ISLAMABAD, JAN 7 /DNA/ – Donald Blome, the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, made a farewell call on the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today.
The DPM/FM congratulated Amb. Blome on successfully completing his tenure in Pakistan and appreciated his role in strengthening Pakistan-US relations. He expressed the Government of Pakistan’s resolve to continue positive engagement with the new U.S. Administration.
US Ambassador Donald Blome Makes Farewell Call on Deputy PM Dar
CM Maryam pledges to revamp Punjab’s healthcare system
LAHORE, JAN 7: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep concerns about the state of healthcare in the province, revealing that government hospitals are facing severe challenges, including theft of medicines and the outsourcing of medical tests.
She made these remarks during a ceremony in Lahore, where she also spoke about the government’s initiatives to address healthcare issues in the province.
“Every day presents a new challenge,” Maryam Nawaz said. “Medicines are stolen from government hospitals, and patients are being asked to get tests done outside the hospitals.This is a serious issue we are working to rectify.” The Chief Minister also pointed out the increasing risk of infiltration along the border areas of Punjab, which she called a significant security challenge.
Maryam Nawaz acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the healthcare system, particularly in providing quality services to the 140 million residents of Punjab.
“The healthcare facilities available to our people are not up to the mark, and these issues keep me up at night,” she shared.
Punjab CM Maryam also highlighted that during the tenure of her father, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, the percentage of free medicines in hospitals had dropped from 90% to just 30%, a situation she vowed to change.
“Under the leadership of Shahbaz Sharif, free medicines were almost completely discontinued. In fact, it was boldly declared that cancer treatment would no longer be free,” she said. However, she assured the public that the tradition of providing free medicines had been revived and that she personally checked on the availability of medicines during her hospital visits.
One of the major issues Maryam Nawaz addressed was the lack of a sense of duty and service within the healthcare sector. “Our national tragedy is that we do not approach our work as a service or responsibility. Many people in health-related roles merely complete their shifts without understanding the value of their work,” she said.
The Chief Minister condemned the theft of medicines in government hospitals, noting that security personnel had been found taking money from patients for hospital admissions. “It is incomprehensible that even the poor’s medicines are stolen, and patients are asked to get tests done outside the hospitals,” she added.
Maryam Nawaz shared her plans to improve the healthcare infrastructure in the province. “Change does not come overnight, but we are making significant efforts,” she said, revealing that mobile health clinics have already treated over 7 million people. She also mentioned the start of free home delivery services for medicines, with a focus on cancer, hepatitis, and heart disease treatments. A new heart disease hospital, with state-of-the-art facilities, is also being built in Punjab.
During a recent visit to China, Maryam Nawaz gained insights into modern cancer treatments, which she plans to bring to Pakistan. “The biggest success will be bringing this advanced cancer treatment to our country,” she said, adding that construction of Pakistan’s first government cancer treatment hospital was progressing rapidly.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of the Nawaz Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha, a facility that will provide heart disease treatment in a region previously lacking such services. Maryam Nawaz also emphasized the ongoing renovation of Punjab’s primary healthcare centers, with 1,250 units set to be fully renovated this month.
“We have 2,500 primary health care centers in Punjab, and renovation work is already underway at 904 centers,” she said.
Pakistan’s Federal Government’s Rightsizing Initiative
ISLAMABAD, JAN 7 /DNA/ – The Federal Government of Pakistan has embarked on a bold and transformative rightsizing initiative to streamline its operations, eliminate redundancies, and reallocate resources for better public service delivery. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister and supervision of the Finance Minister, a High-Powered Committee was established on June 21, 2024, which reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, operational efficiency, and citizen-centric governance. The recommendations of the Committee are based on the merit and needs of the Departments and positions.
Key Objectives of the Rightsizing Initiative
- Optimizing Government Functions:
○ Identify functions that can be outsourced or privatized while maintaining public benefit.
○ Eliminate overlaps and duplication, particularly in post-devolution areas with provinces.
○ Enhance value for public spending through efficiency reforms, including digitization. - Comprehensive Review of Federal Entities:
○ The scope includes 43 ministries/divisions and nearly 400 attached entities.
○ Assess each function’s relevance, impact, and potential for public-private partnerships. - Strategic Phased Implementation:
○ Divide the initiative into structured waves to minimize disruption:
Wave I: Six ministries are under implementation, including; - Ministry of Kashmir Affairs + GB
- SAFRON
- Ministry of IT & Telecom
- Ministry of Industries & Production
- Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination and CADD
Wave II: Five ministries are under implementation, including; - Ministry of Science & Technology
- Commerce Division
- Housing & Works
- National Food Security & Research
Wave III: Currently under review, covering; - Federal Education and Professional Training
- Information & Broadcasting
- Heritage
- Finance Division
- Power Division
All Waves include 43 Ministries, analysis and implementation plan of which to be concluded during the course of this fiscal year
- Financial Consolidation:
○ Recommendations address the Federal Government expenditure (PKR 876 billion).
Key Decisions and Outcomes
- Streamlined Government Structure:
○ Over 150,000 vacant posts (60%) will be abolished or declared redundant.
○ Contingency roles and lower-grade positions will be significantly reduced.
○ Non-core services like cleaning, plumbing, and gardening will be outsourced. - Ministry-Specific Outcomes:
Entities to be reduced from 80 to 40 as following:
○ Kashmir Affairs, SAFRON merged, CADD abolished: from 8 entities to 4
○ IT & Telecom: from 11 to 10
○ Industries & Production: from 31 to 6
○ National Health Services: from 30 to 20
- Enhanced Service Delivery:
○ Citizens will benefit from faster, more efficient services enabled by digitization and improved governance structures. - Regulatory Reforms:
o Proposed amendments to the Civil Servants Act to align governance practices with modern needs.
Regular updates will keep citizens and stakeholders informed, ensuring transparency and accountability. This initiative sets a new standard for responsible governance and paves the way for a leaner, more responsive public sector aligned with the nation’s development goals.
RIUJ condemns delaying tactics by PJHF and Punjab Govt and demands top level inquiry into media town’s affairs
ISLAMABAD, JAN 7 /DNA/ – Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalist has strongly condemned the delaying tactics by the Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation and Punjab government in granting the processions of the plots allotted to two senior journalists in Media Town Rawalpindi by the then Punjab government as their plots had been encroached by an influential figure in connivance with the PJHF and Punjab government.
The two senior journalists, Muhammad Asghar and Abdul Latif Chaudhry, associated with prestigious media organizations had appealed to the interim chief minister Mohsin Naqvi and CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz to intervene and ensure justice and to give the right of the two journalists. Even the directives of Mr Naqvi were ignored by the concerned authorities.
Tariq Usmani, President RIUJ, General Secretary Rizwan Ghilzai and executive council also demanded a top level inquiry into the malpractices, allegedly done by the concerned authorities in the affairs of Media Town Rawalpindi and bring the responsible to justice.
Justice Jawad Hassan of Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench Justice Hassan on December 23, while hearing petitions of senior journalists Muhammad Asghar and Abdul Latif filed against the encroachments of their plots 334/A and 335/A allotted to them in Rawalpindi press club cooperating housing Society (Media Town) by the then government of Punjab in 2009, has directed the Assistant Advocate General to ensure the presence of responsible officers from Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation and Punjab government along with relevant record within ten days of resumption of courts after winter vacations.
According to advocate Saeed Yousaf Khan, counsel for the petitioners, the Punjab Journalist Housing Foundation and Media Town management in connivance with some journalists allegedly encroached the allotted plots to the two senior journalists in order to compensate an influential figure.
The Rawalpindi bench of the Lahore High Court has also called the Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and the concerned SHO to give possession of their plots to the allottees on a writ petition against the change in the layout plan of the plots allotted to two senior journalists in Media Town.
The petitioner’s lawyer Saeed Yousaf Khan told the court that after allotting plots to their clients and giving them possession in the record, the layout plan was changed and Muhammad Asghar’s plot number 334/A and Latif Chaudhry’s plot number 335/A were deleted and their land was made part of other plots and now the matter is being unnecessarily prolonged.
Respondents (PJHF) and Punjab government took the stand that more time should be given in this matter. We are bound by the order of the Housing Foundation and will get possession back. Assistant Advocate General Punjab said that talks have been held with the concerned secretary and a solution to this issue will be found soon and the possession of the plots will be given to the allottees, on which the learned judge, along with the above order, fixed the case for hearing in the first week immediately after the court holidays. It should be noted that the Media Town Management illegally changed the layout plan by making the plots of senior journalists Muhammad Asghar and Latif Chaudhry part of other plots, which has put both journalists in a painful situation for the last 15 years, having to approach various forums to obtain their rights.
Turkish ambassador visits NUML: strengthening academic and cultural ties
DNA
Islamabad, Jan 7: Today, the Ambassador of Turkiye, Irfan Neziroglu, along with the Education Attache, Dr Mehmet Toyran, visited the National University of Modern Languages. The visit, marked by meaningful discussions and a series of engaging activities, reinforced the enduring ties between Pakistan and Turkiye while exploring new avenues for academic and cultural collaboration.
Upon arrival, the Turkish Ambassador was warmly received by the Dean and Head of the Department.
The Ambassador met with the Rector NUML, Major Gen (r) Shahid Mehmood Kayani HI(M), where discussions centred on enhancing bilateral cooperation in research and education. DG NUML, Brig Shahzad Munir was also present during the meeting. Rector NUML lauded the strong brotherly relations between Pakistan and Turkiye, emphasizing the shared history, cultural affinity, and mutual respect that unite the two nations. The Rector also highlighted NUML’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and deepening collaboration with Turkish institutions, especially in areas like language learning, faculty exchange, and joint research initiatives.
Following the meeting with the Rector, the Ambassador and Education Attaché toured the Rumi Block, accompanied by the Dean and department faculty. During the tour, they visited classrooms, the library, the teachers’ lounge, and the Head of Department’s office, gaining insights into the university’s academic environment and resources.
In his address to the students and Faculty of the Turkish department, the Turkish Ambassador, Irfan Neziroglu, extended warm greetings from the people of Turkiye to Pakistan and the students and faculty of NUML. He underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in education, trade, and defence, citing the mutual benefits such partnerships offer. Addressing the students, the Ambassador encouraged them to excel in mastering the Turkish language, describing it as a gateway to unique opportunities and success. He shared his optimism about the promising role these students could play in fostering closer ties between Turkiye, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan.
On the occasion, the Dean of the Faculty of Languages, Dr Jamil Asghar Jami, expressed profound gratitude and honour for hosting the Turkish Ambassador. He highlighted Turkiye’s pivotal role as a geographical and cultural bridge and underscored the longstanding friendship between the two countries. The Dean emphasized the opportunities for Pakistan to learn from Turkey’s advancements in education, technology, and cultural preservation.
The visit concluded with a vibrant interaction session where the Ambassador engaged with students and faculty in a friendly and informal setting. He reiterated the importance of creating supportive environments for language learning and cross-cultural understanding.
The Turkish Ambassador was bid a warm farewell by the Rector, Dean, and faculty members.
Accountability court indicts PTI’s Parvez Elahi in bribery, kickbacks case
LAHORE: An accountability court in Lahore indicted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) President Parvez Elahi in a corruption reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
With the court summoning witnesses on the next hearing, Parvez, the former Punjab chief minister, has denied the charges levelled against him.
The senior politician, along with his son Moonis Elahi and others, is accused of illegally approving various development schemes, receiving kickbacks and causing over Rs1 billion in loss to the national exchequer.
The NAB, in its reference, also accused the PTI leader and his son of receiving bribes by awarding contracts to their “favourite contractors” and claimed that the father-son duo received more than Rs1 billion as kickbacks through intermediaries in more than 200 development projects in the Gujrat district during Parvez’s second term as Punjab chief minister.
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It also mentioned that the ex-CM embezzled more than Rs744.5 million in bribes and kickbacks. The reference also said that the accountant kept depositing the kickbacks in the accounts of Moonis and his family.
His son deposited €1.61 million in his foreign bank account, while his family members deposited more than Rs304 million in their accounts.
The reference stated that the suspects were found guilty in the investigation, therefore, the accountability court should conduct a trial and punish them accordingly.
Furthermore, the case, registered by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab, accuses Parvez of making illegal appointments and accepting bribes to influence the recruitment process during his tenure as chief minister.
According to the ACE, qualified candidates were bypassed in favour of unqualified individuals who had not even taken the required exams.
The latest indictment adds to the months-long legal woes faced by the PTI leadership whose founder Imran Khan along with senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi and others have been behind bars for months in various cases.
The development comes against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations between the former ruling party and the government as well as the pending verdict of the £190 million case against Khan who has been incarcerated in Adiala jail for more than a year now.
Although the party has not yet presented its charter of demands in writing in parleys with the government, it nevertheless has time again called for the PTI founder’s and workers’ release.
Indonesian President to visit Pakistan
UAE rolls over $2 bn debt for Pakistan: PM
Says government was working in unison to curb the menace of human smuggling which has led to the death of hundreds of Pakistani citizens besides bringing defame to the country
Mahnoor Ansar/DNA
ISLAMABAD, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday told the federal cabinet that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced to extend the $2 billion debt that was due to be paid back by Pakistan this month.
The prime minister, in his televised opening remarks at the federal cabinet meeting chaired by him, apprised the members of his “positive and constructive” meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Rahim Yar Khan in which they discussed the ways to further strengthen bilateral ties and investment cooperation.
He said that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was due in Islamabad this month when the two sides would discuss strengthening and integration of bilateral cooperation. He said the government was formulating an agenda for cooperation in Halal meat and rice exports and the import of edible oil.
He said that as the UAE president emphasised moving swiftly on the investment projects, and also expressed his country’s commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Pakistan.
He said in their one-on-one meeting, the UAE president announced to rollover $2 billion debt for which he thanked the visiting dignitary.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that as the national economy was put on a stability course, it required sweating blood to make Pakistan a prosperous nation and regain its lost grandeur.
“Due to our collective efforts, the economy is stabilizing. We will continue to work hard with the same commitment and devotion. Time is not far from when we will become a prosperous nation and regain our stature. But this needs a journey of sacrifice, blood, and sweat and nothing short of that,” he remarked.
He said that as the program on the homegrown economy has been unveiled, it required measures to reduce the cost of electricity calling it inevitable to improve exports and commerce.
He said that he had chaired a meeting last week to mull reducing power prices, with the collaboration of provincial governments, and that a “comprehensive” meeting would be held this week on the subject.
Highlighting the significance of SMEs for the national economy, he referred to a recent meeting to complete the SMEDA Board wherein some crucial decisions were also taken. Another meeting on the subject is scheduled to be held on January 15, he added.
The prime minister told the cabinet members that the textile exports were on the rise and reiterated an enhanced focus on export-led growth and non-traditional exports.
Coming to a firing incident on a convoy in Lower Kurram injuring the deputy commissioner and others, Prime Minister Shebaz called it an attempt to sabotage the peace agreement.
He prayed for the swift recovery of the deputy commissioner and others being treated in Peshawar.
He said that the government was working in unison to curb the menace of human smuggling which has led to the death of hundreds of Pakistani citizens besides bringing defame to the country.
He said that he was regularly holding meetings on the subject with the Interior Ministry and relevant departments also striving to rid the country of this issue.
Chairman APMIA highlights challenges and opportunities for Pakistan’s marble and granite sector
GADANI, JAN 7 /DNA/ – Pakistan Stone Development Company (PASDEC) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) recently hosted a seminar to boost the marble and granite sector in Pakistan. The event, held at the Marble City, Gadani, Balochistan, aimed to promote the sector’s growth and development by highlighting its vast potential.
TDAP’s Director General, Azhar Ali Dahr, and PASDEC Representative, Waqas Ahmad Ansari, reiterated their commitment to supporting the sector’s advancement domestically and internationally. They emphasized the importance of adopting international standards and best practices to increase exports and contribute to Pakistan’s economy.
Mr. Muhammad Bilal Khan, Chairman of the All Pakistan Marble Industries Association (APMIA), addressed the gathering, highlighting the challenges faced by the industry, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of modern technology, and insufficient training for workers. He stressed the need for government support and private sector investment to address these issues and unlock the sector’s full potential.
Uzbekistan: Development of Culture – A Key Tool for Preserving National Identity
TASHKENT, JAN 7 (DNA): Culture and art are the foundation of civilization, national identity, and spiritual perfection, as well as important indicators of a country’s progress. The development of these spheres, reflecting the spiritual growth of the people, their past, present, and future, requires an approach that meets the demands of the times. This is why the reforms aimed at the development of culture and art in Uzbekistan carry profound meaning and are entering a new phase.
The words of the President of Uzbekistan Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev: “In these troubled times, it is increasingly difficult to preserve intrinsic and humanistic values. In such a challenging situation, true art, music, and literature, which originate from sacred sources and celebrate the ideals of humanism, must emerge as a life-affirming force, bringing peace and goodness to people, transcending the boundaries of time and space” serve as the guiding principle for current processes. Preserving national art, educating the younger generation through its beauty, and strengthening culture as an integral part of social life are considered essential elements of our country’s development.
The development of education in the field of culture and art plays a crucial role not only in improving the professional training system but also in ensuring the spiritual harmony of society. Modern and innovative teaching methods are being implemented to familiarize young people with the best achievements of national and global culture, fostering respect for their history and art. Tasks of the day include the use of credit-modular systems, the introduction of programs aligned with international standards, and enriching industry specialists with international experience.
Preserving the rich cultural heritage left by our ancestors and passing it on to future generations through modern technologies is of great importance for maintaining national identity and showcasing it to the world. In this context, efforts to digitize cultural heritage objects, expand their scientific study, and enhance their popularization are becoming key areas of international cooperation.
The national art schools of Uzbekistan and the tradition of “Ustoz-Shogird” (Master-Apprentice) play a unique role in ensuring harmony between national and contemporary culture. All necessary measures are being taken to create a bright future for the arts in our country, including identifying and supporting young talents.
The development of culture and art is reflected in all areas of public life. Every step in this direction represents a commitment to the spiritual growth of our people, respect for national values, and showcasing New Uzbekistan to the world.
In today’s process of globalization, the lifestyle, customs, and values of the world’s peoples are becoming closer, but at the same time, the struggle to preserve their national identity is intensifying. Under such conditions, culture becomes a powerful tool allowing nations to demonstrate their uniqueness.
In the context of globalization, national cultures, on one hand, open new opportunities on the global stage due to their distinctive appeal, while on the other hand, face the necessity of preserving themselves under the pressures of modernity.
Culture is not only the spiritual face of a nation but also a wealth that can be gifted to the entire global community. Therefore, in this process, the preservation and development of national culture, its promotion on the international stage, and its popularization through modern technologies gain paramount importance.
Careful preservation of ancestral heritage and its harmonious integration with modern ideas is not only a necessity but also a high goal. Utilizing the positive aspects of this process, showcasing the unique features of Uzbek culture on the global stage becomes an important criterion for the nation’s progress.
UK’s Pakistani Sexual Grooming Gangs
By: Qamar Bashir
Macomb, Detroit, Michigan
Regrettably, Pakistan and Pakistanis have frequently been featured in global headlines for predominantly negative causes for all wrong reasons. Currently, social media is inundated with reports of UK-based Pakistani-origin sex grooming gangs that targeted underage white girls by luring them with lavish presents and money, gradually ensnaring them in a cycle of drug and alcohol addiction.
Reportedly, once completely under their control, these innocent and underage girls were relegated to sex slaves, exploited to satisfy their primal, malevolent desires, and sold to other clients at exorbitant prices, generating substantial profits. These gangs grow so resourceful and influential that when the victims’ dads attempted to rescue their daughters, they were caught by the authorities and incarcerated.
The brutality and senselessness of these crimes against humanity were evident in the statements of a victim who had the fortitude to disclose her horrific and terrifying experience on X, emboldened by the courageous stance taken by Elon Musk. She stated, “I was subjected to repeated sexual assault during my childhood by multiple perpetrators.” Other victims divulged their horrific experiences. One victim said she was forced to have sex with at least 20 men in one night; another said she was forced to drink vodka and was vomiting over the side of the bed while being raped by “countless men.” Another said that the perpetrators would pass the girls to their friends, often to settle a debt. Yet others said that they were plied with drugs, alcohol, and fast food and then taken to “chill houses” across the north of England to be abused. One 13-year-old victim became pregnant and had an abortion.
Upon discovery and subsequent court proceedings, the UK court documented the appalling specifics of the egregious and barbaric sexual and psychological exploitation of the predominantly white young girl. Anyone who doesn’t believe that the mass gang rapes of little girls in Britain were horrible and immoral should read the court’s judgment. Yes, I did. It’s much worse than you could think. There are, however, too many explicit and gruesome details in the court ruling that show how sadistic, criminal, sexist, and cruel the groomers were. https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/1875579742423839107
The media has labeled this group as a “Muslim grooming gang,” comprised largely of individuals of Pakistani origin. However, it is important to note that the majority of them are UK citizens who were born, educated, and raised within the UK system. While they were acknowledged as part of British society when their actions aligned with societal expectations, they were subsequently framed as “Muslims” or “Pakistanis” when their behavior fell outside those expectations. This perspective seems to disregard the role of the UK education system, legal and justice framework, and broader social and cultural environment in shaping their behaviors and choices.
Some comments on X have exacerbated tensions by introducing racial and inflammatory rhetoric. One post alleged that local Imams supported or condoned the actions of a group of men, claiming it was a form of punishment for girls who did not adhere to specific dress codes and were considered outsiders. This was labeled by some as “sexual Jihad.” Other comments suggested that the police hesitated to investigate the scandal thoroughly, fearing accusations of racism or Islamophobia. Additionally, some speculated that law enforcement agencies might have been financially influenced to avoid involvement in the case.
A comment on X criticized the UK Parliament for failing to approve a national-level inquiry into grooming gangs, dismissing it as a matter for local councils. Meanwhile, many commentators alleged that some MPs were misled or influenced into voting against the investigation, with accusations that powerful individuals or groups offered them significant bribes.
Elon Musk in his tweet demanding King Charles to dissolve Parliament after its denial of a comprehensive inquiry into grooming gangs. Referring to the scandal as “state-sponsored evil,” he charged Keir Starmer of neglecting victims during his tenure as CPS chief. Elon Musk charged Keir Starmer with silencing the investigation when he was Head of Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) from 2008 to 2013. Knowing about the scandal and grooming gangs, he hushed up the inquiry, sighting systematic, legal, and jurisdictional reasons. However, later, Starmer admitted that during that time the court system let down vulnerable girls.
The involment of the predominantly Muslim in these grooming gangs, especially Pakistanis, is unexplainable, as neither Pakistan’s social and cultural norms allow this cruel behaviour, nor Islam and any Muslim society allow or sanction these kinds of gruesome and abhorrent acts against the innocent girls irrespective of their religious, ethnic, or racial identity.
The Qur’an strictly prohibits rape and all forms of illicit sexual relations (zina). It states, “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” The Qur’an also prescribes severe punishments for zina based on marital status: unmarried individuals receive 100 lashes, while married individuals face stoning to death. Even during times of war, Islamic teachings strictly prohibit harm to non-combatants, including women and children, emphasizing justice and morality.
In Pakistan, rape and extramarital sexual relations are addressed with stringent legal measures. The Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) criminalizes rape, prescribing severe punishments, including the death penalty or life imprisonment, particularly for crimes involving minors or individuals with disabilities. The Criminal Law Amendment (Offense of Rape) Act 2016 mandates DNA testing and ensures in-camera trials to protect victims’ identities. The Hudood Ordinances, especially the Zina Ordinance, criminalize consensual extramarital relations, while the Protection of Women Act 2006 provides additional safeguards for victims.
Pakistani society, deeply rooted in traditional and religious values, strongly condemns immorality, including extramarital relations. Such acts are heavily stigmatized, and individuals convicted of immoral or illicit behavior are often ostracized.
It is imperative for both traditional and social media to report on these abhorrent acts without associating them with any specific religion, ethnicity, or nationality. Individuals involved in such crimes should be treated solely as criminals, held accountable for their immoral and unlawful acts driven by greed and depravity. Generalizing their actions to represent Pakistani society or Islam is both unfair and unjust. Media must avoid generalizations that stigmatize entire communities for the actions of a few.
By: Qamar Bashir
Press Secretary to the President (Rtd)
Former Press Minister at Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC
