Latest news with #Rehman
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
JUI-F chief criticises Pakistan govt's economic, foreign policies
ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday delivered a scathing critique of the country's current economic and political direction, warning that national policies are increasingly shaped by foreign influences, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking during the ongoing debate on the Finance Bill 2025-26 in National Assembly, Rehman claimed that although the federal budget was presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, it was effectively drafted under the IMF's guidance. He criticised the government for failing to meet GDP growth targets and questioned its claims of economic progress. 'There can be no economic stability without justice for the people,' he said, calling for an end to what he termed political victimisation. Turning to the role of the armed forces, Rehman acknowledged their 'unparalleled' professional and defence capabilities but criticised them for exceeding their constitutional mandate. 'Our military performed commendably in recent clashes with India, largely because the nation was united behind it,' he said. 'That unity was missing during the 1971 debacle – what followed needs no explanation. The military must adhere to its constitutional mandate.' He argued that these capabilities could be further strengthened if the military remained within its constitutional boundaries and refrained from interfering in politics. 'It is no secret to anyone how the military influences parliament,' he remarked. 'We've been engaged in the war against terrorism for four decades, yet we still struggle to establish lasting peace in our own country.' On Pakistan's international standing, the JUI-F leader lamented the country's diminished leadership role in the Islamic world. 'We are a nuclear power and ought to be leading the Islamic world. Instead, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has become irrelevant, and the United Nations serves the interests of the United States.' He also criticised recent legislation that sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18, claiming it was passed under pressure from the United Nations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 'Are we being stripped of our intellectual rights,' he asked. 'If this is the agenda being pushed by the powers that be, I will wage a war against it through the platform of parliament.' Commenting on global affairs, Rehman referenced a recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. 'Trump may have said there should be no war between Pakistan and India, or between Iran and Israel. But did he say there should be no war against Palestine? No.' He urged Pakistan to adopt a clear stance in support of Iran and Palestine. 'Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon have already been devastated. Pakistan could be the next.' Taking part in the debate, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) lawmaker Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari urged the government to prioritise education and resolve prolonged power outages disproportionately affecting the country's poor. Lauding her brother, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, for his efforts in promoting Pakistan's image abroad in wake of recent Pakistan-India clashes, Aseefa said the country must unite in the face of adversity. 'If Pakistan faces another crisis, every woman, child, and youth will stand up for it,' she added. She also paid tribute to the armed forces, particularly for their role in recent skirmishes involving the country's nuclear-armed neighbour India. Calling education a national priority, she criticised the persistent under-funding of the sector. 'It is shameful that in 2025, many people are still deprived of electricity,' she said, pointing to load-shedding of up to 15 hours a day in different parts of the country and warning of the toll on working-class communities. She called for increased investment in human development, urgent action on energy shortages, and economic reforms to boost growth and reduce reliance on external lenders. Qamarul Islam voiced confidence that the Budget 2025-26 would lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Amir Dogar advocated for an increase in the minimum wage to 50,000 rupees to alleviate pressure on low-income workers. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal called for a national policy to curb population growth, while Shagufta Jumani urged investment in water reservoirs to combat worsening shortages. Saad Waseem praised the government's economic team for presenting what he called a 'balanced budget,' citing improvements in key indicators. Muhammad Atif stressed that increased tax collection could only come from a stronger economy, not higher rates. On agriculture, Rana Muhammad Hayat proposed a 50 per cent reduction in input costs to boost exports. Amjad Ali Khan said industrial and agricultural development was essential for economic stability. Lawmakers also raised concerns about persistent power shortages. Naz Baloch specifically highlighted the issue of load-shedding in Karachi. Dawar Khan Kundi urged comprehensive reforms across agriculture, industry, services, and banking sectors to end Pakistan's dependency on the IMF. The debate revealed sharp divides along party lines. Opposition lawmakers criticised the budget as anti-poor, while members of the ruling coalition defended it. Some lawmakers from allied parties offered cautious support, raising concerns about implementation and inclusivity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
JUI-F chief criticises govt's economic, foreign policies
ISLAMABAD: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday delivered a scathing critique of the country's current economic and political direction, warning that national policies are increasingly shaped by foreign influences, particularly the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking during the ongoing debate on the Finance Bill 2025-26 in National Assembly, Rehman claimed that although the federal budget was presented by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, it was effectively drafted under the IMF's guidance. He criticised the government for failing to meet GDP growth targets and questioned its claims of economic progress. 'There can be no economic stability without justice for the people,' he said, calling for an end to what he termed political victimisation. Turning to the role of the armed forces, Rehman acknowledged their 'unparalleled' professional and defence capabilities but criticised them for exceeding their constitutional mandate. 'Our military performed commendably in recent clashes with India, largely because the nation was united behind it,' he said. 'That unity was missing during the 1971 debacle – what followed needs no explanation. The military must adhere to its constitutional mandate.' He argued that these capabilities could be further strengthened if the military remained within its constitutional boundaries and refrained from interfering in politics. 'It is no secret to anyone how the military influences parliament,' he remarked. 'We've been engaged in the war against terrorism for four decades, yet we still struggle to establish lasting peace in our own country.' On Pakistan's international standing, the JUI-F leader lamented the country's diminished leadership role in the Islamic world. 'We are a nuclear power and ought to be leading the Islamic world. Instead, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has become irrelevant, and the United Nations serves the interests of the United States.' He also criticised recent legislation that sets the minimum legal age for marriage at 18, claiming it was passed under pressure from the United Nations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). 'Are we being stripped of our intellectual rights,' he asked. 'If this is the agenda being pushed by the powers that be, I will wage a war against it through the platform of parliament.' Commenting on global affairs, Rehman referenced a recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir. 'Trump may have said there should be no war between Pakistan and India, or between Iran and Israel. But did he say there should be no war against Palestine? No.' He urged Pakistan to adopt a clear stance in support of Iran and Palestine. 'Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon have already been devastated. Pakistan could be the next.' Taking part in the debate, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) lawmaker Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari urged the government to prioritise education and resolve prolonged power outages disproportionately affecting the country's poor. Lauding her brother, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, for his efforts in promoting Pakistan's image abroad in wake of recent Pakistan-India clashes, Aseefa said the country must unite in the face of adversity. 'If Pakistan faces another crisis, every woman, child, and youth will stand up for it,' she added. She also paid tribute to the armed forces, particularly for their role in recent skirmishes involving the country's nuclear-armed neighbour India. Calling education a national priority, she criticised the persistent under-funding of the sector. 'It is shameful that in 2025, many people are still deprived of electricity,' she said, pointing to load-shedding of up to 15 hours a day in different parts of the country and warning of the toll on working-class communities. She called for increased investment in human development, urgent action on energy shortages, and economic reforms to boost growth and reduce reliance on external lenders. Qamarul Islam voiced confidence that the Budget 2025-26 would lay the foundation for long-term economic growth. Amir Dogar advocated for an increase in the minimum wage to 50,000 rupees to alleviate pressure on low-income workers. Health Minister Mustafa Kamal called for a national policy to curb population growth, while Shagufta Jumani urged investment in water reservoirs to combat worsening shortages. Saad Waseem praised the government's economic team for presenting what he called a 'balanced budget,' citing improvements in key indicators. Muhammad Atif stressed that increased tax collection could only come from a stronger economy, not higher rates. On agriculture, Rana Muhammad Hayat proposed a 50 per cent reduction in input costs to boost exports. Amjad Ali Khan said industrial and agricultural development was essential for economic stability. Lawmakers also raised concerns about persistent power shortages. Naz Baloch specifically highlighted the issue of load-shedding in Karachi. Dawar Khan Kundi urged comprehensive reforms across agriculture, industry, services, and banking sectors to end Pakistan's dependency on the IMF. The debate revealed sharp divides along party lines. Opposition lawmakers criticised the budget as anti-poor, while members of the ruling coalition defended it. Some lawmakers from allied parties offered cautious support, raising concerns about implementation and inclusivity. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Finance Bill 2025: PBF urges PM to repeal Sections 37AA and 37B
KARACHI: The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has formally appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to repeal Sections 37AA and 37B from the Finance Bill 2025 before its passage in Parliament, citing serious concerns over the adverse impact these provisions could have on legitimate business operations and investor confidence. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, PBF President Khawaja Mehboob ur Rehman expressed deep concern over what he described as 'regressive taxation measures,' particularly those that significantly expand the enforcement powers of the Inland Revenue Services. Rehman pointed to Sections 14AC, 14AD, 37B, and especially 37AA, which authorizes Inland Revenue officers to make arrests, as creating a 'highly concerning environment' that may lead to harassment of businesses. 'These provisions risk damaging the already fragile investor confidence and could have a chilling effect on economic activity across key sectors,' Rehman stated. He called for a serious review and amendment of these clauses prior to the bill's approval. The letter also addressed the government's neglect of the agricultural sector in the Finance Bill, despite agriculture being a devolved subject under the 18th Amendment. Rehman emphasized the need for meaningful fiscal relief and policy incentives, particularly for local cotton production. 'Despite the Ministry of National Food Security's assurances, no GST relief has been offered for domestic cotton, making it difficult for local producers to compete effectively,' the letter read. 'This lack of support not only harms local growers but also undermines Pakistan's textile industry; a vital contributor to employment and exports.' President Rehman reminded the Prime Minister of his longstanding support for the revival of cotton and expressed hope that the concerns of the business community would be addressed urgently. 'We trust your vision and your deep ties with the business community,' he concluded. 'We urge you to ensure that these problematic provisions are repealed before the Finance Bill is finalized.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Radiocontrast film shortage stalls diagnosis at govt hospitals
In Punjab's government hospitals, there are significant challenges in accessing essential imaging services such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and CT (Computed Tomography) scan, despite official claims of free medicines and treatment facilities. Although government hospitals claim to provide immediate access to X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scan services in emergency situations, routine patients, on the other hand, often face long waiting times due to overcrowding. This is in spite of the fact that each quarter, the government disburses billions of rupees to hospitals in Lahore, including the Mayo, General, Services, Jinnah, and Guru Nanak Dev hospitals, to support medical facilities. Abdul Rehman, a resident of Lahore, shared his experience at the Services Hospital, where his brother was taken after an accident. After receiving medical attention in the emergency department, his family encountered a troubling situation when they sought a CT scan and X-ray. 'When I brought my brother to the radiology department, the technician told me that I should take a picture of the reports with my mobile phone since films were not available. I am a poor man, and I do not own a smartphone with a good-quality camera. Eventually I had to sought help from someone else to capture the images, which were then shown to the doctor. Similarly, the X-ray image was simply printed on plain paper,' said Rehman. According to the Health Department, government hospitals across Punjab are grappling with severe financial challenges. Although the Punjab government recently released additional funds worth Rs2 billion to support hospital operations, the issues plaguing the healthcare system persist. In recent years, the government has upgraded hospital infrastructure, renovated buildings, and increased annual budgets however, the rapidly growing population has led to a surge in the influx of patients, placing immense pressure on public healthcare facilities. Public health expert, Dr Muhammad Ajmal, highlighted the fact the increasing population in the country necessitated the construction of more hospitals. 'Currently, the situation has become such that X-ray, MRI and CT scan films are not available, due to which patients have to take photos on their phones. Doctors check reports on their phones, and this practice is becoming a part of their routine. At present, resources are scarce, but doctors are doing their job within these resources. More hospitals should be built and the number of radiological machines should also be increased,' said Dr Ajmal. At the same time, it is also worth emphasizing that private-sector healthcare has become increasingly unaffordable for many citizens. Over the past three years, the prices of medical supplies have skyrocketed, but the budget allocation for government hospitals has not kept pace. Despite government funding, the gap remains unfilled. Similarly, the prices of imported X-ray, MRI, and CT scan films have increased significantly due to the rise in the dollar's value, much like the raw materials for medicines. Although medicines are being provided, shortages are still observed. Sources have reported that the budget allocations for government hospitals are determined based on the number of beds each facility has. For instance, the Mayo Hospital, which has 2,484 beds, receives an annual allocation of Rs3.3 million per bed. However, other hospitals in Lahore reportedly receive a higher per-bed allocation. The correspondent tried contacting the Provincial Health Minister Salman Rafiq however, the official was unable to comment on the matter.
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First Post
11-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
What is Pakistan's Brigade 313 in spotlight after Pak senator's interview?
A recent interview of Pakistani Senator Sherry Rehman with Sky News anchor Yalda Hakim has put a spotlight on a shadowy militant group linked to al-Qaeda — Brigade 313. Rehman's deflections, alongside earlier admissions from Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif about the country's history with terror outfits, have once again highlighted Islamabad's proxy warfare strategies read more Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman found herself at the centre of controversy after evading direct questions about the secretive terror outfit known as Brigade 313, during a recent interview. The interaction, conducted by Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim, has since brought renewed global attention to the group's role within Pakistan and its wider connections to al-Qaeda and other jihadist networks. Rehman repeatedly claimed that 'Pakistan is a changed country' and dismissed several questions as promoting 'India's narrative.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Rehman evaded questions about Brigade 313 Rehman was asked about the alleged involvement of Brigade 313 in terrorist activities, particularly in Kashmir. Citing assessments from the Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium (TRAC), journalist Yalda Hakim questioned whether the group — described as 'al-Qaeda in Pakistan' — was responsible for several attacks targeting India. Rehman responded by questioning the credibility of the sources cited, stating: 'Most of the international analysts you are quoting are strongly aligned with India's narrative. They tell only India's story.' What is Brigade 313? Is it Al Qaeda in Pakistan? I ask Vice President of the Pakistan People's Party Senator Sherry Rehman about ongoing terrorist activity in Pakistan. Watch the full exchange on YouTube. — Yalda Hakim (@SkyYaldaHakim) June 9, 2025 She dismissed the notion that Pakistan continues to support such groups, asserting: 'Pakistan is a changed country now…we are fighting terrorism.' When asked about the Jaish-e-Mohammed's claim that 10 family members of its chief Masood Azhar were killed in Operation Sindoor, Rehman said 'children are not leaders,' and sought to redirect the conversation by pointing to internal insurgencies within India. 'There are 100 insurgencies running in India. Are we responsible for what goes on there? That's what this amounts to…and how does this link to terrorist attack in Kashmir?' she asked. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rehman suggested that such narratives could be easily constructed, saying, 'I don't know who told you this, but I can produce any number of pages saying all this. Perhaps we should also produce a fact sheet and more than a fact sheet…a digital dossier.' What we know about Brigade 313 Brigade 313 is widely considered one of the most secretive and dangerous jihadist formations to have emerged from Pakistan in the early 2000s. The group was founded by Ilyas Kashmiri, a former Pakistani Army Special Services Group (SSG) commando turned al-Qaeda commander. He also held senior positions within Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HUJI), and later served as a key figure in al-Qaeda's South Asian operations. Kashmiri was designated a global terrorist by both the United States and the United Nations before reportedly being killed in a US drone strike in 2011. The name '313' draws from Islamic tradition, referring to the 313 soldiers who fought alongside Prophet Muhammad in the Battle of Badr. This symbolism has been used to frame the group's violent ideology within a broader religious narrative. Brigade 313 is not a standalone organisation but rather a composite outfit operating under al-Qaeda's Lashkar al-Zil or 'Shadow Army.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The group has drawn its operatives from various banned militant organisations such as the Taliban, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), HUJI, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, and Jundallah. Some of its cadre reportedly include defectors from Pakistan's military and intelligence services. What Brigade 313's history tells us Under Kashmiri's leadership, Brigade 313 was linked to several high-profile terror attacks: 2003 : Attempted assassination of Pakistan's then-president Pervez Musharraf. 2008 : Killing of Major General Faisal Alvi, a retired SSG officer who had threatened to expose Taliban links with military elites. 2009 : Attack on Pakistan Army General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, which resulted in 17 fatalities. 2009 : A suicide bombing in Afghanistan's Khost province targeting U.S. assets. 2011: Assault on the Pakistani Naval Base in Karachi, killing 14 military personnel, reportedly in retaliation for the US raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Brigade 313 also had alleged links to global terror operations, including plots in the United States. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), as noted by the Combating Terrorism Center, documented Brigade 313's presence in multiple European cities. Ilyas Kashmiri was implicated in the 2009 New York subway bombing plot and a planned attack on Denmark's Jyllands-Posten newspaper. Following Kashmiri's reported death, the leadership is believed to have passed to a figure known as Shah Sahib. Despite such leadership changes, the group continued its operations, sometimes under different labels, including through newer proxy outfits like The Resistance Front (TRF) and People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), which were active in Kashmir. What we know of Pakistan's relationship with Brigade 313 Although Pakistan has officially distanced itself from Brigade 313, international analysts maintain that the group continues to function under the radar, with tacit support or at least tolerance from segments of Pakistan's security establishment. A key element in Brigade 313's operational strategy is its 'white-label' modus operandi. Unlike groups such as JeM or LeT that openly claim responsibility for attacks, Brigade 313 operates covertly, conducting assaults that are rarely acknowledged. This allows al-Qaeda to maintain plausible deniability, and for Pakistan's state actors to avoid international scrutiny. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The group reportedly operates not just in Pakistan's tribal areas and Balochistan but also has a footprint in urban centres like Karachi and Lahore. Its collaboration with other jihadist factions such as the Haqqani Network, LeT, and JeM has made it a pivotal player in the broader South Asian terror landscape. This dynamic highlights what many analysts describe as Pakistan's long-standing strategy of using militant proxies to maintain strategic depth — especially in its engagements with India and Afghanistan. Why Pakistan's false narrative continues to fail The recent interview of Sherry Rehman follows earlier remarks made by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, who admitted on Sky News that 'we have been doing this dirty work for the US for the past three decades, including the West and the United Kingdom.' This candid admission of past collaboration with militant groups marked a rare public acknowledgment of a fact long debated in international circles. Despite this, senior politicians like Rehman now assert that Pakistan is shedding its past. 'You keep on talking about the past because it was…We are fighting terrorism. Pakistan is a changed country now,' she said. Also Watch: Yet, the consistent ambiguity surrounding groups like Brigade 313, and the country's historical ties with such organisations, continue to raise doubts about how much has actually changed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While efforts to crack down on extremism have been publicly emphasised by Islamabad, the opacity and evolution of outfits like Brigade 313 suggest that such groups may still be operating from the shadows, beyond the reach of public accountability or international oversight. With inputs from agencies
