ISLAMABAD, JUN 27: All eyes are on an Islamabad local court, which is due to announce a verdict on the pleas filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi seeking suspension of their sentences in the iddat case today (Thursday), which may end the former prime minister’s imprisonment.

Khan, the deposed prime minister who was ousted from power via the opposition’s no-confidence motion in April 2022, has been facing a slew of charges ranging from corruption to terrorism since his removal as the premier.

He has been behind bars since August last year after he was sentenced in the Toshakhana case and subsequently sentenced in other cases ahead of the February 8 elections.

Despite securing relief in other cases including £190 million reference and Toshakhana, and acquittal in the cipher case earlier this month, the former premier remains behind bars due to his conviction in the iddat case.

The district court had sentenced the PTI founder and Bushra each, to seven years in prison in February earlier this year after a trial court found their nikah to be fraudulent after Khawar Maneka, Bushra’s ex-husband, moved the court against the couple’s marriage.

The complainant stressed that the marriage was solemnised during Bushra’s iddat (the time a woman goes into isolation after a divorce or her husband’s death).

The couple had then filed various appeals including the ones against their conviction and those seeking suspension of their sentences.

Trial court Judge Shahrukh Arjumand had reserved the verdict on their appeals challenging their conviction on May 23.

However, in light of Maneka’s repeated expression of no-confidence, the Islamabad High Court (IHC), on Judge Arujmand’s request, had then transferred the case to the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majuka.

The district and sessions court on June 25, reserved its verdict on pleas against Khan and Bushra’s conviction, after directives from the IHC to decide the matter of suspension of the sentences within 10 days.

The court had also given one month for the decision on the petition filed by the couple against their conviction.

Meanwhile, Bushra had sought a decision on her plea filed in the sessions court seeking sentence suspension.

The reserved verdict will be announced on June 27 (Thursday) at 3pm, while the hearing on the couple’s pleas seeking annulment of their conviction in the said case will be resumed on July 2.

PTI awaits a favourable decision as a major relief for its founding chairman as he has been acquitted in some cases or has acquired bail in others.

However, it is also likely that the government will try to block Khan’s release as Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday gave credence to the reports that the Centre was planning to lodge new cases against the jailed PTI founder.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUN 26: The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), in collaboration with the Embassy of France, launched a comprehensive awareness campaign to address critical issues affecting children in Pakistan: child domestic labour, child sexual abuse and the enrollment of out-of-school children.

The campaign’s primary goal is to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of child domestic labour, targeting the demand side while promoting education as a key factor in eliminating child labour. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), one in four households in Pakistan employs a child for domestic work, often in hazardous conditions. The campaign aims to shed light on these practices, advocating for the protection and rights of these vulnerable children.

Ambassador of France to Pakistan, His Excellency Nicolas Galey, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “France is committed to promoting children’s rights throughout the world, alongside all our partners. Our collaboration with the NCRC represents a significant step towards addressing the pressing challenges faced by children in Pakistan. Our shared vision is to safeguard the rights of children and ensure they grow up in environments free from exploitation and abuse”.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson NCRC, said “With over 26.2 million out-of-school children, Pakistan confronts a severe challenge. Economic pressures and limited access to quality education drive many children into the workforce, perpetuating a cycle of poverty. This campaign is a call to action for all of us to ensure that every child has access to their fundamental right to education”.

The campaign also tackles the distressing rates of child sexual abuse in Pakistan. According to the “Cruel Numbers Report 2023” by SAHIL, 11 children are sexually abused every day in the country. The NCRC is committed to advocating for stronger legislation and societal awareness to combat this abhorrent crime.

In response to the increasing exploitation of children in domestic work, the NCRC has drafted the “Bill on the Prohibition of Child Labour in Domestic Work 2024”. This proposed legislation seeks to explicitly ban the employment of children under 18 as live-in domestic workers and introduce stricter penalties for violators. The bill will soon be presented to the Cabinet for consideration and action.

Additionally, the NCRC has conducted extensive consultations across all provinces and at the federal level, focusing on the Education Sector Plans and the plight of out-of-school children. These dialogues have provided critical insights and recommendations, which will be compiled into a forthcoming policy brief aimed at driving educational reforms.

A key element of the campaign was the creation of culturally sensitive animations designed to raise awareness and inspire action among various audiences, particularly children and parents. Addressing issues such as child labour, child sexual abuse and the lack of school enrollment requires an approach that resonates deeply with the target audiences. The campaign ensures that the content is tailored to the local context, culturally sensitive and age-appropriate. The characters, settings, and scenarios depicted in each animation are familiar and relatable to the Pakistani community, enhancing the authenticity and impact of the message.

We urge all citizens to actively participate in this campaign. Sharing these animations on social media and within personal networks can help disseminate the message and foster collective action against child labour and abuse while promoting education. If you witness or instances or any other forms of exploitation, please report them immediately ay 1099 or 1121 as your prompt action can save a life.

ISLAMABAD, JUN 26 (DNA) — Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday stated that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking cannot be fruitful unless we all as a nation put our combined efforts behind this noble cause to make Pakistan a healthy society free of drugs.

“I must acknowledge that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking cannot be fruitful unless we all as a nation put our combined efforts behind this noble cause to make Pakistan a healthy society, free of drugs”, he said. Naqvi expressed these words in his message issued on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking day being observed today.

Given the devastating effects of drug abuse on our society, it is imperative to make this fight against drugs a national priority, he said.

This year’s theme for the day is  “The Evidence is Clear: invest in Prevention,”  Narcotics Minister said,  “I urge all citizens to join hands with us in this critical mission. Prevention lies at the heart of our strategy, and we must prioritize preventive education, community engagement, and robust law enforcement to stem the tide of drug abuse.

Mohsin Naqvi said “Let us reaffirm our resolve to build a healthier, drug-free Pakistan. Together, we can make significant strides in safeguarding the well-being of our nation and future generations.

As we observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today, it is a staunch reminder of the persistent danger posed by substance abuse within our society adding he said Pakistan has long been exposed to its wide-ranging negative consequences on the overall fabric of the society and the associated array of problems including crime, violence, health deterioration, and productivity loss.

Recognizing the magnitude of this challenge, he said the Government of Pakistan was undertaking comprehensive measures against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in alignment with its National Anti-Narcotics Policy of 2019.

This policy encompasses a holistic approach, incorporating Drug Demand Reduction, Drug Supply Reduction, and International Cooperation, he added.  These strategic pillars serve as the foundation of our endeavors to counter the spread of narcotics and controlled substances within our nation’s borders, he maintained. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUN 26 (DNA) — Kashmir delegation to United Nations comprising of Advocate Parvez Shah and Dr Waleed Rasool met representative International Association for Human Rights Advocacy (IAHRA), Miss K Pormica  at United Nations Human Rights Council and briefed her about the prejudiced judicial system operating in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir IIOJK.

The representative was apprised that the engineered Judicial System was giving unnecessary adjournments to the government by design to cause delays in the cases of detainees incriminated in concocted cases to break their will of the detainees, received a press release from Geneva.

She was also apprised that the under-trial prisoners are not presented before the courts on the date of hearing to restrict their meeting with lawyers and the families and thereby these detainees are made invisible.  The under trials are tried in special courts outside the state which makes it difficult for lawyers to represent them in the trial courts and at the same time, free legal aid is non-existent.

The representative to the International Associations for Human Rights Advocacy was also acquainted with the pathetic conditions of the prisoners lodged in different Indian jails where these detainees were denied the basic facilities guaranteed under the jail manual and international law.

The delegation also brought to her notice that the Indian government was forcing the detainees to sign a bond to the extent that if they were released would not speak or support the ongoing struggle for the right to self-determination guaranteed under United Nations resolutions.

The representative showed serious concern about the flawed legal system existing in Indian Illegally occupied Kashmir and promised to speak on the engineered legal system and plight of Kashmiri prisoners in the coming events. — DNA

RAWALPINDI, JUN 26 /DNA/ – Barak Ullah Khan, Director of Civil Defence Punjab along with his team visited Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and called on President of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) Saqib Rafiq, along with Group Leader Mr. Sohail Altaf.

The meeting focused on discussing safety measures, enhancing collaboration between RCCI and Civil Defence, and exploring initiatives to improve emergency response and preparedness in the region.

Director, Barak Ullah Khan, assured the participants that his department will provide all kind of support and assistance for safety measures and compliance under inspection.

Saqib Rafiq, in his address appreciated Civil Defence role and activities during national calamity like earthquakes.

The meeting saw the presence of RCCI Vice President Mr. Faisal Shahzad, Former President/ Additional Chief Warden Raja Amer Iqbal, and executive committee members. President of Anjuman Tajraan Cantt Sheikh Hafeez, Mr. Zafar Qadri and distinguished RCCI members.

Notable attendees included representing the Civil Defence were Chief Warden Mr. Ajaz Khushi, Assistant Director Ms. Sajida, Civil Defense Officer Mr. Talib Hussain, Deputy Chief Warden Dr. Ali Raza Advocate, and several divisional and group wardens, including Saeed ur Rehman, Mukhtar Shah, Mr. Nawaz, Syed Israr, and Mr. Kashif Pirzada. 

ISLAMABAD, JUN 26 (DNA) — Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has announced the revitalization of the formerly abandoned and dysfunctional hostel building of H-8 Degree College, transforming it into a vibrant sub-campus of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) in next three months.

According to the Education Ministry, this transformation marks a significant milestone in government’s commitment to providing world-class education and fostering creativity in the field of fashion design. The renovated sub-campus will offer state-of-the-art facilities, modern classrooms, and cutting-edge technology, creating an ideal environment for students to learn, grow, and thrive, it added.

The ministry official said that the PIFD sub-campus will become a hub for fashion education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, nurturing talented individuals who will shape the future of the fashion industry. “We envision a dynamic and inclusive space that fosters collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking”.

This project not only revitalizes a neglected building but also contributes to the growth and development of the surrounding community, the official said and added “we aim to create a positive impact on the local economy, culture, and environment, making a difference in the lives of students, faculty, and the wider community”.

“Let’s come together to create a vibrant and inspiring learning environment that empowers students to succeed and makes a lasting impact on the fashion industry” the ministry said. — DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUN 26  /DNA/ – The French Embassy in Pakistan, in collaboration with the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), is proud to announce a new initiative aimed at promoting children’s rights. The event, held at the French Residence, was attended by key figures including Madam Senator Ayesha Farooq, chair of the NCRC, Mr. Allah Dino Khowaja, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, members of Parliament, colleagues from the Diplomatic corps, and representatives from media and organizations dedicated to child protection.

During the event, the French Embassy’s contribution to the NCRC awareness campaign was highlighted. Senator Ayesha Farooq, whose enthusiasm and determination led to this collaboration, will provide further details on the campaign. The initiative includes the creation of short educational videos addressing critical issues such as child labor, sexual abuse, and the right to education.

The French Embassy’s commitment to defending and promoting children’s rights aligns with international standards and highlights the shared priorities of France and Pakistan. This joint effort underscores the importance of protecting children from violations and ensuring their rights are upheld.

Among the many projects that NCRC wanted to launch, we opted for this great idea of making short videos explaining, in a very simple and accessible way, that there are things that should never be imposed on a child – child labor, sexual abuses and being deprived from their right to education.

Defending and promoting children’s rights is an integral part of human rights and of our diplomatic action. France has adhered to all international texts protecting and promoting children’s rights. First of all, of course, the 1989 International Convention on the Rights of the Child, which it signed the next year, like Pakistan. France also joined to the optional protocols, namely those dealing with the involvement of children in armed conflict, the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

Among our priorities, one stands out: the protection of children in armed conflicts. Between 2005 and 2022, the UN has documented more than 315.000 serious violations of children’s rights in conflict-affected regions. In order to protect “children of conflict”, France played a leading role in the adoption of UN Security Council resolutions 1539 and 1612, which established a Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism on Grave Violations against Children in Armed Conflict.

Through this mechanism, the UN Secretary-General publishes a report each year listing the parties to armed conflicts which have been responsible for serious violations against children.

Another factor that particularly hits children is climate change, knowing also that Pakistan is, globally, one of the countries most affected by global warming. This represents an existential threat to the health and well-being of millions of children today, and of the future generations. Globally, more than a billion children currently live in countries at “extremely high risk” of suffering the effects of climate change. As a result, half of the world’s children could be victims of irreparable harm as our planet continues to warm.

Protecting the right of the child is our collective obligation and this commitment is also to be made on the ground, in concrete terms. It involves the responsibility of all stakeholders. In this regard, I would like to pay tribute to the tireless commitment of Mrs. Ayesha Farooq and her great team, as the awareness campaign led by the NCRC responds directly to article 42 of the International Convention on the Rights of the Child, which deals with the commitment to inform children and adults of children’s rights in order to popularize among the general public the rights of children and the risks of

violence, discrimination and exploitation to which they can be submitted. At this point, I would like also to thank Ms. Madeeha Raza who made these animations. A great job, Madam, because explaining complicated or delicate situations to children or their parents in a simple way and in 3 minutes is a real challenge, which you were able to meet brilliantly. I would also like to thank the Embassy team who immediately embraced this project and did their best to make it a reality.

Beside or support to NCRC, this embassy has developed several projects to support children and children’s rights. Four examples: our support to the Prosperity Fellowship Program carried out by the Center for Law & Justice (CLJ), represented here by Mary Gill, whom I warmly greet. This program aims to promote the empowerment of young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly the families of sanitation workers, to help them escape from their social assignment linked to their belonging to these families.

We are also proud to support the coming project of Group Development Pakistan (GDP) represented here by Mrs. Valérie Khan – bonjour Valérie ! -. And the Embassy is also happy to support the actions of Secours Islamique France in Pakistan where, a month ago, my wife and I attended a great event dedicated in particular to children, at the invitation of Mr. Altaf ABRO, whom I am also happy to say hello here.

Finally, France is very much involved in the eradication of polio in Pakistan, in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO and the Pakistani authorities, with a project dedicated to children under 5 years old which amounts to a total of 55 million euros. In this regard, let me congratulate you, dear Ayesha Farooq, on your appointment as Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication in Pakistan.

Beyond this, many specific contributions from the French Government have a direct impact on children: 3 million EUR to UNICEF Pakistan last year to support to basic health and immunization in Sindh ; 3 million EUR to UNHCR Pakistan in 2022-23 ; 7 million EUR were given to World Food Program actions in this country after the tragic 2022 floods, for nutrition intervention for pregnant and lactating women and children under 3. More is to come this year including a first grant of 2 million EUR from France’s Food Assistance Program aiming at supporting school-based interventions, including the distribution of school meals, in Baluchistan and South Punjab. And another grant of 1 million EUR, which will take the form of a contribution to strengthen food security and cash transfers in areas impacted by the 2022 floods.

Among the many victims of inequalities, conflicts and natural disasters, children are obviously the most vulnerable. This is why specific actions must be taken to protect and support them. All of us here want to contribute to it and, together, we can do it better. I am therefore very happy with this cooperation between the French Embassy and the NCRC, which unites our will, our means and certainly our heart behind a common objective which is to help the children of Pakistan.