December 31, 2025 07:21 AM IST First published on: Dec 31, 2025 at 07:21 AM ISTPresident Zia-ul-Haq announced the lifting of the eight-year-old martial law in Pakistan but warned that the armed forces would intervene again if there were dissensions among the legislators. The announcement came in a nationally televised and broadcast speech to a joint sitting of the partyless national assembly and senate. Zia was silent on the question of restoring fundamental rights and the freedom of the press and the judiciary.Pak cabinet members quitMembers of the Pakistan Federal Cabinet on Monday tendered their resignations to enable the Prime Minister, Mohammed Khan Junejo, to choose a new team. Political analysts feel that the unexpected move is aimed at getting rid of those ministers who were opposed to adopting Junejo’s Muslim League (Pagara Group) as the official party.Pak Opposition alleges fraudAdvertisementContinued restriction on open political activity and student unions, and retention of punishments such as flogging and amputation of limbs, seemed to make people adopt a wait-and-watch approach to the lifting of martial law in Pakistan. There was hardly any report of the streets rejoicing from anywhere. The government itself was reported to have decided against any illumination on the occasion to meet the power shortage in the country. Leaders of the 11-party Movement for Restoration of Democracy (MRD) did not see any substantial change in the situation.Rajneesh not allowed in FijiRajneesh will not be allowed in Fiji if Interpol or police organisations of the countries where he had resided earlier send adverse reports on the activities of the group, the Fiji Home Minister has reportedly said. The Fiji authorities “have been inquiring about the exact place where the controversial ‘bhagwan’ plans to shift”.