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Forced DNA testing is a violation of fundamental rights, rules Supreme Court

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that compelling an individual to undergo a DNA test is a clear violation of fundamental rights, declaring that such an order infringes upon personal dignity and cannot be made part of the legal process.

In a significant judgment, the apex court set aside the directives of the Lahore High Court and the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Pakpattan, which had required a citizen, Khalid Hameed, to undergo a compulsory DNA test. The Court held that forcing a person to take a DNA test in matters such as paternity disputes or alleged tampering with documents constitutes a blatant violation of fundamental rights.

According to the approved written judgment authored by Justice Muhammad Hashim Khan Kakar, DNA testing is a highly sensitive, private procedure and can only be mandated in specific criminal cases—particularly those involving rape or sexual offences—where the law explicitly requires it. The Court observed that no such legal ground existed in the present case.

The judgment further noted that the private complaint filed by the petitioner was originally related to allegations of forgery and corruption. Questions of paternity or lineage were not directly connected with the case. The Supreme Court clarified that crimes such as forgery must be proven through evidence and documentary record, not through DNA testing.

Citing Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution, the Court reiterated that personal liberty and privacy are fundamental rights of every citizen. Forcing an individual into a medical procedure without consent is unlawful, malicious, and contrary to human dignity. The judgment added that raising unnecessary doubts about a person’s paternity not only harms the individual but also causes social stigma and mental anguish for the mother and the entire family.

The Supreme Court emphasized that an order compelling a DNA test amounts to a violation of “personal dignity” and cannot be incorporated into legal proceedings. The Court noted that it has repeatedly stressed the importance of respecting citizens’ private lives in previous rulings.

The Supreme Court directed the Special Judge Anti-Corruption Pakpattan to proceed with the case strictly in accordance with the law, without the requirement of a DNA test.

E-Challan amount can be revised for convenience of people, Home Minister informs PA

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KARACHI, Dec 12 (APP): Sindh Assembly on Friday discussed e-Challan and other matters of public importance including livestock and fisheries issues in its session.
Earlier, the session commenced with recitation from the Holy Quran and Naat Sharif with Speaker in the Chair.
Questions and answers pertaining to Livestock and Fisheries Department came under the discussion.
The Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, while responding to a point of order raised by the Leader of the Opposition in the Sindh Assembly Ali Khurshidi, he said that a complete inquiry will be conducted into an unfortunate incident involving an elderly citizen in Sujawal, and strict action will be taken without any discrimination against whosoever is found responsible.
He stated that the Government of Sindh has a clear stance on public complaints and human rights issues. those responsible will be held accountable according to the law.
Responding in detail to the Opposition Leader’s objections regarding the e-challan system, the Home Minister announced the formation of a comprehensive committee to resolve issues related to e-challans and to improve the system. He said that all stakeholders would be taken on board, and that the e-challan system is being introduced in phases in Hyderabad and other districts to modernize traffic management.
The Sindh Home Minister Zia-Ul-Hassan stated that the aim of issuing challans is not to increase fines, but to promote traffic awareness.
He announced that the committee will include, from MQM-Pakistan Ali Khurshidi, Taha Ahmed, Iftikhar Alam, and Muhammad Shabbir Qureshi and from the Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Khan, Sadia Javed, and Farooq Awan.
He further said that he himself will chair the committee. The Home Secretary was instructed to issue the notification for the committee’s formation today.
The Home Minister has convened the committee’s first meeting on Monday, during which matters related to e-challans, public complaints, system transparency, and the determination of fines will be thoroughly reviewed.
He said that if a revision in fine amounts is deemed necessary, the government will bring an amendment accordingly, as public convenience and justice remain the government’s top priorities.
Expressing deep concern over the rise in traffic accidents, Zia-Ul-Hassan Lanjar said that another tragic incident occurred today in which an innocent child lost his life, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in the traffic system.
He further said that strict enforcement of traffic laws, transparency in the e-challan system, and enhanced performance of the traffic police will help prevent such incidents in the future.
Speaking in the Sindh Assembly, Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said that ministers are visiting each district in turn. He said that everyone is invited to the open courts, no one is asked which party they belong to, and the full district administration is present.
He said that, on the orders of the Chief Minister, all ministers are visiting cities and districts across the province to listen to public issues and Khuli Kachehries are being held in every city.
Talking about the incident of violence against an elderly man in Sujawal, he said that large crowds often gather during such events. The matter involved a land dispute concerning the elderly man, and the other party was also present. The police controlled the situation, and there was no loss of life. Although the incident was unpleasant, the police were on the scene, which prevented the dispute from escalating, and they eventually dispersed the crowd.
He said that the Sindh government under the Pakistan Peoples Party is following the philosophy of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto,who believed that the people are the source of power.
He said that the first Khuli Kachehri was held by him in Tando Allahyar. “We are accountable not only to the assembly but also to the people. The PPP comes to the assembly with the support of the people. We have no other forum. We believe in serving the people,” he added

Chairman Senate stresses need to harness Pakistan’s blue economy potential

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LAHORE, Dec 12 (APP): Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Friday underscored the need to fully harness Pakistan’s blue economy potential.
Addressing at concluding ceremony of 8th edition of Pakistan Navy’s Maritime Security Workshop at Pakistan Navy War College, he emphasized on value of oceans which have become crucially important in twenty first century, said a statement issued by Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy).

Chairman Senate stresses need to harness Pakistan’s blue economy potential
He stressed on the importance of ensuring regional maritime security and lauded Pakistan Navy’s efforts in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime frontiers.
The Chairman also appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Navy in sensitizing the nation on the importance of oceans and its undeniable link with national security. While highlighting the potential of national maritime sector, he recounted the need to expand the existing capacity of country’s shipping and fishing sectors in order to facilitate improved returns for economic and socio-economic uplift.

Earlier, the Chairman Senate was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, upon his arrival at PN War College.
Commandant Pakistan Navy War College Rear Admiral Sohail Ahmad Azmie in his welcome address, provided an overview of workshop’s activities.
The Maritime Security Workshop is an annual event organised by Pakistan Navy aimed to bring about improved understanding of the maritime security and geopolitical underpinnings in the wider Indian Ocean. Participants included parliamentarians, policy makers, bureaucrats, academics, entrepreneurs, Armed Forces officers and media representatives.

No exemptions in law, Faiz Hameed case sets precedent; says Dr. Fazal

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (APP): Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry termed the recent decision regarding former Lt General Faiz Hameed as historic and said it has made clear the law is equal for everyone.

Addressing a press conference here Friday, he said the decision has further strengthened the process of self-accountability within the Pakistan Armed Forces and restored public confidence in the institution.

The minister said Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir has proven that no one was above the law. He said Faiz Hameed used his office according to personal likes and dislikes. In the name of national interest, Faiz Hameed toppled and formed governments, he added.

“When you use a state office for political engineering, there will be consequences,” he said, adding that illegal and fabricated cases were framed against the PML-N leadership at the behest of Faiz Hameed.

The minister said the nexus between Faiz Hameed and Imran Khan created political instability in the country. Through this nexus, an unsuccessful attempt was made to create division within the Pakistan Armed Forces, he added.

He urged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to abandon its negative politics. Imran Khan and PTI consider Adiala Jail to be their party secretariat, he remarked.

He said Imran Khan’s X account is spewing venom against state institutions. Under the leadership of Field Marshal General Asim Munir, the Pakistan Armed Forces set a remarkable example of success in Operation Bunyan al-Marsus, he added.

The minister said Pakistan is progressing successfully on the diplomatic front, but unfortunately one political party is spreading negative propaganda against the state. A convicted criminal sitting in jail is continuously spewing venom against the Pakistan Armed Forces, he said.

He said it is the collective responsibility of all Pakistanis to counter the propaganda of such elements. “We want good relations with Afghanistan, but it is their responsibility to ensure that Afghan soil is not used for terrorism in Pakistan,” he remarked.

He also criticized the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for opposing the ongoing counter-terrorism operation in the province.

Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani addressing during the closing ceremony of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College.

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Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani addressing during the closing ceremony of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College.
APP25-121225
LAHORE: December 12 – Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani addressing during the closing ceremony of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College.

APP21-121225
LAHORE: December 12 – Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani awards certificates of completion to participants of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College. APP/MTF/FHA

Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani addressing during the closing ceremony of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College.
APP22-121225
LAHORE: December 12 – Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani awards certificates of completion to participants of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College. APP/MTF/FHA
Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani addressing during the closing ceremony of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College.
APP23-121225
LAHORE: December 12 – Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani awards certificates of completion to participants of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College. APP/MTF/FHA
Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani addressing during the closing ceremony of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College.
APP24-121225
LAHORE: December 12 – Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani awards certificates of completion to participants of the 8th Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW-8) at Pakistan Navy War College. APP/MTF/FHA

A vendor displays and sells traditional earthenware on a handcart along the roadside.

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A vendor displays and sells traditional earthenware on a handcart along the roadside.
APP11-121225
LAHORE: December 12 –