Pakistan’s joint opposition seeks PM Khan’s resignation after key coalition partner abandons government

Leader of the MQM-P Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, second left, with opposition parties leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, left, Shahbaz Sharif, second right, and Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman give a press conference, in Islamabad, Pakistan, on March 30, 2022. (AP)
Short Url
Updated 30 March 2022
Follow

Pakistan’s joint opposition seeks PM Khan’s resignation after key coalition partner abandons government

  • Without vote of MQM-P, Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has fallen short of 172 votes needed to retain power
  • Information minister said earlier in the day the PM would not resign and ‘fight until the last ball’

KARACHI: Pakistan’s leading opposition figures on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to resign after a major coalition partner formally announced to abandon the government, making the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party lose its majority in the national assembly.
Minister for information Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said earlier in the day the prime minister would not step down after the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) struck a deal with the opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and signaled it would vote against Khan in a no-confidence vote expected to take place early next month.
“The prime minister should set a new tradition by handing in his resignation after losing his numerical strength [in the national assembly],” said Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the opposition in the national assembly, during a joint news conference with other politicians who want to bring down the government.
He said the agreement between the PPP and MQM-P had taken place within 20 minutes during a meeting of their leaders last night while congratulating the two parties for setting aside their past political differences.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also agreed with Sharif, saying that Khan should step down.
“Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has lost his majority,” he said. “Today, MQM Pakistan has joined the opposition ranks. Shehbaz Sharif has rightly given a challenge in the spirit of statesmanship to [PM Khan to] resign.”
The PPP leader added: “The prime minister does not have any option. Either he should resign or come to the parliamentary session tomorrow to settle this issue.”
He maintained the prime minister’s removal would help Pakistan resume its democratic journey again.
Without the vote of the MQM-P, Khan’s PTI administration would fall short of the 172 needed to retain power. Khan’s four coalition parties have a total of 20 seats in the lower house of parliament.
However, the prime minister’s close aides have ruled out the possibility of his resignation despite the recent setback.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan is a player who plays until the last ball,” the information minister said on Twitter, adding the PM would not resign.


Even before the MQM-P’s joint news conference with the opposition parties, MQM leaders Syed Aminul Haque, federal minister for IT and Telecom, and law minister Farogh Naseem, had resigned from their posts.
Speaking to Arab News, Faisal Karim Kundi, the PPP’s central information secretary, confirmed that the MQM-P had decided to join the opposition.
“The MQM-P will formally announce the decision and [make] public the points of the deal but I can just tell that Sindh’s governorship for the MQM-P is one of the agreed points of the deal,” Kundi said, referring to giving the coveted slot of the governor of the southern Sindh province to the MQM-P in exchange for siding with the opposition alliance.
“The united opposition and MQM have reached an agreement,” Bhutto-Zardari also announced on Twitter, adding that the agreement would be ratified by the executive committees of both parties and the details shared with the public in a press conference. “Congratulations Pakistan.”




Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, co-chairperson of PPP (2nd from L), former President Asif Ali Zardari (3rd from L) meets MQM-P Deputy Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui (2nd from L) in Islamabad, Mar 30, 2022. (PPPP/Twitter)

Pakistani opposition legislators have been wooing ruling party legislators away for weeks and tabled a no-confidence motion against Khan in parliament Monday, hoping to oust his government amid accusations he has mismanaged the economy and governed poorly. 
Khan came to power in a 2018 election, securing 176 seats. He needs 172 votes to remain in power but about a dozen lawmakers from his ruling party have defected, weakening his position.
The ruling PTI accuses the opposition of bribing its lawmakers to vote against the prime minister. It has also filed a presidential reference in the supreme court seeking an interpretation of Article 63-A, which sets down rules in the constitution for the disqualification of lawmakers in the case of defection and violation of party policy. Khan’s party is calling for the lifetime disqualification of defectors.
On Tuesday, Khan directed all ruling party members to abstain from the no-confidence vote.


Pakistan to launch new remote-sensing satellite to monitor resources, boost disaster management

Updated 27 July 2025
Follow

Pakistan to launch new remote-sensing satellite to monitor resources, boost disaster management

  • The launch will mark a major milestone in Pakistan’s space program, significantly enhancing its Earth observation capabilities
  • In addition, the satellite will support national development initiatives by mapping transportation networks, identifying geo-hazards

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will be launching another remote-sensing satellite from a Chinese launch center next week to monitor resources and boost disaster management efforts, its space research commission SUPARCO announced on Sunday.

The launch of the satellite will mark a major milestone in Pakistan’s space program, significantly enhancing its Earth observation capabilities. It will support a wide range of national applications, including precision agriculture to boost crop yields, monitoring infrastructure growth and urban sprawl, and enabling regional planning, according to SUPARCO.

The satellite will strengthen disaster management efforts by providing timely warnings for floods, landslides, and earthquakes, while tracking glacier recession and deforestation. In addition, it will support national development initiatives by mapping transportation networks and identifying geo-hazard risks.

"The launch of this remote sensing satellite, along with its integration into Pakistan’s existing remote sensing fleet — including PRSS-1 (launched in July 2018) and EO-1 (launched in January 2025) — will further strengthen the country’s space-based infrastructure, aligning with the National Space Policy and SUPARCO’s Vision 2047, aiming to position our nation at the forefront of space technology and innovation," SUPARCO said in a statement.

The satellite, whose data acquisition capabilities under various environmental conditions make it a vital asset for environmental monitoring and resource management, will be launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC), China on July 31.

Pakistan has taken strides in its space research program in recent years months.

In January this year, China launched Pakistan’s indigenously developed Electro-Optical (EO-1) satellite into space from its Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, aiming to predict natural disasters and monitor resources, Chinese and Pakistani state media reported.

In Nov. last year, SUPARCO announced its rover will join China’s Chang’E 8 mission to explore the moon’s surface in 2028. Prior to that in May 2024, Pakistan launched its first lunar satellite aboard China’s Chang’e-6 probe, which was tasked with landing on the far side of the moon that perpetually faces away from the Earth. China was the first country to make such an ambitious attempt.


Authorities seize 1,000 kilograms of donkey meat in Islamabad, arrest ‘foreign national’

Updated 27 July 2025
Follow

Authorities seize 1,000 kilograms of donkey meat in Islamabad, arrest ‘foreign national’

  • The seizure was made during a raid at a farmhouse in Islamabad’s Tarnol area, with authorities recovering 50 live donkeys as well
  • Official says the meat had been packed for ‘export to a neighboring country,’ more raids to be conducted to trace local facilitators

ISLAMABAD: Local administration in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad has seized around 1,000 kilograms of donkey meat from an illegal slaughterhouse and arrested a “foreign national,” officials said on Sunday.

The seizure was made during a joint raid by the Islamabad Food Authority (IFA), local police and the Islamabad district administration on a farmhouse in Tarnol area, according to the IFA.

Fifty live donkeys were also recovered from the site and an IFA team was destroying the meat under the supervision of Deputy Director Dr. Tahira Siddique.

Police have lodged a case against the arrested foreign national, who had been running the operation, and are looking for his local facilitators.

“A foreign national was arrested at the site which has been sealed and an investigation is underway,” Muhammad Nasir Butt, a spokesperson for the Islamabad district administration, told Arab News.

“We will conduct further raids as per the findings of the investigation and efforts are also underway to trace local individuals involved.”

Butt said the meat had been packed for “export to a neighboring country.”

“So far, we have not found any traces of meat being used in the local restaurants, but administration is investigating the matter from multiple angles,” he added.

According to a police report seen by Arab News, the farmhouse had no authorization to process donkey meat or export live donkeys.

“Due to the absence of records for [processing] haram meat, and on the basis of its supply and sale, legal action shall be taken against concerned individuals under Sections 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the Islamabad Capital Territory Food Safety Act, 2021,” the report said.

Pakistan is frequently listed among countries with the highest number of donkey populations worldwide. The country’s donkey population rose to 6 million in fiscal year 2024-25, which ended in June, compared to 5.9 million in 2023–24, according to the latest economic survey.

In May this year, Pakistan Customs had foiled an attempt to smuggle donkey hides worth approximately Rs80 million (around $283,800) to China. The staff deployed on the Risk Management Profiling System of the Karachi Customs

Collectorate detected a container number SEGU-3154225 cleared from the South Asia Pakistan Port (SAPT) terminal in Karachi, whose export documents showed 285 packages of leather products were being sent to China.

The animal’s meat and hides are quite popular in China. Gelatin derived from donkey hides is highly sought after in China for its use in Ejiao, a traditional medicinal remedy. Several Chinese eateries sell donkey meat and burgers for consumption.

Dr. Siddique, who was part of the team that raided the farmhouse, said the availability of safe and quality food in Islamabad was the top priority of the IFA.

“We are enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against those who endanger public health,” she was quoted as saying by the IFA.


Eight killed, 18 injured as passenger bus meets accident in eastern Pakistan

Updated 27 July 2025
Follow

Eight killed, 18 injured as passenger bus meets accident in eastern Pakistan

  • Bus heading from Lahore to Islamabad falls in ditch in Chakwal, local media reports say
  • Fatal road accidents are common in Pakistan, where traffic rules are rarely followed 

ISLAMABAD: Eight people were killed while 18 others were injured after a passenger bus met with an accident in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province on Sunday, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported. 

As per local media reports, the passenger bus was heading to the eastern city of Lahore from Pakistan’s capital Islamabad, when one of its tires burst near the Balkassar Interchange on the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M2).

Pakistani English language newspaper Dawn reported that the tire burst caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, due to which it fell into a ditch and overturned.

“Eight people were killed while eighteen others injured in a passenger bus accident in the area of Balkassar in Chakwal today,” Radio Pakistan reported.

“According to Rescue 1122, ambulances and rescue vehicles promptly reached the site of the incident.”

The state-run media said that the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

Fatal road accidents are common in Pakistan, where traffic rules are rarely followed and roads as well as a majority of vehicles are in poor condition.

Pakistan motorway police frequently warns masses on its social media platforms against violating traffic regulations and overspeeding.


Pakistan suspends road travel to Iran, Iraq citing security concerns

Updated 27 July 2025
Follow

Pakistan suspends road travel to Iran, Iraq citing security concerns

  • Travelers will still be allowed to visit Iran and Iraq by air, says interior minister.
  • Decision comes in wake of rise in militant attacks in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Sunday that the government will not allow pilgrims to travel to Iran and Iraq by road for the Arbaeen pilgrimage this year, citing public safety and national security concerns for the ban. 

Thousands of Pakistani citizens visit Iran and Iraq annually for religious tourism and to visit religious sites, including observing Arbaeen (Arabic for “forty”), a significant religious occasion in Shia Islam. It marks the end of a 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussain, who was “martyred” in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

Travelers to Iran and Iraq by road have often been targeted in sectarian attacks by armed groups in Pakistan’s restive southwestern Balochistan province, which shares a border with Iran.

Islamabad’s decision comes in the wake of a rise in militant attacks in the province by ethnic Baloch militant groups, who demand a greater share of the province’s mineral resources from Islamabad.

“After extensive consultations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Balochistan Government, and security agencies, it has been decided that Zaireen will not be allowed to travel to Iraq and Iran by road for Arbaeen this year,” Naqvi wrote on X. 

The interior minister said this “difficult decision” was taken in the interest of public safety and national security.

However, he said Shia pilgrims will be allowed to travel by air to Iran and Iraq.

“Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to arrange maximum flights to facilitate their pilgrimage in the coming days,” he wrote. 

A Pakistani immigration official told Arab News earlier this month that Islamabad plans to overhaul its pilgrimage travel policy to Iraq, Iran and Syria after authorities confirmed around 40,000 Pakistani pilgrims went missing or overstayed in the three countries over the past decade. 

Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Minister Sardar Muhammad Yousaf revealed this month that 40,000 Pakistani pilgrims had either overstayed or gone missing in these countries without any official record of their whereabouts.

In response, Pakistani authorities have scrapped the long-standing “Salar system,” in which private group leaders managed travel logistics, and are introducing a new centralized, computerized structure to track and regulate pilgrim movement more effectively.

Mustafa Jamal Kazi, Pakistan’s director general of Immigration and Passports, said a new Ziyarat Management Policy has been finalized by the government under which pilgrims will only be allowed to travel in organized groups, and licensed tour operators will be held directly responsible for ensuring that all group members return to Pakistan before their visas expire.

Any operator found violating the policy or failing to ensure the return of all pilgrims will have their license canceled.


Pakistan PM takes notice of ‘unjustified delay’ of cash reward, support for boxer Shahzaib Rind

Updated 27 July 2025
Follow

Pakistan PM takes notice of ‘unjustified delay’ of cash reward, support for boxer Shahzaib Rind

  • Rind had publicly criticized government for not paying him promised cash reward of $17,360, support worth $282,080
  • Information Minister Attaullah Tarar apologizes to Rind, says “inordinate delay” will be sorted out immediately

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar this week apologized to Karate champion Shahzaib Rind for the “unjustified delay” of a monetary reward and financial support the fighter said the government had promised to provide him, sharing that the prime minister has taken “serious notice” of the incident. 

Rind made history in September last year when he won the World Karate Combat Light Heavyweight Championship, beating Brazil’s Luiz Victor Rocha in the final in Singapore. The remarkable feat made him the first person from Pakistan to win the world title. 

Following his achievement, Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari presented Rind a cheque of Rs100 million [$352,600] while as per reports, former federal minister Sardar Yaar Muhammad Rind announced he would give Rind 25 acres of land. 

Rind took to social media platform X on July 23, saying that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promised him a sum of Rs5 million [$17,630] and Rs80 million [$282,080] to support his training camp and upcoming fights. However, the Pakistani fighter said it was “all a lie, I never got a penny from them.”

“Dear Shahzeb, there seems to be some miscommunication,” Tarar wrote to Rind on X on Saturday. “We sincerely apologize for this unjustified delay, sportsmen like you are our real heroes and we value your achievements.”

The minister acknowledged that Rind had brought honor to the country and made everyone proud through his achievements. 

“The Prime Minister has taken serious notice of this inordinate delay and rest assured, it will be sorted out immediately, inshallah [god willing],” Tarar added.

He said Sharif had instructed authorities that such mistakes must never happen again.

“We regret this unjustified delay and the inconvenience caused,” he added. 

Rind responded by thanking Tarar, saying he appreciated Sharif taking notice of the incident. 

“Inshallah, with your support, we can continue to uplift and inspire the next generation of champions,” he wrote. 

Rind, who hails from the impoverished southwestern Balochistan province, won his first martial arts title in 2011 after claiming victory in a provincial-level competition. His first national title came in 2019 when he triumphed at the National Games in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

During the two-and-a-half years of an undefeated Karate Combat career, Rind has fought fighters from North America, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, France and India.