Author: Ahsan Mughal

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Ameer Hafiz Naeemur Rehman has strongly criticized the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), calling it a national shame. Speaking at a press conference at the JI Karachi headquarters, Rehman said PIA, once a source of pride and a strategic asset, should never have been sold after decades of government mismanagement. He argued that PIA had generated profits and supported international airlines, but successive governments and officials mismanaged it through fake appointments and corruption. He pointed out that the airline made a profit of Rs10 billion from January to June after splitting its…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, along with Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori, paid tribute at Mazar-e-Quaid on the occasion of the Quaid’s 149th birth anniversary. He said Pakistan’s progress was only possible by adhering to the principles of its founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Speaking to the media after laying a floral wreath and offering prayers at the mausoleum, Shah said Jinnah’s life continued to offer enduring lessons in public service, justice, constitutionalism and the rule of law. “We are committed to building a strong, just and prosperous Pakistan in line with Quaid-e-Azam’s vision,” he…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Pakistan’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had envisioned the country as a welfare state where all citizens would enjoy equal rights, the opposition leader in the Sindh assembly, Ali Khursheedi, said on Wednesday, as he marked Jinnah’s birth anniversary. Khursheedi, accompanied by fellow members of the Sindh assembly, visited Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi to pay homage to the founder of the nation. Speaking to journalists after laying floral wreaths, he said 25 December was not merely a commemorative occasion but a moment of collective reflection and renewal of commitment. “This day reminds us that Pakistan was achieved…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), extended heartfelt congratulations to the nation on the 149th birth anniversary of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In a message, Dr Siddiqui paid tribute to the great leader of the subcontinent, stating that the occasion serves as a reminder to renew the commitment to building Pakistan as a welfare state based on the principles and vision of its founder. He emphasized that the country must continue its political struggle to establish a just and equitable society, where citizens enjoy equal rights regardless of…

By Ahsan MughalKARACHI: The opposition leader in Sindh, Ali Khursheedi, voiced strong concerns over the city’s approach to rising traffic fines during a session of the provincial Interior Committee on Tuesday, warning that penalties alone would not solve the chronic congestion and road safety issues plaguing Karachi. Khursheedi criticized the government’s reliance on hefty fines as the primary tool for regulating traffic, describing it as an incomplete solution that unfairly burdens commuters, particularly motorbike riders and residents of lower- and middle-income households. “Simply increasing fines will not resolve congestion or make our roads safer,” he said, calling for a more…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: The secretary general of the Mohair Qaumi Movement (Haqiqi), Shahid Faraz, has said that unity is the only path to survival, stability and political strength for the Mohajir community, warning that continued divisions will deepen economic and political marginalization. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of senior Mohajir figures at the residence of party chairman Afaq Ahmed, Faraz expressed serious concern over what he described as long-standing injustices faced by Karachi and the “biased policies” of the Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government. He said that if the provincial government failed to abandon what he termed…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: The secretary general of the Mohair Qaumi Movement (Haqiqi), Shahid Faraz, has said that unity is the only path to survival, stability and political strength for the Mohajir community, warning that continued divisions will deepen economic and political marginalization. Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of senior Mohajir figures at the residence of party chairman Afaq Ahmed, Faraz expressed serious concern over what he described as long-standing injustices faced by Karachi and the “biased policies” of the Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government. He said that if the provincial government failed to abandon what he termed…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Former finance minister Miftah Ismail has criticized the current government, saying that exports cannot increase under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif due to a “mindset problem.” Ismail acknowledged that while increasing exports is the right goal, the question remains how it can be achieved. He argued that the government appears focused on reassuring the business community by seeking concessions from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), rather than taking steps that visibly demonstrate economic growth. “If incentives are to be given to the wealthy, the IMF is persuaded; but concessions for the poor are not,” he said. Ismail…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: Chairman of Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Afaq Ahmed has expressed deep concern over the growing extortion, threats to the business community, and the apparent failure of law enforcement in Karachi. Addressing traders from Haidri Market, Afaq Ahmed said that the city is currently under a reign of fear, with builders and investors facing insecurity. He criticized the government and powerful authorities for failing to provide a serious solution, warning that if the situation persists, it will have disastrous consequences not only for Karachi but for the national economy as well. He questioned the effectiveness of law…

By Ahsan Mughal KARACHI: The anguish of the fall of Dhaka continues to resonate deeply within Pakistan, Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) chairman Afaq Ahmed said, drawing a stark comparison between past and present challenges in the country. Speaking at a prayer ceremony organized by his party to mark the anniversary of Dhaka’s fall, Ahmed warned that the use of force against one’s own people still posed a threat to national cohesion, echoing the circumstances that led to the 1971 breakup of the country. Addressing party members and families, Ahmed said the event was intended to ensure that younger generations understood…