Category: National

Call for Climate Justice: Mediation Approach Urged for Legal Professionals

While addressing the roundtable ‘Bridging the Climate Gap: Mediation and Climate-Conscious Lawyering’ on Saturday, speakers emphasized the legal fraternity’s role in advancing climate action through proactive mediation and education.

One of the key speaker Justice Jawad Hassan of the Lahore High Court highlighted Pakistan’s pioneering role in climate litigation, referencing how Pakistani courts have shaped a credible climate jurisprudence recognized internationally.

Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with the Islamabad High Court Bar Association (IHCBA) in Islamabad arranged the roundtable in Islamabad.

“Pakistan is the first country to deliver judgments mandating climate mitigation and mediation,” expressed Justice Jawad Hassan, citing the 26th Constitutional Amendment’s acknowledgment of climate rights.

Justice Hassan stressed the need to enhance public awareness and sensitize legal fraternity to penalize any of the party failing to comply with the direction to undergo mediation for a peaceful and less adversarial dispensation of justice.

Opening the session, SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri highlighted SDPI’s long-standing commitment to public rights advocacy and its critical collaboration with Pakistan’s judiciary and legal fraternity.

He stressed the need for a robust nexus between bar and bench, and research think tanks to address the escalating challenges posed by climate change. “Natural calamities cannot be stopped, but with the right policies and practices, we can mitigate their worst impacts,” Dr Suleri noted saying in an era of rapid information flow and Artificial Intelligence, the judiciary’s role needs a timely redefinition.

Romina Khurshid Alam, Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, emphasized the critical role of climate awareness and education for legal fraternity. She said: “Climate change knows no borders — it is a universal crisis which is impacting all nations, communities, and sectors. In this battle, the role of lawyers and the judiciary is pivotal.”

She further said educating legal professionals on climate science, environmental laws, and sustainable practices is the need of hour, if we are to build a future-ready justice system.

“Mediation must be recognized as a powerful tool in this regard and not as a secondary option but as a frontline method for resolving complex environmental disputes efficiently and equitably,” she maintained. She praised the efforts of organizations like International Bar Association (IBA) and SDPI for driving forward climate education and emphasized that Pakistan must take proactive steps to integrate climate-conscious mediation into its legal processes.

The event, moderated by Barrister Sarah Kazmi from the International Bar Council, brought together notable judges, legal experts, and policymakers.Speaking online from Australia, Emily Morrison from the International Bar Association (IBA) also called upon global legal practitioners to engage meaningfully with climate issues ahead of COP 30. “Lawyers environmental education is the key to combat the issue in courts,” she said.

The panel discussion, featuring experts like Dr Pulwasha Ayaz Khan, Omar Soomro, and Syed Bulent Sohail, shed light on regional challenges. Dr Khan pointed out the environmental vulnerabilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated national climate action plan. Omar Soomro, former Law Minister of Sindh, highlighted the importance of legislative reforms to mainstream mediation, particularly in complex environmental disputes.

Syed Bulent Sohail said that amid growing climate awareness, the bar councils must assume leadership roles, and the courses offered by global institutions like Oxford University can equip lawyers with essential climate knowledge.

Justice Sufiyan Rana and Judge Ghazan Mahmood from the England and Wales judiciary provided comparative insights, noting that while mediation is mandatory in the UK courts post-Woolf reforms, Pakistani courts are rapidly adapting, with over 15 significant judgments promoting mandatory mediation in the last year alone. Justice Rana emphasized that mediation not only reduces litigation burdens but also fosters communal harmony by blending indigenous practices with formal legal systems.

President of IHCBA Syed Wajid Ali Gillani lauded the discussions, saying: “We have opened the door for collaboration, and now its time to act as to how the legal profession can serve as a force for environmental justice.”

April 27, 2025
Big Policy Shift: KP Govt Backs Amendment in Civil Servant Promotions

Provincial government of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has approved an amendment to the civil servant promotion policy as Establishment Department of the province issued notification saying the amendment has been made to Serial No. 4, Clause D of the existing promotion policy.

Under the revised policy, a government servant on deputation will now be eligible for promotion with their consent. However, if promoted while on deputation, the officer or employee will be required to return to their parent department. The notification further clarifies that upon return, their seniority will remain unaffected by the deputation period.

It is pertinent to mention during last month federal government has approved amendments to Civil Servants Promotion Rules 1973, with the Establishment Division issuing a new Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO). As per the revised rules, an officer’s case for promotion to Grade 22 will only be considered twice. If promotion is not granted in both instances, the officer will not be reconsidered, effectively retiring in their current grade. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged the civil servants to serve the country and nation with their utmost capacities and expressed the hope that they were capable of steering the country out of the current crises.

According to details, the prime minister made these remarks while addressing the passing out ceremony of probationary officers of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS).

PM Shehbaz Sharif reminded probationary officers that after assuming their basic responsibilities in the practical life, they would be confronted with issues like unemployment, poverty, disease, lack of education and delayed response to public problems.

Appreciating the civil bureaucracy, the prime minister said that he personally knew a number of good officers who had strived to serve the country by shedding their sweat and blood.

April 25, 2025
Shipping Companies Urged to Operate on Saturdays

Former President of the Karachi Customs Agents Association and an expert in customs, logistics, and the supply chain Khurram Ijaz urged shipping companies to keep their offices open on Saturdays.

Khurram Ijaz also sought Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives to enhance trade efficiency and cut business expenses in Pakistan saying operating six days a week significantly helps decrease business costs. By staying open on Saturdays, shipping Companies can facilitate quicker customs processing, smoother cargo handling, and fewer delay – key factors in boosting economic progress and international trade competitiveness.

Khurram Ijaz

“I appreciate the shipping companies that have adhered to the Prime Minister’s guidelines by working on Saturdays,” Ijaz remarked. “This move has already led to positive outcomes, including reduced demurrage fees and container storage costs. It’s a major advantage for traders who previously suffered losses due to weekend shutdowns.” However, Ijaz raised concerns over reports that some shipping companies have silently reverted to closing on Saturdays. He cautioned that this could undermine the government’s efforts to streamline trade operations and might encourage other firms to do the same, leading to inconsistency in the sector. He stressed that strict adherence to the Prime Minister’s directives is crucial for ensuring transparency and efficiency in shipping and trade. “This isn’t merely about compliance—it’s about strengthening the national economy,” he emphasized.

Ijaz concluded saying all shipping companies to show their dedication to Pakistan’s growth by maintaining Saturday operations. “A minor change can have a major impact. By cooperating, shipping companies can contribute to a more efficient and stable trade ecosystem for everyone involved,” he said.

April 24, 2025
Muzzafar Ahmed Mirza Appointed SECP Commissioner

While exercising power under Section 5 and 7 of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan Act, 1997, federal government Tuesday appointed Muzzafar Ahmed Mirza as Commissioner of the Commission for a period of three years with immediate effect.

Mirza was previously serving as Chief Prosecutor / Executive Director at the SECP. Since joining the Commission in July 2012, he has led the Law Division and played a central role in the Commission’s legal and enforcement functions. He has been instrumental in shaping Pakistan’s corporate and financial regulatory framework. His key contributions include leading work on several landmark legislative reforms, including the Companies Act, 2017; Securities Act, 2015; Futures Market Act, 2016; the Corporate Restructuring Companies Act, 2016; and the Corporate Rehabilitation Act, 2018.

In addition to his litigation and legislative work, Mirza has played an active role in broader reform initiatives to modernize and strengthen the corporate sector. His contributions include efforts to improve the ease of doing business, advance regulatory frameworks for digital assets, and develop SECP’s Regulatory Sandbox — encouraging innovation in financial services while maintaining investor protection. The Commission welcomes him onboard.

April 8, 2025
CCP Approves Olympia Synthetics Merger Into Olympia Industries

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted approval for the merger of M/s Olympia Synthetics Limited (OSL) with and into M/s Olympia Industries (Private) Limited (OIL) under Section 11 of the Competition Act, 2010.

The transaction involves merger of OSL, a public unlisted company engaged in the production of bulk filament yarn and recycled polyester fiber, with OIL, a private limited company that manufactures synthetic carpet, polyester felt, synthetic yarn, and knitted fabric. The transaction will be executed through a share swap arrangement.

As part of its assessment, the Commission analyzed the potential competitive effects of the transaction in the relevant product markets, namely bulk filament yarn and recycled polyester fiber, within Pakistan. Given that both companies are vertically integrated and controlled by the same shareholders, and that OSL already supplies nearly all its production to OIL, the Commission determined that the merger would not result in the creation or strengthening of a dominant position in the relevant markets.

Accordingly, the CCP has authorized the proposed transaction under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Competition Act, 2010. The Commission reiterates that while transaction has been approved from a competition standpoint, any aspects falling outside CCP’s jurisdiction remain subject to applicable laws and oversight by relevant regulatory bodies.

March 28, 2025
PC Board Approves Transaction Structure for PIA Privatization

The Privatization Commission Board has approved the transaction structure for the second attempt to privatize Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited.

Localedia reported citing official statement the decision was made during a meeting of the Privatization Commission Board, chaired by Muhammad Ali, the adviser to the prime minister on privatization. The plan involves divesting 51% to 100% of PIACL’s share capital, along with management control.

The Ministry of Privatization in a statement said that “The board recommended to CCOP (Competition Commission of Pakistan) the transaction structure proposed for the 2nd attempt of PIACL privatization based on divestment of 51 percent to 100 percent share capital of PIACL together with the management control of PIACL”.

Additionally, the Privatization Commission Board discussed the privatization of Roosevelt Hotel in New York, and decided to seek a briefing from a financial advisor before moving forward with the process.
The process for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatization has accelerated once again, with significant interest shown by prominent groups for the acquisition of PIA, ARY News reported on Friday citing sources

According to sources interested groups’ names include the Arif Habib Group, Taba Group, and YB Holdings. Key meetings have reportedly taken place in Islamabad among representatives of these groups to discuss the potential acquisition of PIA.

Sources indicate that, since the process for PIA privatization has gained momentum, the interested groups have expressed their willingness to proceed with the acquisition of Pakistan’s national airlines, provided their conditions are met. Among these conditions is the demand that the government assumes responsibility for PIA’s outstanding liabilities, including billions owed to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Pakistan State Oil (PSO), and the aviation sector.

Additionally, it has been reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has set a target for PIA privatization to be completed by July. This development comes as part of broader economic reforms and restructuring efforts aimed at improving the financial health of the national carrier.

March 19, 2025
Pakistan Ratifies 3 Key ILO Instruments to Strengthen Workers’ Rights

Day ago in a historic move, Pakistan has ratified three International Labour Organization (ILO) instruments that will improve workers’ rights and protections as well as help empower evidence-based policy formulation to drive decent work.

Instruments of ratification for the Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930; the Maritime Labour Convention, as amended (MLC, 2006); and the Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) were handed over by Minister of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain to Gilbert F. Houngbo, the ILO Director-General, on 13 March 2025, during the 353rd session of the ILO Governing Body in Geneva.

The Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 supplements the Forced Labour Convention which Pakistan ratified in 1957, and gives new impetus to the global fight against all forms of forced labour, including trafficking in persons and slavery-like practices. The ratification of the Protocol affirms Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating forced labour, aligning its efforts with human rights principles and the Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work.

The ratification of the MLC, 2006 is a major step towards aligning the country with international maritime standards and ensuring protection not only for national seafarers but also for all those entering the ports of Pakistan. The Convention establishes the rights of seafarers to fair and safe living and working conditions and ensures a level playing field for ship owners. It covers areas like minimum age, employment agreements, hours of work, wages, paid leave, repatriation, on-board and onshore medical care and complaint procedures.

With the ratification of the Labour Statistics Convention, 1985 (No. 160) Pakistan pledges to strengthen its labour data and information infrastructure by enhancing the analytical capabilities of national statistics offices in labour market indicators. This approach will empower evidence-based policy formulation and assist Pakistan achieve its goals and commitments towards creating decent jobs, reducing disparities and enabling vulnerable groups to access safe and inclusive workplaces.

Commenting on the three ratifications, Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain said, “Pakistan is committed to eradicating forced labour, protecting the rights of seafarers and strengthening the quality of our labour market data. The decision to ratify the three labour standards was arrived at through rigorous consultations amongst the tripartite constituents.

This decision underscores the tripartite constituents’ support for labour rights and their dedication to establish a fair and equitable work environment.”

Geir Tonstol, Director of ILO’s Country Office for Pakistan, highlighted the significance of the ratifications calling them, “historic”. “It is noteworthy that this marks Pakistan’s first ratification of an ILO international labour standard since the Minimum Age Convention was ratified in July 2006. It exemplifies Pakistan’s renewed dedication to global labour standards and the protection of workers’ rights.

The ILO stands ready to support Pakistan in translating these commitments into concrete actions that benefit both workers and employers,” he said.

March 14, 2025
PIA Sell-off Set for July, IMF Informed

Government assured International Monetary Fund of selling the Pakistan International Airlines by July, but the future of Roosevelt Hotel in New York has yet to be decided amidst the US decision to terminate the $228 million worth lease deal prematurely.

In a briefing to the IMF over Pakistan’s virtually stalled privatisation programme, the federal authorities said that they will try to privatise five to seven enterprises, including PIA, three financial institutions and three power distribution companies, according to the government sources.

Among the financial institutions that will be privatised is the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) and the government is hopeful to sell it off by November this year. The global lender has been told that the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation would make a decision whether to sell the priciest Roosevelt Hotel or give it under a joint lease agreement. The hotel, owned by PIA, is located in an area considered among the top 1% of the most expensive properties in the world.

The hotel has 1,025 rooms and Pakistan had given it on a three years’ lease to the Immigrant Housing Business by the New York City Government in July 2023. But the IMF was informed that the New York City government had given a notice to end the deal with effect from July – one year before its expiry. This would cause around $80 million loss of business. The city government had taken the hotel at $210 per room for the third year.

In November last year, the CCOP had apprehended that President Donald Trump’s anti-immigration policies could impact the $228 million three-year deal. The IMF was informed that the authorities were looking for alternate business options. However, despite hiring one after another financial advisor, the government has not yet been able to take a clear decision on the privatisation of the Roosevelt Hotel. Pakistan hired Jones Lang LaSalle Americas as the financial advisor for the Roosevelt privatisation transaction at a cost of Rs2.1 billion. The advisor’s fee includes milestone-based payments and a success fee of 0.95% of the sale proceeds. The IMF was told that the CCOP would soon take a decision on the mode of privatisation of the hotel, based on input by a committee headed by Ali Pervaiz Malik, now federal minister for petroleum.

The committee has recommended privatising the valuable Roosevelt Hotel in New York through open bidding after Saudi Arabia failed to show formal interest in acquiring the PIA-owned property. But the CCOP has not yet taken up the committee report for a decision. The Privatisation Commission said last year that under a government-to-government arrangement, a foreign government must formally declare its interest before invoking the Inter-Governmental Commercial Transaction Act. As of late December, no foreign government had shown formal interest to acquire the hotel, according to the committee’s proceedings. The special committee has proposed to the CCOP that the hotel be sold via open and competitive bidding. However, the committee also left it to the Privatisation Commission to decide whether to outright sell the hotel, develop it as a joint venture, or lease it for 99 years.

PIA Privatisation

The Privatisation Ministry also briefed the IMF about the status of the PIA privatisation and gave a July 2025 deadline to sell the loss-making entity, said the sources. The government’s earlier attempt to privatise PIA had badly failed after its weak scrutiny process ended up at selecting a real estate developer as the sole bidder. The sole bidder had given Rs10 billion offer, which was many times lower than the minimum ask price of Rs85 billion.

The sources said that the IMF was informed that the government was in the process of gauging the market sentiment before issuing the Expression of Interest for inviting the investors by the end of this month. It seems the government is not very confident about the success of the second attempt as it has again started the process of checking the investors’ confidence and whether there is any appetite for buying a bleeding asset.

The authorities informed the IMF that three parties may take part in the bidding. These include two bidders who had earlier withdrawn from the process after the government did not accept the condition to waive off 18% sales tax on lease of the aircraft and taking out Rs45 billion liabilities from the PIA balance sheet before its privatisation. The IMF has already agreed to relax these two conditions, which along with opening of European routes are considered as major incentives for the success of the second bid on the privatisation.

Bleeding Power sector

The IMF has been informed that the government wanted to sell three power distribution companies Faisalabad, Islamabad and Gujranwala by December this year. However, the decision whether to sell all these entities in one go or take each enterprise separately in the market will be taken in the advice of the financial advisor. The IMF inquired whether there was any commercial debt owed by these three power distribution companies. The government does not have a plan to sell any power generation company this year, the IMF was told.

Financial Institutions

The sources said that the government has also informed the IMF that the United Arab Emirates was interested in buying the First Women Bank Limited as a full commercial bank and the deal is expected by the end of May. However, the UAE wants to acquire the bank under the government-to-government deal instead of participating in the open bidding.

The sources said that the government was also in the process to hire a financial adviser for the sale of the ZTBL. The government is hoping to sell the bank by November this year, said the sources. The authorities also expect to sell the House Building Finance Company next month yet another deadline after earlier multiple deadlines lapsed.

March 12, 2025
CCP Authorizes Nishat Hotels to Acquire Hotel Margala in Islamabad

Chairman Competition Commission of Pakistan Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu has approved Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited’s acquisition of Hotel Margala in Islamabad, paving the way for Nishat’s entry into the capital’s hospitality sector.

Nishat Hotels, a subsidiary of the Nishat Group, primarily operates luxury accommodations in Lahore, including the high-end Nishat Hotels in Johar Town and Gulberg. As one of Pakistan’s largest conglomerates, with diversified interests in textiles, banking, cement, power, and hospitality Nishat Group is owned by billionaire Mian Muhammad Mansha, who also controls MCB Bank and various other enterprises.

The decision has been taken after first phase review in the matter of acquisition of certain assets of M/S Hotel Margala (private) Limited by M/s Nishat Hotels & Properties Limited. Issuing a press release on Friday the Commission declared it has approved the acquisition of assets of M/s Hotel Margala Private Limited by M/s Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited.

It added under the Sale and Purchase Agreement, Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited will acquire the assets of Hotel Margala, including leasehold rights to its plot on Srinagar Highway, the entire built-up structure of the motel, fittings and fixtures, utility connections, associated deposits, and all movable property on the premises.

As part of its competition assessment, the CCP examined potential concerns related to market dominance and the impact on competition following the merger. The relevant product market has been defined as hospitality services, with the relevant geographic market determined to be Islamabad.

Hotel Margala, a 92-room facility, currently holds an estimated 5.46% market share in Islamabad’s hospitality sector. The transaction is horizontal in nature, as both companies operate within the hospitality sector; however, their geographic operations are distinct.

Nishat Hotels and Properties Limited primarily operates in Lahore, while Hotel Margala Private Limited is exclusively based in Islamabad. Given the absence of a direct geographic market overlap, the transaction is unlikely to impact competitive dynamics or raise market concentration concerns. Furthermore, barriers to entry in the hospitality sector remain moderate, mitigating any potential anticompetitive effects.

February 23, 2025
KP Government Launches Rule of Law Roadmap with EU Support

With European Union (EU) support, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Government organized the first-ever dialogue on the KP Rule of Law Roadmap (2023 – 2028), reaffirming its commitment to ensuring justice for all. The roadmap outlines key priorities to strengthen the rule of law and improve access to justice in KP, including the merged districts.

Stated in a press release on Friday that organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the EU-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project’, the dialogue brought together key justice and security stakeholders from the KP government, the KP judiciary, prosecution, law enforcement, and prison services as well as legal practitioners and civil society.

The EU Delegation, and the ‘Deliver Justice Project’ implementing partners – UNDP, UN Women, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – equally reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the justice and security sector in KP and aligning their assistance to the provincial roadmap.

On this occasion, Dr. Riina Kionka, EU Ambassador to Pakistan, repledged the EU’s support to justice sector reforms to ensure people-centered justice, particularly for women and less privileged groups. She noted that ‘the Rule of Law Roadmap is an important milestone to guide joint efforts,’ and encouraged authorities to accelerate the rate of implementation of the roadmap. Dr. Kionka further highlighted the importance of coordination across and between the different authorities involved in implementing the roadmap reiterating the slogan of the EU in Pakistan, ‘We are stronger together.’

Led by the KP Home and Tribal Affairs Department (HTAD),the event featured a dynamic panel discussion, “Joining forces to strengthen the rule of law and justice in KP.” Panelists shared insights on collaborative efforts to improve access to justice, with a focus on empowering women and marginalized groups.

Mr. Abdul Khaliq, Special Secretary, Planning and Development Department, KP, highlighted the urgency of implementing the KP Rule of Law Roadmap (2023 -2028), stating, “The Provincial Government remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the rule of law institutions, enhancing their performance, and ensuring justice for all. We firmly believe that economic growth, poverty eradication, and the overall development of our province are only possible when justice prevails, and institutions operate with integrity and efficiency.”

UNDP, in partnership with UN Women and UNODC, under the EU-funded ‘Deliver Justice Project,’ provided technical support in the development of the second iteration of the KP Rule of Law Roadmap (2023 – 2028). A people-centered approach guided its formulation, ensuring inclusivity and responsiveness to the needs of the communities it serves. It was driven by extensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, including communities from the merged districts, civil society organizations, alliances working to end violence against women and girls (EVAWG Alliances), and criminal justice institutions.

Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, highlighted the roadmap’s importance in strengthening rule of law, particularly in the merged districts. “For the first time, the KP Rule of Law Roadmap provides a structured approach to addressing justice and security challenges in the merged districts. It will help us expand access to justice, strengthen legal protections, and ensure institutions are more responsive to the needs of local communities. These are the cornerstones of sustainable development in KP.” He also acknowledged UNDP’s strong partnership with the KP Government, the EU, UN Women, and UNODC in advancing this critical initiative.

As part of this consultation, a roundtable with women professionals from KP’s justice and security sectors highlighted their experiences and challenges in advancing fair and accessible justice. The discussion focused on progress under the Roadmap as well as the “Deliver Justice Project” in creating safer environments for marginalized groups.

Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan underlined the targeted efforts made under the Roadmap and the ‘Deliver Justice Project’ to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for women and other marginalized individuals. He said, “Integrating gender equality into every aspect of the framework isn’t just progress—it’s a promise. By strengthening the rule of law institutions to be more gender-responsive and inclusive, we are laying the foundation for justice that safeguards the rights of all, especially women, survivors, and vulnerable groups.”

February 14, 2025

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