• The house unanimously passes the resolution reaffirming the commitment to sovereignty
• Internet service in Baluchistan to remain suspended until 31 years, said legislators said
• The PML-N legislator accuses the government of ‘copy’ his bill
Islamabad: The Minister of Law, Azam Nazeer, Tarar, has assured the Senate to investigate the release of an official announcement about Independence Day, without a portrait of the founder of the country Quaid-I-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnaah.
“It is not in our notice. If it has happened, this is a afflicted for everyone,” on Friday he told the House of the Chamber of Parliament. He assured that an investigation would be carried out to determine how it happened and that the house will be formally informed about progress.
The Government had been criticized by political and social circles on the official announcement issued by the Ministry of Information, which omitted the images of the quaid–Azam and the national-philosopher poet Allama Iqbal.
The announcement, published in the main national newspapers and was broadcast on television channels, presented images of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, head of the field marshal of the Army personnel also, president of the joint leaders of the staff of the staff of the staff Sahir Shamshad Mirza, as well as the heads of the Navy and the Air Force of the Navy and the Air Force. and airlines, and an image of the country’s image.
The problem was raised by PTI’s Faisal in its inaugural speech, after its re -election, shortly after the Chamber unanimously adopted a resolution that reaffirms the resolution to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, preserving its democratic ethics and building a prosperous future for the coming generations.
He stressed that the ruling elite had not paid for these ads of their own pockets, saying that public funds had been used for personal promotion. “They even put their photographs in newly built public baths,” he said.
The PTI legislator also accused the government of delivering civil awards for political reasons and degrading the prestige of the awards. “This is the insult of the people who really deserved to receive them,” he said.
The Minister of Law, same receiver of the Nishan-Imtiaz, defended by giving civil awards to politicians, all of the ruling coalition. He said that of approximately 200 beneficiaries, only about 15 were politicians.
He said that these included eight team members led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari who visited several countries after high tensions with India, while the rest were part of the ‘War Cabinet’ formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the conflict with India, spending many nights without sleep to remain available for emergency decisions at all times.
Resolution on Independence Day
Through a resolution that marks Independence Day, the Chamber promised to fight for sustainable development, economic empowerment and national unity.
Honoring the leadership of Quaid-Azam, the resolution, moved by the Minister of Law, paid tribute to all those whose sacrifices made Pakistan a sovereign and independent state. The resolution praised the armed forces and security institutions for their value and unmatched sacrifices in the defense of the nation. He tribuated tribute to the martyrs and Ghazis, committing to preserve and defend his legacy for future generations.
The resolution paid special tribute to the parliamentarians, who framed the constitution of Pakistan and the advanced democratic reforms, while reaffirming the commitment to preserve parliamentary democracy, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
The resolution also expressed its commitment to promote peaceful coexistence, regional stability and constructive commitment to neighboring countries. He also expressed his commitment to address shared challenges, including climate change, economic inequalities, terrorism and public health crisis, while safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The resolution asked citizens, particularly young people, to work beyond personal and political differences and actively contribute to the construction of the Nation through education, innovation, civic commitment and service to humanity.
Another resolution, urging federal and provincial governments to celebrate the 1,500º Eid Miladun Nabi (La Paz is with it) on a large scale, it was also unanimously adopted.
Internet services
The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry informed the Chamber that Internet services in Baluchistan would remain suspended until the end of August.
Responding to a call warning about the suspension of mobile internet in 36 districts of the province in the name of security causing large disturbances between students, independent workers and businessmen, he said that the suspension was temporary and only a security measure.
According to a policy directive under section 8 of the Telecommunications Law of Pakistan (reorganization), 1996, he said that such decisions followed a specific process. He explained that the requests originated in the Interior Ministry, based on recommendations of the relevant security parties, and were then sent to the Telecommunications Authority (PTA) of Pakistan for its implementation.
The minister said that mobile internet services in Baluchistan were suspended from August 6 to 31 due to credible security concerns. However, he added, telephone services remained completely operational, and the restriction was limited to the mobile internet.
“All airlines, including PIA and private carriers, are completely functional in Baluchistan, while road and rail links to Quetta and other cities remain open,” he added.
Accusation of ‘Plagio’
Another prominent point of the procedures of the day were the criticisms that the Government had to face from one of theirs.
As the ordinance of virtual assets was placed before the Chamber, PML-N MNA Affan Ullah Khan said that the bill had been blocked when he tried to take him home after months of hard work. “Now they have copied it and took him to the house,” said PML-N legislator and pointed out that this comes in the field of plagiarism and traps. “The credit must be granted to who is whose bill is,” he said.
Later, another government ally protested an attempt to obtain the oil amendment bill, accepted by the National Assembly, approved without sending it to the Permanent Committee in question. He was the parliamentary leader of BAP, Manzoor Kakar, opposed the bill.
Initially, the Law Minister said it was a prerogative of the Chamber to approve a bill without referring to the Permanent Committee, since it had been discussed in the Threadbare in the lower house, but the parliamentary leader of PTI Barrister Ali Zafar opposed the measure.
The law minister finally had to surrender and agreed that the bill will be sent to the Permanent Committee. He, however, said he was doing this out of respect for Mr. Kakar and still believed that it was not a legal requirement to send a bill already approved by the NA to a permanent committee.
Posted in Dawn, August 16, 2025
