Day: April 25, 2024

The Islamabad Police Department has found itself embroiled in turmoil following the resignations of two senior Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), Owais Ahmed and Hasan Raza, in protest against the appointment of Ali Nasir Rizvi as the new Inspector General (IG) of Islamabad Police. The decision to elevate Rizvi, a junior officer, to the esteemed position of IG has ignited controversy within the ranks of the police force. Ahmed and Raza tendered their resignations, citing their refusal to serve under Rizvi, citing concerns over the appointment process, and bypassing senior DIGs. This move has ignited a firestorm of criticism and dissent among senior personnel, who argue that it undermines the principles of hierarchy and meritocracy within the department. One of the key issues fueling discontent is the perception that the appointment process lacked transparency and fairness. Senior officers, including Ahmed and Raza, have raised concerns about the criteria used to evaluate candidates and the apparent disregard for the experience and qualifications of more senior DIGs. Moreover, there are growing apprehensions about the implications of having junior officers involved in the evaluation and writing of Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), which are instrumental in determining promotions and career advancement within the police force. Many fear that this could lead to favoritism, bias, and a lack of accountability in the assessment process. The appointment of Rizvi, a BS-20 officer of the Police Service of Pakistan, faced significant obstacles in its implementation. Delays ensued due to a protracted dispute between the Interior Ministry and the Punjab government over his transfer from Punjab to the Establishment Division. After a prolonged 22-day delay, Rizvi finally assumed office on April 22, following the official notification of his appointment. However, his inauguration marked not a moment of celebration, but rather the continuation of a contentious saga within the Islamabad Police Department. Source: Pro Pakis tani

The Sindh Education Minister and the Minister for Universities and Boards convened a meeting to discuss board exams, during which they resolved to implement Section 144 around exam centers for matriculation and intermediate exams. It was decided in the meeting that students found in possession of mobile phones within exam centers would have them confiscated. They assessed the arrangements for the upcoming exams, confirming that all preparations for the matriculation exams, slated for the first week of May, were finalized, while the intermediate exams were scheduled for the end of May. In Karachi, 250 centers have been established to accommodate 350,198 candidates for the matric exams, while 290,220 students are expected to participate in the intermediate exams. Muhammad Ali Malkani mentioned that security assistance would be sought from the Sindh Interior Ministry. The Minister for Universities and Boards, Sindh, mentioned that a recommendation for implementing Section 144 around exam centers was under con sideration. Malkani urged vigilance teams to diligently oversee exam preparations and warned that any reports of paper leaks would lead to consequences for the board chairman. The Education Minister assured full cooperation from the education department to ensure smooth exams. Source: Pro Pakistani

The district administration in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), has taken a decisive step to mitigate potential hazards by prohibiting the transportation of gas in plastic bags, citing safety concerns. In a recent development, the deputy commissioner's office issued a notification imposing a ban on carrying natural gas in plastic bags under Section 144 of the law. The move aims to avert potential disasters associated with the use of plastic bags as containers for flammable gases. Authorities have highlighted the inherent dangers posed by plastic bags filled with gas, labeling them as 'walking bombs.' Law enforcement agencies have been instructed to take strict action against individuals found violating the ban, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety regulations to prevent accidents and ensure public welfare. The practice of filling plastic bags with natural gas involves inserting a small valve into the mouth of the bags to facilitate the transfer of gas, thus presenting a significant risk of leak age and ignition. Bannu faces challenges in the provision of adequate infrastructure for the safe distribution of gas to local residents and surrounding areas. The absence of a comprehensive gas supply network has prompted residents to resort to makeshift methods, such as extracting gas directly from main supply lines using hoses, rather than employing proper drilling techniques. In light of these circumstances, residents have resorted to unconventional means of gas transportation, including the use of plastic bags resembling helium balloons to convey gas from the extraction sites to households for cooking purposes. Source: Pro Pakistani

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Qazi Faez Isa has reportedly decided to return the usual protocol of a CJP. The Supreme Court of Pakistan sources stated that the CJP's motorcade has now been reduced to only two cars. The sources also revealed that on Wednesday, Justice Isa's vehicle made sure to stop at all traffic signals while returning from the Supreme Court's Karachi Registry. According to the sources, the Chief Justice has instructed that traffic flow should remain normal during his movements. Previously, the sources stated, that the CJP's motorcade consisted of 10 to 12 cars. It should be noted that after taking oath as the CJP, unlike his predecessors, Justice Isa had declined to receive a guard of honor and VIP protocol. Last year in December, Faez Isa ordered to auction of two highly expensive vehicles provided to him by the government. According to details, the CJP directed the concerned officials to take steps for the auction of the two vehicles, including a Mercedes Benz and a bulletpr oof Land Cruiser, worth millions of rupees. Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) received 17,712 complaints from telecom consumers against different telecom operators and cellular operators in March 2024, out of which, 17,603 (99.4 percent) were resolved. Official data revealed that the complaints were received against various telecom operators, including cellular mobile operators (CMOs), Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), long-distance international (LDI) operators, wireless local loop (WLL) operators, and internet service providers (ISPs), during March. Cellular mobile subscribers constitute a major part of the overall telecom subscriber base. Therefore, the maximum number of complaints belongs to this segment. The total number of complaints against CMOs by March stood at 17,327, out of which, 17,233 (99.5 percent) were addressed. According to the PTA data, 7,398 complaints were received against Jazz, out of which, 7,374 (99.7 percent) were resolved. Further, 2,551 complaints against Telenor were received, out of which, 2,528 (99.1 percent) were resolved. Likewise, 5,661 complaints were received against Zong, out of which, 5,639 (99.6 percent) were addressed. A total of 1,707 complaints were received against Ufone, out of which 1,682 (98.5 percent) were resolved. The PTA also received 92 complaints against basic telephony, out of which, 89 were addressed during March with a resolution rate of 96.7 percent. Furthermore, 290 complaints were received against ISPs, of which, 278 (95.9 percent) were addressed. Source: Pro Pakistani

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stirred controversy as she appeared at a passing out parade adorned in a police uniform. Pictures of CM Maryam Nawaz went viral, sparking outrage on social media as well as legal action. Her unexpected attire drew widespread attention as images of her in the police uniform circulated across social media platforms. In response, a lawyer took swift action, filing a petition in the sessions court seeking the registration of a case against the sitting Chief Minister for allegedly violating regulations by donning law enforcement attire. Advocate Waqar Ali Shah, representing the petitioner, lodged the complaint, arguing that CM Maryam Nawaz lacked the authority to wear a police uniform, given her status as neither a government official nor a member of the provincial police force. The petition, filed under sections 22-A and B of the Criminal Procedure Code (CR.P.C), called for the initiation of criminal proceedings against the PML-N leader, naming the SHO of Old Anarkali police s tation as a respondent. Earlier in the day, CM Maryam had received a guard of honor and presented awards to top performers at the Police Training College, emphasizing her government's commitment to enhancing female representation within the police force. Despite her efforts to commend women serving in law enforcement and advocate for the rule of law, her choice of attire sparked considerable backlash. The controversy comes amid existing public scrutiny following an unfortunate incident involving one of CM Maryam's security vehicles, which resulted in the accidental death of a youngster in Narowal. In an attempt to appease the grieving family, CM Maryam offered a compensation cheque worth Rs. 2.5 million. However, the gesture failed to resonate positively with the public, further exacerbating the criticism surrounding her actions. Source: Pro Pakistani