98% work of Gulab Devi underpass completed: SACM

Special Assistant to Chief Minister for Information and Spokesperson for the Punjab Government Hasaan Khawar has said 98% of construction work of Gulab Devi Underpass has been completed and after completion, the project would ease traffic congestion in the metropolis. He said the project is part of Usman Buzdar's Lahore Package, and proof of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) commitment to excellence as far as urban infrastructural development is concerned. Briefing the media on the project, he said the completion of this project would ease traffic congestion and facilitate timely access of patients to the hospital. Khawar said this environment-friendly signal-free corridor will accommodate more than 1.5 million vehicles going to Kasur daily as well as save Rs50 million annually in terms of fuel consumption. He further said that this project, estimated at Rs1.75 billion, will be completed two months shy of the actual deadline, and will save Rs. 12 million in construction cost. Read Collective efforts key to improve law, governance: SACM He said under the Lahore Package, four flyovers and three underpasses would be given to the citizens by Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. On the other hand, an emergency hospital and trauma centre will also be built near Arfa Karim Tower, PC-1 of which has been passed. The SACM said the plan to build nine underground rainwater storage dams in Lahore would also be a gift for the people of Lahore. Responding to questions of media persons, Khawar said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is challenging the law by boldly confessing its crimes through audio and videos. Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2021.

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RMC approves Rs2 billion development projects

The Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has approved development projects for 46 union councils (UCs) worth over Rs2 billion. These development schemes had been forwarded by chairmen of union councils Rawalpindi. Rawalpindi Mayor Sardar Naseem Khan said that they have been restored on the orders of the Supreme Court and the doors of the top court were opened if their recommended schemes were not implemented. The meeting of RMC was convened by Deputy Mayor Chaudhry Tariq Mehmood. The participants tabled resolutions regarding encroachments, graveyards, sealed roads and water supply issues. The mayor told the house that they will spend Rs200 million on the construction of the Dhamyal Rakh graveyard on 100 kanals of land owned by the corporation. He said that three buses will also be provided for the graveyard. The elected representatives strongly reacted against the absence of Chief Officer Ali Abbas Bukhari. Chairman Raja Mushtaq called the chief officer the ‘ringleader of the encroachment mafia’. He claimed that Rs40 million were received from the encroachers but encroachments were still there. He said that they will take to the streets with the masses if encroachments were not removed. He also suggested changing the anti-encroachment staff and complete confiscation of the seized items during the anti-encroachments drives. The elected UC chairmen recommended the formation of a monitoring committee to oversee the anti-encroachment drives. At this, Municipal Officer Regulation Imran Ali sought one week's time to remove encroachments from the city. The mayor assured the regulation official that he would not receive any call for a week from anyone and if he failed to remove the encroachments, the chairmen’s committee will take the task into its own hands. Chairman Malik Anjum Farooq Paracha, who belongs to the PPP, citing the federal and provincial ministers, said that they say that the elected representatives were for the time being and their development schemes will not be implemented. At this, the house vowed to defend itself while the mayor announced that the doors of the top court were opened for them if their development schemes were not implemented. The house also approved a resolution against the dumping of waste material in and on the banks of nullahs. In another resolution, the corporation demanded the annulment of an exorbitant rise in its rental properties and approved a 10 per cent increase annually. A resolution for renaming a roundabout on Railway Workshop Road after Raja Kamran Hussain Shaheed was also approved during the meeting. The meeting also approved increasing the fee for slaughterhouses, bus stands and public washrooms. The participants also approved resolutions for auctioning a seven-month contract of the slaughterhouse for Rs30 million and exclusion of four parking lots from the parking contract. The UC chairmen presented different resolutions during the meeting and demanded that all of them should be implemented. Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2021.

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‘Sports activities as vital as education’

Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood has said that education was very important for society but sports and healthy physical activities were also essential for the students. The minister, who was the chief guest at the All-Pakistan Interboards’ Sports Gala's opening ceremony at Pakistan Sports Complex's Liaquat Gymnasium on Tuesday, expressed his pleasure at the participation by the students and teachers. “I commend everyone who contributed to the planning of this event, and I applaud the parents who sent their children to participate in the sporting event. We have seen a very difficult time during the Covid-19 pandemic as all educational and sports activities were stopped due to the virus outbreak,” he said. Mahmood said schools were occasionally opened and closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Some students were ecstatic about the school closures, while others were disappointed,” he said adding that an educated community can remarkably lead the nation. Mahmood said that schooling and examinations would continue without interruption.” For students, sports (extracurricular activities) are just as vital as education. I am delighted to see schoolgirls competing in the sports gala, in addition to male pupils. We need to provide them with a solid education so that they can help make Pakistan a better country and show to the rest of the world that we are not behind,” he said. Earlier, Interboard Committee of Chairmen Secretary Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah said that “we are gathered here for the sports gala on the directions of the minister. Sports activities are very important for physical and mental health. We should make sports activities a part of the curriculum.” Chairman Mardan Board Imtiaz Ali said these competitions give exposure to the students and help find talent at the grassroots level. "A large number of male and female students from all over the country competed in several contests at the sports gala, providing them with valuable sports exposure," he stated. Pakistan Sports Board Director-General Muhammad Asif Zaman and other officials were also present. Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2021.

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IT University to be set up at Punjab House

The preparations for the establishment of new Information Technology (IT) University at Punjab House, Rawalpindi have started. A delegation visited the Punjab House and declared it fit for its conversion to a university. The educational institution will be established at the beginning of the new year, and the government has initially allocated Rs150 million for the project. The funds will be provided by the Punjab Government, and the MNA fund of Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed. The Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar will lay the foundation of the varsity in the first quarter of 2022. The new IT university will increase the number of universities in Rawalpindi city to five, and seven in the district. Federal Parliamentary Secretary Sheikh Rashid Shafique said the institution will be a gift by the Lal Haveli for the youth of Rawalpindi. He said 15,000 new admission opportunities for female students were created with the establishment of Fatima Jinnah, Satellite Town, and Waqarun Nisa Universities. The official said the capacity will increase to 20,000 once the IT university is established. Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2021.

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Punjab opens first literary museum

Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar inaugurated Punjab’s first literary museum at Majlis-e-Taraqqi-e-Adab on Tuesday and announced a plan to launch an Urdu e-reader with access to 10,000 books. The chief minister also laid the foundation stone of an e-library block and inaugurated an ‘Adabi Baithak’ and a tea-shop for writers. Talking to the literati present on the occasion, the CM said several steps had been taken for the welfare of writers and poets, adding that membership cards were being issued to them by the Board for Advancement of Literature to provide financial assistance through the writers’ welfare fund. He said the writers would get books at subsidised rates besides accessing the antique books of the board. They would also be able to benefit from any of the writers’ welfare schemes, he repeated. The CM said UNESCO had declared Lahore a city of literature and a literary park was also being established in the city. He said awards would be given to selected books of poetry and prose under the aegis of the Board for Advancement of Literature every year. Awards will also be given for the best piece of prose, poem and ghazal. The chief minister said the government was going to launch the first Urdu e-reader comprising of t10,000 books initially, to promote the language. Similarly, a library of manuscripts would be established where five copies of each document would be preserved and they would be accessible online, he added. The CM took keen interest in items belonging to Allama Iqbal and other poets and intellectuals displayed at Lahore Literary Museum. Read CM accuses opposition of double standards Punjab Culture Minister Khayal Ahmad Kastro, Special Assistant Hasaan Khawar and the board’s Director Mansoor Afaq were also present. The secretary for information and culture briefed the CM about the initiatives to promote literature. Meanwhile, on the direction of Chief Minister Buzdar, a letter has been sent to the chief secretary to ensure the recitation of Durood-e-Ibrahimi before the national anthem and after the recitation of the Holy Quran in morning assembly in schools. Meanwhile, the chief minister announced while speaking to a delegation of business leaders that he would hold meetings with office-bearers of all the chambers of commerce and industries across the province. The delegation led by former president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry Anjum Nisar discussed with the CM problems of traders and industrialists. Provincial Industries Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, secretaries of industries and environment departments, MD of WASA and other officials were also present. The CM assured the delegation of solving genuine problems. Published in The Express Tribune, December 1st, 2021.

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PM bars ministers from flying abroad

Prime Minister Imran Khan has barred members of the federal cabinet from traveling abroad without permission. During the federal cabinet meeting, the matter of National Assembly Member (MNA) Riaz Fatyana’s trip to Glasgow for the global climate summit and his allegations of brawl came under discussion. Imran said that when he was not undertaking foreign visits, the ministers should avoid foreign visits. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that MNAs and senators travel abroad more than the ministers. On this, the prime minister said that even the government MNAs and senators should not go on foreign trips. “Government affairs should be the first priority for us,” he added.

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NSA in Moscow to discuss Afghan situation

National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf arrived in Moscow on a two-day visit to discuss regional issues particularly the current Afghan situation with his Russian counterpart on Tuesday. Moeed is visiting Moscow at the invitation of Russian National Security Adviser Nikolai Patrushev. During his visit, he will hold talks with senior Russian officials to discuss range of issues including Afghanistan. Pakistan and Russia have shared a similar view on Afghanistan as both countries have sought engagement with the Taliban government. They also urged the United States to unfreeze $9.5 billion assets of the Afghan Central Bank. However, Washington is using Afghan foreign assets as leverage over the Taliban to make them meet international expectations. Both Russia and Pakistan are worried that the economic collapse of Afghanistan may allow terrorist groups to gain a foothold in Afghanistan. Russia is particularly concerned over the threat posed by Da’esh in Afghanistan. Official sources said that Moeed’s visit was part of increased exchanges between the two countries in view of the changing regional situation. Read Moeed disagrees with Fawad over TLP remark Pakistan and Russia were in opposite camps during the Cold War. Russia fought against Pakistani and western-backed Mujahideen but in recent years both countries have made efforts to bury their bitter past and open a new chapter in bilateral ties. Relationship between the two countries has seen improvement in recent years as both sides are not only regularly holding military exercises but also cooperating in other fields as well. Russia is close to signing a deal with Pakistan to lay a gas pipeline from Karachi to Lahore. Similarly, Russia, which has remained a strong ally and arms supplier of India, is also keen to deepen defense ties with Pakistan. Interestingly, Moeed’s visit comes just days before Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to visit India and the timing of his visit suggests that Putin's visit may also come up in the discussions. Earlier this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Islamabad and conveyed a message from President Putin that Russia was ready to extend all possible help to Pakistan.

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Fuel prices unchanged despite drop in int’l oil prices

The government has decided to keep fuel prices unchanged effective from December 1, 2021. Oil prices in the global market had witnessed a sharp decline of around $10 per barrel last Friday, following the outbreak of a new variant of Covid-19. The government had hinted at slashing prices of petroleum products following the drop in international oil prices however it has decided to maintain existing fuel prices for the next two weeks. With the decision of maintaining current prices, petrol will be sold at Rs145.82 per liter. Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) had recently announced the suspension of gas supply to CNG stations in Sindh and Balochistan, which will result in an increased demand for petrol, causing hike in the oil import bill. High-speed diesel which is widely used in the transport and agriculture sectors would be available at the current price of Rs142.62 per liter. Read Govt taking lowest tax on petroleum products: Habib Kerosene oil which is used in the remote areas of Pakistan as a substitute for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has been maintained at Rs116.53 per liter for the next two weeks. The government has also maintained the current price of Light Diesel Oil (LDO) at Rs114.07 per liter. Reduction in LPG Prices Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) notified a reduction in the price of LPG by Rs14 per kilogram on Tuesday. This notification reduces the price of domestic LPG cylinders by Rs169 and commercial LPG cylinders by Rs650. The price of domestic cylinders has been reduced from Rs2,559 to Rs2,390 and commercial cylinders from Rs9,847 to Rs9,197.

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Pakistani envoy hosts professional Pakistani women in Canada

Pakistan’s Consul General in Toronto, Abdul Hameed has expressed hope that successful professional women of Pakistani origin in Canada would help their counterparts back home by sharing best practices, experiences and strategies for achieving targets in their respective fields. He said this while speaking to a delegation of LadiesFund at an event organised for professional relationship building, networking, and connecting the community back to Pakistan. “Information technology based linkages among professional women of both countries would build a knowledge and skill corridor creating a positive impact on the quality of life of Pakistani women,” he said. “Positive interventions and projects in social sectors like education and health in Pakistan by expatriate Pakistanis are now possible due to the prevalence of communication technology and its more frequent use in these sectors during the Covid period,” he added. “We are greatly honoured to bring a LadiesFund delegation, of a cross section of trailblazing Pakistani-Canadian women to meet with the honorable Consul General,” said fund President Tara Uzra Dawood. “Our platform not only aligns and introduces these incredible, impactful women to each other, but through occasions such as these, facilitates their connection back to Pakistan and their counterparts living and working in Pakistan.”

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Officials involved in Daska rigging to face action

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has decided to take judicial action against the officials involved in rigging in the NA-75 Daska (Sialkot-IV) by-elections with departmental action also being expected against all those involved. The ECP had initiated an inquiry on the allegations of rigging in the NA-75 Daska (Sialkot-IV) by-elections. The NA-75 Daska seat was vacated due to the death of former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) parliamentarian Syed Iftikhar ul Hassan Shah. By-elections were conducted for the seat, which were contested between Iftikhar ul Hassan’s daughter Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) candidate Ali Asjad Malhi. The matter went to the Supreme Court on allegations of fraud and subsequently the election results were declared null and void. A re-election was held in which the PML-N candidate Nosheen Iftikhar defeated the PTI candidate. Read More: Daska by-poll rigging: Sanaullah demands arrest of mysterious farm house owner In a written decision, the ECP informed that it has initiated judicial action on the NA-75 Daska (Sialkot-IV) by-elections inquiry report, starting by seeking drafts of criminal complaints from the concerned departments. Recommendations have also been sought by the ECP for setting up inquiry committees for departmental action. Relevant departments of the Election Commission have been directed to submit recommendations for approval within a week. The ECP decision also said that it should be ensured that no officer involved in rigging is assigned any future election duty.

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Dengue’s vice-like grip over the country due to provincial negligence

Another year of failing to control the dengue outbreak raises serious questions about the country’s lack of preparedness, disease related awareness campaigns, and health infrastructure. In Lahore, which is one of the country’s most populous cities and a dengue hotbed, there has been a shortage of beds for patients in hospitals and the painkiller medicine panadol, used for treating the mosquito bite induced fever, is not easily available at pharmacies due to which patients and their families are facing severe difficulties. Punjab’s provincial government’s claims of spraying the city were shunned by numerous residents of Lahore stating that no spray operations were being conducted in densely populated areas. Elsewhere to the northwest of Punjab’s capital, some 500 kilometers away, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (K-P) capital, Peshawar is another hotbed for the mosquito-borne viral disease. Just like Lahore, residents of the city are frustrated with the government’s efforts to control the virus. Ajab Gul, a resident of the Tehkal area in Peshawar, while talking to The Express Tribune said, “when the situation deteriorates only then our health department and local administration wakeup before that no concrete steps are taken to eliminate the dengue larwa in the area.” Towards the southwest of Peshawar, colloquially known as the city of lights and the country’s most populous city, the situation has been equally grim. Professor Dr Saeed Khan of Dow University of Health Sciences, stated that dengue has mutated and the new strain was worrisome. An ongoing study at Dow has found that more than 80% of patients infected with the dengue virus in Karachi have been reported to have serotype two which is causing severe complications in patients. The professor blamed the Sindh government, saying that a lack of disinfectant spray in Karachi had turned it into a breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Spraying campaigns have been missing for the last several years,” an irate Khan informed The Express Tribune. Gul, who works as mechanic in Peshawar, had a similar bone to pick with the provincial government. “In several areas no disinfectant spray was sprayed nor were any other steps taken to control the dengue disease, that is why the situation is out of the government’s control now,” he said. Insufficient facilities Several of Gul’s family members were recently infected with the illness and finding suitable treatment was hard. “The local ‘doctors’ who have no formal degree have set up shop under the nose of the health department and are playing with people’s lives by claiming they can treat dengue,” he lamented. Gul’s woes of not finding adequate treatment were echoed by residents of Lahore as well. According to sources, contrary to the Punjab government’s claims of having the virus under control, there is an immense pressure of patients in government hospitals and finding a bed in any intensive care unit (ICU) is proving to be a tough task. The strain is such that hospitals have adopted a policy of admitting only critically ill patients and the others are resigned to treating the dengue fever at home, as per Dr Salman Kazmi, the General Secretary of the Young Doctors Association (YDA). “No precautionary measures have been taken to curb the spread of dengue and the people have not been made aware of the steps to be taken to stay safe from the disease that is why the hospitals are suffering,” Kazmi told The Express Tribune. Tall claims However, according to Imran Sikandar Baloch, who is the Secretary for the Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care Punjab, steps have been taken to eradicate dengue larvae and stop its spread across the province. Read More: Health dept fails to visit 4,567 dengue hotspots “The number of beds for patients of the virus is constantly increasing and the disease is under control. So far, the government has checked 371,767 indoor places across Punjab for eradication of dengue larvae,” Baloch said, lauding his government’s efforts. Similarly, K-P’s Information Minister, Kamran Bagash, also gave a pat on the back to the provincial government’s efforts, stating that the K-P government had planned a successful strategy for dengue as so far only nine deaths have been reported in the province. “Special teams, composed of entomologists and health experts, are performing their duties in hotspots by conducting awareness campaigns. Teams are also in place to eliminate the deadly mosquito larvae from the worst infected areas,” Bangash informed. Missing statistics Despite both provincial governments claiming wins, K-P has reported more than 10,000 cases whereas Punjab has reported more than 25,000 cases out of which nearly 18,000 are from Lahore. However, various health experts and sources from private hospitals told The Express Tribune that the numbers coming out from every province were underreported and the ground reality was much different. What all provinces have in common is a missing official virus related statistics or infected and recovered persons counter similar to the one National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has dedicated for the COVID-19 superspreader, leading to a lack of transparency regarding dengue. For instance, in Sindh, a correspondent for The Express Tribune contacted the Directorate General Health Services to obtain figures on total dengue infections but was told that the department did not have authority to release the figures. The department informed that a spokesman for Vector-Borne Disease was appointed but this representative did not attend calls or respond to requests for comments. Precautionary measures The provincial governments’ claims of having dengue under control were further derided by Dr Izhar Ahmad, former President of the Pakistan Medical Association, who stated that at present there were no spray operations being carried out in proportion with the population to control the mosquito-borne viral fever. “Since there is no infrastructure to control the disease the onus is on the people to take precautions such as mosquito nets and avoiding stagnation of water bodies. At present, a mosquito's cycle lasts for ten to twelve days and if a patient is attacked by a mosquito, he becomes a carrier,” Ahmad informed, also suggesting that the population should wear winter appropriate clothing to avoid being bitten by dengue-carrying mosquitoes. While Ahmad cautioned people to be more wary, Kazmi the YDA’s representative sounded the alarm-bells for another dengue onslaught. “If the government still does not conduct spray operations the mosquito-borne disease will become an immense problem again come spring season,” he told The Express Tribune.

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China rejects smear campaign against CPEC

China on Tuesday firmly rejected certain media for creation of fake news with deliberate attempt to smear the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) building and China-Pakistan relations. "China firmly rejects certain media's attempts to smear the CPEC building and China-Pakistan relations," Chinese Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during his regular briefing. Some media outlets reported on Monday that protests had broken out in the Gwadar region, opposing the excessive fishing rights given to Chinese trawlers, saying this was not good for local people and will have negative impact on people's livelihood. The spokesperson said, "This is completely fake news. Certain media's hyping up of the protests against China in Gwadar region lacks factual basis." Read Senate panel seeks to expedite work on CPEC projects He said that after verification, there was no Chinese trawler that went to the Gwadar Port area for fishing or docking and reiterated that Gwadar Port as a leading project of CPEC has been focusing on the development and people's livelihood. Lijian remarked that China is advancing relevant cooperation always following the principle of mutual respect and consensus. It is worth mentioning that during the Chinese foreign ministry regular briefing held yesterday, an Indian journalist while asking a question claimed that last week, there were protests in Gwadar regarding excessive fishing rights given to the Chinese trawlers in the coast of Gwadar port. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had replied that he was not aware of the specific situation the Indian journalist mentioned. However, after the verification by the Chinese side, the so-called media report proved to be fake news.

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SC orders NAB to probe Thar coal project

The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to probe alleged corruption in the Thar coal project. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin Ahmed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan referred the project to the corruption watchdog, with instructions to submit an initial report in light of the final audit report of the project compiled by the Auditor General of Pakistan. The top court also ordered NAB to take action against persons involved in corrupt practices. At the outset of the hearing, the chief justice remarked that money had been laundered that was why nobody cared about it. “The people of Thar have been deprived of basic amenities and do not have clean water for drinking,” the chief justice remarked, adding the situation was not good in Thatta, Manoora and Sajawal. “All money transferred from one account to another, that is why no one shows interest,” the chief justice remarked. The Supreme Court in its order said that the audit report showed that the funds meant for development and welfare were not used in a transparent manner. “Neither are the RO plants set up as per the requirements, nor is there water available.” Read Commercial use of military land unlawful: CJ Moreover, solar power plants to run water filtration plants were also not set up, the top court said, adding the planned mobile emergency health unit was not made to function and the special development package was misused. “Prima facie, development and welfare funds are grossly misappropriated and there are irregularities and [largely] misspent.” The Supreme Court said the Sindh government did not bother to even look into the matter which showed its carefree attitude. “The Sindh chief minister and any other official have shown no interest in the issue,” the chief justice remarked. “The government does not take action despite the submission of the final audit report of the project compiled by the Auditor General of Pakistan,” the chief justice remarked. He ordered the audit report be sent to the NAB chairman and inform the court whether the matter pertains to corruption and illegal use of authority. The court then adjourned the hearing for three months.

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ECP rejects govt's 'intimidation to rush EVMs purchase'

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday rejected the government’s “pressure and intimidation” for rushing up the process of floating tenders to acquire electronic voting machines (EVMs) and asserted that it was capable of pulling off the task with powers granted to the electoral body by the constitution. The ECP alleged that the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was exacting pressure on the electoral body to squeeze out early and “hasty” floatation of tenders for the purchase of the machines, sources privy to the matter told The Express Tribune. “Acquiring them [EVMs] is not a joke,” the ECP emphasised, insisting that the task of purchasing the electronic machines merited sensitive handling and could not be subjected to government’s coercion. “The ECP is an independent institution and will carry out its duties within the constitutional framework and it has already formed three high-level committees for this purpose,” it said. The committees are required to submit their reports within four weeks, following which the ECP will proceed with the other related issues, including that of tenders, by hiring a consultant in the light of the recommendations made by the committees. Sources in the ECP also claimed that the government was intimidating the electoral watchdog through media and statements.The Election Commission of Pakistan on November 23 formed three committees to calculate the expenditure of electronic voting machines and amend the existing rules and regulations for using them in line with a law enacted by a joint sitting of parliament. The first body – the EVMs and Overseas Voting Technical Committee – will be headed by the ECP secretary. The committee's mandate will be to make recommendations on technologies in the electoral process and to identify international best practices. It will report on the voting procedure for overseas Pakistanis. READ ECP sends its wish-list to govt for EVM use The second committee on the expenditure on EVMs, headed by the ECP additional secretary (admin), will present to the commission a report on the fund that would be spent on the machines and e-voting system. The body will also run the pilot testing of the machines and the mechanism for their use. The committee will make recommendations on the project’s implementation, budget requirements, and storage of machines. Its recommendations will be communicated to the government so that safe storage could be arranged on a short- and long-term basis. A third committee, headed by the commission’s director general of law, has been set up to make suggestions and recommendations for amendments to the existing laws and rules. Govt links release of ECP funds to holding polls through EVMsThe alarms and misgivings of the ECP appeared to be stirred by statements from the ruling party's ministers, doubling down on its stance to initiate the process of EVMs procurement as soon as possible. Earlier in the day, Federal Information and Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that there was a likelihood of the government not being able to fund elections that would not include the use of contentious electronic voting machines. He said the federal cabinet had discussed the matter at length and agreed that the Election Commission of Pakistan was bound to use EVMs in by-elections. "And one of the points of view [shared in the meeting] was that the government could not fund any election held without [the use of] EVMs as after the recent amendment, the law [only] recognised polls involving the use of EVMs," he said, adding that Law Minister Farogh Naseem had the same point of view. Science and Technology Minister Shibli Faraz, he said, briefed the cabinet and presented a comprehensive plan on the use of EVMs and the number of machines required across the country for the next elections.

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Shehbaz lampoons govt over rising debt

Opposition Leader in National Assembly and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif said on Tuesday that the country economic conditions were alarming, which could turn dangerous if the current government remained in power any more. In a statement, Shehbaz said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) burdened the national economy with huge debt. He added that if the situation continued, the country would have to seek more debt for the payment salaries of the government employees, even running the government. “This historic increase in the current account deficit will result in more borrowing in dollars,” the PML-N chief said. “If you don’t borrow dollars, the foreign exchange reserves will fall, sharply, which, in turn, will put national security at risk,” he added. Read Accepting IMF terms will paralyse country: Shehbaz Shehbaz charged that the government was “constantly lying” to the people that it was borrowing money to pay off debts of the past governments. “Facts and documents refute this lie of the PTI government,” he said. “All this debt is the result of the wrong decisions and wrong strategies of the PTI government.” He was highly critical of the government over its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He added that the current government agreed to two IMF conditions which were never accepted by the past governments – the State Bank of Pakistan Bill and the Supplementary Tax Laws Bill.

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‘Bloody’ kite-flying continues to claim lives in Lahore

Asadullah, 23, was riding a motorbike in Lahore when a stray kite string slit his throat open, killing him on the spot. A fresh graduate from university, who had joined his maiden job just three days before his death, was the latest victim of the throat-slitting incidents, which have already claimed hundreds of lives and injured as many over the past few decades. According to police, 25 people, mainly children, lost their lives, and 47 others were injured in similar incidents last year in Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan. The deaths and injuries are caused by the use of sharp glass-coated strings used specifically for kite-flying. Kite-flying is the centerpiece of a popular festival known as Basant, celebrated in both Indian and Pakistani Punjab provinces, to welcome Spring every year. In recent years, the game has suffered bans in Pakistan as the government deems it dangerous. The first ban came in 2007 following the deaths of hundreds of people — mostly children. Despite the official ban, kite-flying could not be fully controlled by the authorities as kite-lovers continued celebrating the festival amid arrests and deaths. The deaths coincided with a period when the festival had become increasingly popular in Pakistan, spreading from its historical home in Lahore to other parts of the country. But the sharp, often metal, strings used to detach kites during kite fights killed several children by cutting their throats, sparking countrywide anger that forced the government to ban the festival from taking place in main cities. Basant was taken to its zenith by former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf, who made it an international event between 2004 to 2008. The event promoted Lahore as the country's cultural hub and prompted citizens to rent out the roofs of their homes for use in kite-flying events throughout the month. Deaths go unabated even at nights Police have arrested over 10,000 people for violating the kite-flying ban in Lahore alone this year, according to a Lahore police spokesperson. The last casualty was reported at midnight as revellers nowadays fly kites at night to avoid being spotted and arrested. In 2018, the Punjab government had announced to lift the ban from kite-flying during the Basant festival, however, it was forced to back out due to pressure from citizens, especially the victims' families. Zilfiqar Ali, a former organiser of the Lahore Basant festival, holds 'Lahoris' — a term to designate citizens of Lahore — responsible for the ban by continuously violating the rules. "Previously, I used to oppose the ban but now I support it until there is safe and healthy kite-flying," Ali said, adding that the growing number of people and vehicles, mostly motorbikes, have made kite-flying further risky. Speaking to Anadolu Agency, he observed that in the given circumstances, kite-flying is possible only at designated spots, preferably sprawling grounds. "But I don't think the government is going to accept even this idea as all concerned authorities, especially the police, want a complete ban on the game due to continuing mishaps," he added. "Basant became a popular festival worldwide, which used to inject billions of rupees into the country's economy every year. "But it's over now. And we ourselves are responsible for that," Ali fumed. Punishments need to be increased For many, especially in Punjab, kite-flying runs in their blood and the ban does not deter them as is seen during the months of February and March where the skies are decorated with kites. In addition to deaths by sharp strings, fatal road accidents, and stampedes during the run to catch the kites cut-down in fights, also claim several lives. Also, there have been clashes between boys claiming their rights on landing kites. The more kites one picks, the more praise he concedes from his colleagues. And more significantly, the “looted” kites are bought by the village elders and revellers at a good price. The dual temptation for money and praise propels more children and young boys to run for the kites, which sometimes turns out to be a bloody affair. In January this year, the Lahore police, sent a proposal to the Punjab government, suggesting an increase in the existing punishments to curb the life-threatening activity. The proposal, nonetheless, was rejected. “The police are trying its best but we need support from the government and the society to contain this dangerous activity,” a senior Lahore police official told Anadolu Agency wishing not to be named. The existing kite-flying act, he pointed out, holds meagre fines or light punishments for the violators, who are released on the very next day on bail or against a small fine. “The society by and large still considers kite-flying a game and part of their culture. Therefore, it’s hard to completely stamp it out, “ the official said adding that the area people resist and protect the violators when the police try to arrest them. “ “We cannot deploy policemen at every rooftop or street. The society has to play a role to contain the casualties and injuries.”

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Pakistan’s Hajj quota raised to 200,000, Senate panel told

The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony was informed on Tuesday that Pakistan’s Hajj quota for year 2022 was being enhanced from 179,210 to 200,000 Hujjaj (pilgrims). The committee was informed that the Hajj quota would be distributed at a ratio of 60:40 — 60% allocation for the pilgrimage under the government scheme and 40% for Hajj group organisers. Hajj quota of 5,000 pilgrims had been allocated to 100 new private companies as well, officials said. The committee meeting was chaired by Senator Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri. The committee took up the issue of blacklisted Hajj group organisers. The committee stressed that a uniform policy must be formulated to deal with irregularities. The committee was informed that e-visa facility would be provided to all Hujjaj. The officials said that challenges included health protocols; acceptance of Chinese vaccinations by Saudi Arabia; and the upscaling of the Road-to-Makkah initiative. Also read: In Makkah, women set off on Hajj as 'mehram' rule cast aside Since this will predominantly be an information technology (IT)-based process, finding volunteers who were tuned to rapidly changing IT trends and healthcare practices would be a major concern as well, the committee members heard. Other agenda items included the Guardian and Wards (Amendment) Bill and briefings on the Hajj Policy and policy and proposal for pilgrimage of minorities to their sacred sites. Discussing the pilgrimage of minorities, the committee opined that such visits were governed by the laws of the host countries. While discussing the Guardian and Wards (Amendment) Bill 2021, moved by Senator Mohsin Aziz, the committee was informed that the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) did not support the bill. The committee summoned CII representatives for further deliberation on the matter in the next meeting. The meeting was attended by senators Molvi Faiz Muhammad, Gurdeep Singh, Anwar Lal Deen, Prof Sajid Mir, Muhammad Akram, Haji Hidayatullah and senior officers of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony. Senator Mohsin Aziz was a special invitee.

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President Alvi underfire over appearance at MoU signing of son's firm

Nothing gets past the watchful eyes of netizens and President Arif Alvi learned that the hard way. The president, who is also a dentist by profession, drew immense flak on Pakistani Twitter for taking part in an MoU signing between his son's company and a dental chain in the US inside Karachi's Governor House.   President Alvi's son, Awab Alvi, tweeted an image of himself signing a contract with with President Alvi seen smiling while standing behind him. ‘Excited to share that we signed an MoU between Alvi Dental and Bringing Smiles USA to open a chain of dental practices and bring affordable dental care to Pakistan with no compromise in quality of treatment or sterilization but focus on the best treatment possible with affordable rates.’ Excited to share that we signed an MoU between @AlviDental & Bringing Smiles USA to open a chain of dental practices bring affordable dental care to Pakistan with no compromise in quality of treatment or sterilization but focus on the best treatment possible at affordable rates pic.twitter.com/Zj02sW1uVp — Awab Alvi (@DrAwab) November 29, 2021 The tweet was met with an array of explosive responses, scrutinising the president for his participation in the signing and the poor choice of location. To make matters worse, President Alvi also tweeted a congratulatory message to Awab for his business deal. 'Congratulations Dr Awab. Wish you success in this collaboration with your friends who are also bringing in foreign investment,' the president wrote.   Congratulations @DrAwab Wish you success in this collaboration with your friends who are also bringing in foreign investment. https://t.co/yv4sgo2MYs — Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) November 29, 2021 Many including former finance minister Ishaq Dar asserted that Alvi's participation was a violation of his presidential oath. "On a serious note, it is a serious digression on part of Mr Alvi; Article 42 of the Constitution which deals with the oath of the President has the following provision: 'That I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions." On a serious note, it is a significant digression on part of Mr Arif Alvi; Article42 of the Constitution which deals with oath of the President has also following provision: “That I will not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct or my official decisions" pic.twitter.com/0yifsWG79e — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) November 30, 2021 Dar also called for President Alvi to step down his position,"Conflict of Interest!---Arif Alvi must resign" Conflict of Interest—Arif Alvi must resign!https://t.co/rkbKWzAPoX — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) November 30, 2021 Journalist Hamza Azhar Salam also responded to the infamous tweet by Awab Alvi. "Let's see how our honourable president treats startups that are not directly beneficial to his family." Thank you @dawn_com for featuring my request to President Dr @ArifAlvi in your story. Let's see how our honourable President treats startups that are not directly beneficial to his family. @ThePakDaily https://t.co/9mhx5M40kK — Hamza Azhar Salam (@HamzaAzhrSalam) November 30, 2021 In a move to try and dampen public outrage, President Alvi used his Twitter handle to apologise. 'For the signing ceremony of an MoU between Dr Awab and his friend in my presence, the venue selection was a matter of poor judgement.' For the signing ceremony of an MOU between @DrAwab and his friend in my presence, the venue selection was a matter of poor judgment. — Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) November 30, 2021 The response was met with harsh criticism and did little to mollify the public. Journalist and former head of Radio Pakistan Murtaza Solangi echoed Ishaq Dar's sentiments about the president's resignation. 'Who cares if you have violated your oath? If you have any shred of morality in you should resign rather than tweeting your worthless regret.' Who cares if you have violated your oath? If you have any shred of bone of morality inside you, you should resign rather than tweeting your worthless regret.@ArifAlvi https://t.co/6J1YVfVWzg — Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) November 30, 2021  

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Pakistan elected head of G77 at UN

Pakistan has been elected the next chair of the ‘Group of 77’, which is the largest intergovernmental grouping of developing countries in the United Nations. The development comes during the 45th ministerial meeting of Group of 77 and China, held in a virtual format on Tuesday, the Foreign Office said in a statement. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressed the meeting and thanked the 134 members of G77 and China for reposing their trust in Pakistan to lead the group in 2022. He highlighted that the world is confronted with a triple crisis: the Covid pandemic and its consequences; the challenge of realising the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development; and the existential threat of climate catastrophe – which has had a disproportionate impact on the developing countries. He added that an inclusive and equitable recovery from the current crisis would only be possible if the developing countries are provided with adequate means, especially financial resources, to return to the path of sustained and sustainable economic growth. Also read: Peace in Afghanistan vital for ECO transit trade corridors: FM FM Qureshi also emphasised that the developing countries needed to promote a “Common Development Agenda” to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. He underscored that, as the next chair of the Group of 77 and China, Pakistan would work with the members of the group to promote such a development agenda, including debt restructuring; redistribution of the $650 billion new SDRs to developing countries; larger concessional financing; mobilisation of the $100 billion in annual climate finance by the developed countries; ending the billions in illicit financial flows from the developing countries and the return of their stolen assets; and the creation of an equitable and open trading system and a fair international tax regime. The Group of 77, established in 1964, is the largest intergovernmental grouping of developing countries in the United Nations. It provides the means for the countries of the Global South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests within the UN system. Pakistan is a founding member of the group and has had the distinct privilege to serve as its chair in New York on three occasions in the past, according to the FO.

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Govt to ban construction of schools near highways

In the wake of the deaths of four schoolchildren in a road accident on a highway in Bahawalpur, the Punjab government has decided not to allow the establishment of schools on the highways and main roads. The government issued instructions to all the divisional commissioners, regional police officers (RPOs) and relevant departments in his regard. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal at the Civil Secretariat on Monday. The Inspector-General of Police Punjab, Additional IG Motorway Police, administrative secretaries of different departments including schools education, higher education, excise, Lahore commissioner and officers concerned attended the meeting while divisional commissioners and RPOs participated through video link. The chief secretary directed the officers concerned that signboards and cat eyes be installed near schools, hospitals, and parks located along highways and main roads. He said schools would be bound to deploy four road crossing assistants under the supervision of a duty teacher at the time of opening and closure of schools. He asked the officers to carry out a survey of all private schools near highways and main roads to identify the high-risk educational institutions. He said that service roads and overhead bridges for pedestrians should be constructed wherever possible, besides making zebra crossings in front of all schools. The CS also directed the excise secretary to work out a policy regarding the registration of new vehicles before their delivery. He said fitness checks of light vehicles once a year and heavy vehicles twice a year would be made mandatory. He mentioned that driving without a licence is a crime, directing the police officers to launch a crackdown on violators. He further said that the Bahawalpur incident is very unfortunate and prevention of such accidents is a collective responsibility of all. IG Punjab Rao Sardar Ali Khan suggested conducting traffic awareness week in schools. He directed the police officers to depute traffic wardens outside educational institutions at the time of closure of schools. The Bahawalpur Division commissioner briefed the meeting that according to the preliminary survey, 52 schools are located near highways and main roads in Bahawalpur and out of which 16 schools are located near highways and 36 near main roads. Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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ADB agrees to fund fruit and vegetable market

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has given final approval to a project to build a European-style vegetable, fruit and flower model market with state-of-the-art facilities. This modern fruit and vegetable market will be built near Rawat in Rawalpindi. The Punjab government will provide land for the model market while the ADB will provide funds. Around 500 kanals of land will be acquired for the fruit, vegetable and flower market while construction of the market will cost Rs50 million. The proposal to set up model markets in Punjab was put forward by Prime Minister Imran Khan and was approved by the Punjab government. The ADB has agreed to provide funding for the model market. District Market Committee Chairman Chaudhry Imtiaz Ahmed told The Express Tribune that Punjab Agriculture Marketing Regulatory Authority has also approved setting up a model wholesale market in Rawalpindi. He said that an agreement has also been reached with the ADB in this regard. Under the agreement, the Punjab government will provide land for the model market while the ADB will provide funds for its construction. Land acquisition for this model market will be completed in the next 2 months. This model market will also have a cold storage facility. Rawalpindi has no vegetable and fruit market and now, for the first time, a model vegetable and fruit market is being set up in the garrison city. Its establishment will reduce the prices of fruit and vegetables in Rawalpindi. The management has selected a place near Rawat for this model market. Rawat is the entrance gate of Rawalpindi. The setting up of the model market will facilitate the delivery of vegetables and fruits to all the tehsils of the district. Parking, water, shade and stores will also be available in this model market. After the completion of the market, all whole-sale markets of the city will be shifted out of the city.   Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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LHC suspends conviction of DC, AC

Lahore High Court’s Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti suspended a District and Sessions judge’s order wherein Mandi Bahauddin’s deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner had been handed in three months imprisonment each. The petitioners DC and AC challenged the verdict of the D&SJ Abdul Jabbar, who also heads the consumer court, wherein he (D&SJ) had awarded sentences in a contempt of court case. As the proceedings initiated on Monday at LHC, the CJ Bhatti questioned the advocate general Punjab observing “do your officers not want to run the courts”, “Your officers, by sending the litigation clerk, flouted the orders of the court”. CJ Bhatti further observed that when the district court had summoned the DC then why and under what capacity a call was made to the judge, the CJ Bhatti expressing his displeasure. “We have to jointly run this system otherwise the whole system will be destroyed,” CJ Bhatti observed. The petitioner’s counsel implored the court that the consumer court awarded sentences in that case which purely does not fall under its jurisdiction. CJ Bhatti remarked that it was then appropriate to challenge the jurisdiction of the court if someone believes the court is exceeding its jurisdiction. However, the CJ Bhatti summoned the record of the case meanwhile suspended the sentences. District and Sessions Judge Abdul Jabbar convicted DC Tariq Basra and AC Imtiaz Ali Baig in a contempt of court case and issued orders for sending them to jail. Mandi Bahauddin police arrested both the officials from the court room. Complainant Muhammad Asim had filed a case in the court of District and Sessions Judge Abdul Jabbar who is also the head of the district consumer court, contending that he was allotted an official residence in Wapda Colony but the local administration had issued another allotment letter of the said house to a schoolteacher. After that one litigation clerk, Rana Mehboob Ali, of the local administration ousted him out from the house. The judge issued notices to the DC and the AC but they did not appear before the court. They sent a litigation clerk to the court who committed misconduct and contempt through his misbehaviour. As the clerk challenged the authority of the court, the judge convicted him. Later, the DC made a phone call to the judge asking him to set the clerk free. The AC appeared before the court and he also allegedly misbehaved with the judge. The judge then issued notices to the DC and the AC under section 228 of the PPC to appear personally and answer as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. After that they appeared before the court but could not satisfy the judge at which they were awarded three months imprisonment each to both the officers and sent them to Gujrat District Jail. Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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Major road project enters final stage of completion

The ongoing work on the remodelling and expansion of Ammar Shaheed Chowk has entered the final stage of completion. The major road infrastructure project under the Chaklala Cantonment Board, as the executing agency, is being completed in a short span of nine months with funding of Rs1 billion from the Punjab government. Work is under way on the carpeting of an underpass and tuff tiles on the sidewalks of all roads which will be opened for traffic in December next month. Meanwhile, Kachehri Chowk underpass remodelling and expansion project has been sent to Punjab Highway Authority for design approval. Tender for the project will be issued after approval. The construction cost of the project has been approved by the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP). It has been decided to get the design prepared by consultant NessPak approved by the Punjab Highway Authority so that in case of any technical defect in the design, the design can be amended in time. Work on the Kachehri Chowk underpass remodelling expansion project is ongoing while work on the Defence Chowk expansion project will be launched after completion of work on the Kachehri Chowk project. Kachehri Chowk is the busiest junction of traffic on the GT Road of Rawalpindi city and several other routes including Ammar Shaheed Chowk and the Islamabad Expressway. The project is estimated to cost Rs3840 million. It should be noted that Kachehri Chowk, which is currently the busiest chowk, has been included in the development plan of the current financial year by the Punjab government. Kachehri Chowk is located close to other important centres, including district courts and Fatima Jinnah Women’s University. It is currently the busiest square in terms of traffic, with hundreds of thousands of vehicles passing through it daily. Because of increasing traffic pressure, it has been decided to make this most important Chowk signal-free so that the traffic from Jhelum Road, Ammar Shaheed Chowk, City and Cantonment and Adiala Road passed through it without hurdle.   Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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Rape case suspects remain at large

Police are yet to arrest the suspects nominated in a case of rape of a 13-year-old girl reported from Kahna three days back. The student of eighth grade was allegedly assaulted by a man who fled along with an accomplice after the incident. A medical report confirmed the rape. The police registered the case on the complaint of the girl's father but the suspects are yet to be arrested. The complainant stated that his daughter, a resident of Seraij village, went to a shop alone to buy stationery for her studies and was assaulted on her way back. He alleged that a young man from the neighborhood named Khawar and an accomplice forcibly took the girl to a relative's house where the main suspect raped her. After hearing the noise of the girl, the neighbours gathered at the spot and tried to catch the suspects but they fled while waving weapons by climbing over a wall of the house. Locals informed the police about the incident on the emergency helpline. A forensic team and a heavy contingent of police arrived on the scene, gathered evidence and rushed the girl to a hospital, where her medical examination confirmed that she had been raped. Kahna police registered a case against Khawar and his accomplice Ilias on the complaint of the victim's father. When contacted, an official of the Kahna Gender Crime Cell said police had raided the homes of the suspects but they were locked and the families had gone into hiding. Their phones were also switched off, she added. The official said police team had been formed the arrest the suspects. However, the girl's family alleged that the suspects were influential and the police were not making serious efforts to arrest them. Residents of the area also protested over the incident and demanded arrest of the suspects. Cases of sexual assaults and rape are not uncommon in the province. On November 28, two women and a teenage boy were allegedly sexually assaulted in Khurianwala. Police said that the accused had allegedly lured the victims on the pretext of a job. Police registered cases and started raids to arrest the culprits. In the first sexual assault incident, the complainant, a resident of Chak No 214, Rab Dhadiwala, told the police that she financially supported her children by working in other people’s homes as domestic help. During her work she met the accused Abdul Karim, Sardar Ahmed Bhatti Javed Dahlon, Rana Javed and Adnan alias Mani in Jalvi Market. They lured her by offering her a job and decent salary in a private school as well as free accommodation. The complainant stated that the owner of the school, who was at a fish farm, had to interview her. The accused allegedly took her to the fish farm where they kept her in a room. Meanwhile, the accused Abdul Karim and Ahmed allegedly sexually assaulted her. The other accused Javed filmed the rape incident. Police registered a case against the accused under Sections 496A and 376 and started raids for their arrest. Separately, the accused Altaf Adnan sexually abused a woman, a resident of Bilal Town, Jaranwala Road, on the pretext of giving her a job. During this time, the accused Altaf was also making a video on which the police took action under Section 376. In another incident, the alleged rapist identified as Rizwan assaulted a 14-yearold boy, the son of Zulfiqar, in Siddique Nagar, Batala Colony. Incidents of sexual assault were rampant across the province. On July 25, two women lodged rape cases in the city. Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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Smog leads to road accidents

Attock Deputy Commissioner (DC) Imran Hamid Sheikh has said that traffic accidents in the district have recently increased at an alarming rate. A Rescue 1122 District Emergencies Officer said 800 accidents have occurred on various roads in the last three months. He added that the main reason behind increasing number of road accidents is the absence of tail lights behind trolleys and motorcycles. This is especially problematic during the winter time because of smog, he said, adding that visibility decreases even further after sunset, and as a result, the chances of accidents increase. Under these circumstances, the participants at the meeting of the District Emergencies Board agreed that trolley or motorcycle drivers across the district must fix the rear lights of their vehicles. They must also install reflecting tapes on the back of their vehicles, so that they could be seen from a distance. For this purpose, the DC has issued instructions under Section 15 of the Punjab Civil Administration Act 2017. Under this Act, no public transport vehicle can operate within the geographical limits of Attock District without adhering to the instructions issued. Penalties under Section 188 of the Penal Code of Pakistan will be instituted against violators of the order if a reflecting tape is not clearly affixed behind vehicles. The restraining order will come in to effect from December 1, until further notice. Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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50,000T of wheat donated to Afghanistan

The government on Monday approved a donation of 50,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan, as it expedited the process to facilitate trade and travel of people across the borders in the absence of any major assistance from the world community. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet convened in the federal capital and approved the 50,000 metric tons wheat in donation, a senior official of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research confirmed to The Express Tribune. With the approval of the donation, Pakistan has matched a similar offer by India that it gave many weeks ago. But the delivery of the Indian wheat remained pending because of the non-resolution of logistic issues between Islamabad and New Delhi. Millions of Afghans would face starvation this winter unless urgent action was taken, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) had warned last month. It said that more than half of the Afghan population – about 22.8 million people – face acute food insecurity, while 3.2 million children under-five could suffer acute malnutrition. After the takeover by Taliban on August 15, the international community, including the Muslim world, has not provided any meaningful support to the war-torn country on the pretext that the Taliban have not fulfilled promises on a broad-based inclusive government and rights of women. Pakistan has promised to stand with the Afghan people but its ambitions are marred by scarcity of the resources. Prime Minister Imran Khan has also announced Rs5 billion or $28.4 million in aid for Afghanistan during an Apex Committee meeting of the Afghan Inter-Ministerial Coordination Cell (AICC). This included a donation of 50,000 metric tons of wheat worth about Rs2.5 billion, according to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. The ECC was informed that Pakistan had sufficient stocks available to provide the commodity to the neighbouring country. The government-owned Pakistan Agricultural Storage & Services Corporation (Passco) has 2.7 million metric tons as of last week. The country has so far imported 1.9 million metric tons of wheat in this fiscal year to meet domestic shortages. After releasing all obligations, the country will have a net stock of 771,578 metric tons by the start of food year 2022, stated the Food Ministry. The Finance Ministry has been directed by the ECC to bear the expenses involved in the supply of 50,000 metric tons of wheat, including logistic cost. READ Pakistan offers to host OIC FMs on Afghanistan A senior government official told The Express Tribune that the apex committee meeting of the AICC decided that the already announced Rs5 billion in-kind support to Afghanistan should be fast tracked. The sources said that it had been decided that life-saving drugs worth Rs500 million would be provided to Afghanistan. Similarly, winter supplies and shelter would be provided through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), including 1,500 tents, 8,500 blankets and tarpaulin of 14,000. Any amount that will be left out of Rs5 billion, would be given in rice, the sources said, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan also directed the Finance Ministry and the Establishment Division to expedite processing the pending summaries for additional posts at the Western border. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has demanded 509 additional posts, while Customs Department has requested for 312 posts for smooth functioning of the bilateral trade. Imran also directed for a review of the possibility of reducing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) fares for Afghanistan, which are found to be higher in comparison to other airlines. The PIA chairman will review the possibility to reduce fares and submit a proposal to apex committee. A proposal has also been discussed to start a bus-service between the two countries. In this regard, the Communication Ministry, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan governments will formulate an implementation plan for the bus service for Peshawar-Jalalabad and Quetta-Kandahar routes. According to the sources, Pakistan, in principle, had also given the approval for a scheme under which skilled Afghan refugees, who were willing to work in Pakistan, could be paid salaries in Pakistan while they could maintain their POR cards. For the purpose, the State and Frontier Regions (Safron) Ministry will identify the number and skill proficiency of Afghan refugees, eligible under this scheme, and present an actionable proposal to the apex committee for final approval of the prime minister. The sources said that it had been decided to relax the visa restrictions to facilitate movement of people. The government would resolve the issue of overstaying Afghans in Pakistan. It might allow travel of Afghan children under-12 without passport, said the sources. The sources said that the government had decided to facilitate International organisations staff who wanted to work in Afghanistan. It had decided that the time allowed for security clearance of visas for Afghans in the categories that need security clearance would be reduced from 30 days to 15 days. If no response was received, the clearance would be deemed to have been granted and the visa would be issued thereafter by the Pakistani mission and consulate, said the sources. The Commerce Ministry had been directed to revisit the Afghan export items for which transit rationalisation could be undertaken, keeping in mind the need for remaining as flexible as possible at this time of need for Afghanistan, said the sources.

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Zardari appeals all democrats to protect 18th Amendment

Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Zardari said on Monday all the democratic parties in the country must protect the 18th Constitutional Amendment, stressing that the PPP would not compromise on supremacy of parliament and people’s empowerment. In his message on the 54th foundation day of the PPP, Zardari said that the party remained steadfast on the “philosophy and manifesto” of its founder. He repeated the old PPP slogan, “Islam is our religion, socialism is our economy, democracy is our politics and the source of power is the people.” “Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Shaheed fought for the parliamentary system in the country and gave the country a parliamentary system,” Zardari said. “Today, we renew our commitment to fully defend the parliamentary system.” Zardari, who was the president when the 18th Amendment was passed, said that its passage was the fulfilment of the mission of late prime minister Benazir Bhutto and “revenge on the enemies of democracy” in a democratic manner. “All democrats have a duty to protect the 18th Amendment.” He said that today, the PPP was resisting two kinds of ideologies -- one of those who hate democracy and the other of the extremists who were trying to impose their will on the people. He emphasised that whenever the PPP came to power it was through the “strength and votes” of the people. “Therefore, our priority is to make people’s lives easier.” READ Zardari granted interim bail in NY property case Meanwhile, addressing a press conference in Peshawar, PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bukhari, said that the PPP would celebrate the foundation day on Tuesday (today) in all the provinces on the instructions of its Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. “The PPP was founded to solve the problems facing the people,” Bukhari told the press conference, which was also attended by Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani, PPP Central Spokesperson Faisal Karim Kundi, Provincial President Najamuddin Khan, Asma Alamgir and others. Commenting on the prevailing political situation in the country, Bukhari said that the PPP would take all constitutional and legal measures to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan. “If Opposition Leader Shahbaz Sharif steps forward, Imran Khan’s government will fall,” he added. “The PPP was founded to resolve the problems facing the people. At present, the country faces the some problems it confronted in 1967. The situation is the same today. If we come to power, we will resolve the problems of the masses,” he added. Responding to a question about the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Bukhari said that the opposition alliance was not the same after the exit of the PPP and the Awami National Party (ANP). “We formed the PDM but we did not leave it. PDM is no longer the PDM without the PPP and the ANP.” The PPP secretary general said that the opposition achieved successes only because of the firm stand taken by the PPP. “No party can compete with the PPP,” he said. “If the opposition leader takes the stand and comes forward, Imran government can be sent packing.” He criticised the Peshawar administration for denying permission to the PPP for holding rally in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa capital. “They had given permission to the chief minister to hold the rally but we were denied the permission,” he said.

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Single-day Covid tally falls below 200

The national tally of active Covid-19 cases reached 13,738 on Monday as 176 more people tested positive for the virus, while 9 more people died from the disease during the last 24 hours, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said in its daily update. All deceased breathed their last in hospitals, the NCOC said, adding that most of the deaths had occurred in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where 5 patients died, followed by three fatalities in Punjab. The nationwide death toll from the disease rose to 28,718. Read More: Single-day Covid death count falls to two As of Monday, the national caseload of the disease, since its outbreak in February 2020, rose to 1,284,365. Among them, the NCOC said, 1,241,909 people have recovered from the disease, making it a significant ratio of more than 90% recovery rate.

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Election on vacant Senate seat on Dec 20: ECP

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the schedule for election on the Senate seat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that fell vacant due to the resignation of Ayub Afridi from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Afridi had last week resigned from the Senate to make way for the election of PM’s Adviser on Finance Shaukat Tarin as a member of Parliament. According to a notification issued by the electoral body on Monday, the polling for the vacant seat will take place on December 20 in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly. Read More: ECP revises electoral rolls in Hazara Divison Candidates can submit their papers from November 30 to December 2, after which the scrutiny of the papers will begin and continue until Dec 6. The list of candidates submitting papers will be released on December 3 and the appeals can be filed by December 8. The tribunal will then give a decision on appeals by December 10.

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Imran uses faith to gloss over his vile politics: Marriyum

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Secretary Information Marriyum Aurangzeb says Imran Khan exploits the religious symbolism of State of Madina and ‘faith’ after lying to the nation every day. Following Prime Minister Imran Khan's latest speech, Marriyum took to the micro-blogging site Twitter to share her reaction. She said those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones at others. She wrote that after witnessing the plight and misery of unemployed Pakistanis crushed by inflation, it doesn’t even seem worth it to respond to the plethora of lies that Imran spews every day, adding that Mr Imran openly lies talking about ‘faith’ and the State of Madina. Read More: PML-N keeps attacking judiciary: PM Imran "People don't care about your philosophical lectures and sermons. They want affordable petrol, sugar, flour, electricity, gas, medicines and other essential commodities. Imran must make peace with the fact that Nawaz Sharif was the Chief Guest of the Asma Jahangir Conference,” she tweeted. Mr Imran, you weren’t called to the conference because you are a certified vote-robbing fascist puppet Prime Minister, she wrote. She ended her tweet thread by adding that Imran Sahib after speaking a river of lies, tries to gloss over his vile politics by talking about ‘faith’ and the State of Madina.

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Commuters suffer as protesters block road

The Murree Expressway remained completely blocked on both sides for over an hour on Sunday, resulting in long queues of cars and causing difficulties for travellers and tourists. Protesters had placed the body of one Razeem—who was shot dead in a melee caused by two groups fighting over a land dispute at Musyari—on the road and blocked the expressway on both sides to demand swift justice from the police. The victim was reportedly shot after the tussle between the two groups grew intense and the opposing group opened fire, killing Razeem. The relatives of the deceased then placing his body on Murree Expressway and refused to let any vehicles on the road pass, chanting slogans and demanding the immediate arrest of the accused. The demonstrations caused a big traffic jam on the important road that is almost always a busy thoroughfare on weekends, making countless passengers suffer for a long time. A police spokesperson said that as soon as the Murree police station received reports of the firing incident and the subsequent protest, the SHO, along with a heavy contingent, arrived at the spot and assured the deceased’s family that they would be given justice. They vowed that a case would be registered against the accused and severe punishment for the culprit will be ensured. Following successful negotiations between police and the protesters, the Murree Expressway was reopened for traffic. The spokesperson further said that as soon as a case was registered on Sunday, the police apprehended and arrested prime suspect Idrees during the preliminary investigation. Meanwhile, raiding teams have been formed to arrest other suspects at the earliest. Saddar Division Superintendent of Police Kamran Amir has said that the police would investigate the murder from all angles, collect solid evidence and challan all those involved in the murder. He insisted Rawalpindi police adhere to a policy of merit and transparency, which will be ensured in every case.   Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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Moot to discuss education-related issues

The Ministry of Education Punjab has convened an important conference of the Chief Executive Officers of the District Education Authorities of all 36 districts of Punjab on December 1 to discuss a 15-point agenda. In a circular issued by the Ministry of Education Punjab to all District Education Officers, the conference will take into account dangerous school buildings, vacant teachers’ seats and other missing facilities in educational institutions. The meeting is also expected to decide on the complete restoration of sports activities at the school level across the province after the coronavirus is over. The conference will also discuss the up-gradation of schools. At the conference, the registration of all private schools across the province under a new law will be reviewed. In this regard, the district officers have been directed to bring details and data of all the registered and unregistered schools in the districts. Instructions have also been issued to bring the list and data of the students who have submitted Form B in the schools. The conference will be chaired by Provincial Education Minister Murad Rass. Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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Kallar Syedan THQ hospital faces water shortage

An acute water shortage at the Kallar Syedan Tehsil Head Quarters (THQ) Hospital has taken a severe turn. Patients in the operating theatres and the OPD, including the gynecology ward, face immense difficulties in obtaining water. Because of this shortage, white sheets lying on government beds have also begun to get dirty. Water is not even available for ablution purposes before prayers. This is because only half a unit of water is supplied to the THQ, even though two units are approved in the official agreement. THQ Hospital MS Dr Khalid Ansari said that there had been no water supply in the hospital for the last seven months. Because of this, the patients, including the staff, are facing immense difficulties in obtaining access to water. The situation is not improving, despite it being in the knowledge of the assistant commissioner and the chief municipal officer. Ansari said that despite paying R200,000 per annum, as per the agreement, the hospital still faces an acute water shortage. Contrary to A agreement, a half unit of water is supplied instead of two units, and patients who arrive in emergencies face immense difficulty. Kallar Syedan Chief Municipal Officer Sahibzada Imran said there was no problem with water in the hospital.  He said that an abundant supply of water was being provided to them as per their requirement. However, he said, during load shedding, the supply of water remains interrupted. Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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Two women allegedly assaulted at gunpoint

Two women were sexually assaulted in separate incidents in Khurrianwala. Police have registered cases and carried out raids to arrest the suspects. A complainant told police that suspect Faqir Hussain, who knew her father, forcibly entered her house when she was alone and raped her at gunpoint. Police registered a case against the suspect under Section 376 of Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). Another complainant told police that he used to work in the mansion of Chaudhry Waqas Randhawa, where his wife was assaulted when she visited him in the morning. He alleged that the son of his employer, Naveed, along with the other suspect Yasir took his wife forcibly to a room and raped her. He said his wife was tortured over resisting the attempt. Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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Sanitary staff threaten to go on strike

The Punjab Health Department has cancelled the Sunday leave of all male and female Sanitary Patrol Workers in the Rawalpindi district. The department has also begun to deduct salaries of those workers who take a gazetted leave on Sunday. Because of these deductions, that amount to anywhere between Rs2,000 to Rs3,000, female workers have decided to go on strike. They have also threatened to stage a protest in front of the District Health Officer’s office. They added that the coronavirus and dengue emergencies had subsided, but the health department expected them to perform their duty from 8am to 8pm every day. Some even complained that by virtue of being a woman, they had to complete weekly chores around the house, but were unable to do so. Currently, lady workers who do not show up on Sundays lose a day’s pay, receive show cause notices, and are also allegedly subjected to threats of dismissal, and blackmailing. A complaint has also been lodged with the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner on the matter. Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2021.

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Supreme Court lists merits of Guardians and Wards Act 1890

The Supreme Court has ruled that the intent of the framers of law relating to the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, is to secure the interest and welfare of minors. “The framers of law relating to the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, legislated it as a special enactment with an intent to secure the interest and welfare of minors living within the jurisdiction while highlighting the degree of preference to establish guardianship,” says seven-page judgment authored by Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi while rejecting a petition to hand over the custody of three minors to their father from the grandmother on the account of ‘welfare of minor’. “The sole criterion which depicts the intent of the legislature is nothing except welfare of the minors as grundnorm of the enactment,” it adds. A division bench of the apex court led by Justice Maqbool Baqar heard the matter. Read more: Supreme Court laments male heirs defrauding females The minors’ father is working abroad in Saudi Arabia and as such the instant petition was filed through his father on the basis of the power of attorney executed by him. The petitioner got married with one Mst. Kausar Naseem (since dead) and during their wedlock three children were born. It is claimed by the petitioner (father) that he was enjoying happy matrimonial life but unfortunately on November 6, 2015, his wife sustained burns injuries in an accident and she was admitted to a hospital. On August 19, 2016, when the wife of the petitioner was still in the hospital, respondent No 2 (maternal grandmother) took away the minor children of the petitioner and as such they are in the custody of respondent No 2 till the filing of the instant petition. The court noted that as a general principle the degree of preference is confined to relationship depending upon the order of preference due to closeness of blood relationship and other aspects which are essential in upbringing of the minors within four corners of law. “Any deviation from the general principle, where the blood relationship has to be departed, there should be very strong and compelling reasons to have a contrary view which includes upbringing, education, healthcare, congenial domestic atmosphere, physical and psychological advantages, sect, religion, character and capacity of the claimant to whom if it is assigned to take care of the minors.” Also read: SC refuses to set aside sacked workers’ verdict “In short, while ignoring/bypassing the general principle there must be very strong and exceptional circumstances which could be brought forth with reference to the intent of the legislature regarding the sole purpose of “welfare of minor”.” As in the instant case, the order said that the ordinary order of preference is under question, keeping in view the facts and circumstances wherein the petitioner being the real father of all the three minors, namely, Muhammad Haseeb Ullah, Iraj Noor and Muhammad Shahmir, all aged about 6 to 9 years, claiming guardianship on the basis of the preferential right, a detailed scrutiny of facts and circumstances are to be adjudged in the spirit of law relating to guardianship. The background of the instant petition is that the petitioner entered into wedlock with the deceased mother of the minors. He was a cab driver in Saudi Arabia and all the three minor children were born out of the wedlock. On November 6, 2015, the wife of the petitioner was burnt; she remained hospitalised in a critical condition and subsequently died of the said injuries. In this regard, a case was registered on June 24, 2017, under Section 302/34 PPC was registered at Police Station Sihala, Islamabad against the parents of the petitioner with an allegation that petitioner’s wife was intentionally burnt to death by the parents of the petitioner. The petitioner alleges that his wife was still in the hospital when his minor children were removed from the lawful custody and taken over by the maternal grandfather. The court observed that the petitioner had not discharged his duties as father in any manner towards the minor children or his deceased wife. “It appears that he was most reluctant to take care of his wife or minor children because they were under the patronage of maternal grandfather and he thought it an opportunity just to skip moral, legal or religious duty bestowed towards him. The provisions of Section 17 of the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 expressly reflect consideration by the court for appointing guardian. It has been clearly mentioned that welfare of the minor is of paramount consideration with reference to so many other aspects”, says the order. The court noted that Articles 2 and 2A of the constitution clearly envisage that Islamic social order has to be observed while leading life within the four corners of the law. “In an Islamic culture, the father has been bestowed with so many responsibilities towards his children. Even the mother of the children can claim compensation of breast feeding from her husband which is well within the tenants of Islamic fiqah. Where this responsibility has been ignored, how a father while forgetting his obligations towards minor children and that too at a belated stage, can claim the guardianship on the basis of bald claims”, says the order. The order says that as an abundance of caution, we have asked the maternal grandfather about his worth to which he stated that he is the owner of 19 acres of agricultural land which is sufficient to bear the expenses of the minor children and they are already enjoying reasonable living status in the custody of their maternal grandfather. “Another aspect of this case is that the children are well aware of the fact that their mother died due to unnatural consequences which must be in the back of the mind of the children that it was their father who was involved in that episode. At this stage any adventure by this Court to dislodge the custody and handover the same to the father would be instrumental into impairment of the mental faculty of the minor children which could imprint negative impact on their personality in future and that would squarely be against the dictates of “welfare of the minor” which is an attire of Guardian and Wards Act, 1890”, says the judgment. The court dismissed the petition. However, the visitation schedule made by the Family Court for the grandparents shall be considered to be made for the petitioner and the same shall be followed, says the order.

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Youth consider climate change one of the biggest challenges for Pakistan

Climate change and related challenges posed the biggest threat to Pakistan’s youth, according to a British Council report which stated that 74 per cent of young people agreed that climate change will prove to be one of the biggest challenges for the country. This was revealed during a climate action summit in Islamabad that brought together young people, government, civil society, media, climate action experts for a dialogue and conversations around the climate action, celebrate the work done by young climate leaders, and discuss research evidence around how young people can effectively contribute to climate action priorities set out by the government of Pakistan, the UK and COP26. A report titled "Perceptions of Young People on Climate Change and Action: Pakistan" was released on the occasion. It gathered survey data from 1,215 youths, 14 group discussions and 32 interviews to understand the perceptions of young people in Pakistan on climate change. Read more: COP26: UK pledges £55m to Pakistan to fight climate change "This research is part of the British Council’s climate connection programme, which aims to bring people around the world together to address the challenges of climate change," the report said. The report focuses, in particular, on the next generation of climate leaders and gives practical support to young people and communities. "61 per cent of the young people surveyed for the report came from rural areas. More than 90 per cent have never participated in any climate change awareness activity. 70 per cent expressed their eagerness to learn more about climate issues," it added. Pakistan is a leading country for green development, says @zartajgulwazir at The Youth Summit by #BritishCouncil #TheClimateConnection #ourplanetourfuture pic.twitter.com/UhI2IEPZcZ — British Council Pakistan (@pkBritish) November 29, 2021 The report found a consistent call for young people to be included in policy decisions. The findings emphasised a clear need for policymakers to channel enthusiasm of young people in more practical and structured ways. British Council Pakistan Country Director Amir Ramzan, speaking at the inaugural session, said that the report clearly shows that the youth are aware and interested to be involved in tackling climate change and other key issues. Also read: ‘Pakistan must act now to avoid impacts of climate change’ "It is good to see the government paying attention to this through initiatives that focus on youth engagement. I’m glad to share that British Council is a key partner collaborating with Kamyab Jawan programme on this exciting and much-needed initiative," he added. Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul Wazir distributed certificates to grantees of the British Council Challenge Fund at the closing ceremony and shared: "I’m very proud to see that Pakistan’s youth exhibit such strong leadership and enthusiasm to work for the betterment of this country. We are eager to connect and work together with young people through the government’s climate programmes like the Billion Trees Tsunami and Clean and Green Pakistan. They are the future of Pakistan."

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'Probe into Maryam's audio clip to be completed within two days'

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib has said that an investigation into the audiotape of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz will be completed by Wednesday. Last week, Maryam confirmed the authenticity of a viral audio clip in which she could be heard issuing instructions to someone to stop advertisements to certain TV channels. The response came after a reporter asked the PML-N leader if the clip doing rounds that contained her voice was authentic. In a statement on Monday, Habib said that the information ministry is conducting an inquiry into the clip. According to him, it is aimed at digging into the details of advertisements from the year 2008 to date. The body, he said, is looking into the mechanism of advertising in the PML-N era and the capacity in which Maryam, who is the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, influenced decisions in this regard. According to him, the influence regarding the advertisements affected the freedom of press. The minister observed that certain media groups were favoured in the past. He, however, clarified that the information ministry does not have a record of the advertisement data as yet. The state minister also said that the data of advertisements showed that the channels which were being prevented from the government advertisements are the ones referred to in the telephone call. Also read: Maryam confirms authenticity of viral audio clip "The spending of public money had been influencing the editorial policy of media outlets," he added. On the other hand, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, former aide to Nawaz, has said that one should look at the advertisements from 1999 instead of just the political era. "We have only taken the politicians to task on what they did," he said and asked whether those controlling the dictatorial regimes were clean. Siddiqui demanded an inquiry into the advertisements during the Musharraf regime. Meanwhile, the chairman of the body overseeing the matter has observed that some channels were getting a lot of advertisements while others weren't. "Media workers are forced to commit suicide if they do not get paid. How is it possible that TV channels run the data of old advertisements and the committee has nothing in its possession?" The chair of the body sought details of advertisements given to TV channels during the PML-N regime. He also said that whenever advertisements are given, sports and entertainment channels should also be given a share. PTV-Shoaib Akhtar row On the matter of altercation between PTV Sports host Nouman Niaz and former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, officials from the ministry have said the matter has been sorted out by Minister of Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry and an inquiry is underway.

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Karachi woman ‘raped’ after being lured by PUBG partner in Lahore

A woman, hailing from Karachi, was allegedly sexually assaulted multiple times after she visited Lahore on false promises of marriage and job. The victim in a first information report (FIR) registered with the North Cantt police station on Monday said that she befriended a man identified as Haris through the online video game, PUBG. She said the accused lured her into visiting him in Lahore on promise of marriage and added that she arrived in the Punjab capital last week and lived with him for three days. The victim claimed that the accused raped her multiples times and abandoned her after she insisted for marriage. Also read: Two woman raped, one escapes attempt The complainant said later she was approached by two suspects, identified by her as Hassan and Waheed, while she was waiting at Lahore railway station and offered her job. “They took me to a hotel in Ichra where they sexually assaulted me,” she told the police. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar while taking notice of the incident directed the Lahore CCPO to submit a report. Lahore CCPO Fayyaz Dev said an investigation team headed by the SP cantonment was formed to arrest the suspects. He said police were searching for the accused using hotel records, CCCTV cameras and other sources.

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'Probe into Maryam's audio clip to be completed within two days'

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib has said that an investigation into the audiotape of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz will be completed by Wednesday. Last week, Maryam confirmed the authenticity of a viral audio clip in which she could be heard issuing instructions to someone to stop advertisements to certain TV channels. The response came after a reporter asked the PML-N leader if the clip doing rounds that contained her voice was authentic. In a statement on Monday, Habib said that the information ministry is conducting an inquiry into the clip. According to him, it is aimed at digging into the details of advertisements from the year 2008 to date. The body, he said, is looking into the mechanism of advertising in the PML-N era and the capacity in which Maryam, who is the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, influenced decisions in this regard. According to him, the influence regarding the advertisements affected the freedom of press. The minister observed that certain media groups were favoured in the past. He, however, clarified that the information ministry does not have a record of the advertisement data as yet. The state minister also said that the data of advertisements showed that the channels which were being prevented from the government advertisements are the ones referred to in the telephone call. Also read: Maryam confirms authenticity of viral audio clip "The spending of public money had been influencing the editorial policy of media outlets," he added. On the other hand, Senator Irfan Siddiqui, former aide to Nawaz, has said that one should look at the advertisements from 1999 instead of just the political era. "We have only taken the politicians to task on what they did," he said and asked whether those controlling the dictatorial regimes were clean. Siddiqui demanded an inquiry into the advertisements during the Musharraf regime. Meanwhile, the chairman of the body overseeing the matter has observed that some channels were getting a lot of advertisements while others weren't. "Media workers are forced to commit suicide if they do not get paid. How is it possible that TV channels run the data of old advertisements and the committee has nothing in its possession?" The chair of the body sought details of advertisements given to TV channels during the PML-N regime. He also said that whenever advertisements are given, sports and entertainment channels should also be given a share. PTV-Shoaib Akhtar row On the matter of altercation between PTV Sports host Nouman Niaz and former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, officials from the ministry have said the matter has been sorted out by Minister of Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry and an inquiry is underway.

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