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PPP

PM Shehbaz directs acceleration of development projects through PPP

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PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD: Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to fast-track development projects across the country through enhanced use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

The directive came during a high-level meeting chaired by the prime minister to review progress and reforms in the PPP framework. Key decisions were taken to improve efficiency and coordination within the system.

The meeting granted in-principle approval to further streamline the Public Private Partnership Authority and integrate its structure more effectively.

It was also decided that the authority will operate under the Privatization Division to align its performance with modern requirements and accelerate project execution.

The prime minister instructed relevant ministries and departments to strengthen their capacity for initiating and managing development projects under the PPP model.

He further directed that such projects should be made part of institutional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and progress.

Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that reforms through P3A aim to make the PPP system more transparent and efficient, enabling faster delivery of infrastructure and development initiatives.

During the meeting, officials presented a comparative analysis of PPP models adopted in various countries, along with a briefing on the proposed new framework. It was informed that under the revised structure, P3A will be overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Privatization and the Privatization Division.

The prime minister directed authorities to expedite implementation of the newly approved system.

Ruling coalition crosses two-thirds mark in National Assembly

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Ruling coalition

ISLAMABAD: The ruling alliance in the National Assembly has garnered support from 237 members, comfortably exceeding the 224 votes needed for a two-thirds majority.

Among the coalition ranks, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) accounts for 126 members, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) 75, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) 22. Further backing comes from Quaid-e-Azam League (5), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (4), Zia League (1), and Balochistan Awami Party (1), along with support from four independent members.

However, the National Party, part of the coalition, has announced it will abstain from voting on the 27th Amendment.

On the opposition side, 89 members are in favor of opposing the bill, including 74 independents, one member from Sunni Ittehad Council, 10 from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and one each from BNP, MWM, and PKMAP.

Meanwhile, The National Assembly is set to convene shortly, with an 11-point agenda released ahead of the session.

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar is scheduled to present the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill for approval, while attention-drawing notices are also included on the agenda.

Additionally, the government will table bills for the establishment of two new educational institutions for consideration.

It is noteworthy that the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed in the Senate yesterday with a two-thirds majority, receiving 64 votes in favor and none against.

Meanwhile, the United Opposition has announced a boycott of both the Senate and National Assembly sessions.

KP awaits new chief minister as assembly votes today

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KP awaits

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will elect its new Chief Minister today, with four contenders vying for the top provincial position.

The candidates include Sohail Afridi from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Maulana Lutf-ur-Rehman representing the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Arbab Zarak Khan from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Ahead of the crucial vote, PTI has reinforced party discipline, administering oaths to its members to ensure unity. PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Junaid Akbar cautioned lawmakers against defection, warning that any betrayal of the party’s nominated candidate would not be tolerated and that efforts to sway members would be firmly resisted.

The provincial assembly comprises 145 members, with 93 on the treasury benches and 52 from the opposition — numbers that could prove decisive in determining the outcome.

Today’s polling takes place amid heightened political activity, reports of behind-the-scenes lobbying, and concerns about potential defections, prompting party leaders to urge their members to stay closely aligned with official directives.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi has formally written to Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, directing him to appear at the Governor’s House on October 15 for verification of two purported resignation letters received earlier this month.

According to the Governor’s letter, two separate sets of resignation documents dated October 8 and October 11, were received at the Governor’s House, both allegedly bearing different and inconsistent signatures.

Bilawal calls emergency meeting after PML-N remarks

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Bilawal

ISLAMABAD: As tensions escalate between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called an emergency meeting of senior party leaders to discuss the situation

According to party insiders, the meeting — to be held via Zoom — will be attended by members of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and senior leadership. The session is expected to finalise the party’s future strategy regarding the PML-N.

Sources further revealed that Bilawal will also brief participants on the PPP leadership’s late-night meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari and the PML-N delegation.

On the other hand, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has convened a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) at Bilawal House Karachi on October 18, to discuss the country’s political situation and future course of action, according to an official statement.

The meeting comes at a time when relations between PPP and its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), have been strained for several weeks.

The leaders from both parties have engaged in an escalating exchange of accusations, underscoring widening cracks within the ruling alliance.

President Asif Ali Zardari held a late-night meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review the country’s evolving political situation, as tensions persist between coalition allies PPP and PML-N.

The leaders discussed matters pertaining to the overall security and political situation in the country, as well as recent regional and international developments.

The PPP and the PML-N’s Punjab leadership have been engaged in a war of words for the past many days over issues ranging from flood compensation to water rights in the context of the Cholistan canals project.