Javaid Ur Rahman

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) has reiterated its demand for a probe into the alleged deaths of its supporters during its Islamabad protest at D-Chowk last month, as PTI chief Barrister Gohar Ali Khan called on the government to have the courage to give answers. Gohar's remarks come a day after National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub called for a judicial probe into the matter, accusing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of issuing an “order to kill” and alleging that security personnel employed lethal weapons.

ISLAMABAD - The lack of required quorum and absence of ministers in the lower house of parliament has taken a chronic form, as the chair had to suspend the proceedings without taking a single agenda. With the onset of the proceedings, the opposition benches drew attention of the chair about the absence of ministers to respond during the question hour. “Why the government is not taking the house seriously. Disinterest is reflecting from the absence of ministers in the house,” said PTI's senior member/ former Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser.

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf [PTI] in Friday's National Assembly proceedings claimed that the party has not engaged in any negotiations with the government. However, the party demands release of its jailed leader former prime minister Imran Khan and other arrested party members. “Any kind of negotiations with the government can be started if the government agrees. It can be conducted under the guidance of the party's leadership,” said PTI's senior MNA Asad Qaiser, on a point of order. He clarified that he had visited the speaker's office for a condolence visit, as it was not for talks with the government. The house for the second day witnessed unpleasant situation over the absence of ministers to respond to the queries of opposition members during the question hour. However, the ministers after ten minutes break came to the house and properly addressed the queries of opposition lawmakers. The government, responding to a question, informed that it has taken a number of initiatives to reduce the burden of electricity prices on consumers. Parliamentary Secretary for Power Division Aamir, Talal Khan told the House during the Question Hour that the initiatives include negotiations with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs). He mentioned the termination of contracts with five IPPs, emphasizing that the process with other IPPs is continuing. Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik, to another call-attention notice, said a tender has been floated for an additional LNG cargo in January, considering the high demand for gas next month. However, he mentioned that the LNG, currently being purchased under the term contract, is in surplus in the country. The Minister said five LNG cargoes from Qatar, which were to be procured this year, will now be purchased next year.

ISLAMABAD - The country's political chessboard these days indicates the archival political parties are playing ‘game of nerves'. From the recent developments especially indictment of former ISI chief Faiz Hamid, the political guesswork about the future of former prime minister Imran Khan is on the peak.

ISLAMABAD - The government in Monday's National Assembly proceedings presented ‘the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill' aims to transform Pakistan into a digitally empowered nation by fostering a dynamic digital society, a robust digital economy, and efficient digital governance.

ISLAMABAD - The National Assembly yesterday passed a unanimous resolution, expressing resolve to observe the 16th of December as a National Day of remembrance for the martyrs of the Army Public Schol (APS) Peshawar and all victims of terrorism in Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD - Since Madaris registration issue has become another political issue for the government, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman in Tuesday's National Assembly sitting threatened to launch a protest drive.

INTERNET DISRUPTIONS. ISLAMABAD - While reacting to the criticism of lawmakers about slow internet speed in the country after attacks on the

ISLAMABAD - The federal government in Thursday’s National Assembly session expressed hope about better bids for the privatization of the

ISLAMABAD - Speakers of federal, provincial and state legislatures yesterday emphasized resolving mutual differences and common challenges through dialogue.