Tallal Chaudhry

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) alleged rigging in two Muzaffarabad constituencies during Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections, citing incidents of ballot stuffing, intimidation, and staff misconduct. Polling in LA-27 and LA-28 was delayed due to landslides and bad weather, while the PPP accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of electoral malpractices. PML-N's election coordinator denied the claims, attributing their early-phase victories to public trust.

A proposed law to issue blue passports to children of former parliamentarians faces backlash, prompting state minister Tallal Chaudhry to announce stricter approval processes for such passports. The bill, which aims to align ex-MPs with retired Grade-22 officers in passport entitlements, was passed by a Senate panel but is now under political scrutiny. Chaudhry emphasized reducing blue passport holders to facilitate visa-free agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia and Italy.

Pakistan and China agreed to enhance cooperation on immigration, border management, and institutional collaboration to combat illegal immigration, arms smuggling, and cross-border crimes. A joint working group will be established, and an agreement to expedite immigration processes is to be finalized. China also invited Pakistani officials to a security forum and will provide training to police officers and security personnel.

Authorities in Pakistan are enhancing security around the Saindak copper and gold mine in Balochistan following disruptions to supply routes by terrorists. The mine's operator denied reports of potential closure, while Chinese and Pakistani officials emphasized protecting the project and addressing security challenges.

A proposed bill allowing blue passports for children under 28 of ex-legislators has been criticized by politicians, journalists, and experts for expanding privileges and undermining democracy. The Senate panel approved the legislation, which aligns ex-MPs with entitlements of retired Grade-22 government officers, but State Minister Tallal Chaudhry denied supporting it. Critics argue it widens the trust gap between elites and citizens and enables 'foreign escape routes.'

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Minister Tallal Chaudhry chaired a meeting of the Paigham-i-Aman Committee to discuss Muharram arrangements and measures to combat sectarian content online. The committee decided to take action against those spreading incitement on social media and emphasized promoting inter-sect harmony. Naqvi credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for facilitating the US-Iran agreement.