Private schools protest against eviction notices

The All Pakistan Private School Management Association (APPMA) organised a massive protest against the notices issued by the authorities to relocate 1,200 private educational institutions within the limits of Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonment boards. Several protesters, including students and teachers, took part in the demonstration against the closure of schools by December 31. They held placards and banners inscribed with slogans against the notices. The demonstrators said moving educational institutions from cantonment areas is unacceptable. The parents of the children appealed to the chief justice of Pakistan, army chief, and prime minister not to deprive their children of education. Read Encroachments on schools to be removed APPMA President, Abrar Ahmad Khan, said the cantonment board authorities have issued orders to transfer 7,000 schools from 42 cantonment boards across the country. The transfer of educational institutions from cantonment boards will deprive 2.2 million students of education and render 300,000 teachers unemployed, he warned. He added that the cantonment boards did not allocate any space for transferring educational institutions. Abrar said that the court had only heard the version of the cantonment administration and not that of the private schools management. He vowed APPMA would continue to fight a legal battle against this action at every level. He also said that the schools’ management and parents will not refrain from staging a sit-in against the measure. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3F4HCyJ

Smoke-emitting vehicles get advisory

The environmental protection department has ordered the smoke quality standard be maintained at 40 percent for all smoke-emitting vehicles in Rawalpindi district. The measure has been taken to control smog in winter. To check the quality standard, the Punjab government has provided the department with modern equipment. The inspection campaign was in Rawalpindi district in collaboration with the city traffic police (CTP). The vehicles whose smoke index shows at 40 percent will be penalised while the owners of vehicles having an index slightly below the threshold will receive a warning and told to fix the problem. Read Lahore beats London, NY in traffic safety The Environmental Department Laboratory Deputy Director Noor Ahmed and senior Research Officer Muhammad Amin Baig told The Express Tribune that the campaign will be carried out daily till the end of winter season. They said joint teams comprising personnel from the department and CTP have been constituted for the campaign. The officials said pickets will be set up on different roads and there will be zero tolerance against smoke-emitting vehicles onward. They added that environmental pollution cannot be tolerated any further. They said the inspection will be done daily and the quality will be checked using modern machinery. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/39Rz93p

Teachers reluctant to relinquish charge of administrative posts

Teachers have refused to relinquish administrative posts in Abbottabad despite issuing orders by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education (E&SE) Department. Several teachers, who are holding administrative posts in the education department Abbottabad and male assistant district education officers (ADEOs) working in various circles, including Bakot and Lora, are reluctant to relinquish the charge and report to their respective offices for further posting. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa E&SE department had issued orders to call back the teachers, including female teachers, to the field with an immediate effect, but after a lapse of a week, not a single teacher has reported to their respective offices. According to official sources, the elementary and secondary education department had withdrawn the posting of male senior school teachers as assistant district education officers (ADEOs) in the female section of various circles on a demand of area residents. Read School in Attock has only one teacher for 12 classes The area residents had also called for the posting of women staff as ADEOs in the female section. Ghuzanfar Ali Abbasi, a local resident of Birote Khurd and a social activist, said that a primary school in his locality was yet to be functional, which was constructed six years ago because of the disregard and negligence of the ADEO concerned. He said that SST teachers were supposed to teach in high schools and it was a matter of concern that they were not happy to teach the students and preferred to work as administrators. Abbottabad District Education Officer Female Rehana Yasmeen was not available to give her version on the issue. However, sources in the education department said that higher authorities were under immense pressure from politicians to cancel the repatriation orders of the teachers. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3mvLm43

Import of 550,000 tons of wheat given the nod

The government on Thursday approved the import of over half a million tons of wheat at $377 per metric ton or Rs65 per kg price and permitted continuing subsidies at Utility Stores for one more month, turning down a request to extend the current rates for three months. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet gave the nod to a summary on the award of the fifth international wheat tender to import 550,000 metric tons -- after matching process -- of wheat for the FY 2021-22, read a statement issued by the finance ministry. A senior government official told The Express Tribune that the lowest bid was $377 per metric ton or Rs64.4 per kg at the current exchange rate. The last tender had been signed at $383.5 per ton or Rs65 per kg but the $6 per ton benefit had been lost due to a fall in the value of the rupee that closed at Rs170.7 against a dollar on Thursday. The 40kg import price will be roughly Rs2,576 at the Karachi port, excluding the impact of the inland freight. The federal government has decided to import four million metric tons of wheat to meet domestic shortfall and build some strategic reserves. Read More: Wheat production likely to surpass 27.5m tons The industries and production ministry tabled a summary before the ECC on the continuation of the prime minister’s relief package-2020 for the provision of five essential items at Utility Stores on subsidised rates till December 2021. “The ECC granted an extension for a month with directions to present a detailed summary before the committee, keeping in view the international price hike in essential food commodities,” according to the finance ministry. The statement suggests that the government might again have to increase prices of these five items to cut subsidies. “The government will give Rs2 billion to Rs3 billion subsidy for the month of October.” The industries ministry, however, had sought permission for up to Rs8 billion subsidies for three months,” a senior government official said. A few months ago, the ECC had increased the prices of wheat flour, sugar and cooking oil in the range of 19% to 53% at Utility Stores by reducing subsidies for the poor. The wheat flour price had been increased by 19% or Rs150 per 20 kg to Rs950. The ECC decided to increase the price of ghee by 53% or Rs90 per kg to Rs260. The market price has increased to Rs340 per kg due to flawed taxation policies and a surge in prices in the international market. The sugar prices were increased to Rs85 per kg -- an increase of 25%. On another summary moved by the industries and production ministry, the ECC approved the import of 100,000 metric tons of urea for building strategic reserves during the Rabi season FY 2021-22. The industries ministry had requested that the ECC should allow enhancing the provision of gas to Bin Qasim fertiliser plant from the existing 53 MMCFD per day to 63 MMCFD to manufacture an additional 100,000 metric tons of urea. However, instead of increasing the gas supply due to its shortage, the ECC decided to import the commodity. The price of fertiliser diammonium phosphate (DAP) has almost doubled in the past one year, increasing the cost of production coupled with higher prices of diesel being consumed in agriculture tube wells. The ECC referred the matter of adjusting over Rs100 billion receivables from the K-Electric to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority  (Nepra). The decision was taken due to a disagreement between the Power Division and the Finance Division. The committee decided that the Power Division might approach Nepra to review its earlier decision on the issue and present an updated summary before it for consideration, the finance ministry said. The Power Division tabled another summary for the levy of sales tax on subsidy granted by Federal Government to electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). After seeking input from all the stakeholders concerned, the ECC decided that the matter might be referred to the Law Division for seeking its opinion and legal interpretation, which could be presented before the committee for further deliberations. The ECC members were of the view that legal interpretation could not be done through the cabinet body’s decision. They were of the view that the government might introduce legislation to address the issue. The FBR is claiming sales tax even on the amount that the government gives in subsidies to a class of consumers. The ECC approved a summary by the Power Division on the payment mechanism for TNB Liberty Power Limited. The committee gave the nod to the proposal as part of settlement with other independent power producers (IPPs) after the company agreed to give similar concessions.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3F7t1T3

Kuwaiti airlines flights cut to Pakistan

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reduced the number of flights of two Kuwaiti airlines to Pakistan after the Gulf state granted permission to PIA to resume flights operation to the country. PIA had been banned from operating to Kuwait since May 2021, ostensibly to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, even though the Kuwaiti carriers continued to serve Pakistan. Read Kuwait lifts visa ban for Pakistanis after decade-long suspension A CAA spokesperson said that not allowing PIA to conduct air operations was a violation of the air services agreement between the two states. The spokesperson announced curtailing one flight weekly operated by each Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways from October 1 (today). Approval of PIAC flight operation from Kuwait is subject to the terms of the air service agreement between Pakistan and the Gulf state.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3zXmXci

SC reprimands police over missing Hazara persons

The Supreme Court on Thursday reprimanded the Balochistan police, observing that the authorities’ attitude was responsible for the Hazara community losing their confidence in them. A three-judge bench of the top court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, was hearing a suo motu case about targeted killings of the Hazara community members and a petition seeking the recovery of missing persons. Balochistan IGP Mohammad Tahir Rai and the province’s advocate general appeared before the court. The Balochistan police chief told the court that the four kidnapped members of the Hazara community had been rescued. The CJP inquired as to who had abducted them in the first place. “What have you [IGP] done? They have returned themselves,” he noted. One of the recovered missing persons said that they were still facing the same problems. “Our accounts are frozen, we are not getting salaries and we are facing difficulties in obtaining identity cards,” he added. Read HRCP, rights activists demand release of missing persons The CJP asked the additional attorney general as to why the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) was not cooperating with them. He added that that the Hazara community members were not employees themselves but government workers were supposed to serve them instead. The court was adjourned for a short period to the home secretary could be summoned and give an explanation. When the proceedings began again, the wife of Ali Raza, a citizen who was forcibly disappeared from Quetta, appeared before the court and said her husband had been missing since 2013. “The man suspected of kidnapping him was released by the police,” she added. On this, an irked CJP told the Balochistan IGP that a man had been missing for eight years and the police had done nothing. The Balochistan IGP replied that the case remained with Levies for three years after 2013. “The Levies are not a police institution,” he added. The chief justice asked him as to what did the police do after they received the case. “Police have no interest in investigating. Do you know what investigation means?" The Balochistan police chief told the judge that they were trying to rescue the missing person. Read more Missing persons matter a serious one, observes SC CJP Gulzar noted that the accused was the favourite child of the court and not the police. “Why are you wearing the uniform? You have no idea.” The Balochistan advocate general told the court that if Ali Raza's family had cooperated with them, the investigation would have been completed. The CJP told him citizens would cooperate with the police and other authorities if they trusted them. He added that evidence went missing in 48 hours. Justice Gulzar noted that police did not do the work assigned to them. “It is this ‘business of injustice’ which has ‘brought the country to the brink of disaster’.” The court directed that Ali Raza, who had been missing for the last eight years, be produced at the next hearing and the characters involved in his kidnapping be brought to light. It also ordered that the people involved in the kidnapping of the four Hazara community members should be caught and strict action be taken against them under the law. It also issued directions for addressing the difficulties faced by the Hazara community in obtaining passports.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3ipeKYp

NEPRA publishes State of Industry Report, Annual Report

Under its statutory obligation, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) published the State of Industry Report 2021 and the Annual Report 2020-21 for submission before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and the federal government, said a statement issued here on Thursday. The State of Industry Report 2021 presented detailed discussion about the overall performance of generation, transmission and distribution segments of power sector, including all key players and stakeholders, the statement said. The report included a detailed section on statistical data, providing operational record and other relevant information for the financial year 2020-21, useful for the readers, analysts and decision makers, it added. The report also contained recommendations for improvements in the power sector. Read NEPRA may allow up to Rs2 hike in tariff Similarly, Nepra’s Annual Report-2020-21 highlighted all the major activities of Nepra during the year 2020-21, while reflecting on various initiatives, including corporate social responsibility and health, safety and environment introduced by Nepra for the healthy progress of the power sector. Nepra, under the provisions of the Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 (or the NEPRA Act) is required to submit the report on the conduct of its affairs for the year, including anticipated developments for the following year. It is also required to submit the report on the state of electric power services; to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and the federal government on or before September 30, every year. Both Reports had been uploaded on NEPRA Website (www.nepra.org.pk), the statement concluded.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3F6j2xw

CPEC not linked to Sharif family’s corruption: Fawad

Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday lashed out at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) for linking its corruption in road infrastructure projects with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying that “it is beyond comprehension”. “As far as CPEC is concerned, I am unable to understand as to why the PML-N wanted to link China with its corruption. The corruption of Sharif family will be investigated at all costs as it has nothing to do with CPEC,” the minister said during the launching ceremony of a book written by sports analyst Dr Nauman Niaz. The minister alleged that the PML-N leadership was trying to link China and state institutions with their corruption in the hope to get relief in the investigation being carried out in road construction projects during the era of the previous government. They would never succeed in their plan, he said while accusing the PML-N of weaving a plot to hide behind institutions to escape accountability. In this week, he added the government had decided to take action against those who were involved in the alleged corruption committed in the road infrastructure projects during the PML-N government. The minister voiced hope that PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal and his party would avoid such a “negative attitude” towards CPEC, which was an initiative of national importance. Iqbal should first decide who was running the affairs of the PML-N, Fawad said. He (Iqbal) should first get a vote of trust from the PML-N and then ask others for a vote of confidence, the minister said while responding to a query. Prime Minister Imran Khan not only enjoyed the confidence of the National Assembly but also of the entire nation that voted him into power, Fawad said, adding that the premier would continue to rule on the basis of the people’s trust in his leadership. Read Fawad wants Shehbaz graft cases heard daily About the importance of cricket in Pakistan, he said the game was key to unite people in Pakistan from Karachi to Peshawar and the mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar’s ocean. “Our hearts beat with [national] team and [its] players,” he said while recalling massive financial losses inflicted on the PTV sports channel and a ‘demoralising effect’ on the nation in the wake of the cancellation of cricket tours by New Zealand and England. “We were in Dushanbe and the prime minister was about to deliver his speech when I was given a message that the Prime Minister be informed that New Zealand cricket team has called off the tour. At that point in time, I, [Foreign Minister] Shah Mahmood Qureshi and (National Security Adviser) Moeed Yusuf were unanimous that the prime minister should not be told the news until he concludes his speech, otherwise it will have its effect,” Fawad said while describing the impact of cricket in national affairs. Lauding the efforts of Nauman Niaz for Pakistan’s cricket, the minister said that after serving the PCB, the author became a journalist and now was hosting the ‘Game on Hai’ show that had quite impressive viewership. “The library you have created and the book you have written, I would like to thank you on that on behalf of our people,” he said. The minister said the library had every collection that the cricketing world loved, including bats of the best players of the world and the balls that were used in the Aussies cricket series. He announced an exhibition in future to promote the library and congratulated Niaz on such an initiative. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib also congratulated Niaz over the launching of his book that had preserved the history of cricket in itself. PTV Managing Director Aamir Manzoor, ARY TV CEO Salman Iqbal, Chief Selector Muhammad Waseem, Rashid Latif, Umer Gul, Yasir Hameed, and Muhammad Akram also spoke.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3F7hpQg

Hospitals face dengue patients’ influx

At least 94 new dengue cases surfaced in Rawalpindi and Islamabad during the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infected patients to 369 in the twin cities has reached 369, with three fatalities. According to the Islamabad District Health Office (DHO), 369 dengue cases have been reported so far in the twin cities. Of these, 145 patients were brought to Holy Family Hospital (HFH), 43 to Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH), and six to the Rawalpindi District Headquarters Hospital. The DHO office report said that 39 dengue patients were brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and 40 to Polyclinic Hospital (PCH). Over 100 dengue infections have also come at private healthcare facilities, the report said. Meanwhile, Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) has issued a dengue alert for October and November in different cities of the country, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The alert said the dengue virus has fortified its roots and infected thousands of people in the last couple of years. It added that the post-monsoon season, from September 20 to December 5, is ideal for the growth of dengue larvae. It said that the temperature span during this period stays between 26 to 29 degrees Celcius and the humidity is around 60 per cent. The growth of dengue mosquito larvae comes to a stop when the temperature slides below 16 degrees Celcius. The PMD official said the two hours before sunset and two hours before sunrise have a high probability of dengue attacks. Read CM orders panel to coordinate dengue fight He suggested all stakeholders take preemptive measures to curtail the dengue larvae growth. The national health agencies and dengue control centres have been advised to stay in link with PMD. Meanwhile, 58 new dengue-infected patients were admitted to three allied hospitals of Rawalpindi while the number of under-treatment patients has surged to 277. Some 341 patients have been discharged from healthcare facilities after getting infected with the mosquito-borne disease. Most of the new patients reported from Rawalpindi hail from Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonment boards. However, the new infections mostly belong to Islamabad or outside of Rawalpindi city. The Rawalpindi administration sealed a junkyard, a tyre shop, and an under-construction building during the anti-dengue drive. The district administration has directed the health department to expedite the anti-dengue campaign for the eradication of mosquito larvae. Two more coronavirus patients die Meanwhile, in Rawalpindi, two more people died of coronavirus in the last 24 hours. Both patients succumbed to the virus at Rawalpindi Institute of Urology and Kidney Transplant. The number of patients under treatment in three hospitals is 81, with 67 of them were on oxygen and 14 on ventilators. On the other hand, at least 524 Covid-19 infected citizens are observing home isolation. More than 2.6 million people have been vaccinated so far in the Rawalpindi district. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3CZI3bM

Seminary head files bail plea in assault case

Mufti Shahnawaz, a seminary principal accused of sexually assaulting and torturing a 12-year-old girl student at Jamia Tuba Ziaul-Binat in the Pirwadhai area, has filed a bail petition. The seminary principal is currently on judicial remand in the Adial jail Rawalpindi while co-accused in the case, Ishrat, is on bail. Additional District and Sessions Judge Malik Aijaz Asif approved the bail plea for hearing. The suspect’s lawyer Talat Mehmood Zaidi has maintained that the case against his client was fake aimed at defaming him. He said that his client’s career was unblemished and no such case had ever been filed against him in the past. The lawyer said they were ready to comply with the court orders and conditions regarding the bail and the suspect will not escape. Read Remand of religious seminary teacher extended Meanwhile, the court has also sought a complete report from the JIT along with polygraph test reports of Mufti Shahnawaz, his alleged accomplice Ishrat and the alleged victim on October 5. JIT members said that the polygraph test reports in the case have been received and they will be presented before the court at the next hearing. Meanwhile, Lahore High Court Rawalpindi bench has dismissed a petition seeking the cancellation of Ishrat’s bail. The application was filed by the victim’s mother Rubina Gul. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3B5IDV2

US asked to show restraint vis-à-vis Afghanistan

Speakers have asked the United States to show restraint in framing policies vis-à-vis Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover, otherwise, the war-torn country could slip into chaos and stability. They were speaking at a book launch organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan. The book “Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations: Pitfalls and the Way Forward,” has been authored by Dr Huma Baqai, Associate Professor Social Sciences, IBA Karachi and Dr Nausheen Wasi, Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi. FES Country Director Dr Jochen Hippler, Ambassador (retd) Asif Ali Khan Durrani, IPRI Senior Research Fellow Zahid Hussain, ambassador (retd) Qazi Humayun, ISSI Director-General Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry and others were among guest speakers. ISSI Director-General Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that the political landscape in Afghanistan has changed and Afghans, as well as the neighbours of Afghanistan, are yearning for peace and stability. The postulate that there can be no military solution in Afghanistan still holds. Read Anti-Taliban US bill He said that there is a firm consensus that an inclusive setup needs to be in place for sustained peace in Afghanistan. Chaudhry said that for Pakistan in particular, there was a need of an assurance from the Taliban that the banned TTP will not be given space to operate from Afghanistan. He remarked that the approach the US was presently taking might create huge instability in Afghanistan and if the Americans have their way, the Taliban government might collapse and Afghanistan will revert back to pre-2001. Dr Jochen Hippler said while talking about the Pak-Afghan bilateral relations, there is a consensus in the opinion that it has been viewed primarily through government-to-government relations. He said that the bilateral relationship has been influenced by the internal changes and internal contradictions there and that we can learn from the events in Afghanistan. He said when we discuss the Pak-Afghan relationship, we should know this bilateral dimension not only has a regional dimension to it but is also a matter of global politics. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3utl9X4

Police recover kidnapped bridegroom

The Murree police on Thursday recovered an abducted newly married man and arrested 10 persons on kidnapping charges. The newly married man, Nauman, who had contracted a love marriage, was kidnapped by members of the girl stormed the judicial complex Jheka Gali from the court premises in Murree after he along with his bride showed up for the court hearing, seeking the quashment on an FIR, lodged by the girl’s family. The police had foiled their attempt to kidnap the girl. The couple had solemnised a freewill marriage, however, the girl’s family was against it and had lodged a kidnapping case. Police said that the kidnapped man was recovered from Kajot. The police said that at least 10 people have been taken into custody for kidnapping the bridegroom. The police have registered a case against the kidnappers by inserting sections of anti-terrorism and kidnapping. The 14-year-old daughter of a former councillor had absconded with Nauman and later married him, after which her family had lodged a complaint of her kidnapping with the Murree police. The couple had sought cancellation of the kidnapping case registered by the girl’s family against her ‘bridegroom’. Read The police said the teenager had submitted an affidavit in an Islamabad court after tying the knot with Nauman. The couple had come to the court of Murree Civil Judge Ahmed Saeed Saim on Wednesday to record their statement for the dismissal of the kidnapping FIR registered against the husband. As soon as they arrived, over 40 people from the girl’s family stormed the court to kidnap the couple. Meanwhile, in a video message of the girl, Qurat-ul-Ain, has said that she has tied the knot with Nauman of her free will and she had not been kidnapped, as alleged by her family. She said that she would have been killed by her family members if the police did not intervene during their court appearance. She thanked the Murree police for saving her life. Police said that the girl has been moved to Darul Aman for security reasons. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi City Police Officer Muhammad Ahsan Younis and SSP (Operations) Rai Mazhar Iqal also visited Murree and met with Nauman. SSP Kamran Amir said that a case has been registered against the kidnappers under sections of terrorism and kidnapping. He said that 10 suspects, Abdul Manan, Abdul Matin, Zayab, Hamid, Qamar Zaman, Shahzeb, Asif, Naseer, Adnan and Nasir, have been taken into custody. SP said that the suspects will be presented in the court with concrete evidence. CPO Younis has also said no one can be allowed to take the law into hands. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3ijypsr

Judge incensed at paraplegic suspect’s court appearance

Civil Judge Arif Khan Niazi on Thursday expressed extreme displeasure after police brought a paraplegic suspect to the court for the hearing. The judge also summoned the doctor, who had discharged the half-paralysed man, at the next hearing slated for October 13. The court also ordered to shift the paraplegic suspect, who was brought to the court on a stretcher, to district headquarters hospital from Adyala jail. On September 9, the Rawat police had arrested the suspect, Irshad, a painter by profession, after he, along with his accomplices, attacked at the house of Liaquat Zaidi, who had not cleared his dues. During the crossfire, a bullet had struck the backbone of the labourer, who was later arrested by the police. Despite the medical condition, the police brought the suspect on a stretcher in an ambulance with his hands cuffed. Read Lack of wheelchair ramps deterrent for paraplegic After the police failed to take the suspect to the courtroom on the second floor of the judicial complex, the judge inquired why the suspect had not been produced. At this, police officials informed the court about the suspect’s health condition. When the judge asked if he could be brought to the courtroom in a wheelchair, the police said it was not possible as the suspect could not sit on it. At this, the judge asked which doctor has discharged such a patient from the hospital who could only be moved on a stretcher. The court said that even a suspect was entitled to constitutional rights. The judge summoned Dr Usman at the next hearing with the discharge report of the patient. It also ordered to move the suspect to the district headquarters hospital instead of jail until his complete treatment. Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3FhQUaS

By US withdrawal, Imran Khan vindicated for prescient position on Afghanistan: report

The withdrawal of the US troops from Afghanistan and the Taliban takeover have vindicated Prime Minister Imran Khan which made his decades-old position on Afghanistan look prescient. “Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan appears vindicated by the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan,” a Financial Times report said on Thursday. It said that Premier Imran had for years criticised the US invasion of Afghanistan. Long before former president Donald Trump signed a withdrawal deal with the Taliban, PM Imran had been pushing for peace talks. According to Financial Times, the premier had repeatedly decried the US war on terror, and its involvement in Afghanistan since 2001, saying in countless interviews that it was one of Pakistan’s “biggest blunders” to get involved, a mistake that cost over 70,000 Pakistani lives compared with less than 2,500 American soldiers. Read more: Pace of CPEC projects would be accelerated: PM Imran In 2013, as chair of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PM Imran threatened to block Nato supply routes after US drone strikes in Pakistan. "For his stance, he was even ridiculed by critics who said his positions were hollow and half-baked." The prime minister’s recent calls to engage with and “incentivise” the Taliban since it took power resonate in Pakistan, where the US war on terror has bred resentment and hostility,” the London-based daily said. PM Imran on track to complete term — first since ZA Bhutto: polls For his government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic — a far lower death rate and less economic disruption compared with arch-rival India — polls say that PM Imran is now on track to become Pakistan’s first prime minister to complete a full term since Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the 1970s, and be re-elected. The report stated that as the prime minister steers the country through a radical reshaping of the geopolitical order of South Asia with the US exit from Afghanistan, Pakistan is seeking to re-establish itself as a strategic bridge in the region for the world’s great powers. "Imran Khan went on the offensive at the UN General Assembly on September 24, when in a pre-recorded speech he criticised the US for using Pakistan as a scapegoat for its failures in Afghanistan," the report stated. Also read: Modi’s fall from grace in US “If the world community incentivises them [the Taliban], and encourages them to walk this talk, it will be a win-win situation for everyone,” PM Imran told the UNGA. The latest poll by Gallup Pakistan shows him with a 48 per cent approval rating, his highest since coming into power in 2018, and seven out of 10 Pakistanis believe he will complete his five-year term before elections in 2023. “Imran Khan and the military are on the same page,” says Bilal Gilani, executive director of Gallup Pakistan. Yet government insiders say Imran Khan’s gut instinct on issues — such as his decision not to enforce a harsh coronavirus lockdown thus sparing the poor from an even greater economic catastrophe — have proved popular. 'He proved us wrong' “When everyone shut down [during the pandemic], PM Imran said ‘no, you need to trust me on this’,” says a government adviser. “We thought he was a goner, that the government would collapse, but he proved us wrong.” Pakistan’s economy is expected to expand at an annual rate of 4 per cent in 2022, boosted in part by expansionary fiscal policies introduced to revive growth following the shock of the pandemic.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3ioqSc9

Govt plans to insert chapter of plea bargain in CrPC

The PTI-led federal government has planned to insert a new chapter in the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1898 for “plea bargaining”. Criminal Law Reforms 2021 draft, prepared by law ministry has proposed a new chapter XXIIB “plea bargaining” wherein the accused may file an application for plea bargain in trial court, which shall issue notice to the public prosecutor, accused and the complainant. "If the court is satisfied that the accused has filed the application voluntarily, it would allow all parties to work out disposition of the case." However, the law ministry proposes that if the court finds that the application has been filed involuntary by the accused or he has previously been convicted by a court in a case in which he had been charged with the same offence, it shall proceed with the case from the stage when the application for plea bargain was first made. The proposed amendment states that if satisfactory disposition has been worked out, it shall be signed by the presiding officer of the court and all other persons who participated in the meeting and if no such disposition has been worked out, the court shall record such observation and proceed with the trial. The law ministry suggested that the plea bargain will apply in respect of an accused against whom the report has been forwarded by the officer in charge of the police station under section 173 alleging therein that an offence appears to have been committed by him other than offence for which the punishment of death or imprisonment for life or of imprisonment for term exceeding seven years has been provided under the law for the time being in force. Also read: New rules won’t let plea bargain official off the hook However, it does not apply where offence affects the socio-economic condition of the country or has been committed against a woman or a child below the age of 18 years. For this purpose, the federal government shall by notification determine the offences under the law for the time being in force which shall be offences affecting the socio-economic condition of the country. Proposed section 226G while talking about power of the court in plea bargaining says that a court shall have for the purposes of discharging its functions under this chapter, all the powers vested in respect of bail, trial of offences and other matters relating to the disposal of a case in such court under this code. The judgment delivered by the court under section 266E shall be final and no appeal shall lie in any court against such judgment, says the proposed amendment. It is also stated that the statement of accused shall not be used for any purpose except for the purpose of this chapter. Insertion of another section in CrPC suggested that right of appeal is given to legal heirs in case a convict dies before filing an appeal against conviction in the same manner as prescribed in the code as if the deceased was alive.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/2WvrzbS

‘Land mafia’ shoots dead social activist, father in K-P

Sheeba Gul, a social activist hailing from Khyber-Paktunkhwa’s Malakand district, was shot dead along with her father two weeks after she had asked for protection amid death threats from influential land grabbers. On September 11, Sheeba – daughter of Karim Bakhsh while addressing a news conference at the Peshawar Press Club – had said that the notorious land mafia had occupied her ancestral property with connivance of local administration. "The court has ruled in our favour," she had said. Despite the court verdict, the victim had claimed that the authorities concerned were not taking any action against the accused. “The land mafia forcibly harvested crop worth around seven to eight million rupees and a few days ago they also sold land worth nearly Rs5 million from our agriculture land,” Sheeba had told the media. The victim went on to say that the accused had threatened her family of serious consequences including issuing life threat. Also read: Unidentified attackers gun down Sikh hakim in Peshawar Sheeba said she had also made a written complaint against the accused to the authorities but to no avail. On Thursday, unidentified assailants opened fire at the duo, leaving them dead on the spot. The suspects managed to flee the scene unchallenged. Police have registered a case against Inamullah, son of Saleem Asghar, and launched investigation into the matter. However, the accused are still at large. The Sheeba’s family has appealed to the chief justice of Pakistan, chief minister and other authorities to ensure justice and take the culprits to the task.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3uvTlBt

Govt extends income tax return filing deadline

After listening to problems being faced by taxpayers in filing income tax returns, highlighted by a delegation of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry at a meeting held in Islamabad on Thursday, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue (FBR) Shaukat Tarin announced to extend the last date for filing by 15 days till October 15. In a notification, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) said that the September 30 deadline had been extended by 15 days, citing "serious technical faults" in the Iris portal for e-filing of tax returns. The KCCI delegation appreciated the finance minister for understanding the hardships being faced by taxpayers in filing income tax returns and accordingly announcing relief. Why always Karachi? The delegation members, while underscoring the need to modify the ineffective taxation policies, expressed deep concerns over the implementation of Tax Laws (Third Amendment) Ordinance 2021 which, they feared, would start from Karachi as it has been observed from time to time that all such laws carrying penalties always start from the port city and stay confined mostly to the metropolis only. Also read: Businessmen seek extension in tax return filing date "If Karachi has to pay all the taxes and suffer penalties as well then why Karachi was not receiving development funds in proportion to its contribution," they asked and reiterated KCCI’s demand to replace the term "under-filers" in the controversial ordinance with "non-filers". The delegation also included Vice Chairman BMG Haroon Farooki and Jawed Bilwani, General Secretary AQ Khalil and President KCCI Muhammad Idrees. Earlier, the business community demanded extension in the last date of filing income tax returns and called for the withdrawal of surcharge applicable on late filers. In a statement on Tuesday, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo requested the FBR to extend the deadline for filing of income tax returns by two months. Also read: FBR takes over appeals process “This will facilitate the business community and support the government’s vision of broadening the tax base and enhancing revenue collection,” he said. Referring to the data of small and medium enterprises maintained by the chamber, he said that thousands of small business owners will be unable to file their taxes by Thursday. “The FBR has notified a daily surcharge of 0.1% on taxable income for delayed filing, which is not only harsh but also impractical as it translates into 3% per month and 36% per annum,” the official criticised. “The maximum surcharge by FBR should be no more than KIBOR plus 2%.” It is pertinent to mention that September 30 was the original deadline set by the government to file tax returns.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3kT79mm

Pakistan imposes strict restrictions for non-vaccinated travel

Pakistani authorities on Thursday announced strict restrictions on non-vaccinated people in the country, including a ban on boarding domestic and international flights. Non-vaccinated people will also not be allowed into educational institutions, shopping malls, or restaurants as of Friday, said the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), Pakistan's anti-virus task force, urging people to get vaccinated before the Friday deadline. On Tuesday, the NCOC relaxed restrictions in eight most-vaccinated cities, namely Quetta, Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit, and Skardu. Asad Umar, who heads the nation’s anti-virus strategy, said in a separate statement that the only way to overcome the coronavirus pandemic was to "get a high percentage of citizens vaccinated." READ NCOC announces relaxing Covid restrictions in 8 cities "Therefore, as part of the strategy to reward citizens & cities which vaccinate, there will be higher restrictions on cities with low level of vaccination & on citizens who are not vaccinated," he added. Umar also announced that children older than 12 would be eligible for vaccination and that an initiative would be launched to administer jabs in schools. Pakistan has expedited its inoculation drive in recent weeks, with over 80 million vaccine doses given to date and nearly one million shots in the last 24 hours. Over 27.4 million people have been fully vaccinated so far, according to Health Ministry data, while the country recorded 1,742 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 1.24 million. With 39 additional fatalities, the death toll also increased to 27,729 and 1.16 million people have recovered.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3AVwSQB

LWMC to procure 940 new vehicles

The Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) will procure total of 940 new vehicles for primary waste collection to solve sanitation problems of the city on permanent basis. The company has already received first batch of 246 vehicles. The company has organised an inauguration ceremony after delivery of vehicles here on Wednesday. The ceremony was attended by Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Punjab Local Government and Community Development Department Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal and senior officials of the LWMC. Speaking to media, Dr Rashid underlined that the LWMC has taken all possible steps to introduce self-sufficient model for the cleanliness of Lahore and worked for the wider interest of the citizens. Read LWMC awards waste collection contracts The company has made important decisions on an emergency basis and ensured the availability of all items while meeting the shortage of resources, including the procurement and delivery of the new vehicles. As per vision of the provincial government, the LWMC has introduced a sustainable, integrated and affordable system to solve the sanitation problems of the city. The new vehicles are being procured, which include rickshaws, tractor loaders, chain arm rolls, mini dumpers, excavators, dumpers, mechanical washers, mechanical sweepers and compactors. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3kSfBSP

Captain martyred in Tank IBO

A captain of the Pakistan Army was martyred and a commander of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was killed in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Tank district of Dera Ismail Khan, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday.  "Security Forces conducted an IBO in Tank on the reported presence of terrorists. TTP terrorist commander Khawaza din alias Sher Khan got killed," the ISPR said. The military's media wing further added that weapons and ammunition were recovered from the hideout. "During intense exchange of fire, Captain Sikandar, age 27 years from Pakpattan embraced shahadat," the ISPR stated. Two days ago, 10 terrorists including four commanders were killed in an IBO carried out by security forces in K-P’s South Waziristan district on the reported presence of a militant hideout. Also read Two soldiers martyred in N Waziristan blast According to a statement issued by the ISPR, the terrorists remained actively involved in planting improvised explosive devices (IED), conducting fire raids and target killing of innocent civilians. They were planning to conduct more acts of terrorism inside South Waziristan. Earlier this month, two soldiers embraced martyrdom after an IED exploded during the security forces’ area-clearance operation being conducted in the North Waziristan district of K-P. On September 26, one soldier of Frontier Corps was martyred and two others sustained injuries when terrorists targeted a security forces’ check post in Machh town of Balochistan’s Bolan district.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3AX4HRB

Bail pleas of Zahir Jaffer’s parents dismissed

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday dismissed the bail pleas of the parents of Zahir Jaffer, the main suspect in the Noor Muqqadam murder case. The high court also directed the trial court to wind up the trial of the murder case in two months. IHC judge Justice Amir Farooq announced the verdict, a week after it was reserved following the completion of arguments by lawyers from both sides. The IHC issued the detailed verdict stating that Zakir Jaffer and Ismat Adamjee had aided and abetted their son in the murder of Noor Muqqadam. According to the court verdict, the parents knew that Zahir Jaffer had taken Noor hostage, but did not inform the police. The family’s watchman clarified he had alerted Zakir Jaffar about the situation, the court’s decision said, adding that Zakir Jaffer then got in contact with the owner of Therapy Works. Read Court rejects bail for Zahir Jaffer’s workers The court said in its verdict that no attempt was made to inform the police even after the parents informed the Therapy Works chief executive officer. As per the IHC verdict, Zahir Jaffar maintains in his statement that he had informed his father prior to the murder, whether his statement is acceptable or not, it is for the trial court to decide. The court said that evidence of direct help in aiding and abetting a crime cannot, as a rule, apply everywhere. Aiding and abetting can also be indirect, the court noted, adding that in such a situation, factual evidence is sufficient. The detailed order also referred to the Supreme Court’s ruling that aiding and abetting a murder was as serious a crime as committing it. In an earlier hearing, the IHC had reserved its decision on the bail plea of accused Zahir’s parents, Zakir Jaffer and Asmat Adamjee. Plaintiff’s counsel, Shah Khawar, had earlier told the IHC that the prime suspect had constantly been in contact with his parents during the incident, proving their abetment with the crime. “It was an extremely brutal murder, so they should not be granted bail,” he had maintained. Read more Zahir Jaffer ‘confesses’ to killing Noor Muqaddam The counsel had said that a citizen, Zubair, had informed the police about the murder at 8:45pm. “At that time, the Therapy Works staff was at the scene while the injured personal servant had gone for his treatment.” He had further stated that Zakir Jaffer told the Therapy Works’ staff to reach the house at 7:07pm. “According to police, as per the CCTV footage, they reached the house at 8:06pm and entered the residence via the window at 8:45pm.” Last week, the sessions court set October 6 as the date for indicting the prime accused and 11 others in the Noor Muqqadam murder case. Additional sessions judge Islamabad Ata Rabbani heard the case wherein six accused, including the prime suspect, were produced before the court by the police. The six other accused, who have been granted bail, appeared before the court themselves. They included Therapy Works CEO Tahir Zahoor and others. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3ikjgr1

Buzdar orders strict action against profiteers, hoarders

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar chaired a meeting at his office on Wednesday to review the price control mechanism and measures being taken against profiteering and hoarding. The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to CM, secretaries of food, transport, livestock, industries, information departments, Commissioner and DC Lahore and others while Industries Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, commissioners, DCs, RPOs and DPOs participated through video link. The meeting was told that a collective fine of Rs75 million has been imposed along with the registration of more than 11,000 FIRs across Punjab. The proposal of sealing the shops, instead of imposing fines on profiteers, was deliberated as well. Read Citizens asked to use App to lodge complaints against profiteering The CM said commissioners and DCs should review the reasons for price-hike at the grassroots level, adding that practical measures be ensured in this regard. “It is imperative to improve performance to overcome hoarding and control prices,” he stressed and further directed that the early morning auction process be fully monitored. The sale of daily use items including floor and sugar be ensured at fixed rates, he said. The CM announced to reward the first three best performing districts while least performers will be issued notices for failure in price control drive, he warned. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3kRCS7C

Transparency, merit ensured in varsities: Sarwar

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar has said transparency and merit in universities will be ensured at all costs. “Full attention is being paid on research in the universities for the first time.” He expressed these views while addressing 30th Senate Session of King Edward Medical University (KEMU) on Wednesday. Member of Punjab Assembly Nadeem Abbas, Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Additional Secretary Dr Asif Tufail, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid, additional secretary finance, KEMU Vice Chancellor Dr Khalid Masood Gondal and other members of the Senate attended the meeting. The minutes of the 29th session were also approved during the Senate session and the KEMU VC presented details of achievements. Read Medical university languishes in desolation Sarwar added, “Along with combating Covid-19, the people have to fulfill their responsibilities to prevent dengue and the incumbent government is ensuring all measures to provide best health facilities to the people.” He further said that all universities’ vice chancellors in Punjab had been appointed on merit by the government. “The culture of nepotism and political interference in institutions is being eliminated because it undermines merit and transparency,” he stated. “We have to strengthen institutions in order to set the country on the road to progress. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3urzTG7

Capital police to get 2,000 personnel

The Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan, on Wednesday informed the Senate that 1,000 persons have already been recruited to Islamabad police and 1000 more were being recruited to enhance the capital police force. Replying to various supplementary questions during question hour, the minister said street crimes ratio had decreased over 50 percent since June 2021 after establishment of Eagle Squad. He said under the direction of the government, Eagle Squad comprised 150 motorcycles, including 510 police officers/ officials, had been established on the pattern of Dolphin Force in Punjab to control street crimes in the federal capital. Read The game of police shakeups continues He said around 401 accused persons were arrested and recovered Rs21.36 million including mobile phones, cars/motor cycles, jewelries from their possession in last one year. After completion of investigation, the accused persons were sent to judicial custody and challans against them were submitted in the court where they were facing trial, he said. The minister said ICT Police had taken various steps to curb the street crimes and protection of general public. To another question, the minister said 1,900 security cameras were installed in the capital under safe city project. However, 40 per cent of them were out of order when the incumbent government came to power. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/2ZyqmS7

When begging becomes business

Minors and differently-abled persons were allegedly being sold to the begging rings in the city, a police report revealed. Reportedly, the minors were ‘hired on rent’ or sold for begging in different areas and highways of Faisalabad. In Ghulam Muhammadabad area, a man allegedly sold his one-and-a-half month -ld daughter to a begging group for money. Ghulam Muhammadabad police raided the area and arrested the man. Police also recovered a differently-abled woman and a girl who was abducted and registered cases. Police said Rubina Iqbal Cheema, an officer of the Child Protection Welfare Bureau (CPWB), had taken a stand in the case registered at Ghulam Muhammadabad police station that in Latif Chowk, Sarwari Bibi, the wife of Muhammad Botha, was arrested for begging along with a minor girl and detained at Ghulam Muhammadabad police station. Read Punjab ramps up efforts to save child beggars Meanwhile, Sarwari Bibi, the wife of Muhammad Botha, confessed that she had bought the infant girl identified as Anaya from Misteri Mohammad Nqdeem, the son of Faqir Mohammad and a resident of Ghulam Mohammadabad, Street No 3, for Rs25,000. She confessed that the accused Nadeem had sold his daughter through Akhtar, the son of Taj and a resident of Khalid Town and Noor, the son of Sohne Khan. “The baby was a month and a half old when I bought her.” According to the police officials, Sarwari, the wife of Muhammad Botha. was a professional beggar who begged on highways in different parts of Faisalabad. She used the minor Anaya to beg. Inaya's father Nadeem allegedly sold the girl to Sarwari, Noor and Akhtar. Police arrested the infant girl's father and the beggar Sarwari, registered a case against them and started searching for the remaining suspects. The CPWB officer said, “We received a tip-off on which we caught Sarwari while she was begging. Sarwari confessed the infant girl was in her house on which Ghulam Muhammadabad SHO Roy Aftab Waseem along with the team of the child protection bureau raided the house, rescued the girl and registered a case.” Faisalabad District police had registered about 600 cases so far during the campaign against beggars under the tenure of Punjab IGP Rao Sardar Ali Khan. Around 80 per cent of beggars across the country, including Faisalabad, are on the streets and major highways with the innocent minors who were often rented and forced to beg, spending much of their time on the highways. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3CXVUzh

WB approves $397 million loan for Pakistan

The World Bank (WB) on Wednesday approved a budgetary support loan of $397 million for Pakistan, financing schemes on clean energy. Lauding the release of the loan, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Omar Ayub said that the WB’s provision of money was commendable, adding that the loan was a testament to the government's economic reform efforts. “It is clear that WB and the international community was recognising Pakistan’s economic reforms,” he added. Read World Bank to continue support for Pakistan The minister said that Pakistan has completed six steps to reduce the revolving credit, adding that in order to reduce the credit, the cost of power generation has been reduced along with improvements in the energy mix. He claimed that the money provided by the WB will also help strengthen the rupee.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3okGukD

Pace of CPEC projects would be accelerated: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said the pace of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects would be accelerated as some were delayed after the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Matiari to Lahore 600KV transmission line in Islamabad, the premier stated that losses would be limited to four per cent on the line.  The 886-kilometre long transmission line would have the capacity to carry 4,000 megawatts of electricity and 1,973 towers have been constructed for this purpose. "It started from power generation, then road construction and now it is (power) transmission. The way forward would be industrialisation for wealth generation purposes which would lessen our debt burden," said the premier when referring to ongoing CPEC projects.  Talking about the new transmission line, the prime minister said average line losses are at about 17 per cent, causing billions of rupees in losses.  "Investment will be made in the transmission line projects to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the consumers whereas this 886-kilometre long state of the art transmission line will help reduce power losses." Elaborating on the effects of the pandemic in the country, Imran said supply chains were disrupted and the price of commodities increased. "But this is temporary as we are getting vaccinated and if there are more waves, then we would be less affected." The premier added that the current level of inflation is a "temporary" issue and would be resolved.  Read More: Matiari to supply electricity to Lahore He said during the ceremony that the country's power distribution system was very old, especially in the northern areas of Pakistan, and this remains the main hindrance in providing those areas with electricity.  Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar said the present government started construction work on this landmark project. "The project is now ready for electricity transmission after a testing phase of six months. Other projects under CPEC will also be completed on time," the minister said and expressed the resolve to address the country's power-related issues. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong said that the Matiari-Lahore transmission line would strengthen the safety and reliability of the grid system, optimize energy distribution of the entire country and lower electricity costs. "CPEC up to now has brought an investment of $25.4 billion and created 75,000 job opportunities. The project has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Pakistan," Ambassador Rong added.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3ohVgZh

Stray dogs on the loose in city

Around 40,000 people suffer dog bites in Punjab annually but the government is not taking any major step to make the treatment and vaccination more accessible in the province. While the World Rabies Day was observed in the province, no effective measures have been witnessed to prevent attacks by stray dogs. The treatment for the victims is also expensive. There is only one big dog bite centre active in the province, while the hospitals are facing shortage of rabies vaccine. Dog bite is the major cause of rabies but the authorities do not appear to give adequate importance to preventing it. The province’s only major dog bite centre is located on Jail Road, while two small centres are working in Multan and Rawalpindi. While no department has collected detailed information about dog bite incidents in the country, the data available at the dog bite centre in Lahore shows that around 40,000 such incidents take place in Punjab annually, while the estimate for the whole country is over 200,000. Besides injuries, a number of deaths were also reported across the province due to dog bites during the past year. According to a report compiled by the Special Branch, 11 deaths due to dog bite were reported in Punjab last year. According to another report, 40,000 stray dogs were killed in a year, while their total number was much higher. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Professor Dr Abdul Rahman, a rabies specialist at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), stressed the need for awareness about dog bites. “The patient should immediately wash the wound with soap and visit a hospital for vaccination. There are five doses that are compulsory for the victim. The first dose is administered on day of the dog bite, second after three days, third a week, fourth after two weeks and fifth after four weeks.” The doctor said the patients and their families should remember that there should be no negligence after an incident of dog bite, because there is no treatment of rabies. READ Dogs that strayed on to runway shot dead However, an official of the dog bite centre in Lahore said the second dose of the vaccine was not available in any hospital of the province. He said the hospitals referred the patients to Lahore after giving the first dose. He alleged that a mafia present at the dog bite centre forced the patients to get vaccinated at outlets present nearby and the the medical stores charge up to Rs7,000 for a dose. The official said patients from across the province visited the centre for treatment. “We should first control the population of stray dogs in Punjab. According to an estimate, there are around 450,000 stray dogs in Punjab that freely move in the streets of villages and cities,” said Dr Abdul Basit, former medical superintendent of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. he sutuation in every province is similar and the people, especially children, are left exposed to the risk. In the other hand, provincial health department spokesman Sayed Hamad Raza said in reply to a question that the department took the threat of rabies seriously and ensured that the vaccine was available in every hospital. Meanwhile, the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences marked the World Rabies Day with a walk to create awareness about the disease. Vice Chancellor Prof Nasim Ahmad led the walk while Pro VC Dr Masood Rabbani, deans, directors, chairpersons and students from various university societies and faculty members participated in the walk. The walk started from the VC Office and culminated at the Pet Centre after taking a round of the City Campus of the university. The Pet Centre also arranged a free rabies vaccination camp to mark the day. The VC inaugurated the camp by vaccinating a cat. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3kUWJCR

Students challenge MDCAT results

Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the respondents in the petition against the MDCAT examination and sought a reply from the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC). The petition, filed by three students, stated that 60,000 people are facing difficulties because of the MDCAT test conducted by PMC. The court has been requested to stop PMC from carrying out the controversial test. The students said they should hold the exam in public universities and not through any private institution. Read Students demand fresh MDCAT test on same day The petitions pleaded the court to restrain PMC from allowing admissions until the conclusion of the case. Sardar Abdul Razaaq filed the petition on behalf of the students, who have taken the plea that the procedure followed, this time around, for the medical test was illegal. The petitioners said that section 18 of PMC Act 2020 binds the conducting of tests across the country on the same date. However, they said, entrance tests were conducted online from August 30 to September 30 this year. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3mfZC0F

Remand of religious seminary teacher extended

Judicial Magistrate Asif Iqbal has extended the judicial remand of a religious seminary teacher and his alleged female accomplice in a student molestation case. The court extended the judicial remand of Mufti Shahnawaz, and female teacher Ishrat and ordered his production on October 13. The male suspect was brought to the court by Adiyala Jail officials while the female suspect appeared by herself as she is on bail. The judicial magistrate ordered the police to submit the report of the polygraph test and the case’s chargesheet in the next hearing as well. Read Seminary cleric sent on judicial remand The hearing of the case was adjourned without progress because of the unavailability of both documents. The police officials said the polygraph test reports of the suspects and the victim will be received on Thursday (today). The charge sheet of the case will be finalised after the report. Mufti Shahnawas is the prime accused in the case of sexual assault and torture of a 16-year-old seminary student. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/39R09jC

Newly-wed man kidnapped for ‘love marriage’

A newly married man was kidnapped from the court premises in Murree after the couple showed up for the hearing of a quashment petition in the ‘love marriage’ case. Members of the girl stormed the judicial complex Jheka Gali and abducted the newly-wed man, who was identified as Nauman. The police, however, foiled their attempt and saved the girl from being whisked away. The couple had solemnised a freewill marriage. However, the girl’s family was against it and had lodged a kidnapping case, sources said. The 14-year-old daughter of a former councillor had absconded with Nauman and later married him, after which her family had lodged a complaint of her kidnapping with the Murree police. The couple had sought cancellation of the kidnapping case registered by the girl’s family against her ‘bridegroom’. The police said the teenager had submitted an affidavit in an Islamabad court after tying the knot with Nauman. The couple had come to the court of Murree Civil Judge Ahmed Saeed Saim on Wednesday to record their statement for the dismissal of the kidnapping FIR registered against the husband. Read Couple shot dead over free will marriage As soon as they arrived, over 40 people from the girl’s family stormed the court to kidnap the couple. The Murree police managed to save the girl, however, the attackers took Nauman with them. A stampede occurred in the judicial complex after the incident. The Murree police said they were carrying out raids to recover the kidnapped man while they have booked six attackers. The police said they were also registering a case against the suspects who caused bedlam on the court premises. The girl’s father, Ashfaq Abbasi, had lodged a complaint that they went to attend a relative’s wedding in Bhara Kahu Islamabd on September 19. Upon their return, the complainant’s mother told him that Ms N was missing. After making inquiries, the family learnt that Nauman, who lived in Angori area, had kidnapped Ms N, who hailed from Samli, on his motorbike. After receiving the complaint, Murree police registered a kidnapping case against Nauman. However, the girl appeared before the local court and informed it she had tied the knot with Nauman of her freewill. Murree Police Station House Officer Raja Rasheed said that they were searching for the recovery of kidnapped man. Murree Bar Association (MBA) President Jalil Akhtar Abbasi strongly condemned the incident. He said that judges and lawyers were feeling insecure after the incident and demanded immediate measures be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/39MUXgO

Social activist challenges detention in court

A lawyer has challenged the detention of social activist Erum Rasheed in the Peshawar High Court (PHC) Abbottabad bench. Social activist Erum Rasheed, who was arrested under the maintenance of public order (MPO) for leading a protest rally against WAPDA officials, has refused to submit an apology to the Harpur district administration before her release from Mardan jail. Erum and several others are still behind bars for staging a protest against the alleged illegal recruitments in the Tarbela dam extension projects. The activist’s lawyer, Ajmal Khan, said in the petition that the arrests had been made for raising a voice for the rights of the local people. Read Basic law is bail, not jail: SC He said that the constitution allows for a peaceful protest, but the Haripur administration has illegally kept Erum and other protesters in the prison for the last 20 days. A three-member bench has issued a notice to the Haripur deputy commissioner after fixing the case for hearing. Sources said a delegation led by ex-Senator Pir Sabir Shah and elders of the Ghazi area also met with the Harpur deputy commissioner and requested him to issue the release order of the detainees from jail. The deputy commissioner issued the release order on the condition that the detainees submit a written apology. However, Erum has refused to tender an apology. The sources said that the jail administration has received the orders for releasing the detainees including Erum but she has refused to tender an apology. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3AQfsVH

Heavy rains expected in Karachi till Oct 2

Heavy rains are expected in Karachi from today (Thursday) till October 2 as the remnants of Cyclone Gulab turned into a powerful depression as it neared the Arabian Sea.  According to Express News, Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD) Early Warning Centre has issued an alert for heavy rains and strong winds in the coastal areas of Sindh and Makran.  The PMD added that the system can intensify as it enters the Arabian Sea, and cause torrential rainfall in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta and Badin districts from September 30 to October 2 while Mirpur Khas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar and other districts of Sindh are also expected to receive moderate to heavy rains. There is a further warning of urban flooding in Karachi and other cities of Sindh while fishermen have been asked not to venture out to sea during September 30 and October 3 due to rough sea conditions.  Urban flooding may also occur in Lasbela, Somiani, Ormara, Pasni, Gwadar, Turbat and Jiwani districts of Balochistan due to torrential rains, with risk to weaker structures. Read More torrential rains to hit Karachi in wake of Cyclone Gulab The Met department added that during the previous 24-hour period, weather in the provincial capital remained hot and humid. The city's temperature was recorded at 38.5 degrees centigrade, while the humidity was recorded at 36%. Earlier, Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab has directed the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and district municipal corporations (DMCs) to formulate a comprehensive strategy to deal with the next spell of monsoon rains. The previous rain spells this month wreaked havoc on the city’s crumbling road infrastructure. Accumulated rainwater caused logjams on major thoroughfares while some low-lying areas were submerged for hours. At the ‘rain emergency’ meeting, the KMC, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), deputy commissioners of all districts, the fire department and municipal services director were directed to make arrangements in their respective departments. The KMC and DMCs were tasked with ensuring the availability of fuel and operators for dewatering pumps so accumulated rainwater could be drained swiftly.    

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/2Y4cOwT

Students below age 18 to get Pfizer shots

Children studying in federal government educational institutions will be administered with Pfizer vaccine. All students between the age of 12 and 18 years will get two shots against the coronavirus and unvaccinated students will be allowed to enter schools and colleges after the deadline. The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has written a letter to principals of all schools and colleges to get the students vaccinated. The FDE said that the Pfizer vaccine will be administered to students aged between 12 and 18 as per the NCOC guidelines. The parents have been asked to submit B-for of their child/children. People below the age of 18 will have to provide their B-form number for registration in the National Immunisation Management System. Read Pakistan crosses 80 million Covid vaccination mark The letter also said that unvaccinated students will not be allowed to appear in any examination or enter school or college after the deadline. The students unwilling to get the vaccine will have to provide a medical certificate. The letter further said that mobile teams of the district health officer will visit educational institutions for the vaccination of students. Principals have been instructed to cooperate with the teams. FDE Academics Director Sadia Adnan said that children between the ages of 12 and 18 will be vaccinated in light of the decision of the NCOC. However, she said, educational institutions will seek the consent of the parents prior to giving shots to the students. She said that immunisation had already been started in colleges and in the later stage, it will be carried out in higher secondary schools and secondary schools. Published in The Express Tribune, September 30th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3igpoQT

‘3m Afghan refugees’ residing in Pakistan

Out of nearly three million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan, only 1.5 million of them were registered, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights was told on Wednesday. Briefing the committee members on the current status of Afghan refugees, Chief Commissioner Afghan Refugees Saleem Khan revealed there was no record of 700,000 Afghans currently residing in the country. He said the undocumented refugees remain unidentified and unregistered at any level. “This is a major security issue,” he added. Expressing grave concerns over the matter, the committee sought complete details of refugees spread across the country. There are nearly three million documented and undocumented Afghan refugees in Pakistan, making it the largest refugee population in the world after the Syrians in Turkey. Meanwhile, the committee unanimously passed the Journalists and Media Professionals Bill, 2021. Read More: 126 Afghan refugees sent back The committee passed the much-awaited bill with amendments, under which a 14-member commission will be formed for the protection of journalists. Headed by a chairman appointed by the government, the commission will comprise media representatives. The law will offer journalists the right to carry out their work without threat, intimidation, harassment or fear of persecution or targeting. Under the bill, the government would take all possible steps to protect journalists and media professionals from all forms of abuse, violence and exploitation at the hands of any person, institution or authority.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3CXQDHV

PTI’s K-P MPs unhappy with federal ministers

A group of PTI parliamentarians from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday complained to Prime Minister Imran Khan against federal ministers Asad Umar, Hammad Azhar and Umar Ayub related to projects in their constituencies. A parliamentary party meeting was held chaired by the premier. The lack of interest in the meeting was reflected by the fact that 70 members did not attend it. The ruling PTI’s allies, the MQM-P, GDA, PML-Q and BAP, participated in the meeting. The participants were briefed by Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Babar Awan and Law Minister Farogh Naseem on electronic voting machine (EVMs) and the criminal justice system reforms, respectively. According to sources, the premier took the members into confidence on the government's measures. The participants discussed electoral reforms, including the use of EVMs. PM Imran said the country had always needed free and fair elections. "Transparent elections are the most important thing for any democracy," he added. On legal reforms, he said the best practices around the world had been reviewed. “We will now complete legal reforms no matter what.” He noted that the poor did not think that they would receive justice. “Legal reforms would have to be introduced until the stage of the registration of an FIR.” Earlier, a group of 22 lawmakers from K-P, led by Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, warned of boycotting the parliamentary party meeting if their demands were not met. Read More: Military to brief parliamentarians on national security situation The prime minister summoned the new group to his chamber. Federal ministers Asad Umar, Hammad Azhar, Umar Ayub and Amir Dogar were also summoned immediately to the chamber on the group’s demand. The prime minister assured that the demands of the K-P group would be resolved immediately. The defence minister and his group attended the parliamentary meeting after the premier’s assurance. During the meeting, Energy Minister Hammad Azhar refused to approve gas schemes for the members. “We don’t have gas and we are already supplying it on subsidy,” he added. On this, Federal Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema, who belongs to the PML-Q, asked the prime minister whether they were representatives of the energy ministry or the government. “Without schemes and in the face of rising inflation, how will the lawmakers face their constituents?” he inquired. The prime minister directed to complete the process of legislation for making the country's election system transparent and undisputed by removing all the hurdles and taking the opposition into confidence at the earliest. Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan apprised the meeting of progress on legislation for making the election system transparent and undisputed, the use of electronic voting machines to give the right of vote to Overseas Pakistanis and the introduction of internet-voting. Minister for Law Farogh Naseem briefed the meeting in detail about the proposed reforms in the country's criminal justice system.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3kRm3cY

Ahmed Jamal Mir elected PAA chairman

Ahmed Jamal Mir of Prestige Communications has been elected unopposed as chairman of the Pakistan Advertising Association (PAA) in the annual elections for 2021-2022. “Numan Nabi Ahmed of The Brand Partnership was elected Senior Vice Chairman along with Muhammad Zeeshan Khan of TNI Communications as Vice Chairman,” read a press release issued on Wednesday. Mahmood Parekh of MCM, Usman Atiq Butt of Interlink and Rizwan Ashraf of Velocity were elected chairman of PAA Zones A, B and C. Moreover, Javed Qadeer of Marksman was elected finance secretary. Newly-elected Chairman Ahmed Jamal Mir thanked all members for reposing their confidence in him. He assured them that the new team with the support of the PAA members would work towards creating a positive change and growth in the industry. Read SC to set principles to ensure press freedom Especially in the current situation due to the coronavirus pandemic, he assured his team that the PAA would play its role to the fullest to overcome such challenges and enhance the image of the advertising industry and the country. He also took the opportunity to thank Waqar Haideri and Jawad Humayun for their contribution towards the advertising sector and for the welfare of PAA members. Mir looked forward to the continued support of the PAA fraternity for the development of the advertising industry. Other members elected to the executive committee included Anis Thaver (G H Thaver), Imran Irshad (M&C Saatchi), Fahd Khan (Manhattan Communications), Mian Mobeen Shaffat (Oak Media), Ahmed Hussain Kapadia (Synergy), Sara Fatima Koraishy, Faiza Nadeem (Midas Communications).

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3uqb8Kf

ACD on edible oil, vehicles cut by 5%

In a bid to control the prices of edible oil, the federal government on Wednesday slashed the Additional Customs Duty (ACD) on imports of different types of cooking oil by up to five per cent, in addition to a reduction on duty on 1000cc vehicles. In addition, the ACD on auto-related imports has also been reduced by five per cent. According to the document available with The Express Tribune, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has amended Notification 845 (I) / 2021 issued on June 30, 2021 to reduce the rate of additional customs duty. READ Govt to provide tax relief on edible oil According to the FBR's amended notification, the duty on the cooling oild has been brought down from 7 per cent to 2 per cent. Following the amendments, the costs of additional customs duty on import of soybean oil, palm oil, mustard oil, sunflower oil, coal oil and other types of crude oil used in the manufacture of ghee and cooking oil has been significantly reduced. In addition, the FBR has reduced the rate of additional customs duty on imports of conditioned vehicles with more than 1000cc engine power by five per cent, slashing the rate of additional customs duty on imports of jeeps, light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles from 7 per cent  to 2 per cent.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3uqhgCq

Pakistan’s climate change actions can serve as model

UK government’s COP26 Regional Ambassador to Asia-Pacific and South Asia Ken O'Flaherty has said actions for tackling climate change being planned in Pakistan could serve as a model for the rest of the world. “This can increase pressure on those countries which are not yet doing enough to tackle climate change,” said the UK diplomat, who is visiting the country as part of the preparations for the COP26 meeting in Glasgow in November this year, in an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune. “Pakistan is a world leader in the area of tackling climate change. It has an opportunity to cement its status as a regional and global leader on the issue.” The United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will be a meeting, where leaders from across the world will discuss how they can ensure greater action on climate change. “I think the messages coming from Prime Minister Imran Khan are very clear, they are very cogent,” Ken said, “They make economic sense for Pakistan and carry a moral weight as its position of a developing country.” Ken said in his visits around Asia, he often quoted Pakistan’s 10 billion tree tsunami initiative and also the commitment by PM Imran to not build any new coal plants. He added that he was very optimistic about the direction in which Pakistan was traveling, saying PM Imran had set out ambitious plans, both in terms of adaptation through the 10 billion trees tsunami initiative and on the energy transition. In response to PM Imran’s article in The Times that COP26 will end in failure without a financial plan, Ken said that it was clear that action on mitigation and on adaptation required significant climate finance internationally. “A large part of the finance for action on climate change will have to come from the private sector but there’s also a very important role for public finance.” Five years ago in Paris, the ambassador recalled, it was agreed that the international donor community would provide $100 billion for international climate finance every year but that was not the case when UK took up the presidency role. The latest analysis showed around $79 billion was donated, he said, adding that the forum was encouraged by the progress in the last few months. Lauding new commitments from Canada and Japan at the last G7 meeting, Ken said the US’ announcement last week that it will double its annual international climate financing to $11 billion every year was significant. “The UK tried to lead by example and also doubled its share,” Ken noted. “We are working very hard to make sure that $100 billion goal is met.” To a question about whether the developed countries should do more on climate change than asking other countries, he said: “I think my answer will be a resounding yes.” From the UK COP26 presidency perspective, Ken said that it was not about trying to impose any development model on Pakistan. On the contrary, he said, it is clear today that in the vast majority of countries worldwide, it is cheaper to be investing in renewable energy than to be investing in fossil fuels and “we know that the Pakistan government recognises that fact.” Ken said the UK was ready to help Pakistan navigate climate change challenges by sharing technical expertise and how it and others had managed their energy transition. To the criticism that COP26 is already a failure, he said it was certainly not the majority view, adding that over 100 world leaders had confirmed their presence at COP26 in Glasgow. “COP26 will be a major world event and we would expect that momentum to continue beyond,” he said. On the political will to tackle climate change challenges, Ken said politicians and leaders worldwide were recognising the importance that there is much more to be done, both in terms of emissions and in terms of finance and other issues. Being optimistic about many governments worldwide recognizing the importance of taking action on climate change, he said Japan, South Korea, China, Sri Lanka and Malaysia had fixed net zero targets, which gave a clear sense of direction in the long term as well as in the short term. “All G7 states have now fixed net zero targets by 2050,” he said.  “The Asia-Pacific region is particularly crucial to this as the region is the dynamo of the world's economy.  The decisions made notably on energy policy in this region largely determines whether the world is able to meet that 1.5 degree Celsius target.”

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3AUCiLH

Eight more detainees released from jail

Eight more people, who were put behind bars for staging a protest against the alleged illegal recruitments in the Mangla dam extension project, were released from Mardan jail Tuesday. Earlier, two detainees were released from the jail on medical grounds. Two drummers are also included among those who have been set free. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Malik Naveed Iqbal earlier held a meeting with the Haripur deputy commissioner and informed him about the financial difficulties of the detained people. Following the meeting, the deputy commissioner issued orders for the release of eight people. The judicial magistrate had earlier rejected the bail pleas of six detained protesters. Read More: Jails serve as breeding ground for diseases Social activist Erum Rasheed and others have been detained in jail for the last 20 days under the maintenance of public ordinance. The protesters had blocked Barotha Road leading to Tarbela Dam for over 10 hours against the alleged irregularities in recruitments in the dam’s extension project. Police baton-charged and arrested around 25 persons after they blocked a road in protest seeking jobs in the Tarbela dam extension project. Earlier, Irum Rasheed had said that the Tarbela Dam general manager had assured them of recruiting locals for the hiring of T-4 and T-5 extension projects. Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3zQPvUw

Man held for allegedly raping hearing, speech impaired woman

Gujar Khan police have arrested a man for allegedly raping a hearing and speech impaired woman for six months. The victim’s father informed the police that he was a labourer at a brick kiln and his wife had died. He has two daughters aged between 24 and 21 years and both are deaf and dumb. He stepped out for some work to Sar Subah Shah and returned around 10pm, he said, adding that he found his elder daughter in a sub-conscious state. He shifted her to a hospital immediately. Later, his daughter told him that their neighbour, Adnan Shah, used to rape her, and she was six months pregnant. The suspect also gave some medicine to the victim to kill the unborn child. The police have booked the suspect after registering a case on the father’s complaint. The police have collected evidence from the site. According to the officials, the suspect and the victim will undergo DNA tests while the suspect will be presented in the court for procurement of remand. The victim’s condition is better now and she will be discharged from the hospital soon, they added. Read More: Two teenagers allegedly gang-raped Meanwhile, Saddar police held two suspects after three years in the killing a married couple for honour. The suspects killed the couple in November 2018 after they solemnised the free-will marriage. Both victims have been declared wanted by the court. The police officials said Asad and Gulfaraz killed Ikhlaq Ahmed and his wife Ramsha for honour. Both suspects were the cousins of Ramsha and were against her free will marriage. Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2021.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/3CSHnVC

Usman Mirza, six others indicted

A sessions court in Islamabad on Tuesday formally charge-sheeted Usman Mirza and six other accused involved in harassing, torturing and blackmailing a boy and a girl in Sector E-11. Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani indicted the seven suspects, including prime suspect Usman Mirza, in the Islamabad couple harassment case on Tuesday. All the suspects, Hafiz Ataur Rehman, Farhan Shaheen, Adaras Qayyum Butt, Rehan Hassan Mughal, Umar Bilal Marwat and Mohib Bangash were handed charge-sheets. All the suspects denied committing the crime and accept the charge sheet. The suspects were brought to the court from Adyala jail while excluding Rehan and Umar Bilal, who were on bail, appeared in the court themselves. Meanwhile, the court issued notices to 21 witnesses to record their testimonies on October 12. Islamabad High Court (IHC) Judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has directed to complete the trial of the case in two months by conducting regular hearings in the case. Meanwhile, the high court also rejected the bail applications of three suspects in the case, including Adaras Qayyum Butt, Ata-ur-Rehman and Farhan Shaheen. According to the police charge-sheet submitted to the court, Usman Mirza is the prime offender in the case who recorded inappropriate videos of the couple, stripped them naked, assaulted them, and kept them hostage for hours. Read More: Two held for ‘harassing’ tourist family The prime suspects hurled threats at the couple and forced them to have sex in front of them, according to the police charge sheet. The charge sheet said that the suspects touched private parts of the girl and forced the couple to dance naked. The suspects filmed videos of the victims, blackmailed them and received extortion from them as well, the charge sheet said. The challan said that police have recovered the mobile phone used for making the objectionable video and the pistol used by the prime suspect to threaten the victims. According to the charge-sheet, the co-suspect, Umar Bilal, told the investigators that he extorted Rs1.125 million from the couple at the behest of Usman Mirza and of the extorted money, gave Rs0.6 to Usman Mirza. The statements of the victims recorded before the magistrate have also been made part of the challan. The girl said that Usman Mirza forced her to have intercourse with the boy, threatening to rape her if she refused to. The charge sheet has included the statement of Usman Mirza, who said he filmed the couple’s video on November 18, 2020. The FIR of the case was registered at the Golra Police Station on July 6 after the video went viral, the police charge-sheet said. Moreover, the suspects also abused the couple verbally and physically by doing vulgar acts. The FIR of the case was registered on July 6 after which the suspects were traced and arrested. The FIR said the incident took place at an apartment building in Sector E-11/2. Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2021.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3kO2To7

PM calls PTI parliamentary meeting today

Prime Minister Imran Khan has summoned PTI’s parliamentary meeting on Wednesday (today) at the Parliament House to address the issue of lack of quorum in the National Assembly. As the ruling party enters its fourth parliamentary year, several of its lawmakers are now more concerned about their constituencies. The major reason for the lack of quo¬¬rum in the NA is that the parliamentarians are now spending more time in their native villages and not attending the proceedings of the lower house. Canadian PM thanks Imran Khan for felicitating on election victory Government’s chief whip had been in constant contact with the ruling party and the allied parties’ members. Like the previous week, the government failed to complete the quorum this week too due to which the proceedings of the NA had to be adjourned. Due to the lack of quorum, the motion on parliamentary committee on electoral reforms agreed between the government and opposition could not be tabled in the lower house.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/2XZnhcV

Fawad admits delay in LG polls PTI’s biggest failure

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhary Fawad Hussain has admitted that the failure to hold local body elections in due time was the ruling party’s biggest mistake, saying the delay had caused loss to the government. Addressing a conference on Tuesday, the minister said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had always believed in strengthening the local body system to resolve issues through good governance and stressed that the ruling party needed to take steps to hold local body elections and devolve power to the district and council levels. Citing structural issues as major impediments, Fawad regretted that the local government systems established in Punjab and Sindh in the past had remained crippled and devoid of any power due to the lack of funds, and pointed out that though powers had been devolved to the provinces under the 18th amendment, local bodies were not given their due. Fawad identified lack of funds and spotty mechanism as the major setback to devolving power to the grassroots level, adding that non-implementation of Article 140-A was the biggest problem. He further said that a review petition against the restoration of the local bodies is being heard in the Supreme Court. Read Action against corruption in road projects on cards: Fawad Sharing details, the minister said that during the past three years, Rs2,300 billion were transferred to Punjab; Rs1,700 billion to Sindh; Rs900 billion to K-P and Rs700 billion to Balochistan. Criticising the Sindh government, Fawad said the provincial government had failed to undertake any developmental projects, adding that the federal government desired to address issues confronting Karachi but “how could the problems of Karachi be solved by sitting in Islamabad”. He said that the former Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif spent a major chunk of the provincial income on Lahore alone. “The Orange Line train project cost $260 million and even today the amount of subsidy was collected from other districts.” He said that despite sanctions, Tehran generated $500 million for the welfare of its residents whereas Mumbai generated $1 billion every year and Pakistan should also develop such type of system for public welfare. (With inputs from APP)

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/3zPPfW6

ECP gives three more weeks to Fawad, Swati

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has given three more weeks to Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Federal Railways Minister Azam Swati to submit their response to the notices served on them earlier seeking evidence of their allegations against the polls supervisory body expired. In case of non-compliance, the commission has warned that it would take action against them under the Election Act. It further warned that it might initiate contempt proceedings against the ministers. Fawad had sought more time from the ECP to submit his reply while Swati opted to ignore the notice. Swati, during a recent Senate committee meeting, had accused the ECP of taking bribes to rig elections and said such institutions should be “set on fire”. Later in the day, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had accused the chief election commissioner (CEC) of acting as a “mouthpiece for the opposition parties”. Their comments came in the wake of the Senate Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs after one-sided voting by opposition members rejecting key amendments to the Elections Act. READ ECP to set deadline for holding LG elections They included allowing e-voting, holding open Senate elections, giving Pakistanis living abroad the right to vote via internet and parliamentarians vacating their seats if they did not take oath within 60 days. This came as a major blow to the government’s plan to move ahead with holding the next elections using electronic voting machines (EVMs) and e-voting. In a press release issued last week after a meeting of ECP officials presided over by CEC Sikander Sultan Raja, the body said it “objected to and rejected” the allegations against itself and its chief. It added that evidence would be demanded from Swati for the comments he had made about the ECP in the standing committee meeting. “The election commission has decided to issue notices to both ministers so further proceedings can be brought into effect regarding this matter,” it read. Section 10 of the Elections Act, 2017 that deals with ECP’s power to punish for contempt read: “The Commission may exercise the same power as the High Court to punish any person for contempt of court and the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 (V of 2003), or any other law pertaining to contempt of court shall have effect accordingly as if reference therein to a ‘court’ and to a ‘judge’ were a reference, respectively, to the ‘Commission’ and the ‘Commissioner’ or, as the case may be, a member of the Commission.”

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | eTribune https://ift.tt/2ZFFBZI