KARACHI, NOV 12 /DNA/ – A delegation of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), led by Chairperson of the Women Publishing Committee and Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Monthly Dastak, Fauzia Shaheen, called on Director General, Press and Information Department (PID), Iram Tanveer in her office yesterday.

The delegation comprised Zahida Abbasi, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Nau Sijj, Karachi, and Haseena Jatoi, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Moomal, Karachi. During the meeting, the delegation discussed various issues confronting the print media sector and Urdu journals, particularly those related to the fair distribution of government advertisements, the revision of advertisement rates, and the clearance of pending arrears.

DG PID Iram Tanveer gave a patient hearing to all concerns raised by the delegation and assured them of full cooperation from the department in resolving their problems. She emphasized that supporting women-led publications and journals is one of the government’s key priorities. “God willing, these long-standing issues will be resolved very soon,” she assured.

Later, the Women Publishing Committee delegation also met with Director of Advertisements Sindh, Yousif Kabooro, and apprised him of the challenges faced by Urdu journals and women publishers, particularly regarding advertisement allocations and overdue payments.

Kabooro assured the delegation that the Sindh government is fully aware of the financial difficulties being faced by small and women-run publications. He vowed to take serious and immediate steps to resolve the pending issues and ensure timely release of advertisement payments. “Issuing advertisements to women publishers’ journals is our top priority, and we will make every effort to address their grievances without delay,” he added.

The delegation expressed gratitude to DG PID Iram Tanveer and Director Advertisements Sindh Yousif Kabooro for their positive response and assurance of cooperation, terming the meetings productive and encouraging for the future of women-led print media in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 12 /DNA/ – In a significant development in the ongoing arbitration between Pakistan and India under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the Court of Arbitration has issued a decision providing clarifications on its recent landmark ruling.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, Pakistan has taken note of the Court’s recent Decision, which offers “helpful clarification on certain aspects of the Court’s ‘Award on Issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty’.”

The referenced Award, published on August 8, 2025, addressed fundamental legal questions concerning the interpretation of the decades-old water-sharing pact.

In parallel with this clarifying decision, the Court also issued a Procedural Order. Pakistan noted that this order affirms the Court’s commitment to continuing the proceedings in a structured, phased manner. This approach is expected to ensure a thorough and methodical examination of the remaining technical issues in the case.

The arbitration was initiated by Pakistan to resolve longstanding disputes with India over the design and operation of certain hydroelectric projects on the western rivers—the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—which are allocated to Pakistan under the IWT. Pakistan has expressed concerns that these projects violate the Treaty’s provisions.

The recent clarifications from the Court of Arbitration are seen as a positive step towards bringing clarity and legal certainty to the implementation of the Treaty. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the matter through the mechanisms provided for in the Indus Waters Treaty itself.

The world continues to watch these proceedings closely, as the outcome has significant implications for water security and diplomatic relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 12 /DNA/ – Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister @MIshaqDar50 met Mr. Ahmed Mir Hashim Khoori, Member of the Federal National Council of the UAE, on sidelines of #InterParliamentarySpeakersConference 2025.

The DPM/FM appreciated Mr. Khoori’s participation and the positive momentum in Pakistan–UAE fraternal relations, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Fiaz Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD, NOV 12 /DNA/ – Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday said that while the government enjoys a clear majority in Parliament, it was unfortunate that consensus could not be developed on the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Bilawal emphasized that the PPP and the coalition government remain fully committed to the Charter of Democracy and to strengthening the parliamentary system in line with constitutional principles.

Bilawal said that the proposed 27th Amendment includes significant reforms, including the establishment of a Constitutional Court to ensure judicial accountability and to prevent overlapping jurisdiction among courts. He said the amendment also seeks to amend Article 243, which deals with the command and structure of the Armed Forces, in order to formally recognize the title of Field Marshal for Pakistan’s military leadership.

Referring to the recent tensions with India, Bilawal said Pakistan’s armed forces had once again proven their professionalism and valor by downing six Indian aircraft. “In this context, giving constitutional cover to the rank of Field Marshal is both symbolic and deserving, especially after Pakistan’s clear defensive victory,” he remarked.

Bilawal reaffirmed that no one could abolish the 18th Amendment, terming it the backbone of Pakistan’s federal structure. “Let me make it clear—PPP will never allow anyone to undo provincial autonomy or reverse the gains of democracy achieved through the 18th Amendment,” he declared, adding that the party has always stood for the protection of people’s rights and devolution of power to the provinces.

The PPP Chairman expressed hope that the opposition benches would act responsibly and become part of the legislative process rather than resorting to politics of confrontation. “It would have been far better if the opposition had chosen to sit with us and help shape this important amendment for the country’s future,” he said.

Bilawal criticized the opposition for being singularly focused on securing the release of their incarcerated leader, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, instead of engaging in meaningful legislative dialogue. “The opposition today seems more interested in individual cases than in national causes,” he observed.

Concluding his address, Bilawal reiterated that the PPP remains committed to dialogue, democracy, and institutional balance, urging all political forces to rise above personal interests and work together for a stronger, more stable Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 12: The National Assembly session resumed on Wednesday with the lower house expected to pass the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, tabled by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday.

The proposed tweaks require a two-thirds majority in the 336-member National Assembly for passage. The ruling coalition appears well-positioned to secure the numbers, with the PML-N holding 125 seats, the PPP 74, MQM-P 22, PML-Q four, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party four, and one seat each held by the PML-Z, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and National Peoples Party.

The 59-clause amendment, passed by the Senate on Monday, seeks to overhaul the country’s military and judicial structures. It was moved by the law minister and secured 64 votes in the 96-member House, with no votes against it, as opposition lawmakers boycotted the proceedings and tore up their copies in protest.

Apart from treasury members, ANP’s senators, PTI-backed Saifullah Abro, and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan also supported the bill. In a surprise move, Abro refrained from joining the protest and later announced his resignation from the Senate.

Achakzai tears copy of bill
As the National Assembly session began today, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq referred to the agenda on the 27th Amendment bill and gave the floor to PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

Addressing the lower house, Achakzai criticised the government, saying it was formed under “Form 47” and questioned the legitimacy of members who had narrowly won elections.

He challenged whether such a parliament should have the authority to amend the Constitution. Achakzai tore a copy of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the House.

NA speaker reiterates dialogue offer
During the session, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq once again offered opposition parties to hold dialogue with the government.

“As speaker of the National Assembly, I am ready to facilitate negotiations between the government and the opposition. If both sides sit together, solutions will emerge,” he added.

The NA speaker reiterated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had repeatedly invited the opposition for talks, offering to facilitate dialogue to find solutions.

“Even if nothing comes out on the first day, continuing talks will yield results. My role is to bring the government and opposition to the negotiation table,” said Sadiq.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, while replying to the NA speaker’s dialogue offer, said the party “never gave up on dialogue” and requested permission for KP CM Sohail Afridi to meet PTI founding chairman Imran Khan in jail.

‘Bill can be tabled in Senate again’
While talking to the media, the law minister said voting on the amendment will take place in the house today.

“If any changes are needed, it can be presented in the Senate. If there is any ambiguity, it is better that it is discussed.”

“Only the parliament has the power to amend the Constitution. The constitutional court cannot rewrite it,” he added.

Tarar slams PTI
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised the opposition on Wednesday for rejecting the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, accusing them of “selective memory” and “double standards.”

Referring to speeches made by opposition members, Tarar said it appeared they “could not recall anything before 2022” — the year former prime minister Imran Khan was ousted.

He accused the PTI of accepting “fascism” when in power but opposing parliamentary procedures now. “When Parliament — the highest institution — tries to pass a constitutional amendment through legal means and consultation, they have a problem with it,” he said.

“This selective morality, selective justice, double standards — what exactly is their politics other than this?” Tarar questioned.

Tarar accused PTI’s Shehryar Afridi of failing to suggest any “improvements” to the proposed amendment and criticised the party for constantly raising the Form-47 issue after the 2024 general elections.

Highlights of new amendment
Chief of Army Staff to assume role as Chief of Defence Forces
Field Marshal, Marshal of Air Force, Admiral of Fleet titles to remain for life
Federal Constitutional Court to be established
Equal provincial representation approved in Federal Constitutional Court
FCC empowered to take suo motu notice upon petitions
Islamabad High Court to have one judge on FCC bench
President and prime minister to play a key role in judicial appointments
Supreme Court powers to be reduced, with some authorities shifted to the new court
Presidential immunity limited if president assumes any public office after tenure
Judges must serve five years in high court for eligibility of Constitutional Court
Judicial Commission to decide transfer of high court judges
Objections on transfers to be reviewed by Supreme Judicial Council

PESHAWAR, Nov 12 (APP/DNA): Awami National Party (ANP) leader, Mumtaz Ali Khan on Wednesday survived an attempt on his life when a roadside bomb exploded near his car in Shakardara area of Matta, Swat, police informed.

According to police, no casualties were reported in the explosion. The blast occurred near the vehicle of former PK-9 ANP candidate Mumtaz Ali Khan, causing partial damage to the car.

Police said Mumtaz Khan was on his way to attend a funeral when the explosive device, planted about 300 feet from his house, detonated.

A heavy police contingent reached the scene shortly after the incident, and an investigation is currently underway.

It is worth noting that on the same day, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is holding a peace jirga aimed at promoting stability and countering the recent rise in violence in the province.