US President Donald Trump is trying to reduce the size of the federal government by challenging the authority of certain independent agencies. He has filed an urgent request with the US Supreme Court to decide whether he has the power to fire the head of an independent agency that protects whistleblowers. According to BBC, Hampton Dellinger, who led the US Office of Special Counsel, took legal action against the Trump administration after being fired via email. Hampton, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, claims that his firing was illegal because a law protects the heads of independent agencies…
Author: Raja Zahid Khanzada
US President Donald Trump’s authority to dismiss government officials is facing its first major legal challenge in the Supreme Court. The Trump administration has petitioned the court to overturn a federal judge’s ruling that reinstated Hampton Dellinger to his position. Dellinger, who heads the Office of Special Counsel, leads an independent agency responsible for overseeing government corruption, ethics violations, and protecting federal employees. This position is distinct from that of the Justice Department’s special counsel. The Trump administration abruptly removed Dellinger on February 7 via a brief email, without providing any justification. However, Dellinger contested the decision in court, prompting…
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to pause prosecutions of Americans accused of bribing foreign government officials to secure or maintain business in their countries. The order suspends enforcement of the nearly half-century-old Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and instructs Attorney General Pam Bondi to review past and current actions related to the law and draft new enforcement guidelines. Enacted in 1977, the law prohibits companies operating in the US from bribing foreign officials. Over time, it has become a guiding principle for how American businesses conduct operations overseas. “It’s going to…
Sindh: Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori on Monday said that the government and Pakistan Army are on the same page for promoting the investment and economic stability of the country. Governor Tessori made these remarks while addressing an event organized by the Pakistani diaspora in Luton, England. During his address, the governor emphasized the key role played by overseas Pakistanis in the country’s development. He added, “We should not do politics with Pakistan. It is our homeland.” The governor further said, “Your parents and elders came from Pakistan, we should take care of its dignity.” Urging the overseas Pakistanis to…
Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court Journalists Association (IHCJA) on Monday challenged the amendments made by the federal government to the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) in the Islamabad High Court. The petition argues that the PECA Amendment Act is an “attack on press freedom” and seeks judicial review. The petitioner’s lawyer has also urged the court to form a larger bench to hear the case. The petition further contends that the appointment of an authority and tribunal under PECA falls within the government’s jurisdiction. It also states that the PECA Amendment Act violates Articles 19 and 19A of…
Islamabad: A few days after six judges were sworn in as justices of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has established multiple administrative committees within the apex court. The top judge has restructured the six-member Case Management Committee, which will be headed by him and include Justice Naeem Afghan, Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, Justice Shafi Siddiqui, along with the Additional Registrar and IT Director. This move follows the swearing-in of Balochistan High Court (BHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, former Sindh High Court (SHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, SHC Senior Puisne Judge Salahuddin Panhwar,…
Parachinar: An aid convoy traveling to Kurram came under fire near the Ochit area on Monday, injuring a truck driver, police reported. The convoy, consisting of 64 vehicles, was en route from Thall to Kurram when unidentified attackers opened fire. Following the attack, authorities decided to turn the convoy back to Hangu as a precautionary measure. Security has been tightened in the region, and officials have launched an investigation to prevent further incidents. Ongoing Violence and Government Efforts in Kurram Kurram has long been affected by violence, with over 150 people killed since November 2023. Last year, two separate convoys…
In a major development in the case of renowned Sindhi poet Dr. Akash Ansari, his foster son, Latif Akash, has confessed to the murder. The investigating officer revealed on Monday that the prime suspect killed Dr. Akash before setting his room on fire. Authorities have gathered all relevant evidence and are now awaiting forensic and post-mortem reports. The official further disclosed that Latif underwent DNA testing while the police are still awaiting the post-mortem and forensic results. According to the investigation, Latif was a drug addict and frequently demanded money from his foster father. Later, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP)…
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the decline in inflation, stating that further improvements are expected in the coming days. Speaking in a statement, he highlighted that inflation has now dropped to single digits and the central bank’s markup rate has also improved. Acknowledging the challenging circumstances in which his government took charge, he emphasized the efforts made to stabilize the economy. He mentioned that the public is beginning to witness the benefits of a more stable economy. However, he stressed that further improvements require continued hard work. Referring to government measures, he stated that favoritism is being…
Karachi: The mystery surrounding Mustafa Amir’s murder remains unsolved, with his mother strongly criticizing the police and demanding action against Investigation SSP South Ali Hassan for defaming her son. In a video statement, she said, “SSP Ali Hassan never listened to me or understood that my son was missing. It was the police’s responsibility to find out where he was.” She further accused the SSP of labeling her son as a criminal and demanded an explanation regarding his actions. She also called for his dismissal and legal action against him. This statement followed the confirmation of her 23-year-old son’s death…
