National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
CT Newsroom
National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has shown regret for playing a role as a mediator in the negotiation process between the government and Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI).
As per details, NA speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq issued a statement in which he clarified that “role in government-opposition negotiations is purely that of a facilitator, and arranging a meeting with the party’s founding chairman is neither his mandate nor his responsibility”.
He expressed disappointment and showed regret for playing his role as a mediator after the allegations made by some PTI leaders and Members of the National Assembly (MNA).
He maintained that he never refused to meet any MNA as his doors is always open to everyone.
“If PTI leaders believe that he should withdraw from the negotiation process, then he is willing to consider such proposal to uphold the neutrality and integrity of the Speaker’s office”, the speaker added.
NA Speaker also ensured his visit abroad did not disturb his ability to arrange meetings. He is always available to help such arrangements upon the request of the government and opposition
PM Shehbaz Sharif addresses PSX event in Karachi, emphasizing economic revival and future growth. Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
CT Newsroom
During the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)event in Karachi, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan’s economy is getting back on its feet.
Reportedly, PM Shehbaz Sharif addressed the PSX event in Karachi on Wednesday. He claimed that Pakistan’s economy is returning back on its feet.
Shehbaz Sharif ensured the journey towards economic growth has officially begun.
He informed the participants that he visited PSX for the first time.
Prime Minister shed light as, “Karachi was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, noting how the city’s once-dimmed lights had now returned, symbolising the revival of the nation’s economic vigour”.
“If everything were perfect, we would be living in a fool’s paradise,” the prime minister said.
PM Shehbaz expressed his willingness to work together with all sectors for sustained economic development as economic progress would require collective effort.
The prime minister claimed that Pakistan is heading in the right direction as the country has achieved economic stability but some challenges remain to face.
He assured that the country’s commitment to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would be fulfilled but hinted that there would come a time when Pakistan would say goodbye to the IMF.
It is worth mentioning here that the Prime Minister also informed about the tar target for the next months and interest rates had dropped to 13%. Moreover, the prime minister invites experienced economists to guide the country’s financial recovery and suggest recommendations for further improvements.
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal directs SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan to develop a business plan for PakSat-MM1, Pakistan’s first multi-mission satellite Picture Credit : APP
CT Newsroom
Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal engaged Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) for preparing a comprehensive business plan for recently launched PakSat-MM1, the country’s first multi-mission satellite on Tuesday.
Reportedly, during a press release, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal meet with SUPARCO chairman Muhammad Yousaf Khan. During meet, Ahsan Iqabl directed the Muhammad Yousaf Khan for engaging the SUPARCO in preparing a comprehensive business plan for recently launched PakSat-MM1.
As per details, they both discussed and focused on various key initiatives including the commercialization of the PakSat-MM1 satellite and advancements in agricultural monitoring technologies.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed the necessity of joint venture with the Ministry of Information Technology to formulate a detailed strategy for the satellite’s commercialization to maximize its benefits.
The SUPARCO chairman informed Minister Ahsan Iqbal about the on going organizational efforts in developing modern agricultural monitoring system for helping the farmers in improving crop yields.
Ahsan Iqbal directed SUPARCO officials to collaborate with the Land Information and Management System to collect consolidated data.
Additionally, the minister proposed the idea to organize a symposium later this month for strengthening collaborations with other institutions to enhance the utility of satellite remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for improved business processes
Minister titled the symposium, “Beyond the Stars, New Worlds Await”.
It is worth mentioning that PakSat-MM1 is the country’s first multi-mission satellite.
(From left to right) PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Chairman, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub address a joint press conference on January 7, 2024. — CT /screengrab
CT Newsroom
The Pakistan Tehreek-Insaf (PTI) leaders have demanded “unfettered access” to the Imran Khan.
As per details, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and National Assembly (NA) Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub jointly addressed the press conference today. They collectively demanded unfettered access to PTI founder Imran Khan.
“During the second round of talks, our negotiation team had asked the government team to arrange their unmonitored and unfettered meeting with PTI fonder Imran Khan”, the PTI leader demanded.
“There should be no monitoring during the meeting [between PTI leadership and the former prime minister in Adiala Jail”, they added.
The party leaders also claimed that the Adiala jail authorities were not allowed them to meet Imran Khan.
“We should be allowed to meet Imran in a free atmosphere,” he added.
It is worth mentioning here that the PTI leadership was denied permission to meet the PTI founder by the authorities concerned is the reason of stalemate for the ongoing negotiation process.
Thomas Fielder Diplomat's passport Picture Credit : APP
CT Newsroom
Islamabad Police found the dead body of a German diplomat in his apartment on Monday.
As per details, the Islamabad police discovered the German diplomate’s dead body in his apartment within the Diplomatic Enclave after German Embassy staff showed concern over his absence from work for two days.
The police broke into his apartment and found him unresponsive.
The deceased was identified as Thomas Fielder. He was the Second Secretary at the German Embassy in Islamabad.
The dead body was immediately transported to the hospital for a post-mortem examination and the embassy immediately alerted the local authorities.
However, police informed the media that the reasons for the death remain unknown and will be ascertained following the autopsy report.
It is worth mentioning here that the initial investigations revealed that the diplomat had previously suffered a minor heart attack, which could potentially be a contributing factor.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sardar Ali Amin Gandapur Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
CT Newsroom
Islamabad District and Sessions Court has ordered to the police to arrest and present Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur in a case of recovering of illegal arms and liquor.
Reportedly, on Monday, the Islamabad District and Sessions court issued an order to arrest and produce KPK CM Ali Amin , when his legal counsel failed to appear in the court for a scheduled hearing.
The hearing was presided by Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hasan. He expressed disappointment over the lawyer’s irresponsible behavior and dissatisfaction with the noncompliance of court directives.
The court was informed that the investigating officer of the case was also absent.
The Judge remarked, “The accused has not appeared, nor has his lawyer. The SSP Operations had failed to submit a compliance report regarding an earlier-issued non-bailable arrest warrant against Gandapur”.
The hearing has now adjourned till January 21. The court restated the order to execute the arrest warrant and ensure Gandapur’s presence at the next hearing.
It is worth mentioning here that the case was lodged against KPK CM Ali Amin in the allegation of recovery of five Kalashnikov rifles, a pistol, six magazines, a bullet-proof vest, three teargas shells, and bottles of alcohol in October 2016.
Pakistan assumes responsibility as non-permanent membership of UNSC Picture Credit : APP
CT Newsroom
Pakistan’s Alternate Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) Asim Iftikhar Ahmad installed the national flag in front of the UN Security Council(SC) chamber as Pakistan began its eighth term for two years (2025-26) as a non-permanent member of the 15-member body.
Reportedly, in the joining ceremony of flags installation of five new incoming non-permanent members in the UNSC, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad presented the country’s stance on the Kashmir issue. He recalled the UN resolutions on Kashmir and highlighted the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for regional peace and stability.
Asim expressed Pakistan’s willingness to follow the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including maintaining international peace and security and developing friendly relations among nations based on the principle of equal rights and self-determination.
Ambassador Ahmad said, “Pakistan will always remain a strong voice for peoples under foreign occupation and oppression and for the realization of their right to self-determination,”
He said Pakistan was convinced that cooperative multilateralism with the UN at its core was the best way of tackling today’s multifaceted challenges.
“We need to earnestly address the root causes of long-standing and new conflicts, prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, and support confidence building at regional and global levels – to reduce tensions, arrest the arms race, and enable an environment conducive to peace, stability and development,” he further added.
He also urged the fellow members to actively pursue just and peaceful solutions to the issues on the Council’s agenda, “Our success lies in upholding the UN Charter and international law under all circumstances, and in ensuring the effective implementation of the Security Council’s own decisions”.
He re-endorsed the responsibility of being a UN member, “Never forgetting our solemn duty towards the millions of men, women and children suffering in conflicts, Pakistan is assuming this responsibility, fully resolved to our collective endeavor for a more peaceful and secure world.”
Govt, opposition hold second round of talks in Islamabad Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
CT Newsroom
National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has expressed satisfaction with the results of the meeting between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
As per details, a meeting was held in Parliament House’s Constitution Committee Room for the negotiation between PTI and the government. NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq chaired the meeting.
Ayaz Sadiq expressed satisfaction with the meeting’s conclusion and the environment in which , the meeting was conducted.
Ayaz Sadiq informed the media that PTI would present its charter of demands after consultation of Imran Khan in the next meeting .
While talking to the journalists, Ayaz said,”In the last meeting we decided that PTI would present its charter of demands, but the opposition demanded another meeting with [PTI founder] Imran Khan to chalk out the list of demands and the next meeting will be held next week, hopefully. Welcoming the talks being held in a cordial environment”.
He appreciated KP CM Gandapur for tabling “excellent proposals and spoke with an open heart”.
“The conclusion of the talks was that all of the participants decided to sit together for the betterment of Pakistan such as economy, terrorism and any other issue,” he added.
The PTI’s negotiation team was represented by Leader of Opposition in NA Omar Ayub, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, former NA speaker Asad Qaiser, party’s secretary-general Salman Akram Raja Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chairman Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza.
Whereas, the government’s team includes Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Naveed Qamar, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Farooq Sattar and Balochistan Awami Party lawmaker Khalid Magsi.
Senator Siddiqui said that PTI’s Ayub and others presented their point of view in detail and he read out joint declaration of the meeting in which ,”PTI demanded the release of incarcerated Imran Khan and their workers and formation of judicial commission on the events of May 9, 2023 and Nov 26,” he said.
“It was agreed that the date for the third round of talks will be announced after the PTI committee meets Imran,” he concluded.
Former ISI Director General Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hamid Picture Credit : Radio Pakistan
CT Newsroom
Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq lawyer of Former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general (DG) Lieutenant General (retd) Faiz Hamid’s said a military trial is expected to conclude in the next few weeks.
Reportedly, Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq informed the private media that Gen (retd) Faiz military trial will be concluded within the next few weeks.
In answer to one question about the former ISI chief for becoming a supporter of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan, Mian Ashfaq said: “I cannot confirm any such thing at all as the proceedings of the trial are covered within the scope of Official Secrets Act.”
“I have seen different media reports suggesting it has started. I am in no position to deny such reports,” he answered the question of initiation of military trial against Faiz.
Mian Ali Ashfaq expressed his hopes and said he “Can’t predict exactly. Possibly in a few weeks time”.
It is worth mentioning here that the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed in a recent statement that the ‘former ISI chief had been formally charged with multiple offences, including engaging in political activities and violating the Official Secrets Act. The ISPR stated these violations have compromised state security and interests”.
