Alvi wants ECP to announces reserved seats for SIC

DNA

ISLAMABAD: Regarding the National Assembly session, although it is scheduled to be convened on February 29, the President has not granted consent to the summary submitted by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. According to sources within the President House, the delay is attributed to the fact that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has not yet announced reserved seats for some parties, leaving the house incomplete.

It appears that the President is specifically waiting for the ECP to declare seats for the Sunni Ittehad Council before giving his approval. Despite this, legal experts assert that the National Assembly session is expected to proceed on February 29, even if the President does not sign the summary.

DNA

LAHORE: After participating in the Lahore Literary Festival held from 23rd to 25th February, the acclaimed Portuguese writer José Luis Peixoto will be in Islamabad between Monday 26th till Wednesday 28th.

In Islamabad, Monday 26th at the Pakistan Academy of Letters, the author will engage with Pakistanis writers, journalists, and intellectuals.

The next day José Luis Peixoto will interact with audiences of students and professors from Islamabad Universities, NUST – National University of Science and Technology on Tuesday 27th, and NUML – National University of Modern Languages on Wednesday 28th.

By Fakhar-e-Alam

PESHAWAR, Feb 25 (APP/DNA): Known as architectural wonder with rare wood craftsmanship like many other Mughal-era artifacts, Sethi House is a unique building of Peshawar needs proper projection on digital media to attract foreign tourists and architectural lovers.

Constructed by Sethi family in 1886, Sethi House is a historical building of the British era carrying a unique architectural value and eye-catching wood designs is an amalgamation of Muslims and Vernacular Uzbakistan’s architecture could attract foreign tourists in droves if properly showcased on digital media through short videos and pictures to gain maximum capital. Located in a small alleyway Sethi Mohallah near a historic Ghanta Ghar Peshawar, Sethi House is about 10 minutes drive from the bustling Qissa Khawani bazaar.

“Inspired by Muslims and vernacular architecture of Bokhara Uzbakistan, the Sethi family associated with international trade had constructed the masterpiece after migrating from Jehlum Punjab to Peshawar in early 19th century at Mohallah Sethian where about seven havelis were built in almost the same style, signifying an affluent Sethis estheticism passion,” said Bakhtzada Muhammad, senior research officer of Archeology Department KP while talking to APP.

Associated with wood and furniture business with their trade expanded up to Central Asia, Sethi family had brought new innovation in architecture of houses, mansions and buildings as evident in the Sethi House, showing their unmatched architectural intellect and immense love for Muslims architecture.

“The fate took a negative turn on Sethis in start of 20th century when they received severe economic jolts due to Bolshevik Revolution, resulting their businesses has been adversely affected after adaptation of a new currency by Soviet Union. Subsequently, they sold their houses for revival of their business and strengthening of economy,” he said.

Built by Sethi Karim Bakhsh, Sethi House is spread over 33 marlas having three portions including basement, courtyard and first floor. Its construction was started in 1835, and finally completed after 49 years in 1886.

“It is my second visit to Sethi House. I was very pleased to see rehabilitation and repair works of the architectural masterpiece of Peshawar,” said Manzoorul Haq, former Ambassador while talking to the news agency.

“I had visited many countries but could not seen such an impressive building with red and greens’ window glasses and ventilators structure anywhere in world, ” he said. “The mehrabs’ inside its rooms are filled with small pieces of glass shelves intended to place candles at night, shining just like stars in sky, has impressed me a lot,” he said.

The ceiling is designed with pure Islamic architecture and the visitors could look at ceiling for hours at a stretch, which enhances its elegance. “Buildings like Sethi House are built in centuries. It is the identity of Peshawar and its projection was required to attract foreign tourists,” he said.

The visitors’ soon after entering Mohallah Sethian see its main wooden gate constructed on around five-feet height, leading him to a vast open courtyard with a water fountain in middle, which reminds them of its glorious days when this stunning architectural masterpiece welcomed scores of people through its doors.

Four spacious rooms in surrounding of its courtyard are connected through passageways attracted visitors’ attention. The windows of the rooms face the courtyard, each from the same angle, having a colorful glasswork looking great aesthetic beauty.

The visitors could not remain unimpressed while seeing red and greens in window glasses, which are reminiscent of post-renaissance art in European churches. The glass cut-pieces were imported especially from Belgium to concoct mélange of architecture.

Bakhtzada said the intricate web of floral designs on its doors, windows and arches stands as a testament to the artistry of the era’s artisans. These embellishments add to accolades one has for the workers, who put unsurpassed effort into intricacies of the unique design, making Sethi House architectural wonder.

Upon entering its first floor and balconies, a visitor came across with cold breeze and see birds eyes view of the surrounding areas of Peshawar being the home of over 3,000 years old civilization. Its basement has spacious living rooms for accommodation of visitors and holes in wooden ventilators are angled at a unique angle, ensuring an ample lighting throughout the day.

“Sethi house is a model for modern-day green architecture because of its perfectly built ventilating structures and unique architectural airy designs”, said Shahryar Khan, Chief Architect at the Communication and Works Department while talking to APP.

Despite passage of over one century of its construction, he said its architecture was intact reflecting its durability and quality design.

Bakhtzada said Sethi House was purchased by the KP Government in 2006 and later was converted into museum by Archeology and Museums Department in 2010 after renovation, attracting tourists and architecture lovers.

Sethi House’s conservation was achieved under the Cultural Heritage Trail Project (CHTP) Peshawar. Under the CHTIP, about 500 meters long trail from ancient Ghanta Ghar to Gor Gathri had been renovated including centuries-old buildings and houses to restore original grandeur of Peshawar being the oldest city of South Asia.

The trail starts from historical Ghanta Ghar and passes through ancient Bazaar-e-Kalaan and primordial Mohallah Sethian famous for scores of beautifully designed architectural houses constructed by Sethi Family in 1880s. He said the trail had significantly improved the outer appearances of about 85 heritage buildings of Mughal, British and Sikh era.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, FEB 25: Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Hakimullah passed away at the age of 88 at PAF Hospital, Islamabad on Friday after a prolonged illness. The Former Air Chief was laid to rest at his native village, Sheikh Kali in Charsadda with full military honours. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented gun salute at his grave. After the burial, floral wreaths were placed at the grave of the deceased on behalf of President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of the Air Staff and other dignitaries. High ranking civil and military officials attended the last prayers of the deceased and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.

Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Hakimullah was born on 15 October, 1935 in Charsadda disrict of Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa. He completed his training at the then Royal PAF College Risalpur and was commissioned in the GD(P) branch of Pakistan Air Force on 11 January, 1957. He excelled as a fighter pilot, demonstrating exceptional skills and enthusiasm in deterring enemy aims during both the 1965 and 1971 wars. He played a crucial role in engagements, forcing an enemy Gnat pilot to force-land in Pakistani territory and leading successful missions against India showcasing his courage and leadership abilities. During his illustrious career he commanded a Fighter Squadron, Flying Wing and an Operational Air Base of Pakistan Air Force. As an Air Officer he was appointed as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Flight Safety), Senior Air Staff

Officer at Air Defence Command and Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations). Later, he was appointed as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) and as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Administration), before taking over the command of Pakistan Air Force in March 1988 from which he retired on 09 March, 1991. In recognition of his unmatched bravery and courage he was awarded the war decorations of Sitara-e-Jurat and Tamgha-e-Basalat. He was also a recipient of the coveted Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military).

In his message, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force said that the services rendered by Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Hakimullah for Pakistan Air Force would always be remembered. He also wished eternal peace to the departed soul and expressed the hope that the bereaved family would be able to bear the loss with courage and fortitude.

The JUI chief’s recent departure from his traditionally pro-Establishment stance is conspicuous, as his anti-Establishment rhetoric floods social media channels. His frustration is palpable, stemming from his party’s inability to secure significant representation at both provincial and federal levels, thereby diminishing his bargaining power

Ansar Mahmood Bhatti

Islamabad: With the PML-N poised to assume government leadership later this week, potentially extending into the following week, anticipation is building for the inclusion of the PPP in the federal cabinet during the second phase. While the PPP leadership has explicitly stated their reluctance to join the cabinet, expressing support for Shehbaz Sharif as the prime ministerial candidate, sources closely connected to this unfolding scenario assert that the PPP may reassess its stance.

Against this backdrop, Shehbaz Sharif is anticipated to commence with a compact cabinet, initially comprising only a dozen or so ministers. Reliable sources affirm that the PPP has already communicated its preferences to Shehbaz Sharif regarding specific ministries. Consequently, there is a likelihood that Shehbaz Sharif will reserve those ministries, accommodating the PPP’s interests.

Apart from PPP, MQM, which will be on board from the outset, is likely to get three key ministries. The party also wants Kamran Tesori to continue as the Sindh governor.

Interestingly, despite fervent efforts, the JUI F, led by Maulana Fazl ur Rehman, finds itself on the outskirts of power corridors. If this trend persists, it would mark an unprecedented occurrence in recent political history, with JUI F not securing a role in any government. Nevertheless, Maulana Fazl ur Rehman remains undeterred, actively seeking to assert his political significance by orchestrating protests.

Strategically, he has identified Sindh as the battleground, a region where he believes Asif Ali Zardari holds the key to realizing his ambitions. By selecting Sindh as his arena, Maulana aims to exert pressure on the PPP, with the hope of securing a share, even if modest, in the Baluchistan cabinet. His underlying strategy is to leverage a strong showing in Sindh as a bargaining chip, potentially leading to concessions not only at the provincial level but also at the federal level. The Maulana’s persistence and strategic maneuvering indicate a determined pursuit of political relevance.

The JUI chief’s recent departure from his traditionally pro-Establishment stance is conspicuous, as his anti-Establishment rhetoric floods social media channels. This shift is particularly noteworthy given the Maulana’s historical alignment with the Establishment. His frustration is palpable, stemming from his party’s inability to secure significant representation at both provincial and federal levels, thereby diminishing his bargaining power. In assigning blame for his political setbacks, he squarely points the finger at the Establishment.

ISLAMABAD, Feb 25 (APP/DNA): The holy month of Shab-e-Barat, the night of fortune, is being observed throughout northern Sindh tonight with due religious fervour and devotion.

On this occasion, the administration of Allah Wali Masjid in Sukkur, different masjids have chalked out programmes including holding Waiz (religious sermons) and dua-mahfils today.

Besides, religious sermons highlighting the significance of Shab-e-Barat will be delivered at various mosques after Maghrib prayers alongside holding special munajat after Esha prayers in Sukkur, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Ghotki, Larkana, Jacobabad and other districts of northern Sindh.

The Mayor Sukkur  Barrister Arslan Sheikh on Sunday greeted on the occasion of the holy Shab-e-Barat.

In his message, he said the holy Shab-e-Barat has come into mankind with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and good fortune.

“This holy night brings immense opportunity to obtain special grace and forgiveness from the Almighty Allah,” he said. Islam is the religion of peace and welfare, the Mayor said, adding that the ideals of Islam are the means of welfare for the present life of the people and their salvation hereafter.

Mayor Arslan Sheikh said “Along with mercy and blessings of the Almighty Allah, we will pray for continued progress and welfare of the country and greater unity of the Muslim Ummah on the holy night of Shab-e-Barat”.

He urged the affluent people to come forward to help the distressed and poor people on the occasion.

He wished mercy, blessings, progress and welfare for the whole of mankind. “Allah shows His greatness of forgiving and fulfilling our desires”, he added.

ISLAMABAD, FEB 25 /DNA/ – Chairman High Education Commission Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed presents a traditional gift of ‘Ajrak’ to wife of the Romanian Charge d Affaires on the occasion of a reception hosted by HEC Chairman for the visiting Dutch hockey team. (More coverage on Page 6).- DNA

FAISAL MUNIR / DNA

ATTOCK, 24 Feb: Pakistan Muslim League (N) Member Provincial Assembly and former  Minister Punjab Ch. Sher Ali Khan has said on Sunday that Maryam Nawaz Sharif to make history as Pakistan’s first female Chief Minister.Brave and unafraid Maryam Nawaz Sharif will prove to be the best Chief Minister for Punjab, She will take all the possible steps to bring relief to the people of Punjab. He said that PML(N) Quaid Mian Nawaz Sharif has made a prudent decision by nominating Mian Shahbaz Sharif as the Prime Minister and Maryam Nawaz as the Chief Minister.

Member Provincial Assembly said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, is poised to make history as the first woman chief minister of a Pakistani province, Punjab, the country’s most prosperous, populous and politically important region.  She has pledged to the people of the province of “living up to” their expectations while fulfilling her duties as the provincial Chief Executive he added.

Sher Ali Khan further stated that Maryam Nawaz Sharif as the Chief Minister of Punjab has the ability to run the province of Punjab in the best way. Maryam Nawaz will prove to be a good and capable Chief Minister. The vision of Muslim League (N) is to serve the nation. Will continue the tradition of public service. He said that In Punjab Health, Education, Infrastructure, Law and order, Agriculture, Information technology and all other sectors will have equal focus. Efforts will be made day and night to develop the country and provide relief to the people he added.

Former Provincial Minister said that Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab will set the goals of construction and development. The leaders of Pakistan Muslim League (N) have always given priority to the service of the country and the nation and in the future, the leaders of the PML(N) will continue their struggle for the prosperity, stability and security of the country and will serve the people without discrimination. He said that the people will serve them with the same spirit as the faith they have shown in us. Muslim League (N) will take the country out of crises. Under the leadership of Muslim League (N) leader and former Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif, the country will move on the path of development.

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Malik Ahmed Khan on Saturday was elected as a new speaker of the Punjab Assembly after securing 224 votes.

Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) candidate Ahmad Khan Bhachar bagged 96 votes, while two votes were rejected out of the total 322 ballots cast during the polling.

The Punjab Assembly session to elect the House’s speaker and deputy speaker kicked off this evening after a delay of one-and-a-half hours as the protests inside and outside the legislative marred the timely beginning of the meeting.

The second session of the newly-elected provincial assembly, presided over by outgoing Speaker Sibtain Khan, saw members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chanting slogans against each other.

A heavy police force and prison vans were also present outside the assembly to ensure the maintenance of law and order during the assembly session.

Outgoing Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan presiding over the House’s session, on February 24, 2024, in this still taken from a video. — Geo News
Outgoing Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan presiding over the House’s session, on February 24, 2024, in this still taken from a video. — Geo News
Outgoing Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan administer’s oath to his successor Malik Ahmed Khan (left). — Geo News
Outgoing Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan administer’s oath to his successor Malik Ahmed Khan (left). — Geo News
PML-N leader Malik Ahmed Khan speaks after his election as Punjab Assembly speaker
PML-N leader Malik Ahmed Khan speaks after his election as Punjab Assembly speaker
Punjab Assembly’s polling agents counting votes cast for electing the House’s speaker, on February 24, 2024, in this still taken from a video. — Geo News
Punjab Assembly’s polling agents counting votes cast for electing the House’s speaker, on February 24, 2024, in this still taken from a video. — Geo News
Outgoing Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan presiding over the House’s session, on February 24, 2024, in this still taken from a video. — Geo News
Outgoing Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan presiding over the House’s session, on February 24, 2024, in this still taken from a video. — Geo News
Outgoing Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan administer’s oath to his successor Malik Ahmed Khan (left). — Geo News
Outgoing Punjab Assembly Speaker Sibtain Khan administer’s oath to his successor Malik Ahmed Khan (left). — Geo News
After his election as the new Punjab Assembly speaker, Malik Ahmed was sworn in during oath taking administered by outgoing speaker.

Earlier, six MPAs, including Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) leader Chaudhry Shafay Hussain and Sunni Ittehad Council’s (SIC) Hafiz Farhat Abbas and Waseem Khan Badozai, and independent candidates Rai Murtaza Iqbal Khan, Fateh Khaliq, Tashakul Abbas Warraich, who were not present in the House’s inaugural session on Friday, took their oaths.

The sworn-in MPAs then marked their attendance in the register after the oath, following which the session was briefly adjourned for 20 minutes for the Maghrib prayer.

After this, the polling for the new speaker was conducted. As many as 327 MPA-elects cast their votes during the ballot.

Today, elections for the speaker and deputy speaker are being held via a secret ballot under Rules 9 and 10 of the Rules of Procedure of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab, 1997.

PML-N’s Malik Ahmad Khan and Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channer submitted their nomination papers for the slot of Punjab Assembly speaker and deputy speaker, respectively.

Meanwhile, SIC members Ahmad Khan Bhachar and Muhammad Moeenuddin Riaz Qureshi submitted their papers for the speaker and deputy speaker positions.

SIC terms assembly proceedings ‘illegal’
Earlier during the session, SIC leader Sahibzada Hamid Raza termed the assembly’s proceedings “unconstitutional” and “illegal” without the presence of the party’s MPA-elects on the reserved seats.

He said that SIC members were being barred from attending the assembly sessions

“A new history of politics of revenge is about to be made. We will not let the PA proceedings continue without members on the reserved seats,” he added.

Meanwhile, Rana Aftab termed the Punjab Assembly “incomplete” and vowed to challenge any move made by the House in the court.

Taking the floor in the provincial assembly, the SIC leader said that 27 reserved seats for women and minorities are yet to be decided by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

“[PTI nominee for Punjab chief minister slot] Mian Aslam is not in the House. He will contest the poll [for the chief minister] from our side,” he added.

At this, the outgoing speaker said that he could not tell the election regulator to summon the absentees to the assembly, which may require the session’s adjournment.

“I am leaving the chair [speaker’s post] in a respectable manner. I don’t want myself to have a label that I kept adjourning the session,” he said.

Sibtain said that there were 30 seats in the provincial legislative, which include the 27 reserved and three minority seats.

He said that if the ECP doesn’t decide on the seats that have not been notified yet, for the next six months, one party will have to move the high court while the other will have to move the Supreme Court.

Reacting to Aftab’s remarks, PML-N’s nominee for the speaker’s slot Malik Muhammad Ahmad said that the people, who the SIC leader was talking about are not part of the House.

Referring to Article 254 of the Constitution, the PML-N leader stressed holding the elections for the slots of speaker and deputy speaker.

Yesterday’s session marked the beginning of PML-N’s chief minister nominee Maryam Nawaz’s parliamentary politics, as 321 out of 371 elected members took oath as the new MPAs.

Out of these 321 legislators, 221 belonged to the PML-N its allied parties, 98 members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) and one each of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and PML-Zia.

It may be noted that PML-N has become the largest party in the Punjab Assembly after the induction of 13 MPA-elects from PPP, 10 from PML-Q and five from the Tehreek-e-Istehkam Party.

Having the majority, PML-N has announced to form the government in the province with Maryam as its head.