Pakistan

Islamabad Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Jawwad S. Khawaja has petitioned the Supreme Court to strike down the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, decrying it as a mortal threat to judicial independence and the separation of powers doctrine. Filed under Article 184(3) through counsel Khawaja Ahmed Hosain, the plea urges suspension of any provisions curbing the apex court’s jurisdiction or shifting it to alternative forums, amid parliamentary pushes to enact the bill.Khawaja, in a stark admonition, argues the tweaks erode the hard-won consensus of the 1973 Constitution, setting a “haunting precedent” that undermines the social contract and invites historical repetition. “A nation whose foundational document is fundamentally controversial cannot prosper,” the petition states, invoking the Rule of Law: “Do we want to be governed by Laws or Men?” It contends Parliament lacks authority to diminish SC powers, rendering such changes “patently unconstitutional” and akin to abolishing the court itself.The move resonates amid judicial disquiet, with sitting judges and retirees urging CJ Yahya Afridi to convene a full court, yet no such meeting has materialized. Ex-Additional AG Tariq Mahmood Khokhar lambasted the inertia: “The CJP presides over the liquidation of the Supreme Court,” warning of executive-legislative overreach echoing past dictators like Ayub, Yahya, and Musharraf. He highlighted ironic self-sabotage: empowering a “constitutional court” via SC disempowerment, dooming democracy.Khawaja seeks declarations barring jurisdiction transfers, including high court judges, and SC intervention to avert “irreparable harm.” Lawyers decry the bill’s oath-violating essence, as opposition critiques its legitimacy in a polarized assembly. With the amendment nearing passage, the petition spotlights an existential judicial brink, demanding the SC uphold its oath to defend the Constitution or risk irrelevance. “The death of the Supreme Court will be the death of an independent judiciary,” it concludes, rallying for urgent hearings to salvage institutional sanctity.

Islamabad The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has initiated a two-week technical assistance mission in Pakistan, responding to Islamabad’s plea for reforms to enhance budget management and eradicate a staggering Rs448 billion statistical discrepancy recorded in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.Led by Nino Tchelishvili from the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, the four-member delegation commenced consultations on Monday with federal and provincial officials, set to conclude on November 21. The mission will dissect Pakistan’s fiscal laws, regulations, and operational norms to pinpoint vulnerabilities, culminating in a comprehensive report aimed at bolstering data integrity.Government sources revealed the exercise targets fiscal data governance, leveraging the IMF’s framework spanning six pillars: legal structures, data strategies, architecture, storage/privacy protocols, digital tools, organizational setups, and internal controls. Emphasis will be on interoperability to support the rollout of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), fostering data-driven fiscal decisions.This comes as Pakistan grapples with opaque accounting—federal expenses lacked visibility for Rs93 billion, while provinces showed Rs354 billion in revenue gaps, per the Finance Ministry’s July-September summary. Discrepancies stem from reporting lags between the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and Economic Affairs Division, alongside provincial issues like delayed cheque clearances and bank deposit fluctuations (Punjab: Rs209bn; Sindh: Rs47bn; KP: Rs33bn; Balochistan: Rs66bn).The probe extends to treasury/cash management, tax/non-tax revenue booking (with monthly variances of Rs10-15bn), budget ceilings, procurement systems, and central bank payments. Debt management—criticized for excluding circular debt and pensions—will also face scrutiny, amid debates over reporting standards.Distinct from program reviews, this advisory could morph into bailout benchmarks, especially with the impending release of the Governance and Corruption Diagnostic Assessment report, a precondition for $1.2 billion in December tranches. Sponsors like the EU, UK, Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and Denmark will review findings.Experts like former Debt Management DG Abdul Rahman Warriach decry Pakistan’s debt transparency deficits, though current DG Mohsin Chandna defends compliance. The mission underscores persistent World Bank/IMF nudges for systemic upgrades, vital for Pakistan’s $7 billion EFF revival and economic stabilization.

Karachi A 20-year-old food delivery rider met a horrific end near Landi Kotal roundabout in North Nazimabad on Tuesday, when he was struck by a speeding car and subsequently crushed under the wheels of a truck, authorities confirmed. The victim, identified as Baber, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, amplifying concerns over Karachi’s escalating road safety woes. Eyewitnesses described the sequence of events: Baber, navigating his motorcycle amid rush-hour traffic, was first rammed by an unidentified sedan that fled immediately. Moments later, a cement-laden truck barreled over him, inflicting fatal trauma. Rescue 1122 teams arrived promptly, extricating the body and rushing two bystanders with minor injuries to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. This tragedy marks the third delivery worker fatality in Karachi this month, spotlighting the city’s dire traffic crisis—over 1,200 road deaths reported in 2025 alone, per Sindh traffic police data. Activists demand stricter enforcement, helmet mandates for riders, and dedicated lanes for two-wheelers. Baber’s family, mourning the loss of their sole breadwinner, called for justice. “He was just trying to make ends meet,” a relative lamented. Authorities vow a thorough probe to prevent further needless losses. Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and based on available reports. The image is used for reference. The incident shown in the image is not real and is Ai generated

Karachi Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), operator of the Gambat South Block, announced a significant enhancement in gas processing capacity at the Gambat South Gas Processing Facility (GPF-II) in Sanghar, Sindh, elevating output without major capital outlay.In a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday, PPL revealed that the facility’s capacity has risen from 55 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) to 60 MMscfd of raw gas through targeted process improvements. This upgrade yields an additional 5 MMscfd of gas, 35 barrels per day of condensate, and one metric ton of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).Commissioned in 2016 with an initial design for 50 MMscfd of CO2-rich raw gas (26% CO2), the plant underwent prior optimisation in 2021-22 to reach 55 MMscfd. The latest milestone was achieved via refinements in the Amine sweetening process, incorporating a proprietary additive into the existing MDEA solvent system—no hardware modifications required.PPL holds a 65% working interest in the block, with Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) at 25% and Asia Resources Oil Limited (AROL) at 10%. “This reflects our dedication to operational excellence and maximising domestic hydrocarbon resources cost-effectively,” the notice stated, emphasising value for stakeholders amid efforts to bolster energy security.The enhancement underscores PPL’s strategy of leveraging innovation for sustainable production gains, potentially easing Pakistan’s natural gas supply constraints. Industry experts hail it as a model for low-cost field optimisation in mature assets.

Karachi Gold prices in Pakistan climbed sharply on Tuesday, mirroring gains in the international market driven by anticipation of a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut in December and easing concerns over a potential US government shutdown.According to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association (APGJSA), the price of gold per tola rose by Rs5,900 to settle at Rs435,762. Similarly, 10-gram gold advanced by Rs5,065 to Rs373,595. This follows Monday’s increase, when per-tola gold gained Rs7,400 to reach Rs429,862.The international spot price also firmed up, trading at $4,134 per ounce (including a $20 premium), up $59 from the previous session, as per APGJSA data. Silver prices in the local market edged higher by Rs144 per tola, closing at Rs5,353.Globally, spot gold rose 0.7% to $4,142.83 per ounce by 0314 GMT, marking its highest level since October 24. US gold futures for December delivery climbed 0.7% to $4,148.50 per ounce, reflecting investor bets on looser monetary policy and reduced fiscal uncertainty in the US.Market analysts attribute the uptick to gold’s safe-haven appeal amid geopolitical tensions and expectations of sustained economic stimulus. “With the Fed signaling more cuts, gold remains a hedge against inflation and volatility,” said one Karachi-based trader.The APGJSA noted steady demand from retail buyers and investors, though high premiums could temper short-term enthusiasm. Traders will watch upcoming US economic data for further cues on the precious metal’s trajectory.

KARACHI Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad has called for greater regional cooperation and innovation to build integrated capital markets that can mobilize investment, enhance resilience, and drive sustainable growth across Asia. Addressing the International Capital Market Conference 2025 in Karachi, he said regional market integration was “not an option but a necessity” in today’s interconnected world. Ahmad emphasized that harmonized regulations, efficient capital allocation, and broader investment opportunities could help economies with low savings and limited bank financing, especially for climate and infrastructure projects. Citing ASEAN+3 and Caribbean examples, he noted that collective action can lower costs and diversify risk. He outlined four priorities: aligning regulations, improving connectivity, harmonizing legal frameworks, and boosting regulatory cooperation. Highlighting SBP’s Vision 2028, he said Pakistan is linking its Raast system with the Buna platform and developing a unified digital KYC framework to advance regional financial integration.

Islamabad For the first time, during the holy month of Ramazan, the government successfully transferred financial assistance to deserving families under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) through digital wallets, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced while chairing a high-level meeting on cashless economy initiatives.Emphasizing that shifting to a cashless economy is crucial for sustainable development and curbing corruption, the PM directed authorities to ramp up rural awareness campaigns to phase out traditional cash transactions.“The world is advancing digitally; Pakistan must keep pace,” he stated, highlighting his government’s early focus on digitalization yielding results. Progress on 10 million BISP digital wallets was reviewed, alongside Raast QR for utility bills.Commending involved ministries and SBP, PM Shehbaz urged timely target achievement for enhanced financial inclusion.