In a significant development, the Sindh Minister of Education, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, met with a delegation from the Grand Alliance of Private Schools Associations. The meeting took place amidst concerns raised by the private schools regarding the verification process of students’ data. The delegation had announced a strike on January 9, but after the meeting, they decided to call off the strike.
The delegation included Chairman Anti-Corruption Establishment, Zulfikar Ali Shah, Secretary School Education, Zaid Ali Abbasi, Director General Private Schools, Muhammad Afzal, Additional Director, Rafeeah Mullah, and other officials. The private schools’ leaders expressed concerns about the verification process, which they believed was not transparent.
Sindh Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah assured the delegation that the concerns of the private schools would be addressed, and the verification process would be made more transparent. He also announced that the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions would oversee the entire verification process.
Following the meeting, the Grand Alliance of Private Schools Associations announced that they would call off the strike. The minister expressed his respect for the concerns raised by the private schools and assured them that their issues would be addressed.
Meanwhile, in other news, a 25-year-old man lost his life in a confrontation with dacoits in Karachi’s Mahmoodabad Kashmir Colony. In Chakwal’s Thala Gang area, a bus fell into a ditch, killing five people and injuring 27 others.
In a major crackdown, the Peshawar Police launched operations against land mafias, usurers, and robbers. The Sindh High Court issued a stay order on the case of Katchi Abadis Building (KAB) due to its ownership. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) declared several power stations and companies as failing in terms of safety standards.
In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, met with Vice President and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Esakh Dar. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Barrister Ali Zafar expressed concerns that the current situation does not seem conducive to negotiations, and his party may not be allowed to engage in any political activities.
In other news, the Awami National Party (ANP) leader and former Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amir Haider Khan Hoti, stated that war and negotiations cannot go hand-in-hand, and a review of attitudes is necessary.
The Election Tribunal in Peshawar dismissed the election objections of PTI candidate Timur Salim Jhagda. In a separate incident, a rickshaw driver in Quetta attempted to set his vehicle on fire, claiming that traffic police officials had demanded money from him. Barrister Salman Akram Raja clarified his previous statement on party chairmanship.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the outsourcing of airports in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. The competition in the upcoming elections is expected to be fierce, with the most interesting contest being for the professor’s seat. PTI Chairman, Barrister Gohar Khan, stated that the talks have reached a dead end, and it’s not being understood.
Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that Pakistan’s aircraft have been involved in a war test with India and that they are receiving so many orders that it’s possible that IMF assistance may not be needed within six months.
