THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Finmin to discuss extension of Fata tax exemptions with IMF, says Sanaullah after PTI-govt meeting <p>ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday assured the PTI that it would discuss with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) the extension of tax exemptions for the merged districts of the erstwhile Fata and Pata regions, according to federal minister Rana Sanaullah.</p> <p>Sanaullah, who also serves as the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs, made the remarks after key leaders from the government and the PTI met at Parliament House.</p> <p>“The finance minister has promised [the opposition] that he will seek to extend these exemptions after speaking with the IMF, and God-willing, will make efforts for it,” Sanaullah told reporters after the meeting.</p> <p>The meeting was held in the chamber of Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam also attended from the government side, while Asad Qaiser, Junaid Akbar and PTI MNAs from the erstwhile Fata represented the opposition.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--embed ' data-original-src='https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH3WauwAYwY&amp;pp=0gcJCT8LAYcqIY…

Jailed PTI leaders reject PM's call for 'Charter of Economy', seek ... Published June 16, 2026 Incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Mian Mahmood-ur-Rashid, Ejaz Chaudhry and Omar Sarfraz Cheema have called for a “Charter of Pakistan” instead of a “Charter of Economy”, arguing that constitutional supremacy and political stability must precede any meaningful economic reform. In a letter communicated through their lawyer Rana Mudassir, the PTI leaders reacted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent statement offering a “Charter of Economy”. They said that while Pakistan undoubtedly needs a charter to emerge from its current difficulties, “Pakistan needs a ‘Charter of Pakistan’ before it needs a Charter of Economy.” PM Shehbaz, in an address to the National Assembly on June 13, renewed his call for a “Charter of Economy” and a “Charter of Democracy”, urging the opposition to set aside political differences in the national interest. The premier said he had repeatedly invited political rivals to work together on the two charters, stressing that “Pakistan remains the common bond for all” despite differences in politics and ideol…

PM constitutes committee to effectively respond on PTI's CoD: Sanaullah PM constitutes committee to effectively respond on PTI’s CoD: Sanaullah PM constitutes committee to effectively respond on PTI’s CoD: Sanaullah ISLAMABAD, Jan 16 (APP): Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah Khan on Thursday said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had constituted a committee comprising with all allies to effectively respond to Pakistan Tekreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Charter of Demands (CoD). Addressing a news conference flanked by Spokesperson for the government’s negotiation committee and Parliamentary leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Senate, the special assistant said that PTI had given Charter of Demands to the government and also released CoD on media before giving to us to propagate the issue. He expressed the opinion that the government’s committee would definitely reply to the PTI’s CoD, saying that the PML-N government believed in negotiation process to resolve the matter with opposition in larger national interest. Initiating the dialogue was a democratic and Constitutional practice in the Parliamentary system, he added. He said…

Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as Pakistan's new prime minister | AP … Shehbaz Sharif was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Pakistan on Monday during a ceremony in Islamabad. In this photo released by the National Assembly office, Pakistan’s newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, foreground right, is congratulated by his elder brother and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif following his appointment, at a parliament session, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, March 3, 2024. Lawmakers in Pakistan’s National Assembly elected Sunday Shehbaz Sharif as the country’s new prime minister for the second time as allies of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan in parliament shouted in protest, alleging rigging in last month’s election. (National Assembly Office via AP) In this photo released by the National Assembly office, Pakistan’s newly elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, fourth left, delivers his speech following his appointment, at a parliament session, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, March 3, 2024. Lawmakers in Pakistan’s National Assembly elected Sunday Shehbaz Sharif as the country’s new prime minister for the second time as allies of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan …

PTI rules out CoD-style Charter of Economy <p>• Khosa questions effectiveness of 2006 charter, claiming its commitments were never honoured<br /> • Alleges successive governments weakened democratic norms, judicial independence and constitutional supremacy </p> <p>ISLAMABAD: As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered dialogue to the opposition and suggested that all political parties work towards a “Charter of Economy”, the PTI on Sunday made it clear that the premier should not expect a PPP-PML-N-style CoD from the party.</p> <p>Party leaders Sardar Latif Khosa, Taimur Khan Jhagra, Mobeen Arif Jutt and Rana Atif were speaking at a press conference in Islamabad.</p> <p>Mr Khosa questioned the outcome of the earlier CoD signed by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif in 2006, stating that not a single commitment under the accord had been honoured. He claimed that subsequent governments had acted contrary to its spirit by weakening democratic norms and constitutional supremacy, eroding judicial independence, manipulating electoral processes, restricting political freedoms and freedom of expression, shrinking political space, and undermining the overall democratic framework.</p> …

PPP slams PTI for disrupting Bilawal's speech in NA ISLAMABAD: Central spokesperson for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Member of the National Assembly, Shazia Marri, strongly criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for disrupting party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s address in Parliament, alleging that their discomfort stemmed from his bold stance on Indian aggression and his solidarity with Iran. Speaking at a press conference outside Parliament House on Monday, flanked by PPP leaders Abdul Qadir Patel and Agha Rafiullah, Marri said, “The PTI looked visibly agitated during Bilawal’s speech. Was it his exposure of Modi’s propaganda or his call for solidarity with Iran that made them squirm?” She said some in the opposition were clearly annoyed simply because Bilawal was forcefully raising Pakistan’s cause on global platforms. Marri launched a scathing attack on Opposition Leader Omar Ayub, questioning his political integrity and past affiliations. “We all know how many parties he has switched. Today, he champions a party he once opposed — he lacks the stature to lead the opposition,” she stated. Accusing the PTI of aligning with hostile narratives, she remarked, “PT…

'Charter of democracy': PM Shehbaz once again invites opposition for ... Published June 13, 2026 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday once again invited the opposition to sit together for "Charter of Economy and a Charter of Democracy," stressing that national unity and Pakistan's interests must remain above political differences. "I have said more than once that we should move towards a Charter of Economy and a Charter of Democracy," the premier said while addressing a National Assembly session a day after the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 was proposed. He reiterated his invitation to the opposition, saying ensuring equal development across all four provinces was his responsibility as prime minister. "We have no fight with PTI; they are all our brothers,” he said, noting that the House functions like a family and stressed that despite differing political views, Pakistan remains the common bond for all. "Politics, vision and ideas may differ, but if Pakistan exists, we all exist," he said, adding that sacrifices made for the country can never be considered small. Referring to provincial autonomy, the prime minister said there was no disagreement on t…

Govt offers dialogue as PTI protests GB polls in NA <p>• Tarar asks opposition to help create ‘enabling environment’ for talks<br>• Achakzai hints at boycotting parliament over unmet demands</p> <p>ISLAMABAD: PTI lawmakers in the National Assembly (NA) staged a protest against the alleged rigging in the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, as the government yet again offered the opposition to engage in dialogue on issues of national importance.</p> <p>“I invited you on behalf of the government to come and sit together with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to have consultations on national issues,” said Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on the floor of the NA while replying to the allegations of the opposition leaders that the government had failed to perform. He said PM Shehbaz, at the outset of his government’s formation, offered the opposition to come to the dialogue table to sort out issues.</p> <p>The law minister said the opposition needed to create an “enabling environment” to address such issues. Regarding the opposition’s demand to allow meetings between PTI’s <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1768623">incarcerated</a> founder Imran Khan and his family members and party leaders, the law…

5 jailed PTI leaders urge opposition to 'engage constructively' with PM on 'Charter of Pakistan' <p>LAHORE: Five senior PTI leaders, incarcerated in Kot Lakhpat Jail, have urged opposition leaders to “engage constructively” with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on a “Charter of Pakistan” — a move they deem will address the root cause of instability in the country.</p> <p>They made the appeal in a joint letter to National Assembly Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan.</p> <p>The letter by Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Dr Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Ejaz Chaudhry and Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed was shared by their counsel Rana Mudassar Umer and dated June 17. It said that Pakistan currently “stands at a critical crossroads” and referred to a recent <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2007773">invitation</a> by the government to the opposition to sign a Charter of Economy.</p> <p>The PTI leaders noted in their letter that “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again proposed a ‘Charter of Economy’ as a means of addressing the country’s persistent economic challenges’.</p> <p>“While economic reform …

Bilawal warns of NA boycott if PPP’s demands not met <p><strong>• Party claims budget differs from figures shared during pre-budget consultations<br>• Questions provinces’ capacity to meet IMF-linked revenue targets<br>• Another round of talks expected soon</strong></p> <p>ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday once again conveyed his concerns over the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2007490">federal budget</a> to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, indicating that he would not speak during the ongoing budget debate in the National Assembly unless all of the party’s reservations were addressed.</p> <p>“Bilawal sahib has decided that he will not deliver his speech unless all promises made by the government with the PPP regarding the budget are fulfilled,” a source close to the PPP chairman told <em>Dawn</em> after the meeting.</p> <p>In the huddle with Dar held at Parliament House, Mr Bhutto-Zardari was accompanied by senior PPP leaders, including Sherry Rehman, Naveed Qamar, Raja Pervez Ashraf and Ijaz Jakhrani.</p> <figure class='media w-full sm:w-1/2 media--right media--embed media--uneven' data-original-src='https://www.dawn.…

Let's agree on charter of economy: PM to opposition - Dunya News Updated on 26 Jun 24, 16:35:20 PKT Summary Shehbaz says he wishes to extend an invitation to opposition for negotiations ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited the opposition for negotiations to reach a consensus on the charter of economy. "Let's agree on the charter of economy," proclaimed the premier during Wednesday's session of the National Assembly. Shehbaz stated that in his initial address, he had focussed on the charter of democracy and now wished to extend an invitation to the opposition for negotiations on the charter of economy. The premier expressed disappointment that his call for dialogue on the charter of democracy was met with disdain by the opposition. "Chants were raised against my speech, which is an insult to this House". Reflecting on personal challenges, Shehbaz recalled being in jail when his mother passed away, emphasising the difficult treatment they [the Sharifs] endured during that period. Regarding current circumstances, he indicated readiness to discuss matters if the founder of PTI was facing challenges in jail today. "We do not wish to perpetuate the injustic…

Bilawal agrees to join budget debate after meeting with PM Shehbaz <p>• PPP leader likely to deliver speech today, to ‘share reservations’ on budget; lauds premier, Field Marshal Munir for Iran peace deal<br>• PM Office says Shehbaz, Bilawal agreed on ‘sustained collaboration’ between Centre, provinces for completion of projects</p> <p>ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif managed to convince the head of his coalition par­t­ner, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhu­tto-Zardari, to join the budget session after the latter<a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2006027"> skipped </a>ear­lier debates owing to his gri­e­v­­a­n­ces with the federal government.</p> <p>The PPP leader was also reluctant to join the budget debate, and it took Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to convince him to come to the house so that the budget could be tabled.</p> <p>A source close to Bhutto-Zardari said the PPP leader still had reservations but agreed to deliver his speech in the lower house, most likely on Thursday (today), where he would share some of his concerns. In the meeting at the PM House, the premier agreed to address all the PPP concerns regarding the federal budget. A da…

Nawaz urges AJK to end protests, sit-ins and engage in meaningful dialogue with govt <p>LAHORE: PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday expressed concern over the political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), urging protesters to end sit-ins and demonstrations and engage in meaningful dialogue with the government.</p> <p>“Under the Interim Constitution Act of 1974, the people of AJK enjoy full civil liberties and democratic rights. I urge them to end sit-ins and protests and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” the elder Sharif said at a meeting in Lahore on Wednesday convened to deliberate the political and administrative situation in Kashmir.</p> <p>The meeting was attended by senior leaders of the PML-N from AJK. The PML-N central spokesperson and Punjab Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb issued a statement after the meeting.</p> <p>The party’s AJK chapter had urged the three-time prime minister to address the emerging situation in Kashmir and play his role in resolving it.</p> <p>“I hope that the people of AJK, the AJK government, the government of Pakistan, and all political parties will collectively contribute to restoring peace in the region and advancing the el…

MQM-P warns of protest if Centre does not ensure implementation of 2022 agreement with PPP <p>The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Saturday warned of issuing a protest call if the Centre did not ensure that the party’s 2022 agreement with the PPP on various provincial issues was implemented.</p> <p>The MQM-P and PPP had <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1682593">signed</a> an 18-point agreement on March 30, 2022 — just before the two joined hands with other parties to <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/1684168">remove</a> PTI’s Imran Khan as the prime minister. The MQM-P’s demands ranged from municipal government structure to future power-sharing formula and recruitment policy in Sindh to local policing system.</p> <p>Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Farooq Sattar referred to that deal as the “last agreement between the MQM-P and PPP”.</p> <p>He stressed that his party had not demanded to be included in the provincial government or sought authority over Sindh’s resources.</p> <p>Sattar claimed that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held “no meeting despite repeated reminders from the MQM-P” on the agreement to implement a <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/…

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to form high-level panel to probe ... - ThePrint Home World Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to form high-level panel to probe embarrassing audio... World Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif to form high-level panel to probe embarrassing audio leaks Sajjad Hussain 27 September, 2022 09:00 pm IST Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin Follow Us : Text Size: A- A+ Islamabad, Sep 27 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced that a high-level committee would be constituted to probe the embarrassing audio leaks from the Prime Minister’s Office that have triggered a controversy, with the Opposition demanding his resignation. A slew of audio recordings featuring confidential conversations of the prime minister with high-government officials surfaced on social media last week, raising questions about the security of the highest office of the country. “I am taking notice of this and a committee will be formed to reach the depth of this matter,” Sharif said. Show Full Article Terming the leaks as a “very serious lapse” which left a “big question mark” on security, he said that now people would think before visiting the PM House. “Who will come to meet the prime minister at …

Khusro invites Opposition to jointly work for invigorating economy Khusro invites Opposition to jointly work for invigorating economy ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):Minister for National Food Security Khusro Bakhtiar Thursday invited the Opposition to work out a charter of economy, outlining a reform package for revival of agriculture, industry, tax collection, banking and energy sectors in the country. Speaking in the National Assembly, the minister said the government was facing economic challenges including rising inflation and stagnant exports. He said the federal government held a meeting on the issue … ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (APP):Minister for National Food Security Khusro Bakhtiar Thursday invited the Opposition to work out a charter of economy, outlining a reform package for revival of agriculture, industry, tax collection, banking and energy sectors in the country. Speaking in the National Assembly, the minister said the government was facing economic challenges including rising inflation and stagnant exports. He said the federal government held a meeting on the issue of wheat and the Sindh government had committed to procure 1.4 million tons a year. He said when the government came …

Barrister Gohar says PTI not talking with govt at the moment <p>PESHAWAR: PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan on Wednesday said that his party was not holding talks with the government at the moment and that matters had not progressed beyond the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2006659">offer of negotiations</a>.</p> <p>Talking to reporters on the premises of the Peshawar High Court (PHC), Gohar said, “It is now the responsibility of those who hold authority to respond to PTI’s offer.”</p> <p>He added that the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, had shown magnanimity by shaking hands with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and offering talks with the government.</p> <p>“If anyone takes this offer as our weakness, they are mistaken,” he said.</p> <p>The PTI chairman said that the party would decide on the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2005383">upcoming elections</a> in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) within the next two days, adding that it had not made any decision to boycott the polls.</p> <p>He added that a notification circulating on social media regarding the PTI’s boycott of the elections was “fake”.</p> <p>Regarding differences within t…

PM Shehbaz renews call for dialogue, invites opposition to Charter of ... ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday once again invited the opposition to engage in dialogue and work towards a "Charter of Democracy and a Charter of Economy" to strengthen democratic norms and improve the country's economic prospects. "I have said more than once that we should move towards a Charter of Economy and a Charter of Democracy," the premier said while addressing a National Assembly session a day after the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 was proposed. He reiterated his invitation to the opposition, saying ensuring equal development across all four provinces was his responsibility as prime minister. Referring to provincial rights, he said there was no disagreement over the principle that provinces are entitled to their own resources. "We have no fight with PTI; they are all our brothers,” he said, noting that the House functions like a family and stressed that despite differing political views, Pakistan remains the common bond for all. "Politics, vision and ideas may differ, but if Pakistan exists, we all exist," he said, adding that sacrifices made for the country can n…

Govt extends olive branch to opposition once again as Achakzai threatens boycott <p>ISLAMABAD: The government once again extended an olive branch to the opposition for dialogue on important national issues on Wednesday, as National Assembly (NA) Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai threatened to boycott the House over unfulfilled promises.</p> <p>“I invited you on behalf of the government to come and sit together with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to consult on national issues,” Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on the NA floor, while replying to allegations by the opposition that the government had failed to perform.</p> <p>Referring to the opposition’s demand to allow incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan to meet other party leaders, the law minister said the Constitution did not allow a convict to run a political party, distribute tickets for legislative assemblies, or actively participate in politics.</p> <p>Meanwhile, regarding the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, he stated that the opposition had to provide proof of any alleged <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/2006146">rigging</a> that took place there.</p> <p>Tarar said that the recent <a href="https://www.daw…