SC seeks review of ECL list barring Zardari and CM Sindh

The chief justice of Pakistan said on Monday that he found it 'strange' that the federal government had placed the name of a serving chief minister on the Exit Control List. He also instructed the PTI administration to review its decision in this regard while hearing the money laundering case. (Photo courtesy: Supreme Court of Pakistan)
Updated 31 December 2018
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SC seeks review of ECL list barring Zardari and CM Sindh

  • Apex court also allows ex-president to file his defense by the weekend
  • Investigative team awaits court’s order to repatriate Omni Group’s CFO from Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the government to review an Exit Control List (ECL) which bars former president Asif Ali Zardari, Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, and 170 others from leaving the country.

The suspects have been placed on the  ECL due to their alleged roles in money-laundering cases involving billions of rupees that had been channeled using fictitious bank accounts.

“Review this decision, place it before the federal cabinet,” Chief Justice Saqib Nisar said while hearing the case along with Justice Ijazul Ahsan here in the court.
 
Last week, the government announced its decision to place the names of 172 individuals, including Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, his paternal aunt Faryal Talpur, and bankers and businessmen who were named in a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) report.
 
During the hearing today, the chief justice expressed his displeasure over the ECL before directing the federal cabinet to review the decision.
 
“We have yet to give a ruling on the findings of the JIT report,” the chief justice said. 
 
“How can the chief minister of the country’s second-biggest province be put on the ECL?” Justice Nisar asked the attorney general. “It’s very strange for me.”
 
Meanwhile, the court allowed the legal team of former president Zardari and Talpur to submit their separate replies in the money-laundering case by the end of this week.
 
Bahria Town’s Chief Executive Officer, Malik Riaz, whose name had surfaced in the JIT report, also appeared before the Supreme Court today and clarified that the project for Bahria Town’s Icon Tower in Karachi -- which has been described in the JIT report as controversial -- was planned in 2005 when General (retired) Pervez Musharraf was in power.
 
“Then we will send this matter to NAB for further investigation,” the chief justice remarked.
 
The chief justice also expressed anger over the media's discussion and analysis of the JIT report. “Why are government ministers discussing this on media,” he asked. “The court is yet to pass an order on the findings of the JIT report.”
 
The JIT that was constituted by the Supreme Court to probe the use of fake bank accounts in the money laundering case submitted a detailed report on the matter in the apex court last week.
 
The report claimed that a close nexus was found between Zardari and Omni groups and Bahria Town which used at least 29 fake bank accounts to launder Rs42 billion. The JIT produced the report after investigating 11,500 bank accounts of 924 individuals and companies associated with the fake accounts, the document said.
 
Meanwhile, a former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Omni Group, Aslam Masood, has reportedly recorded a statement in the money laundering case, admitting that the group had opened fake bank accounts for money laundering purposes and that he personally supervised the check books for these accounts, local media reported on Friday.
 
The confession also exposes the various stages through which ill-gotten money was parked in these fake bank accounts to be 'layered' and 'integrated' with legit payments, reported media. The confessional statement has been made part of the court's record.  
 
Masood was arrested by the Interpol in Jeddah on October 23 after Pakistan filed a request in September this year. “He is seriously ill and hospitalized in Saudi Arabia,” Mohammad Ali Abro, Assistant Director of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), told Arab News.
 
“He (Aslam Masood) has to undergo dialysis after every second day, so it seems difficult to repatriate him to Pakistan,” he added. “But we are waiting for directions in this regard from the Supreme Court.”
 
Senior advocate high court, Sharafat Ali, said that the Supreme Court can either send the fictitious bank accounts case to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for further investigation or a banking court for trial.
 
“We hope that the chief justice will dispose off the case before his retirement on January 17,” he told Arab News. “But a final judgment in the case from an accountability court or banking court may take months.”
 
The apex court will now resume the hearing of the case on January 7.

Pakistan urges UN Security Council to act ‘decisively’ as Iran-Israel conflict intensifies

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Pakistan urges UN Security Council to act ‘decisively’ as Iran-Israel conflict intensifies

  • Middle East tensions surged on Sunday after US carried out airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities
  • Pakistan calls for “peaceful, lasting resolution” to Iran’s nuclear issue via dialogue and diplomacy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United Nations has urged the Security Council to act “urgently and decisively” to ensure cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, as tensions surge following Washington’s move to join the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. 

The international community has intensified its calls for peace in the Middle East after US carried out attacks against Iran’s key nuclear facilities on Sunday, joining Israel in the biggest Western military action against the Islamic Republic since its 1979 revolution.

Pakistan’s UN mission announced on Sunday that Islamabad, Beijing and Moscow will present a joint resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East. The announcement was made as the Security Council convened an emergency session to discuss US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Pakistan has strongly condemned the American strikes, reiterating that Tehran reserves the right to respond under the UN Charter.

“As the body entrusted with the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the Security Council must act urgently and decisively,” Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said during the Security Council emergency meeting. 

He said it was the Security Council’s collective responsibility to reject and condemn attacks against Iran launched since June 13, stating that they were in “clear contravention” of international law and the UN Charter. The Pakistani envoy reaffirmed that it was the Security Council’s obligation to protect civilian lives and properties on both sides. 

Ahmad called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a “complete ceasefire” in the Middle East. 

“Promote urgent recourse to dialogue and diplomacy, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, to find a peaceful and lasting resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue,” the Pakistani ambassador said. 

Iran on Sunday requested for the UN Security Council meeting, calling on the 15-member body “to address this blatant and unlawful act of aggression, to condemn it in the strongest possible terms” following America’s strikes. 

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement on Sunday that the US and Israel “do not deserve any condemnation, but rather an expression of appreciation and gratitude for making the world a safer place.”

UN Secretary-General Guterres branded the US strikes on Iran as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.”

Iran’s UN Ambassador Ali Bahreini said Washington had decided to “destroy diplomacy” with its attacks, making it clear that the Iranian military will decide on the “timing, nature and scale” of its response.


Pakistan signs statute to strengthen labor, social protection collaboration among OIC members

Updated 39 min 47 sec ago
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Pakistan signs statute to strengthen labor, social protection collaboration among OIC members

  • Pakistan signed statute during 51st session of OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Istanbul, says deputy PM 
  • Many Pakistanis seek employment opportunities abroad, especially in Gulf countries, for better standard of living

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar recently announced Islamabad had signed the Statute of the Labour Center of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to strengthen collaboration among member states on labor, social protection and human development capital. 

The OIC Labour Center is a strategic institution aimed at enhancing labor conditions, promoting employment opportunities and fostering social protection systems across member states. It emphasizes the crucial need to ensure decent work, sustainable social protection and poverty reduction within OIC member states, in alignment with the objectives of the organization’s charter.

In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, Dar announced he had signed the statute at the OIC’s 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul from June 21-22. 

“This statute is an important step toward strengthening collaboration among OIC Member States on labor, employment, social protection, and human capital development,” the deputy prime minister wrote. 

 

A significant number of Pakistanis seek employment opportunities abroad for a better standard of living as the country grapples with macroeconomic challenges. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf countries are key destinations for Pakistan’s skilled and unskilled workers, whose remittances are vital for the cash-strapped country. 

Pakistan’s state media reported in April that the country sent 151,120 skilled laborers to Gulf countries in the first three months of 2025. Senior Pakistani officials have repeatedly spoken of the need to bridge the skills gap and enhance global competitiveness of Pakistani workers, particularly in the Middle Eastern job market.

Pakistan sends approximately one million skilled workers abroad each year to help reduce unemployment and boost foreign exchange reserves through remittances.


High-level Saudi delegation in Pakistan to strengthen parliamentary ties

Updated 54 min 45 sec ago
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High-level Saudi delegation in Pakistan to strengthen parliamentary ties

  • Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and cultural relations
  • The Saudi delegation will meet top Pakistani parliamentarians during the visit

ISLAMABAD: A high-level parliamentary delegation of the Saudi Shoura Council arrived in Pakistan to strengthen parliamentary ties between the two countries, the National Assembly of Pakistan said on Sunday.

The delegation, led by the Head of the Saudi-Pak Parliamentary Friendship Committee Dr. Abdulrahman bin Sanhat bin Abdullah Al-Harbi, is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.

It comprises members of the Saudi Shoura Council and the Saudi-Pak Parliamentary Friendship Committee, Dr. Iman bint Abdulaziz Al-Jabreen and Engineer Salem bin Ali Al-Shahrani.

The delegates held a meeting with NA Speaker Sadiq in Islamabad, during which both sides agreed to promote parliamentary exchanges, according to a statement on the National Assembly of Pakistan’s Facebook page.

“The Pak-Saudi Friendship Group established in the National Assembly is playing an important role in promoting harmony between the parliaments of the two countries,” NA Speaker Sadiq was quoted as saying.

“Exchanges of parliamentary delegations will give the parliamentarians of both countries an opportunity to benefit from each other’s experiences.”

Dr. Abdulrahman said Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan, according to the Pakistani National Assembly statement.

“During the meeting, discussions were held on the unity of the Muslim world, and joint role for peace and development in the region,” it read.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy strong trade, defense and brotherly relations. The Kingdom is home to over 2 million Pakistani expatriates, serving as the top destination for remittances for the cash-strapped South Asian country.

Saudi Arabia has also extended significant support to Pakistan during prolonged economic challenges faced by Islamabad in recent years, including external financing and assistance with International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programs.


Pakistan’s new electric vehicle policy targets 30% green cars by 2030

Updated 22 June 2025
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Pakistan’s new electric vehicle policy targets 30% green cars by 2030

  • The policy aims to cut Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuel, shielding the economy from global oil price fluctuations
  • Electric vehicles are also expected to offer long-term savings for consumers through reduced fuel and maintenance costs

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has unveiled an ambitious New Electric Vehicle Policy (NEVP) 2025–2030 that targets 30% of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday.

The policy, which covers cars, buses, motorcycles and rickshaws, aims to accelerate the country’s shift toward sustainable transport, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and curb climate-warming emissions, the state-run APP news agency reported.

Pakistan imports most of its energy needs and the country’s urban areas exhibit some of the world’s highest levels of air pollution, primarily due to sub-2.5 μm particulate emissions. This issue significantly impairs both the country’s economy and the quality of life of its residents.

“Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) is critical for a healthier, greener and economically stable future,” Muhammad Saleem Shaikh, a spokesperson for the Climate Change Ministry, told APP, contending that transport sector was a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Pakistan.

With the NEVP now in effect, Pakistan, which has seen erratic changes in its weather patterns which experts blame on climate change, joins a growing list of nations pushing for zero-emission mobility to combat climate change and urban pollution.

Mohammad Asif Sahibzada, director-general of the Climate Change Ministry, highlighted that EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which will significantly reduce urban smog and help Pakistan meet its international commitments.

“This shift will also lower respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly benefiting children and the elderly,” he added.

The policy aims to cut Pakistan’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, shielding the economy from global oil price fluctuations. EVs are also expected to offer long-term savings for consumers through reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

The government plans to incentivize EV adoption through tax breaks, subsidies, and infrastructure development, including nationwide charging stations.

“Electric vehicles are not just about transport; they are central to Pakistan’s climate action strategy,” Muhammad Azeem Khoso, the ministry’s director for urban affairs, was quoted as saying by the APP.

“This policy marks a decisive step toward a cleaner, more resilient future.”


Pakistan, China and Russia to push for ceasefire as UN Security Council meets on Iran

Updated 22 June 2025
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Pakistan, China and Russia to push for ceasefire as UN Security Council meets on Iran

  • The three countries have circulated a draft resolution text and asked UNSC members to share comments by Monday
  • A resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the US, France, Britain, Russia or China for it to pass

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan, China and Russia will present a joint resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East, the Pakistani mission to the United Nations (UN) said on Sunday, ahead of a UN Security Council meeting to discuss US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

It was not immediately clear when it could be put to a vote. The three countries circulated the draft text, and asked members to share their comments by Monday evening. A resolution needs at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the United States, France, Britain, Russia or China to pass.

The US is likely to oppose the draft resolution, which condemns the attacks against “peaceful nuclear sites and facilities under the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards in the Islamic Republic of Iran” and says that such attacks represent a threat to international peace and security, and to the entire safeguards regime of the IAEA, according to a draft seen by Arab News.

It calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue to reach an agreement acceptable to all parties that “guarantees the exclusively peaceful nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for complete lifting of all multilateral and unilateral sanctions.”

“Pakistan, China and Russia jointly have drafted a resolution and it is hoped that other countries like Algeria may also become its approvers,” Pakistan’s UN mission said.

“So far, it has been shared with the members countries for comments, which is a procedure before tabling it in the UNSC.”

The member countries will comment on the draft resolution and then a final draft will be tabled in the Security Council.

The world awaited Iran’s response on Sunday after President Donald Trump said the US had “obliterated” Tehran’s key nuclear sites, joining Israel in the biggest Western military action against the Islamic Republic since its 1979 revolution.

Iran requested the UN Security Council meeting, calling on the 15-member body “to address this blatant and unlawful act of aggression, to condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”

Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon said in a statement on Sunday that the US and Israel “do not deserve any condemnation, but rather an expression of appreciation and gratitude for making the world a safer place.”

UN Secretary-General Guterres branded the US strikes on Iran as a “dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.”

“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos. There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace,” Guterres said in a statement.