Senate Defense Committee unanimously adopts resolution, expresses solidarity with armed forces, condemns May 9 vandalism

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Defense, under the chairmanship of Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, convened a significant meeting to discuss matters related to national security and public welfare. The meeting, which was held on Thursday, encompassed an array of agenda items, including the commemoration of Youm-e-Takreem-e-Shuhada, condemnation of the May 9 arson and vandalism incident, and the resolution of a land issue in Turbat, Balochistan.

To commence the proceedings, the committee members paid their respect to the martyrs by offering Fateha on the occasion of Youm-e-Takreem-e-Shuhada Pakistan Day. This solemn moment served as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by the valiant defenders of our nation.

During the meeting, the committee unanimously passed a resolution expressing unwavering solidarity with Pakistan's armed forces and condemning the regrettable incidents of arson and vandalism that occurred on May 9. The resolution reflected the committee's strong commitment to upholding peace, stability, and security within the country and demanded the culprits should be caught and brought to justice, following the due process of law after a transparent investigation.

The Committee also discussed the land issue in Turbat which Senator Naseema Ehsan raised as a point of public importance, prompting the committee to thoroughly investigate the matter.

The officials of the Ministry of Defense, led by Secretary Defence Lieutenant General (Retd) Hamood Uz Zaman Khan HI (M) provided a comprehensive briefing on the issue which was welcomed and appreciated by the Committee.

After hearing the perspectives of all concerned, the committee unanimously concluded that the issue at hand was not one of “land occupation but rather of land transfer”. The Committee unanimously observed that the “land was acquired by Pakistan Navy lawfully from the Government of Balochistan and by fulfilling all the formalities, including payment of all amounts due’.

The committee while disposing of the matter emphasized that the matter is subjudice in the Supreme Court and the responsibility for resolving this issue lies with the Government of Balochistan as compensation had already been paid. In the interest of the province and its inhabitants, the committee directed the Pakistan Navy to engage in dialogue with the affected individuals to resolve the issue amicably. The matter was referred to Chairman Senate for coordination with Balochistan government.

Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, the Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defense, expressed his satisfaction with the meeting's outcomes. He highlighted the committee's commitment to ensuring justice, accountability, and the welfare of all citizens. Senator Sayed acknowledged the invaluable role played by the armed forces in safeguarding the nation's interests and called for continued support to strengthen their capabilities.

Youm-e-Takreem-e-Shuhada-e-Pakistan’: Ceremonies held at GHQ, PAF, Navy

RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD: The nation is observing ‘Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan’ on Thursday, to pay rich tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives while protecting the motherland and its people.

In this regard, the main ceremony was held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir visited the martyrs' monument, laid floral wreath and offered fateha.

Later, prominent personalities also laid the floral wreath at the martyrs' monument.

These included amongst others the families of martyrs, students, Senior Veterans, the Inspector General Islamabad police, the Director General Anti Narcotics Force, the Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi, the commissioners of Islamabad and Rawalpindi , Cricketers Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan and Radio Pakistan's Newscaster Ishrat Fatima.

Meanwhile, in connection with Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada e Pakistan, separate ceremonies were held at Naval and PAF Headquarters in Islamabad.

At the Naval headquarters, Naval Chief Amjad Khan Niazai laid floral wreath at the martyrs' monument.

At the PAF headquarters, Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar laid floral wreath at the martyrs' monument.

A ceremony was also held at the JS Headquarters Rawalpindi where floral wreaths were laid at the martyrs' monument.

Contempt of court case: IHC directs IG Police Islamabad to appear in person on May 31

ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has directed IG Islamabad to appear in person before it on May 31 in contempt of court case in connection with re-arresting Shireen Mazari despite court's orders.

The court also has sought written reply from him.

The contempt of court case came up for hearing before single bench of IHC led by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb Thursday.

Imman Mazari appeared in the court along with her counsel Zainab Janjua .

Expressing resentment over non appearance of IG Islamabad, the court remarked "this is contempt of court case. He should have been here.

Additional Attorney General (AAG) said IG is before bench No 1 and he will come here within some time.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb remarked you should have told earlier why the entire machinery of the state is active. You should have told the court this all is politicking and it has no relevance with the cases. Apparently IG preferred Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi order to this court's order.

The court directed IG Islamabad to appear before it in person on May 31.

Audio leaks inquiry: Commission summons 4 persons including son of former CJP on May 27

ISLAMABAD: Audio Leaks inquiry commission has summoned 4 persons including son of former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar.

They four persons which are connected with the alleged audio leaks have been summoned on May 27.

These four persons include president Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Abid Zuberi, journalist Abdul Qayyum Siddiqui and Khawaja Tariq Rahim advocate. Call up notices have been issued to them to appear on May 27.

Inquiry Commission will meet on May 27 in Supreme Court under the justice Qazi Faez Isa.

It is pertinent to mention here federal government has constituted Judicial Commission (JC) on the matter of audio leaks.

The Judges Parliamentary Committee approved the appointment of Iqbal Hameedur Rahman as the Chief Justice of the Federal Sharia Court

ISLAMABAD: The Parliamentary Committee for appointment of judges has approved the appointment of retired justice Iqbal Hameedur Rahman as the Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court.

The meeting was held under Rana Maqbool Ahmed Senator of Parliamentary Committee for appointment of judges on Thursday.

The recommendations of Judicial Commission were reviewed for appointment of Chief Justice of Federal Shariat Court.

The recommendations of Parliamentary Committee have been sent to President

In a few days, the President will formally approve the appointment of retired Chief Justice Iqbal Hameedur Rahman

The Ministry of Law will issue an official notification after the approval of president.

Pakistanis unanimous in condemning the unfortunate events on May: IPSOS Survey

ISLAMABAD: Pakistanis are unanimous in condemning the unfortunate events on May 9.

According to the results of the latest survey conducted by a private non-governmental organization IPSOS titled “Post 9th May Tragedy; Pakistanis’ Sentiments”, nearly 6 out of 10 Pakistanis view 9th May events as “a premeditated act of desecration” of respectable national symbols and military installations, by miscreants. The survey has been released on 23rd May.

According to the survey, 3 in 10 Pakistanis attribute the responsibility for 9th May lawlessness to the governments, while one-fourth nation holds PTI as responsible for this tragedy.

According to the survey 80% acute majority of Pakistanis demands for strict action against the culprits involved in the 9th May catastrophe.

1 in 2 Pakistanis urge Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leadership and workers to condemn 9th May aftermath.

Whole Pakistani nation observes ‘Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan’ to pay rich tribute to the martyrs

RAWALPINDI: The whole Pakistani nation observed ‘Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan’ on Thursday, to pay rich tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives while protecting the motherland and its people.

In this regard, the main ceremony was held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Hafiz Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah visited the martyrs' monument, laid floral wreath and offered fateha.

Later, prominent personalities also laid the floral wreath at the martyrs' monument.

These included amongst others the families of martyrs, students, Senior Veterans, the Inspector General Islamabad Police Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, the Director General Anti Narcotics Force, the Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi, the commissioners of Islamabad and Rawalpindi , Cricketers Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan and Radio Pakistan's Newscaster Ishrat Fatima.

Former army chief retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, former chairman joint chiefs of staff committee General (retd) Nadeem Raza, Chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, former Chairman Ruit-e-Hilal Committee Mufti Munibur Rehman was among the participants. The heirs of martyrs were specially invited to attend the ceremony.

Meanwhile, in connection with Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada e Pakistan, separate ceremonies were held at Naval and PAF Headquarters in Islamabad.

At the Naval headquarters, Naval Chief Amjad Khan Niazai laid floral wreath at the martyrs' monument.

At the PAF headquarters, Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar laid floral wreath at the martyrs' monument.

A ceremony was also held at the JS Headquarters Rawalpindi where floral wreaths were laid at the martyrs' monument.

In remembrance of the courageous heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, numerous events featuring Quran recitation and prayers were organised throughout the country. These gatherings will serve as a platform for the nation to honour the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of the martyrs hailing from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, Frontier Constabulary (FC), police and other law enforcement agencies.

Several commemorative ceremonies were held at the martyrs' memorials located at prominent sites such as the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the Pakistan Naval Headquarters (PN) and the Police Yadgar-e-Suhuda.

These ceremonies paid homage to the heroes and served as a means to honour their sacrifices in regions including Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK), Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and all provincial capitals.

Meanwhile, President Dr. Arif Alvi said the entire nation was proud of its valiant martyrs who displayed the spirit of patriotism and fearlessness in testing times throughout their history.

“The nation owes to the heroism and sacrifices offered by the jawans and officers of our Armed Forces, including Pakistan Army, Rangers, Air Force, Navy, Police, and other security institutions that made Pakistan’s defence impregnable,” the president said in a message on observance of Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan on Thursday.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday urged the nation to pay tribute to the martyrs on Thursday.

In a tweet, the prime minister urged the people, including the children, to visit monuments and graves of martyrs and shower flowers as a sign of affection and respect.

On the eve of Youm-e-Takreem Shuhada-e-Pakistan, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), services chiefs, retired services officers and representatives of civil society paid rich tributes to shuhada (martyrs) who rendered ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for ensuring integrity, sovereignty and honour of the nation and motherland.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release, the sacrifices of Shuhada are eternal, will continue to inspire future generations of countrymen and will never be forgotten, irrespective of vicious propaganda by the enemies of Pakistan.

Shuhada e Pakistan are our heroes & a great asset, whose ultimate sacrifices can never be allowed to be demeaned or undermined by anyone: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: On the eve of Yaum-e-Takreem-e-Shuhada-e-Pakistan, CJCSC, Services Chiefs, retired services’ officers and representatives of civil society pay rich tributes to shuhada of Pakistan who rendered ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty for ensuring integrity, sovereignty and honour of the nation and motherland.

According to a statement issued by the ISPR on Thursday, the sacrifices of Shuhada are eternal, will continue to inspire future generations of countrymen and will never be forgotten, irrespective of vicious propaganda by the enemies of Pakistan. “Today is a day for the entire nation to commemorate and honour each and every Shaheed of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and the Civil Society who laid their lives for upholding the very purpose and ideals Pakistan stands for” the statement said.

“Shuhada e Pakistan are our heroes and a great asset, whose ultimate sacrifices can never be allowed to be demeaned or undermined by anyone. Pakistani nation takes pride and solemnly pledges to remain deeply indebted to them and their proud families. Shuhada were, are and will continue to be our pride, come what may” ISPR said.

There is no difference between the anti-country terrorists and those who committed 9th May incidents: PM Shehbaz

PESHAWAR:Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that those who were involved in ransacking, torching and other miscreant activities on May 9 would be dealt with an iron hand according to the law and the constitution. He said that there is no difference between the anti-country terrorists and those who committed 9th May incidents. PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the incidents of 9th and 10th May severely harmed the sentiments of the 230 million people of the country. Meanwhile PM Shehbaz Sharf has announced immediately start of work for restoration of the historic building of Radio Pakistan Peshawar, which was completely destroyed and set ablaze by the miscreants during violent incidents on 9th and 10th of May.

PM Shehbaz Sharif issued these directives while addressing a ceremony during his visit to Radio Pakistan Peshawar on Thursday. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkwha Haji Ghulam Ali, Caretaker Chief Minister KP Muhammad Azam Khan, Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Interior Affairs Rana Sanuallah Khan, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, Advisor to PM on Political Affairs and PML-N KP President Engineer Emir Muqam Khan, Director General Radio Pakistan, and other authorities were also present on this occasion.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the center from where announcement of Pakistan’s independence was made on 13th and 14th August 1947 was burnt, adding that which kind of patriotism it is, adding that no big enmity with country could be than this. He said that there is no difference between the terrorists and perpetrators of these actions, adding that there is no difference between these people and enemies of Pakistan. PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the whole nation is committed that this will not be allowed to happen again. He said that this kind of incidents even could not be done by our eternal enemy, which were done by our own people while becoming the enemy and terrorist. PM Shehbaz Sharif said that the responsible will be punished according to law and constitution so that no one could dare to repeat it till the Day of Judgment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his dismay over the loss of precious and historic archival record that was completely destroyed and torched by the violent mob.

PM Shehbaz Sharif while lauding the bravery and national spirit of Radio Pakistan employees also distributed cheques of financial assistance for the two staff members who bravely countered the violent mob that attacked the building of the national broadcaster. He said ransacking and arson of the Radio Pakistan building severely hurt the nation.

He said ransacking and arson of Radio Pakistan Peshawar building severely hurt the 230 million people of Pakistan.

He said torching the national broadcaster and its archival record that was preserved since independence of Pakistan by arsonists is not patriotism, but enmity with the nation.

In her remarks, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said the armed gangs attacked Radio Pakistan Peshawar building after complete planning.

She said they torched the entire building and historic archival record despite that the district administration and staff of the Radio Pakistan made their best efforts to stop them.

The Minister said the armed groups will not be spared and strict action will be taken against them according to law.

On this occasion, the Director General Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Tahir Hassan gave a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister about destruction and damages caused by the miscreants.

During the visit, the Prime Minister also announced payment of pending two months salaries to Radio Pakistan employees.