed the direction of the country and there is stability and improvement in every sector,&rdquo; he said.]]>
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			<title>PM reinvites PPP to join cabinet</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468473/pm-reinvites-ppp-to-join-cabinet</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468473/pm-reinvites-ppp-to-join-cabinet#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 May 24 04:24:10 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Party says final decision to be made by Zardari, Bilawal]]>
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				<![CDATA[A day after a PPP leader hinted at the party&#39;s willingness to join the PML-N led Punjab government, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again invited the PPP to join the federal cabinet.

On Sunday, a PPP delegation called on the prime minister to discuss the political situation and the upcoming federal budget.

The delegation included Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Syed Naveed Qamar, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and Sherry Rehman. The government team comprised Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Advisor Rana Sanaullah, and Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.

According to sources, the delegation demanded a people-friendly budget with a 20% to 25% increase in the salaries and pensions of government employees. They also urged for the expedited provision of funds for flood victims and development projects in Sindh, to which the prime minister gave a positive assurance.

The sources said that during the interaction, the PM once again extended an invitation to the party to join the federal government. The delegation stated that a final decision in this regard would be made by PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

On Saturday, Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, who belongs to the PPP, said his party might join the PML-N&rsquo;s Punjab government.&rdquo; Gilani, who was talking to reporters at his residence, said his party leadership could consider joining the cabinet of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz if provided with &ldquo;proper space&rdquo; in the province.

The PPP, the third-largest party in the National Assembly, supported the PML-N to form a government in the Center in the wake of the February 8 general elections but chose not to become part of the cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The party currently holds constitutional positions like that of the president, Senate chairman, National Assembly deputy speaker, and governors in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.]]>
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			<title>Sindh vows to provide up to 100 units of free electricity</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468151/sindh-vows-to-provide-up-to-100-units-of-free-electricity</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468151/sindh-vows-to-provide-up-to-100-units-of-free-electricity#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 24 15:44:10 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Provincial minister Nasir Hussain Shah says PPP will not allow taxes to be imposed on solar power]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Friday announced that the Sindh government plans to establish solar parks to contribute electricity to the national grid, saying that the initiative aims to provide free electricity for up to 100 units to consumers in the province.

Shah emphasised that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will not allow taxes to be imposed on solar power.

Addressing the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce &amp; Industry (FPCCI), Shah assured that the government would consider the business community&#39;s energy suggestions. &quot;We have raised the issue of load-shedding and overbilling with the Ministry of Energy and demanded on platforms like CCI and NEC that no taxes be imposed on solar power,&quot; he said.

Read more:&nbsp;Experts call cap on solar energy &lsquo;insane&rsquo;

Elaborating on the government&#39;s plans, Shah mentioned, &quot;We are developing a programme to provide free electricity for up to 100 units. Electricity generated from solar parks will be fed into the national grid. We have instructed power companies to ensure that electricity up to 100 units is free. The PPP&#39;s stance is clear that imposing taxes on solar power is highly inappropriate, and we have reiterated this in the Senate.&quot;

The provincial minister highlighted the allocation of 600 acres each in Malir and West districts of Karachi for solar parks, with another being developed in Jamshoro.

&quot;Solar is a very successful model, with three programmes already in progress. We invite collaboration with the government on this model,&quot; he added.

Also read:&nbsp;&#39;Sindh to resist tax on solar panels&#39;

The minister noted that Sindh provides the cheapest electricity to the national grid, particularly from Thar coal, at 5.50 rupees per unit. &quot;Our second project offers electricity at 15 rupees per unit, while the country produces it at 60 rupees per unit. The constitution grants provinces the first right to this power,&quot; Shah explained. He also mentioned the commencement of projects in three additional blocks, with the potential for 100 power plants in Thar.]]>
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			<title>Seeking a ‘Karachi Package’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468012/seeking-a-karachi-package</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2468012/seeking-a-karachi-package#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 24 18:42:10 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[Despite being Pakistan’s economic hub, Karachi is  grappling with infrastructural challenges]]>
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				<![CDATA[The agreement between MQM-Pakistan and PPP to work together in seeking a &ldquo;Karachi Package&rdquo; from the federal government is a commendable example of how rival parties should put politics aside to work in the interest of their constituents. Karachi desperately needs infrastructure investment. Despite being Pakistan&rsquo;s economic hub, it has long been grappling with infrastructural challenges, including inadequate public transport, water and sanitation issues, and traffic congestion. Meanwhile, the local and provincial governments also have serious payroll and pension issues to address. Financial support from Islamabad for the infrastructure issues would free up local funding for payroll and pensions.

The PPP already controls the Sindh government, which makes Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab&rsquo;s work significantly easier, but despite also being allies with the PML-N government in Islamabad, the federal government&rsquo;s precarious financial situation means that pushing for extra funding will require all hands on deck. Incidentally, MQM-P also sits on the government benches and is the fourth-largest party in the parliament. With the PPP still not officially a full part of the ruling coalition, the MQM-P is technically the second biggest coalition member and should, in theory at least, be able to sway the PML-N in some ways, especially since the PPP is unlikely to threaten to use its trump card &mdash; walking away and causing the government to lose a confidence vote. 

Speeches from MQM-P leaders after a recent meeting with PPP leaders suggest that the party would play the role of a &lsquo;friendly opposition&rsquo; to focus on getting things done. While critics may cry foul, given the PPP&rsquo;s outright majority in the Sindh Assembly, this makes sense &mdash; the PPP can pass whatever legislation it wants, so the only way for the MQM-P to be relevant and visible until the next election cycle is to work with the PPP so it can claim partial credit for some legislation, while also drawing attention to areas that need them.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2024.

Like Opinion &amp; Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.

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			<title>Ali Qasim Gilani bags NA-148 Multan</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2467285/ali-qasim-gilani-bags-na-148-multan</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/2467285/ali-qasim-gilani-bags-na-148-multan#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 May 24 07:20:27 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[Our Correspondent]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
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				<![CDATA[SIC’s Barrister Taimur Malik comes in second in by-election]]>
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				<![CDATA[PPP candidate Ali Qasim Gilani, son of Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, on Sunday emerged victorious in the by-election for National Assembly constituency NA-148 Multan.

According to the unofficial results, Ali Qasim won the seat with 83,250 votes. His main contestant, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC)/PTI-supported Barrister Taimur Malik, was the runner-up with 51,572 votes.

There were a total of seven candidates in the race for the seat. It was vacated by the senior Gilani, who had also served as a former premier, to become the Senate chairman.

On learning about Ali Qasim&rsquo;s victory, PPP jiyalas (diehard supporters) thronged the Gilani House in Multan for celebrations.

The jiyalas danced the traditional bhangra on the sounds of the drums and carried Ali Qasim on their shoulders.

The PML-N did not field its candidate as it announced that it would support Ali Qasim.

Read PML-N wins lion&rsquo;s share in by-elections

After Ali Qasim&rsquo;s success, a unique record has been set.

His father is the Senate chairman, two brothers Ali Musa Gilani and Abdul Qadir Gilani are members of the NA, a third brother Ali Haider is an MPA and now he himself has become an MNA.

Speaking to the media, Ali Qasim expressed his gratitude to the Bhutto family and his father for giving him the ticket for the seat.

He thanked his constituents, especially the youth, saying that he would try to live up to their expectations.
However, SIC&rsquo;s Malik claimed that the election was rigged in a major way.

&ldquo;The turnout was not more than 25%. How did it become 50%?&rdquo; he asked.

PTI leader Zain Qureshi, son of party vice chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, said their mandate was stolen yet again.

MNA Amir Dogar said that they were told a week ago that &ldquo;Gilani sahib&rsquo;s son will win with a lead of 35,000 votes&rdquo;.

He added that they would protest against this result and take to the streets very soon.]]>
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