Transporters fleece passengers with impunity

Inter-city transporters continue to fleece passengers leaving for their hometowns from the twin cities to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their loved ones and relatives. Transporters have unilaterally increased fares ahead of Eid in violation of the official rate. Despite official announcements, overloading and overcharging have reached their climax. The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and the local administration completely failed to implement official fares. At different bus and wagon terminals, passengers indulged in arguments with transporters over extra fares and overcharging.  Families with three to four children said that the high fares were making holes in their pockets. Around half of the population in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad leave for their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. The citizens use buses, wagons and trains to go to their hometowns. Owing to rush of passengers, inter-city transporters have increased fares with impunity. Passengers Mehmood Khan, Ashar Ali, and Abdul Qayyum said that the ticket price was so expensive that they could not buy gifts for their families and loved ones. They said that they were compelled to purchase tickets at excessive prices to spend Eid with their loved ones. Rent-a-car service providers have also jacked up the fare and they have stopped further bookings due to an unusual rush. Transporters have also brought worn-out buses on the roads putting the lives of passengers at risk to make money on the occasion of Eid. The Regional Transport Authority could not be seen in the failed to enforce official fares. All rent-a-car showrooms in and around Murree Road have reserved vehicles for Eid. When there is a high demand for cars, their cost automatically goes up. Meanwhile, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) warned transporters against overcharging. Read  Transporters continue to fleece people going home for Eid According to the RTA secretary, the transporters have a habit of fleecing the homebound citizens by charging exorbitant rates. He said that stern action would be taken against transporters found involved in overcharging and overloading passengers. He said that the staff concerned had been directed to check overcharging and overloading at bus terminals. The checking was being carried out randomly at different places, he said adding strict action will be taken on the spot and excess fares would be returned to the passengers. He said that special squads have also been formed and deployed at bus and wagon stands to control overcharging and overloading. He said a special control room has also been set up at the RTA office to monitor teams checking fares of buses and wagons at bus stands. The transporters and the management of the bus terminals had also been instructed to ensure implementation of the orders in letter and spirit, he said. Transporters had also been asked not to create an artificial shortage of buses and bring all their vehicles on roads otherwise their licences would be cancelled. He said that passengers should inform the officials concerned and strict action would be taken against transporters. Meanwhile, all bus and wagon terminals including the railway station on Saturday remained jam-packed with passengers who were leaving for their native towns to celebrate Eid with their families. The passengers were seen running from one bus stand to the other in search of tickets. A huge rush of passengers could be seen at all bus terminals and at Rawalpindi Railway Station on Saturday. The official Eid holidays will begin on Monday (May 2) but most non-locals left for their hometowns on Saturday while the remaining would likely go till ‘Chand Raat’. Additional input from APP   Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2022.

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1,265 prisoners released ahead of Eid

Courts in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad granted bail to 1,265 prisoners facing petty crimes. The high courts, civil courts and other subordinate courts disposed of as many applications on the last working day before Eidul Fitr. The courts reduced the sentences of those convicted of minor offences, released them and allowed them to celebrate the joys of Eid with their loved ones at home. All the bail applications filed in the courts during the last week of Ramazan were decided on merit and with compassion. Hearings were done on a daily basis. On the last working day on April 30, all the courts heard pending bail applications to ensure the release of the accused who had been granted bail. Judicial officials kept visiting the jails to submit release warrants. Every year, during the holy month of Ramazan, courts release prisoners facing petty crime charges. Rawalpindi District Bar Secretary-General Malik Mubashir Rafaq said that bail was granted to a large number of accused this year too. He said that the released prisoners should repent of their crimes and become law-abiding citizens and live a life that will benefit them and their families Meanwhile, a large number of people including children visited Adiala Jail on Saturday to meet their loved ones. Read  Sindh govt announces remission for 1,200 prisoners on Eid The citizens were allowed to meet their loved ones in the jail from 8 am to 4 pm, some sitting face to face and some from behind the bars and nets. Arif Nizam, the assistant superintendent in charge of the meeting looked helpless and failed to put in place a foolproof arrangement to facilitate visitors. Elderly people and women faced severe difficulties during their visit to the jail. The computerised meeting system also completely remained a futile exercise and it collapsed. Jail officials also misbehaved with visitors including women and children on the jail premises throughout the day. The prison system is fully computerised but over the past week, the system has been paralysed. Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2022.

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Capital begins to wear a deserted look

As the fasting month draws to a close, people in the twin cities have started leaving for their hometowns to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their families. On Saturday, almost all major bus stops of Islamabad and Rawalpindi including the biggest terminals at Pirwadhai, Soan, Faizabad and Karachi Company were packed with people who were leaving the city ahead of the four official holidays announced by the government for Eidul Fitr. The capital city wore a deserted look as most of the natives, who are settled here for job purposes, left for their hometowns to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families and relatives. The hustle and bustle of the city faded away after a number of natives moved to their hometowns after performing duty on Saturday which was declared as a working day by the government. The government has announced four Eid-ul-Fitr holidays from Monday to Thursday, the natives have clubbed the weekly holiday of Sunday before Eid and the weekend holidays (May 7-8) hoping for the restoration of the Saturday off while taking one leave of Friday (May 6). "I am going to my hometown Bahawalpur vis public transport to visit my parents and celebrate the upcoming Eid. I took a single leave of Friday from my office and will stay with my parents for maximum days,” said Amina Sohail, a working woman. She said, "I bought all the essentials including dress, shoes but could not manage to buy bangles and henna till the last minute due to rush in markets which I would buy at my hometown now”. "The festival of Eidul Fitr is very important for me as I get more time to spend with my parents after remaining busy in job outstation", she said. Read  Transporters fleece passengers with impunity Tehreem Khan, a resident of the capital city said that Eid is the only occasion when we find time to visit our friends but most of them left the city to celebrate the festival with their relatives in towns so we cannot enjoy the occasion to its fullest. “We have planned to arrange a barbecue party outdoor by inviting our relatives who live within the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to enjoy the festivity”, she said. It is a routine matter for most of the natives living in Islamabad to leave for their hometowns on the occasion of Eid as well on other important occasions to spend quality time with their loved ones and celebrate the festival in the fullest manner. The main markets, public places and other recreational points in the capital give a deserted look and lose their charm till the return of the natives. “This is a very happy day for me. I will get to see my children after one whole year while I celebrate Eid with them,” said Ikram Ahmad, a government employee, who was on his way to Swat. It is very difficult to visit my hometown frequently due to the nature of my job and increasing fares during the prevailing price hike situation but it is the occasion of Eid when I always visit my family.   Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2022.

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Murree tourism police formally launched

In order to facilitate and protect tourists in Murree, Rawalpindi Police launched the Murree tourism police. RPO Rawalpindi Ashfaq Ahmad Khan and CPO Rawalpindi Omar Saeed Malik inaugurated the Murree tourism police at Lower Topa. Murree tourism police initially include 150 police officers and personnel, a special tourist van, 03 specially prepared vehicles, 25 motorcycles, horse riding squad. Following the success of the pilot project, the tourism police will also be launched in other tourist destinations of Punjab like Katas Raj, Nankana and Fort Monroe said Ashfaq Ahmed Khan. For the convenience of tourists, the Murree tourism police had been launched before the Eid holidays which will perform its duties 24/7, said CPO Rawalpindi Omar Saeed Malik Special plans have been drawn up for the Eid holidays and long weekends to facilitate tourists, said CPO Rawalpindi. Call Murree tourism police helpline 1757 in case of guidance or emergency, he said. RPO Rawalpindi Ashfaq Ahmad Khan said that Patriata Police Station and Pahguari Police Station have also been made functional from today for the safety and service of citizens and tourists. In Murree, SP Kohsar is already performing his duties. Read  Murree tourism police to be launched today He said that an awareness campaign will also be launched for the awareness and guidance of tourists. Implementation of SOPs will be ensured in all cases to ensure a smooth flow of traffic during holidays, said CPO Umar Saed Malik. Police officers, local administration officers, bar officials, civil society and media reporters attended the inauguration of the Murree tourism police. Officer Naveed Irshad, SP Kohsar Haider Ali and UTASP, SHO Murree, SHO Patriata and SHO Pahguari were awarded certificates of appreciation for their outstanding performance in setting up the tourist force. Published in The Express Tribune, May 1st, 2022.

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Marriyum, Fawad trade barbs over Hamza’s oath

Hours after PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz was sworn in as the chief minister of Punjab, capping a long drawn legal and political battle, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry called for immediate termination of the oath, urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan to step the constitutional crisis before it deepens further. The oath came as Punjab remained deadlocked for weeks over the chief minister’s election controversy which mushroomed into a constitutional crisis and left the political heartland in limbo and with no effective government. However, it seemed the political actors were in no mood to concede and stop pressing for their competing courses of action to the limit. “I strongly condemn the illegal occupation of Governor House Lahore. In this regard, the provincial administration has clearly violated the Constitution and the law,” Fawad said in a tweet while demanding immediate termination of the oath. The former information minister urged the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) to step in and take notice of the constitutional crisis in Punjab, adding the matter pertaining to the “illegal oath” should be adjudicated upon after listening to all parties. Also read: LHC advises CJ to form larger bench on PTI plea against Hamza’s oath-taking “A person who managed to secure an interim bail went on to take over the grounds of the Governor House to take oath in a private ceremony and began referring to himself as the chief minister. Who will accept this act?” he asked. چیف جسٹس پاکستان پنجاب میں آئینی بحران کا نوٹس لیں، حمزہ شہباز کا غیر قانونی حلف روکا جائے اور فریقین کو سن کر فیصلہ کیا جائے۔۔ #امپورٹڈ_حکومت_نامنظور — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) April 30, 2022 On the other hand, reacting to the criticism, Federal Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb said the hue and cry will not alter the fact that Hamza Shehbaz has finally taken over as the chief minister. “Alhamdulillah, prison doors will be opened for only those who resorted to hooliganism against the Constitution, parliament and courts,” she said adding that they made a mockery of law and the Constitution. She said it was possible to listen to a party but "not thugs and violators of the Constitution". روؤ،چیخوں یا پٹو وزیراعلی پنجاب حمزہ شہباز نے حلف اُٹھا لیا ہے الحمدللّٰہ آئین ،پارلیمنٹ اور عدالتوں کے خلاف غنڈہ گردی کرنے والوں کے لئے صرف جیل کے دروازے کھلیں گے آئین اور قانون کو غنڈہ گردوں نے مذاق بنا کر رکھ دیا.فریقین کو سنا جا سکتا ہے غنڈوں بد معاشوں اور آئین شکنوں کو نہیں https://t.co/pclWskIz8Q — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) April 30, 2022 Meanwhile, as the oath-taking ceremony went on in the Governor House, Governor Cheema urged the chief justice to take notice of the "ghunda gardi" at the Governor House, saying the "drama of a fake chief minister's oath" was being performed in an "unconstitutional" manner.

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Petroleum prices remain unchanged

The federal government has rejected Oil and Gas Regulator Authority’s (Ogra) fortnightly review and decided to maintain the prices of petroleum products at the current rate with effect from May 1 (today). The financial burden to maintain the prices will be borne by the government. Ogra had sent a summary to the federal government for an increase in the prices of petroleum products for 15 days with effect from May 1 but it was rejected by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following which the finance ministry announced on Saturday to maintain the rates. Read more: Petrol dealers warn of a nationwide strike According to a notification issued by the finance ministry, the price of petrol will remain at Rs149.86 per litre; high speed diesel Rs144.15 per litre; kerosene Rs125.56 per litre and light diesel oil Rs118.31 per litre. Earlier this month, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, during his Washington visit, told US think tank Atlantic Council that the government would have to increase the price of petroleum products to get the country’s economy back on track and revive the stalled bailout programme with the IMF.

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KU attack bid to derail CPEC: Alvi

President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday blamed the Karachi University suicide attack in which three Chinese teachers were killed on hostile countries, saying that they wanted to harm the friendship between the two countries and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Four people, including three Chinese teachers and a Pakistani driver, were killed in a suicide attack carried out by a burqa-clad woman outside the Confucius Institute in Karachi University on Tuesday. “The hostile countries will not succeed in their nefarious designs as both the countries enjoy deep-rooted ties and are strongly committed to strengthening their all-weather friendship,” President Alvi said in a meeting with Charge d’ Affaires Pang Chunxue. Other officials of the Chinese Embassy were also present on the occasion. President Dr Arif Alvi expressed his condemnation for the terrorist attack which claimed the lives of three Chinese citizens at Karachi University. The president assured that strict action will be taken against the perpetrators. #etribune #news #arifalvi #pakistan #China pic.twitter.com/VugEYTE8oJ — The Express Tribune (@etribune) April 30, 2022 President Dr Arif Alvi offered his “heartfelt” condolences over the incident. The president said that the entire Pakistani nation was in “deep pain and shock” over the unfortunate incident and shared the grief of the Chinese brothers and sisters. He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals in the country and bringing to justice the elements involved in the heinous attack. Read more: Alleged ‘facilitator of KU attack arrested’ He asked the charge d’ affaires to convey his heartfelt condolences to the Chinese people, Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping. The charge d’ affaires thanked the president for visiting the embassy and for expressing solidarity with the people and government of China. Chunxue said, “Both the countries have a long history of friendship and close cooperation.” She condemned the attack, hoping that the culprits behind this incident would be apprehended and punished. We appreciate President Dr. Arif Alvi, PM Shehbaz Sharif, Ministers, political parties and friends coming to the Embassy to express condolences for the loss of Chinese teachers in Karachi terrorist attack. Together we will defeat the terrorism and work for a shared future. pic.twitter.com/X0UFTBIf7p — Chinese Emb Pakistan (@CathayPak) April 30, 2022 During the visit, the president also wrote his remarks in the visitor’s book. Also read: Female suicide bomber kills 3 Chinese nationals at KU Later, while talking to media, the president said that friendship between the two countries was enshrined in the brotherly relations of the citizens of Pakistan and China. He opined that losing three Chinese brothers in the Karachi attack was like losing relatives in Pakistan. The president stressed the need for destroying nefarious terrorist designs aimed at discouraging China from helping Pakistan and expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). “Pakistan had been very successful in defeating such designs but then the Karachi terrorist attack took place, which is very painful,” he said, assuring that the culprits involved in the attack would be brought to justice. He also assured improved security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan. (With additional input from APP)

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Power plants to get ‘RLNG, furnace oil from May’

As the leap in demand for electricity puts pressure on thermal power plants struggling with low fuel inventories, the government faces the pressing issue of pouring billions of rupees to overcome load shedding till June this year. Trapped in circular debt amounting to Rs2.4 trillion due to poor efficiencies of power firms and low recovery of bills, the country is witnessing the worst electricity shortage that’s expected to persist throughout this summer. But certain options for the solution in the government's already-shrinking basket seem to come with a negative twin for the government, at least in the short term. If the government decides to increase the power supply, it will translate into an additional burden on the national exchequer on account of subsidies. Moreover, the higher supplies of electricity would also result in inflated electricity bills due to higher fuel prices which would result in political backlash for the current government. The circular debt had surged to almost double-figure at Rs2.46 trillion when the PTI government left compared to Rs1.06 trillion in PML tenure. Speaking at what was his first news conference after taking charge as the federal minister for power engineer, Khurram Dastagir, put the blame on the former ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the current crisis, saying the previous government had failed to arrange the fuel for power plants. However, the minister assured the power plants would start getting RLNG supply from May 1 and the required quantity of furnace oil from May 2 to boost power production. Responding to a question, the minister announced reducing the duration of load-shedding to half in the next 10 days. However, he added the government would require an amount of Rs108 billion till May 25, Rs136 billion till June 7 and Rs85 billion till June 15 for the power sector to address the issue of load-shedding. The minister claimed that there was zero load-shedding in the country when the PML-N government had completed its five years tenure on May 31, 2018. Minister for Power Engineer Khurram Dastagir hoped to witness a visible reduction in power load-shedding during the next 10 days following an enhanced supply of fuel and maintenance of plants. He disclosed that the shortage of fuel supply and closures of power plants for maintenance purposes had led to power outages across the country. The plants with a total of 5,739 megawatts generation capacity were shut down following a shortage of fuel supply. They did not have the required fuel of RLNG, coal and furnace oil to generate electricity. As many as some plants having 2156 MW were also shut down for routine and technical maintenance. Read Industrialists demand steps to tackle power shortfall He announced to improve the situation from May 1, as 300MW Engro Power Plant and Port Qasim Power Plants would start producing electricity. He said the past government did not timely arrange fuel for the power plants causing the power outages. The minister said the incumbent government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was taking all possible steps to curtail the menace of load-shedding. The government has already formed teams in all power distribution companies (DISCOs) to address the complaints during Eid. He said the government had cancelled leaves of staff to cope with any untoward situation. He further added the government had given a revenue target to all DISCOs.It also directed to enforce of all possible steps to stop power theft. The minister said the DISCOs have been directed to install all pending connections and ensure the prompt solution to consumers' complaints. Khurram Dastagir regretted the violation of the sanctity of Masjid e Nabvi (Peace Be Upon Him) and said it was a very unfortunate incident. He appreciated the Saudi authorities for taking immediate action. To a question, he said the board of directors of DISCOs would be revisited. Agreement with K-Electric was on at an advanced stage, he added. He said low efficient power plants would be phased out with energy-efficient plants. Shortfall continues to dip Meanwhile, amid the government's reassurances, the power shortfall across the country exceeded 8,500 megawatts and the fuel supply to power plants could still not be fully restored. As a result, consumers experienced power outages for 12 hours in most parts of the country, whereas in high-loss areas the load-shedding continued for 18 hours. The total power generation capacity is 36,016 megawatts, the sources said, sharing 3,500 megawatts was being generated from hydropower while government thermal power plants were generating only 900 megawatts. Production of private sector power plants stood at 14,000 megawatts, they added. Sources told The Express Tribune that the Lahore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Lesco) was facing a shortfall of 1000 megawatts while its demands surged to 4700 megawatts. Consequently, the rural areas falling under the Lesco are witnessing load-shedding of 8 to 9 hours.

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Security Council condemns Karachi blast

The UN Security Council strongly condemned Tuesday’s “heinous and cowardly” terrorist attack in the Karachi University, and called for bringing those responsible for it to justice, a statement issued by the 15-member Council’s president for this month, Barbara Woodward of Britain, said on Thursday. The attack, which was claimed by the proscribed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), resulted in the deaths of three Chinese nationals and one Pakistani as well as injuries to several others. “The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the governments of Pakistan and China, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured,” the statement said. “The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security,” it said. Read UNSC seeks cooperation with Pakistan, China to probe KU blast “The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice,” it continued. “They urged all states, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the governments of Pakistan and China, as well as all other relevant authorities in this regard.” The members of the Security Council reiterated that any acts of terrorism were criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed. They reaffirmed the need for all states to combat by all means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and other obligations under international law, including international human rights law, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who is currently in Ukraine, also issued a statement on Tuesday in which he strongly condemned the attack and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families.

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PTI distances itself from Madina incident

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday none of its workers were involved in the rowdy scenes witness at Masjid-e-Nabavi (PBUH), but stressed that the reaction the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s entourage faced there was actually the public anger towards the present government. Former information minister Fawad Chaudhry and former interior minister Sheikh Rashid said that the current rulers would face the ire of the Pakistani community anywhere they would go because they were imported, selected and thieves. “The response to the ‘crime minister’ in Masjid Nabavi (PBUH) should not have come at such holy places,” Fawad Chaudhry, a senior PTI leader told a press conference in the federal capital. “No PTI worker was involved in the incident,” he added. Read more: Police action sought against Rashid for ‘inciting hooliganism’ in Madina Chaudhry said that former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan never alighted from the plane, wearing shoes, while arriving in the holy city of Madina, adding that Imran Khan's leadership role in the Muslim Ummah is in front of everyone. He warned the current government, saying that wherever would they go, people would show hatred towards them, calling the prime minister as “crime minister” he added that Shehbaz Sharif and his minister would face the same reaction from the Pakistani community even in London and Paris. “What happened at Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) yesterday were the sentiments of the Pakistani Muslims. These were all Umrah pilgrims who had gone there,” said Sheikh Rashid in a separate statement. “They were not hundreds but in thousands,” he added. “Wherever the current prime minister goes, he will face the hatred of the Pakistanis, because to the Pakistanis, the present rulers are not only imported, selected and thieves but have also become a symbol of hate for the Pakistanis,” Rashid added. Also read: Pakistani protesters arrested for ‘raising slogans’ at Masjid-e-Nabwi Chaudhry stressed that religion should not be used in politics, and asked the people to refrain from reacting at such places. Referring to an attack on former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri, he said that the attacked pre-planned and courts should take notice of this matter. ‘CEC’s conduct’ Chaudhry said that because of the [anti-PTI] conduct of the Chief Election Commission SIkandar Sultan Raja, PTI Chairman Imran Khan mocked him by saying that he should take a post in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). “Our MNAs were convicted and jailed over the attack on the Sindh House but the Ansar-ul-Islam [the staunch supporters of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) attacked the Parliament lodges, the went without any punishment. “Such decisions will increase division in the country. Instead of creating division, the society should be united. At present, the solution to end the division in Pakistan's society is the resignation of the chief election commissioner,” he demanded. “The new chief election commissioner should be appointed and immediate elections should be held,” the former minister said. He also urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to club the cases of all the political parties. About Imran Khan’s announcement of a march on the federal capital, Chaudhry said that 2 million people would converge on Islamabad. “How many people will the government arrest? This scared government cannot last long,” he added.

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WATCH: Doors of Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) opened for PM Shehbaz

The Saudi government Friday night opened the doors of Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation. The prime minister along with his delegation went inside the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) and recited Darood-o-Salam. Saudi government, as a special gesture, opens doors of Roza-e-Rasool PBUH for PM Shehbaz Sharif#APPNews #PMShehbazInKSA #PakPMinKSA @CMShehbaz @PakPMO @pmln_org @GovtofPakistan @MoIB_Official @Marriyum_A pic.twitter.com/k86JQCjrMG — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) April 29, 2022 The prime minister also offered fateha at the resting places of Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddique (RA) and Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA). On the second day of his visit to Saudi Arabia, PM Shehbaz later arrived in Jeddah where he was received by Governor of Makkah Khalid Bin Faisal Al Saud and Saudia Arabia’s National Security Adviser Dr Musaed Al-Aiban. وزیر اعظم شہباز شریف آج دورے کے دوسرے روز مدینہ منورہ سے جدہ پہنچ گئے ہیں۔ گورنر مکہ خالد بن فیصل آل سعود اور سعودی عرب کے قومی سلامتی کے مشیر ڈاکٹر مسعدبن محمد العیبان نے ہوائی اڈے پر وزیر اعظم کا استقبال کیا۔#APPNews #PMShehbazInKSA #PakPMinKSA @CMShehbaz @PakPMO pic.twitter.com/iEPzPm7Nq0 — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) April 29, 2022 The prime minister was accompanied by key cabinet members, including Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Miftah Ismail, Nawabzada Shahzain Bugti, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Mohsin Dawar and Maulana Tahir Ashraf. Prime Minister #ShehbazSharif has arrived in Jeddah, after having visited Medina Munawarah. PM Shehbaz Sharif is undertaking this visit to Saudi Arabia on the special invitation of the Crown Prince HRH Mohammed Bin Salman #APPNews #PMShehbazInKSA #PakPMinKSA @CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/R8RmSvzVzJ — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) April 29, 2022 During the visit, he will hold meetings with the Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and other officials, with particular focus on advancing economic, trade and investment ties, and creation of greater opportunities for the Pakistani workforce in Saudi Arabia. وزیر اعظم نے مدینہ منورہ میں قیام کے دوران دو مرتبہ روزہ رسول صلی اللہ و علیہ وسلم پر حاضری دی، ریاض الجنتہ میں نوافل ادا کیے، جمعتہ الوداع کی نماز مسجد نبوی میں ادا کی، ملکی سلامتی، ترقی اور سماجی خوشحالی کے لیے دعائیں مانگیں۔#PMShehbazInKSA pic.twitter.com/LNqNm4ShSR — Prime Minister's Office (@PMO_PK) April 29, 2022 The two sides will also exchange views on a range of regional and international issues of mutual interest. After his arrival, the prime minister along with his delegation paid respects at the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) and offered Nawafil in Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madina. وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف کی مدینہ منورہ آمد کے بعد پاکستانی وفد کے ہمراہ مسجدِ نبوی ﷺ میں دوبارہ حاضری۔#PMShehbazInKSA pic.twitter.com/kWeaSa8gjV — Prime Minister's Office (@PMO_PK) April 28, 2022 Also read: Shehbaz begins Saudi visit with prayers in Madina Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are bound by fraternal relationship marked by mutual trust and understanding, close cooperation, and an abiding tradition of supporting each other. The people of Pakistan hold the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the highest esteem. The bilateral relationship is complemented by close mutual collaboration at regional and international fora. Saudi Arabia is a member of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a home to more than two million Pakistanis, contributing to the progress, prosperity and economic development of the two brotherly countries. The regular high-level visits are a key feature of this special relationship. The prime minister’s visit to Saudi Arabia will impart a strong impetus to deepening bilateral cooperation in diverse fields and further reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries.

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Hajj applications invited from May 1-13

Applications for Hajj this year would be received from May 1-13th, Religious Affairs Minister Mufti Abdul Shakoor announced on Friday, Radio Pakistan reported. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, the minister said that Pakistan had received a Hajj quota of 81,132 pilgrims this year with 40% under the government scheme and 60% under private scheme. The upper age limit for pilgrims had been fixed at 65 years, he added. Read more: Pakistan allocated a Hajj quota of 81,132 pilgrims The minister said that applicants would deposit a token money of Rs50,000, along with their Hajj application. the total expenses of the holy journey would announced later after getting confirmation from the relevant Saudi authorities. “It is expected that the Hajj expenses this year could be around Rs700,000 to 1 million,” the minister said. The minister said that the pilgrims would have to be vaccinated with a booster dose.

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ECP dismisses PTI plea to disqualify Yousuf Raza Gilani

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday dismissed a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers on the Senate election video scandal to disqualify Senator Yousuf Raza Gilani over corrupt practices, saying he had no link to the case. The ECP however ordered the District Election Commissioner Islamabad to start a criminal case under Sections 167 (corrupt practices) and 168 (bribery) of the Elections Act, 2017 against Gilani’s son Member of the Punjab Assembly (MPA) Ali Haider Gilani, as well as PTI members of the National Assembly Faheem Khan and Captain (retd) Jamil Ahmed Khan. In its order, ECP said it had been proved that Ali, Faheem, and Jamil had indulged in corrupt practices, adding that the punishment under Sections 167 and 168 could be up to three years in jail or a fine of Rs100,000 or both. Read ECP seeks reply from Gilani, son in Senate video scandal case During the hearing, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja said the facts of the case were not presented properly, noting that 20 hearings had been conducted and applications for adjournment were filed 12 times. Following the Senate elections on March 3 last year, PTI lawmakers Farrukh Habib, Maleeka Bokhari and Kanwal Shauzab had filed the petition in the ECP, asking it to not issue the notification for Gilani’s victory. However, the ECP had rejected the plea to stop the issuance of the notification. On April 10, the ECP rejected the claim of former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi that the body deliberately prolonged the video scandal case against Senator Yousaf Raza Gilani. Also read: ECP reserves ruling on Gilani video scandal Sources told The Express Tribune that final arguments in the case took place on April 5. The video scandal involved Gilani and his son Ali Haider Gilani. Gilani’s son could be clearly seen in the video trying to bribe senators to vote for his father ahead of the Senate elections. However, the sources in the commission accused Qureshi of “misleading” the lawmakers and the people on the floor of the lower house of parliament. Sources also revealed that the disqualification case was mostly delayed by the petitioners, who sought adjournment 10 out of 17 times. They disclosed that the electoral watchdog did not adjourn the case even once.

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Hamza nowhere near taking oath as CM

Punjab Governor Omer Sarfraz Cheema on Thursday turned down the suggestion of Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti and did not administer oath to chief minister-elect Hamza Shahbaz. The LHC chief justice, on Wednesday, “suggested/advised/proposed” the Punjab governor to complete the process of administering the oath, either by himself or through his nominee, to the chief minister-elect by April 28 (yesterday). However, after deliberations with legal and constitutional experts, the governor decided not to accept the advice of the court of law. CJ Bhatti also suggested that the president of Pakistan should play his role as mandated by the Constitution, ensuring a functional provincial government in Punjab, adding that the president was also under constitutional obligation to facilitate the administration of oath to any premier or chief minister in any province. On 6 September 2018, Hamza was appointed as leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly. He ran for chief minister of the provincial assembly of Punjab and was elected amid ruckus on April 16, 2022 after getting 197 votes against his opponent Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. On April 17, Cheema declined administering the oath to Hamza at a news conference, saying that the Punjab Assembly secretary's report, the LHC instructions and the facts presented before him raised questions over the validity of the chief minister’s election process. He highlighted that he had written to the advocate general of Punjab and the Punjab Assembly speaker to seek their opinion on the assembly secretary's report, LHC directions and other facts to make a decision on the oath-taking ceremony at the Governor House. He underlined that he could not endorse anything illegal or beyond the Constitution. However, legal and constitutional experts believed that the governor had not committed contempt of court by turning down CJ Bhatti’s suggestion. Constitutional lawyer of the Supreme Court, Muhammad Azhar Siddique, said the court of law has advised the governor to administer the oath to Hamza. The court did not issue direction/instruction to the governor. It is the president’s or governor’s discretion to administer the oath to the chief minister-elect. Meanwhile, the Punjab governor continued his routine meetings at the Governor House on Thursday. He met with different delegations which called on him at the Governor House. Read Alvi to ‘consider’ Hamza’s swearing-in On the occasion, Cheema said the nation had seen decades later that a democratic government and the establishment were on the same page which did not sit well with the anti-state elements so a conspiracy was hatched from day one. He said that external conspiracy was also hatched against the natural alliance to harm the government and national interest. Cheema said that no power in the world could harm them if they, as a nation, adhered to “La ilaha illallah". “Time is not far away when we will be recognised as a self-sufficient nation in the world.” Elahi puts off session after staffer held Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi put off the Punjab Assembly proceedings after the police started arresting secretariat officials ahead of the beginning of the session on Thursday. The police's attempt to detain the assembly secretary also resulted in keeping him confined at the Lahore High Court for several hours. The assembly was scheduled to take up a no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari. There were also speculations that the speaker might declare the election of the chief minister held on April 16 as null and void. Minutes before of the commencement of the session, the police arrested Punjab Assembly Coordination Secretary Inayatullah Lak. The police also tried to arrest Secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti when he came out of the LHC but his lawyers foiled the attempt. The police reportedly wanted to arrest Bhatti in connection with an FIR registered by Gujar Singh police against unidentified persons for attacking the deputy speaker and officials. Speaker Elahi said while sharing the cause of adjourning he proceedings that “the assembly officials are being harassed by police officials". He said some officials had been arrested, while raids were also being conducted to arrest the rest of the assembly staff. The speaker also criticised the attitude of the PML-N, accusing it of sabotaging the assembly proceedings. In exercise of powers vested in him under Rule 25(b) of the Rules of Procedure of the Punjab Assembly, 1997, the speaker ordered that the next sitting of the assembly would be held on Monday May 16 at 11:30 am instead of Thursday, according to the notification issued by him. As per the assembly agenda issued on Wednesday, a motion to remove the deputy speaker was to be taken up. The motion read, “Deputy Speaker Sardar Dost Mazari has lost confidence amongst majority of the lawmakers owing to his conduct of not running assembly’s business in accordance with the Constitution. This house shows its distrust in Mazari.” Read LHC reserves verdict on administering oath to Punjab CM-elect Hamza The Punjab Assembly had also issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to the session with an intimation that “guests will not be allowed, all members of the provincial assembly (MPAs) will surrender their mobile phones with the security staff outside the assembly chambers as well as the women MPAs will also submit their handbags to the security staff”. Shehbaz, Hamza blamed for crisis Addressing a news conference along with PML-Q and PTI MPAs at the assembly on Thursday, the Punjab Assembly speaker blamed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab chief minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz, Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari and the provincial inspector general of police for the crisis in the legislature. The speaker alleged that the assembly members had been attacked at the behest of the prime minister, saying that the police interference had breached the privileges of the entire assembly. "There is no constitutional crisis in the province. Sardar Usman Buzdar is the chief minister of Punjab even today," Elahi asserted. “We had accepted the court judgment regarding the Punjab chief minister’s election but the situation deteriorated when the police attacked the MPAs inside the assembly without any justification. Our MPA Asiya Amjad was tortured and she is still struggling for her life on ventilator support.” Under the Constitution, all business for election of the speaker, deputy speaker and chief minister, as well as no-confidence motion is conducted from the speaker’s chair. But the deputy speaker conducted the entire election from the visitors’ gallery, which is unconstitutional, he asserted. He said the police had also blocked access to the lobby where the members had to cast their votes. Read more Hamza – third Sharif to take Punjab’s crown Elahi said the illegal police interference had resulted in the breach of the privilege of the whole assembly. “A motion in this regard is under consideration of the privileges committee, on which action will be taken in accordance with the Rules of Procedure,” he added. "The court should tell us whether the assembly business be run by us or the police. Even today, without the permission of the speaker, policemen in plain clothes are present at the assembly gates and compound. We will give photographs of these policemen to the media." The speaker said no one on the streets and in the neighbourhoods had bothered about the Sharif family members. "We gave them respect in the assembly, issued their production orders, safeguarded their rights under the Privileges Act and made the entire administration answerable. For the first time in history, the Punjab IGP was summoned to the assembly and he apologised to the MPAs, but now he is insulting the assembly," he added. The PML-Q leader said the Sharifs had not changed even after five years and were committing vengeful acts. "They got power six times but they have remained the same." Elahi asked for what crime was Punjab Assembly Coordination Secretary Inayatullah Lak placed under arrested. He said orders for arrest of Secretary Mohammad Khan Bhatti under the Maintenance of Public Order law were also illegal. The speaker said, "We enhanced the prestige of the assembly but the Sharifs humiliated it in just five minutes and tore the 18th Amendment to the Constitution into pieces." Former provincial minister Mohammad Basharat Raja said the prestige of the lawmakers had been boosted during the past three-and-a-half years. "We respected the PML-N’s narrative about ‘giving respect to the vote’," he said. He said the PML-N had not been given full powers but its leaders were already insulting the MPAs. "A chief minister elected unconstitutionally wants to be given the control of the province, but this cannot happen. Our candidate was injured and pushed out of the house. Twenty-six MPAs have shifted their allegiance towards us and the PML-N lacks majority support without them," he added. Raja said, "We have gone to the court against the turncoats, while the Election Commission has given the date of May 6." PTI MPA Murad Ras said the Constitution and all laws could not be applied only to the PTI while keeping the PML-N exempted.

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Hamza nowhere near taking oath as CM

Punjab Governor Omer Sarfraz Cheema on Thursday turned down the suggestion of Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Muhammad Ameer Bhatti and did not administer oath to chief minister-elect Hamza Shahbaz. The LHC chief justice, on Wednesday, “suggested/advised/proposed” the Punjab governor to complete the process of administering the oath, either by himself or through his nominee, to the chief minister-elect by April 28 (yesterday). However, after deliberations with legal and constitutional experts, the governor decided not to accept the advice of the court of law. CJ Bhatti also suggested that the president of Pakistan should play his role as mandated by the Constitution, ensuring a functional provincial government in Punjab, adding that the president was also under constitutional obligation to facilitate the administration of oath to any premier or chief minister in any province. On 6 September 2018, Hamza was appointed as leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly. He ran for chief minister of the provincial assembly of Punjab and was elected amid ruckus on April 16, 2022 after getting 197 votes against his opponent Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. On April 17, Cheema declined administering the oath to Hamza at a news conference, saying that the Punjab Assembly secretary's report, the LHC instructions and the facts presented before him raised questions over the validity of the chief minister’s election process. He highlighted that he had written to the advocate general of Punjab and the Punjab Assembly speaker to seek their opinion on the assembly secretary's report, LHC directions and other facts to make a decision on the oath-taking ceremony at the Governor House. He underlined that he could not endorse anything illegal or beyond the Constitution. However, legal and constitutional experts believed that the governor had not committed contempt of court by turning down CJ Bhatti’s suggestion. Constitutional lawyer of the Supreme Court, Muhammad Azhar Siddique, said the court of law has advised the governor to administer the oath to Hamza. The court did not issue direction/instruction to the governor. It is the president’s or governor’s discretion to administer the oath to the chief minister-elect. Meanwhile, the Punjab governor continued his routine meetings at the Governor House on Thursday. He met with different delegations which called on him at the Governor House. Read Alvi to ‘consider’ Hamza’s swearing-in On the occasion, Cheema said the nation had seen decades later that a democratic government and the establishment were on the same page which did not sit well with the anti-state elements so a conspiracy was hatched from day one. He said that external conspiracy was also hatched against the natural alliance to harm the government and national interest. Cheema said that no power in the world could harm them if they, as a nation, adhered to “La ilaha illallah". “Time is not far away when we will be recognised as a self-sufficient nation in the world.” Elahi puts off session after staffer held Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi put off the Punjab Assembly proceedings after the police started arresting secretariat officials ahead of the beginning of the session on Thursday. The police's attempt to detain the assembly secretary also resulted in keeping him confined at the Lahore High Court for several hours. The assembly was scheduled to take up a no-confidence motion against Deputy Speaker Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari. There were also speculations that the speaker might declare the election of the chief minister held on April 16 as null and void. Minutes before of the commencement of the session, the police arrested Punjab Assembly Coordination Secretary Inayatullah Lak. The police also tried to arrest Secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti when he came out of the LHC but his lawyers foiled the attempt. The police reportedly wanted to arrest Bhatti in connection with an FIR registered by Gujar Singh police against unidentified persons for attacking the deputy speaker and officials. Speaker Elahi said while sharing the cause of adjourning he proceedings that “the assembly officials are being harassed by police officials". He said some officials had been arrested, while raids were also being conducted to arrest the rest of the assembly staff. The speaker also criticised the attitude of the PML-N, accusing it of sabotaging the assembly proceedings. In exercise of powers vested in him under Rule 25(b) of the Rules of Procedure of the Punjab Assembly, 1997, the speaker ordered that the next sitting of the assembly would be held on Monday May 16 at 11:30 am instead of Thursday, according to the notification issued by him. As per the assembly agenda issued on Wednesday, a motion to remove the deputy speaker was to be taken up. The motion read, “Deputy Speaker Sardar Dost Mazari has lost confidence amongst majority of the lawmakers owing to his conduct of not running assembly’s business in accordance with the Constitution. This house shows its distrust in Mazari.” Read LHC reserves verdict on administering oath to Punjab CM-elect Hamza The Punjab Assembly had also issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to the session with an intimation that “guests will not be allowed, all members of the provincial assembly (MPAs) will surrender their mobile phones with the security staff outside the assembly chambers as well as the women MPAs will also submit their handbags to the security staff”. Shehbaz, Hamza blamed for crisis Addressing a news conference along with PML-Q and PTI MPAs at the assembly on Thursday, the Punjab Assembly speaker blamed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab chief minister-elect Hamza Shehbaz, Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari and the provincial inspector general of police for the crisis in the legislature. The speaker alleged that the assembly members had been attacked at the behest of the prime minister, saying that the police interference had breached the privileges of the entire assembly. "There is no constitutional crisis in the province. Sardar Usman Buzdar is the chief minister of Punjab even today," Elahi asserted. “We had accepted the court judgment regarding the Punjab chief minister’s election but the situation deteriorated when the police attacked the MPAs inside the assembly without any justification. Our MPA Asiya Amjad was tortured and she is still struggling for her life on ventilator support.” Under the Constitution, all business for election of the speaker, deputy speaker and chief minister, as well as no-confidence motion is conducted from the speaker’s chair. But the deputy speaker conducted the entire election from the visitors’ gallery, which is unconstitutional, he asserted. He said the police had also blocked access to the lobby where the members had to cast their votes. Read more Hamza – third Sharif to take Punjab’s crown Elahi said the illegal police interference had resulted in the breach of the privilege of the whole assembly. “A motion in this regard is under consideration of the privileges committee, on which action will be taken in accordance with the Rules of Procedure,” he added. "The court should tell us whether the assembly business be run by us or the police. Even today, without the permission of the speaker, policemen in plain clothes are present at the assembly gates and compound. We will give photographs of these policemen to the media." The speaker said no one on the streets and in the neighbourhoods had bothered about the Sharif family members. "We gave them respect in the assembly, issued their production orders, safeguarded their rights under the Privileges Act and made the entire administration answerable. For the first time in history, the Punjab IGP was summoned to the assembly and he apologised to the MPAs, but now he is insulting the assembly," he added. The PML-Q leader said the Sharifs had not changed even after five years and were committing vengeful acts. "They got power six times but they have remained the same." Elahi asked for what crime was Punjab Assembly Coordination Secretary Inayatullah Lak placed under arrested. He said orders for arrest of Secretary Mohammad Khan Bhatti under the Maintenance of Public Order law were also illegal. The speaker said, "We enhanced the prestige of the assembly but the Sharifs humiliated it in just five minutes and tore the 18th Amendment to the Constitution into pieces." Former provincial minister Mohammad Basharat Raja said the prestige of the lawmakers had been boosted during the past three-and-a-half years. "We respected the PML-N’s narrative about ‘giving respect to the vote’," he said. He said the PML-N had not been given full powers but its leaders were already insulting the MPAs. "A chief minister elected unconstitutionally wants to be given the control of the province, but this cannot happen. Our candidate was injured and pushed out of the house. Twenty-six MPAs have shifted their allegiance towards us and the PML-N lacks majority support without them," he added. Raja said, "We have gone to the court against the turncoats, while the Election Commission has given the date of May 6." PTI MPA Murad Ras said the Constitution and all laws could not be applied only to the PTI while keeping the PML-N exempted.

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Imran urges nation 'to break shackles of slavery' for ‘real freedom’

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has urged the nation to "break shackles of slavery" to attain real freedom from foreign conspirators. He was speaking at a Lailatul Qadr event held in Imran Khan's Bani Gala residence in Islamabad on Thursday. Prominent personalities including renowned scholar Maulana Tariq Jamil and a large number of people from all walks of life attended the religious event. "Pakistan is not an ordinary country. It is the only country founded in the name of Islam. It came into being after votes from Muslims of India who may or may not have lived in it. It was a big dream," he added. Read more: Govt to try President Alvi, ex-PM Imran under Article 6 for ‘violating Constitution’ He said that the nation should understand its position in this world. "I request all to pray for Pakistan so we can fulfil the dreams of our founders." مولانا طارق جمیل بنی گالہ پہنچ گئے- اب سے کچھ دیر بعد شبِ دعا کی تقریب ہوگی جس میں ملک کی سلامتی کے لئے خصوصی دعا کی جائے گی#MarchAgainstImportedGovt#امپورٹڈ_حکومت_نامنظور pic.twitter.com/Vy1KynSY5Q — PTI (@PTIofficial) April 28, 2022 The former prime minister said that Muslims ruled the world for many centuries and their basis was laid in Madina. "I ask the nation to pray that the puppets imposed on us after a foreign conspiracy [are removed]... we all must pray that we're able to break the shackles of slavery." No country, Imran said, can become a big nation if it is mentally a slave of others. "All these things are stopping us from achieving our full potential. I ask everyone to pray we may get on track on why we were founded," he added. Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Tariq Jamil said that he has been doing tableegh for the past 50 years but has always stayed away from politics but Imran Khan asked him to conduct prayers for the country so he came to the event. "Imran Khan did not ask me to come for political reasons, he had asked me to come and pray for the country," he added. چیئرمین عمران خان پاکستان کی حقیقی آزادی کی تحریک کی کامیابی کے لیے شب دعا میں شریک۔ مولانا طارق جمیل نے خصوصی دعا کرائی۔ #MarchAgainstImportedGovt#امپورٹڈ_حکومت_نامنظور pic.twitter.com/PcWnDJLYTq — PTI (@PTIofficial) April 28, 2022 The renowned religious scholar said in a country where deceiving, lying and oppression become common practices, it gets embarrassed everywhere whether it is a Muslim or non-Muslim nation. He said that a nation where honesty, trust and justice prevail, it will succeed in this world even if it is a non-Muslim society and if it is a Muslim nation, it will succeed both in this world and the hereafter. بنی گالہ : چیئرمین تحریک انصاف عمران خان کی مولانا طارق جمیل کے ہمراہ شب دعا میں شرکت۔ #MarchAgainstImportedGovt#امپورٹڈ_حکومت_نامنظور pic.twitter.com/81QGmCX6sw — PTI (@PTIofficial) April 28, 2022 "Recently, a female anchorperson asked me why Imran Khan could not succeed in making Pakistan Riyasat-e-Madina... I told her that Riyasat-e-Madina is not the name of a building ... we as a society need to build it... he only gave a concept and we needed to adopt it. Also read: Experts say delaying no-trust vote may invoke Article 6 "Those who were drinking alcohol should have stopped, those doing adultery should have stopped, those who were lying and committing dishonesty should have stopped... we as a society needed to adopt Riyasat-e-Madina." "لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللہُ کا فلسفہ جان کر ہی ہم اوپر جا سکتے ہیں، آزادی کیلئے سب کو غلامی کی زنجیریں توڑنا ہوں گی۔" عمران خان #MarchAgainstImportedGovt pic.twitter.com/P7Kn8ZJC9W — PTI Scientist (@PTI_Scientist) April 28, 2022 The noted scholar also said that Imran Khan is the first person in this country "who gave us this concept". "He wanted to take us to Madina... we cannot succeed without following the teaching of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)," he added. He further said that even if Pakistan's entire cabinet and leaders become righteous but the nation keeps indulging in sins like adultery, corruption, disobedience to parents, lying etc... we can never succeed. Later, prayers were conducted by Maulana Jamil in which a large number of people participated and sought forgiveness from the Almighty Allah. https://ift.tt/nfW2kqX  

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WATCH: PM's delegation confronted by ‘Pakistani protesters’ in Madina

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with his delegation, who is in Saudi Arabia on a three-day official visit, was confronted by “angry” Pakistani protesters – apparently supporters of the PTI – at Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madina. "Chor! Chor!": Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation were bombarded by chants of "thieves" and "beggars" hurled at them by some “frustrated” Pakistanis as they arrived in Madina. For more, visit: https://t.co/EzdbYGuTya #etribune #news #shehbazsharif #madina pic.twitter.com/TvYQS6MGtZ — The Express Tribune (@etribune) April 28, 2022 Videos doing round on social media show the protesters chanting slogans such as “Chor, Chor [thieves] and Traitors of Pakistan” against the members of the delegation who were escorted by the Saudi security personnel. pic.twitter.com/db2SLGlMvw — Asad Kharal (@AsadKharal) April 28, 2022 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confronted by "angry" Pakistani citizens as he entered Masjid-e-Nabwi alongside Saudi diplomats in Madina.#etribune #news #shehbazsharif pic.twitter.com/oY4aCRBPXd — The Express Tribune (@etribune) April 28, 2022 In a video statement, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who is accompanying PM Shehbaz, indirectly blamed PTI Chairman Imran Khan for the protest. “I will not name this person on this holy land because I do not want to use this land for politics. But they have destroyed the [Pakistani] society,” she remarked. She said their workers were also there, but they were instructed not to adopt such an attitude. The information minister regretted that there is a section of the society, which is maintaining such hateful traditions. She said it will take time, but these attitudes will change with “our positive attitude”. After an onslaught of enraged Pakistanis greeted PM Shehbaz Sharif and his delegation in Masjid-e-Nabwi, Marriyum Aurangzeb said in a video statement that it was a pity “a political leader” would encourage this sort of mob mentality in the society. 🎥 via zfmalik (Twitter) pic.twitter.com/34XMkf3cUp — The Express Tribune (@etribune) April 28, 2022 Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said the “evil spread by former PM Imran violated the sanctity” of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina. Meanwhile, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari said in a tweet that, the “imported government of criminals brought in by US regime change conspiracy is met with chants of ‘thieves’ in Madina Sharif. Wherever they will go Pakistanis will shame this band of crooks. Any remorse within the Dark Shadows now?” Imported govt of criminals brought in by US regime change conspiracy is met with chants of "thieves" in Madina Sharif. Wherever they will go Pakistanis will shame this band of crooks. Any remorse within the Dark Shadows now? #MarchAgainstImportedGovt pic.twitter.com/sTmDhGvKnH — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 28, 2022 Federal ministers and parliamentarians, including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Miftah Ismail, Shahzain Bugti, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Khawaja Asif, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Mohsin Dawar accompanied the prime minister.

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CPNE delegation calls on former PM Imran

A delegation of officials belonging to the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) on Thursday called on former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan. The meeting discussed in detail fake news in the media and reviewed all the angles attached to it. Ex-PM Imran was also told that during the previous government, the CPNE had submitted a detailed note to the Ministry of Information regarding the interpretation of fake news. The officials added that it has submitted the same note to the incumbent Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. Read more: Imran accuses govt of spreading ‘fake news’ against him The note contains information on various forms, definitions and interpretations of fake news. The CPNE officials maintained that defamation cases need to be decided within a specified period. Speaking on the occasion, Imran termed false propaganda and fake news as definitely a big issue. “Journalists have a key role to play in curbing rumours and fake news.” Also read: NAB begins probe against Farah Khan in assets beyond means case Responding to a question, the PTI chairman said his government had been removed under a conspiracy and that there is great anger among the people. He added that a full-fledged campaign will be launched after Eid against the regime change and the government will have to hold immediate elections. Speaking on the occasion, CPNE President Kazim Khan said fake news and freedom of expression are two different things. “Instead of blaming the media, we need to correct our mistakes,” he said.

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Imran accuses govt of spreading ‘fake news’ against him

Former prime minister Imran Khan has said that he and his wife Bushra Bibi were being targeted with fake news and accused the incumbent government of peddling propaganda for its "political gains". "I am being targeted with fake news and allegations under the government's supervision after a clear defeat in [their] political narrative," Imran said. "Enemy uses speculation as a weapon." He made these remarks while talking to a delegation of the Council of Pakistan Newspapers Editors who called on him on Thursday, Express News reported. Imran, who is the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), termed speculation and fake news a major problem, saying his party has and will continue to work against the same. The two sides also discussed matters of mutual interest and intervention in the country's affairs following the alleged foreign conspiracy. Also read: NAB begins probe against Farah Khan in assets beyond means case The former premier told the delegation that the media had a pivotal role in curbing speculation and fake news. Earlier today, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) authorised an inquiry against Farah Khan, known to be a close friend of former first lady Bushra Bibi, on the allegations of assets beyond means, money laundering and maintaining various accounts in the name of different businesses. The top anti-graft watchdog noted that a huge turnover amounting to Rs847 million was found in the account of the accused during the past three years, which is not "commensurate with her stated account profile." It further noted the credits were received in Farah's personal account and withdrawn within a short span.

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People left high and dry with 18-hour power outages

The people across the country were left high and dry on Thursday as electricity played hide and seek for up to 18 hours with them in some areas while in others up to 12 hours. According to sources, the power generation capacity of the country stood at 18,700 megawatts against the demand of 27, 200MW, reflecting a shortfall of 8,500MW. They said that 14,000MW is being generated from private sector power plants, 3,800MW from hydropower sources, and 900MW from thermal power plants. Officials at the Power Division said that the total power generation capacity in the country was 36,016MW, which could not be fully restored. The Tarbela Dam has been generating only 600MW of electricity for the last two months due to extremely low water level. The sources maintained that the same could be said for Mangla Dam where power generation stood at 500MW. Also read: Power cuts in scorching heat leave people exasperated Meanwhile, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) conducted a hearing on the quarterly adjustment application of power distribution companies. Nepra chairman and Sindh member heard the case while Peshawar Electric Supply Company and others were in attendance. Nepra officials said the power companies had filed applications for recovery of more than Rs41.98 billion. “Six of them have filed review petitions, while four have not yet applied for review.” At the start of the hearing, Nepra chairman told the officials of power companies to always come prepared according to their statistics. Nepra Sindh member inquired if the power company did not buy its quota of electricity, who is burdened? Also read: Power cuts return as shortfall tops 7,000MW The power company officials failed to satisfy Nepra on the capacity purchase price. The Sindh member sought the power purchase agreement with the power companies, saying it would be reviewed in detail. Pesco officials apprised the Nepra chairman that they were increasing revolving credit by Rs32 billion every year, saying that disadvantages of debt collection were different. Nepra officials said that power companies were increasing their revolving credit from Rs130 billion to Rs150 billion annually. “This amount is increasing due to the reduction in receivables of companies,” the officials said.

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PA brawl case: LHC seeks record from CCPO on protective bail

Lahore High Court’s Justice Ali Zia Bajwa sought details from Lahore CCPO about whether any detention order or FIR exists against Punjab Assembly’s secretary Muhammad Khan Bhatti who sought protective bail in light of his apprehension of being arrested by the police. From morning to the afternoon, police officials and Bhatti played hide and seek as the former continued to seek his arrest, while the lawyers tried to protect him. Muhammad Khan Bhatti’s arrest warrant is part of an FIR registered in Qila Gujar Singh police station which stated that “some assembly members on April 16, fixed for the contest on Chief Minister’s slot, attacked the Deputy Speaker Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari with kicks and fists. The members and some unknown persons from the gallery also created chaos in the assembly and damaged the valuables of the assembly”. Read more: Punjab Assembly secy, police play hide and seek on LHC premises The lawyers resisted the arrest, claiming there is a clear direction of the court for not arresting anyone from the court premises. The police officials made attempts to arrest Bhatti from both out and the inside of the court premises but lawyers foiled these attempts owing to their strong resistance. It is pertinent to mention that PA secretary Bhatti had appeared before the court of Justice Shujaat Ali Khan on a matter involving Inspector General Police (IGP) Punjab who had challenged a letter issued to him by Bhatti, seeking IGP’s explanation of his acts on April 16, in light of a privilege motion submitted against him. In previous proceedings, Justice Shujaat had directed Bhatti to appear before the court by April 28 along with the record of the privilege motion. After attending the court proceedings, Bhatti was leaving the court premises when police officials tried their best to make his arrest but all in vain. The lawyers told Justice Shujaat about the conduct of police officials to which Justice Shujaat directed the IGP to ensure free movement of Bhatti from LHC to Punjab Assembly premises. As the police contingents increased, the lawyers having apprehension also obtained bail from the said FIR. Meanwhile, another petition was filed seeking protective bail. Advocate Azhar Siddique and Amir Saeed Rawn told the court that neither they are being provided with any FIR or the detention order but the police officials had cordoned off the LHC. At which Justice Bajwa sought a report from CCPO Lahore about the complete record if it exists by Friday. Punjab Assembly chaos On April 16, the Punjab Assembly turned into a battlefield as the session held to elect a new chief minister escalated into full-blown violence. Also read: Nine PTI MPAs granted pre-arrest bail in Punjab Assembly brawl case In an unprecedented move, the house saw a heavy contingent of police flooding its premises, thrashing lawmakers and physically evicting them. The acrimonious session saw unruly scenes when a scuffle broke out between the PML-N and treasury members as the former supported the police's move to remove PML-Q leader Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi from the house while the latter intervened to stop it. The lawmakers jostled with the police officials and resisted their actions while some supported them. In response, acting speaker Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari suspended four Punjab Assembly Secretariat officials – Bhatti, secretary coordination Inayat Ullah Lak, special secretary Amir Habib and security officer Sardar Akbar Nasir – from service for not cooperating and following his lawful directions. "I am the acting speaker and it is my constitutional obligation to conduct the election of the Punjab chief minister in a peaceful and transparent manner," the suspension order stated.

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KE consumers may face another electric shock

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) on Wednesday indicated an increase by Rs4.83 per unit for K-Electric (KE) consumers. The Nepra chairman presided over a public hearing in the federal capital. The KE had sought an increase by Rs5.27 per unit on account of fuel adjustment for the month of March 2022. During the hearing, the power regulator remarked that the tariff increase amounted to Rs4.83 per unit according to the scrutiny of the data, adding that a decision would be taken after complete examination of the KE data. The power consumers of Karachi would bear an additional burden of around Rs8.59 billion if the tariff is approved. Meanwhile, Nepra also conducted public hearing regarding other power distribution companies where it indicated an increase in tariff by Rs2.87 per unit for their consumers. The tariff hike had been requested under fuel charges adjustment for the month of March this year. On April 15, Nepra had increased the electricity price by Rs4.85 per unit on the account of monthly fuel charges adjustment for the month of February after conducting a hearing on the plea of Central Power Purchasing Agency (CCPA-G). The Lifeline and KE consumers were exempted from the tariff hike. A spokesperson for KE said that the price of furnace oil had increased by 10% and that of re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG) by 40% between December 2021 and March 2022. He said the price of electricity purchased from CPPA-G was also raised by 9% in March. “The effects of the changes in the price of fuel and electricity obtained from CPPA-G are in accordance with the rules of NEPRA.” The increase in the power tariff would directly be passed on to the city’s power consumers for one month. The surge and cut in fuel charges adjustment under the tariff system was passed on to the consumers through their monthly bills under a fixed formula. These charges were applied after Nepra’s investigation into the claims made by KE and government-owned entities (XWDISCOs) following an independent public hearing. In addition to transferring prices to consumers, Nepra also determines the period for which the tariff hike is applicable. Earlier, the KE had filed a request for fuel charges adjustment of Rs4.87 per unit for the month of March this year. However, it filed a revised request for fuel charges adjustment for the same month because of a change in the CPPA-G’s rate and requested Rs5.27 per unit increase in the tariff. On March 30, Nepra had already notified Rs3.278 per unit increase in the tariff for the KE consumers on account of fuel charges adjustment for the month of January 2022. The fuel charges adjustment for January were charged in the billing month of April 2022.The tariff hike had put an additional burden of Rs3.586 billion on the residents of Karachi. Discos tariff Nepra also conducted hearing regarding increase in tariff for other power distribution companies on account of fuel adjustment. The power regulator indicated that the consumers would be charged a reduced tariff by Rs1.98 per unit for March fuel adjustment as compared to February. Earlier, the power consumers had paid Rs4.85 per unit on account of fuel adjustment for month of February. Now, regulator indicated an increase by Rs2.87 per unit in tariff on account of fuel adjustment for month of March 2022. The increase would be charged in the bills of May. Meanwhile, the CPPA-G had requested an increase of Rs3.16 per unit on account of fuel adjustment for month of March. Nepra reserved its judgment and would issue a decision later.  

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SC holds hearings of G-B judges’ pensions

The Supreme Court on Wednesday heard petitions regarding pensions and benefits of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) appellate court judges. A three-member special bench headed by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan and comprising of two more judges heard the case. The court restrained the G-B Appellate Court from issuing further orders regarding the constitutional status of Gilgit and the powers of judges. The apex court said the notification regarding the tenure of chief justice and judges would be subject to the decision of the present case. The top court said clarification is required on some constitutional questions in the present case. During the hearing, the SC raised question over whether the G-B court could issue directions to the President of Pakistan and if the Federation can file an appeal under Article 184 III against the decision of the G-B Appellate Court? Further on in the hearing, the additional attorney general said the term of the G-B chief justice will end on May 6. He added that the G-B Appellate Court has restrained the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs from issuing any notification. On the occasion, Advocate Iftikhar Gilani said the unpleasant situation was taking place due to non-implementation of the 2019 decision of the SC. The case was adjourned for a month.

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PM orders review of NAP

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the Interior Ministry on Wednesday to review the National Action Plan (NAP) in collaboration with all the provinces and the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta) to devise a comprehensive plan to curb terrorism. Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said that Prime Minister Shehbaz wanted to strengthen efforts to curb terrorism in the country, therefore, he desired a review of NAP. For that purpose, she added, the prime minister had also directed for summoning a meeting of Nacta immediately. “[Former prime minister] Nawaz Sharif restored peace in the country and the incumbent government will further strengthen it,” Aurangzeb told reporters, while briefing the media about the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz. At the onset of the meeting, the cabinet condemned the suicide blast in Karachi and decided to review overall security situation in the country. It directed fool-proof security of the Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. The ministers assured the Chinese embassy of thorough investigations into the blast. Aurangzeb said that the cabinet also directed for a review of the Civil Servants (Directory Retirement from Service) Rules. “The aim of the PTI [Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf] government was to target officers,” the minister said. “The cabinet has decided to review all such laws, which have been framed for peculiar purposes. A committee, comprising federal ministers Azam Nazir Tarrar, Sherry Rehman and Saad Rafique, is constituted to review the service rules, and present a report in two weeks,” she added. During the meeting, officials from the Power Division and the Petroleum Division briefed the ministers about the latest situation of electricity and diesel in the country. The ministers were informed that 27 power plants were closed, when the incumbent government took office. Within two weeks, the officials told the cabinet, the situation improved much as only seven power units remained closed now. They further said that repair of the power plants was continuing and added that load-shedding would end by the next month. The minister blamed the last PTI government for increase in load-shedding durations and frequent power outages. “As the closed power units were being repaired, the load-shedding would be eliminated by next month, Aurangzeb told reporters. The federal cabinet also approved appointment of Asim Ahmed as the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), while it directed the Employees Old-Age Institution (EOBI) Chairman Shakrain Mangrio to report to the Establishment Division, according to the minister. “Imran Khan was imposed on the country after the 2018 elections. The country today is facing problems because of his incompetence,” the minister said. “He [Imran Khan] made lives of the people miserable by increasing prices of essential items,” she remarked. Aurangzeb said that the former prime minister had been harping on the tune of so-called “conspiracy letter” in order to cover up his “nil performance” in his four-year rule but added that the “people of Pakistan will pay no heed to him, rather oust him from politics forever”. She said that Imran had been waving the conspiracy paper because he had nothing to his credit on account of government’s performance. “Imran Khan has been telling lies persistently. He still considers himself in government,” she added. “For negative economic growth rate, Imran should have tendered his resignation, but “the politics of Imran Khan will not last long as the coalition government has already started performing excellently, with the prices coming down,” she said. Imran, she continued, was perturbed over the popularity of Prime Minister Shehbaz, who would make the lives of the people easy through his commitment to the service of the nation. The Metro Bus project from Peshawar Mor to the new Islamabad Airport remained dysfunctional for the last four years, but it was activated by Prime Minister Shehbaz within four days of taking oath of office, she added. She accused former prime minister Imran Khan of selling Kashmir, increasing prices of sugar, electricity and gas and shortage of electricity in the country during his tenure. “The last government inducted its workers in various departments but law will take its due course against the looters and plunderers.” She said Imran also victimised journalists and made them jobless. However, she stressed that the coalition government believed in freedom of expression and would work for the welfare of journalists community. The minister emphasised that instead of threatening the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Imran should better answer the public questions about the shortage of power and increase in sugar, flour and other items’ prices. “Imran Khan has failed to explain anomalies in his party’s foreign funding,” she said. She said that Imran Khan had framed cases against the leading politicians but not a single one had been proved in any court of law, so far. He would have to answer for his failure in recovering the stolen money despite the best efforts of his so-called Asset Recovery Unit headed by Shahzad Akbar.

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SC to resume presidential reference hearing on May 9

A five-judge larger bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial hearing a presidential reference seeking its interpretation of Article 63-A will resume its hearings after Eid on May 9. The five-member bench hearing the presidential reference — filed by the PTI government before its ouster — is headed by CJP Bandial and comprises Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Munib Akhtar and Justice Mandokhail. Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s counsel Makhdoom Ali Khan will present his arguments. On April 22, when the hearing was adjourned last time, Makhdoom Ali Khan had contended that by calling upon the SC via presidential reference to give its opinion under its advisory jurisdiction in tandem with a petition moved under Article 184(3) of the Constitution on the same lines, it seemed that the head of the political party concerned was seeking another opportunity to press its case. He pointed out that none of the members against whom the reference was intended were made respondents nor were notices issued to them. Referring to a suggestion by PTI’s counsel that the apex court’s “purposive interpretation” would translate into discounting the vote of a defector, Mr Makhdoom argued that no such prayer was made either in the reference or the PTI petition. Read More: SC judge irked by ‘culture of crying foul’ He observed that praying the apex court through the reference to invoke Article 63A was in effect meant bypassing the requirement of Article 239 of the Constitution – which deals with constitutional amendment. Therefore, he argued, if the apex court came up with lifetime disqualification for defection and rules that a defecting member’s vote must not be counted, the court’s opinion would virtually supersede the constitutional amendment. “The court can decide political cases, but not political questions.” During the hearing, CJP Bandial had acknowledged that the apex court was tackling a very important question – posed to it in the reference – and wondered whether the court would remain beholden to the question or rephrase it. After PTI’s counsel Ali Zafar concluded his arguments, the court adjourned the hearing and decided to meet after the Eid holidays, on May 9.

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Shehbaz may seek $7.4b Saudi aid package

Pakistan may seek a $7.4 billion financial assistance package from Saudi Arabia in the shape of cash deposits and oil on deferred payments, including rollover of the existing $4.2 billion facilities that are expiring by the end of this year. The request will be made during the three-day visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that would begin from today (Thursday), according to the Ministry of Finance officials. Finance Minister Dr Miftah Ismail will also be part of the official entourage. Senior finance ministry officials said that the government would seek $2 billion additional cash deposit in addition to the rollover of the existing $3 billion facility, which would mature by the end of this year. They said this time the country was seeking the loan for a longer than one year period, in addition to relaxation in terms of the previous agreement. In October last year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had announced giving $3 billion in cash deposit for one year and oil on deferred payment equal to $1.2 billion annually. However, the oil facility became operational only in March this year when the country lifted $100 million equivalent oil. The request will also be made to double the oil on deferred payments limit to $2.4 billion, according to the officials. The net additional financial assistance is $3.2 billion in the shape of cash deposits and oil on deferred payments. The last PTI government had obtained $3 billion cash at 4% interest rate and the oil on deferred payments at 3.8% rate for one year, according to the terms agreed between both countries. Unlike in the past, there was no option for the rollover of the Saudi loan and the country is required to return it at once after one year. Read PM to seek increase in oil facility amount in S Arabia visit However, the sources said that the government also wanted to renegotiate the terms of the November 2021 agreement. The PTI government had to accept tough loan conditions due to the weakening external sector situation and its inability to enhance the foreign exchange reserves to a level that was sufficient to comfortably finance the imports. Former prime minister Imran Khan’s government took gross $57 billion loans to remain afloat. The new government, too, did not have an option but to rush to the IMF and also seek help from friendly countries to stabilize the economy and arrest the downward slide in the value of the rupee. In 2014, Saudi Arabia had given a $1.5 billion grant to the government of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. According to the existing agreement, Saudi Arabia can demand immediate return of the money in case of sovereign default by Pakistan. Another clause of the agreement says that Pakistan is bound to return $3 billion to Saudi Arabia within 72 hours of a written request by Saudi Arabia at any time during the term of the agreement. The new government does not have the financial muscles to pay back the amount and also keep the rupee-dollar parity stable. The gross foreign exchange reserves are already at a critically low level, standing at $10.8 billion as of the end of last week. The government has engaged the International Monetary Fund and the technical discussions began on Wednesday. The IMF staff on Wednesday sought the complete details of taxes collected from petroleum products and the subsidies given so far. If the technical discussions proceed smoothly, the IMF mission may arrive on May 10th for a staff level agreement. Read PM Shehbaz to embark on maiden foreign visit to Saudi Arabia tomorrow Subject to the agreement, the IMF has shown willingness to increase the loan size to $8 billion, in addition to extending the programme period to June next year – an extension of nine months against the original schedule. The government is set to increase the petroleum products prices from the first of next month aimed at giving a signal to the IMF that it was serious about taking measures needed to revive the stalled programme. The sources said that the government may pitch two projects for the Saudi investment. In December 2018, Saudi Arabia had announced plans to set up an oil refinery and petrochemical complex in Pakistan but the plan could not be materialised. Last month, China and the United Arab Emirates also rolled over $4 billion maturing debt due to the previous government's inability to pay them back.

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Imran Khan's 'match' was fixed from day one: Maryam

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday told a rally in Lahore that former prime minister Imran Khan's "match was fixed" from day one in power, saying he used the tactics to continue to rule the masses. "Imran Khan wants early elections... and let me tell you why...," the PML-N leader told a rally held in the Johar Town neighbourhood of Punjab's capital city. "He [Imran] wants to manipulate some key appointments to get the [election] results he wants," she added. Maryam said that her father and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif toppled Imran's government while sitting in London and would now "bury the PTI chief's politics forever". Mocking Imran for his claims of fighting until "the last ball", she said that when the time came, Imran chose to "flee the scene". Also read: Imran wants 2m people to gather in Islamabad on his call "He never speaks the truth and it was for this reason that he was thrown out of power by parliament." She also took the former prime minister to task for asking why the courts had opened at midnight. "It was because those who are on your payroll refused to accept courts' orders." According to the PML-N leader, when all of Imran Khan's efforts went in vain, he resorted to speaking about a "foreign conspiracy". نائب صدر پاکستان مسلم لیگ ن مریم نواز شریف اور نو منتحب وزیر اعلی پنجاب حمزہ شہباز شریف کی حلقہ NA-135/136 جوہر ٹاؤن آمد لیگی کارکنان سے ملاقات https://t.co/gYxqyqFNga — PML(N) (@pmln_org) April 27, 2022 "A conspiracy is never hatched against an unsuccessful man like Imran," she remarked. Calling the former premier by the name of 'Tosha Khan' in reference to the Toshakhana case, she asked Imran to instead give details about his performance during his four-year rule. Maryam also criticised the PTI chairman's call to organise protests outside the offices of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), saying he decided to attack institutions when his lies got exposed. "He [Imran] is raising a hue and cry as the institutions are now standing with the Constitution." Also read: Maryam to lead PML-N rallies across country Concluding, she said: "We are not afraid of early elections and it is for sure that Imran will continue to be defeated in the times to come." On April 10, Imran Khan, the 22nd prime minister of Pakistan, became the first chief executive to be removed from office after losing a majority in the National Assembly. Imran’s PTI party, which governed the country for over three-and-a-half years, had been struggling to stay in power as its allies betrayed to join hands with opposition parties that had joined forces against the government. While Pakistan’s history has been marred with political instability, no prime minister has ever been removed from office through a no-trust motion.

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Police detain suspect in KU bombing case

Significant progress has been made in connection with the investigation into the suicide attack on the van of Chinese teachers at the University of Karachi as the police on Wednesday detained a suspect, officials said. A shuttle van of the Confucius Institute of Karachi University was hit by a suicide bomber a day earlier, leaving three Chinese teachers and a Pakistani dead. Police interviewed over a dozen people during raids in various areas of  Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Safura Chowrangi, Gulshan-e-Hadid and Old City Area and detained a suspect named Bebgar Imdad, an official told The Express Tribune while requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to talk to the media. Read more: China strongly condemns KU terror incident, demands thorough investigation Bebgar was detained by investigators with the help of a mobile phone link, prompting further investigations into the suicide bombing. Sources said that the process of geo-fencing of the crime scene is also underway and in the meanwhile suspicious mobile phone numbers are being shortlisted. Sources further said that more information is being gathered about the social media account of female suicide bomber Shari Hayat Baloch alias Barmash. Meanwhile, the bodies of those killed in the blast will not be handed over to their heirs for about ten days. Also read: Sanaullah vows to arrest culprits responsible for KU bombing The DNA samples have been sent from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) to Karachi University HEJ Forensic Laboratory for identification of the bodies. According to Additional Police Surgeon JPMC Dr Samia, the bodies of those killed at Karachi University were transferred from Abbasi Shaheed Hospital to the hospital at 5 o'clock on Tuesday on the advice of the health secretary. She said that all four bodies were completely burnt, making it impossible to identify them. However, she added, the bomber's hair and two legs were found at the scene. She said that the reason for the delay in identifying the bodies is the unavailability of DNA samples from the families. However, the DNA of the Pakistani driver's family is being obtained. Dr Samia said that there are no DNA samples from the families of Chinese nationals. According to sources, efforts are being made to obtain DNA samples from items used by Chinese nationals. It is expected that toothbrushes, razors and other items that were in use by Chinese nationals will be useful to obtain DNA. After the DNA samples are verified, they added, the bodies will be handed over to the next of kin. The process takes about 10 days. With additional input from Dua Abbas.

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Punjab Assembly may declare CM’s election null and void

Punjab Assembly may declare null and void the contest held on April 16 to elect Punjab chief minister on grounds that “all actions taken by the then acting speaker Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari were illegal”. A reliable source, seeking anonymity, told The Express Tribune that “procedure to declare the contest illegal would not be made part of assembly’s agenda items” in the session scheduled to be held on Thursday. Quoting a senior politician, the source said that they may have to declare the contest illegal, adding that Deputy Speaker Mazari will not come to the assembly and if he comes he will not be allowed to enter the assembly. Read more: Mazari vows to foil move hindering CM’s election He said that their targets are to declare April 16 contest illegal and take "revenge" on deputy speaker Mazari in light of all actions he took on the election day. He said that Mazari threw them out of assembly chambers and "they will also throw him outside". Any resistance from any side (opposition parties) will not be tolerated, he added. When contacted, the PML-N camp said that they will remain calm as per the direction of newly-elected chief minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif. However, they added that MPAs may go on protest or boycott if things go bad or if any illegal act is committed by the PTI lawmakers on the whim of Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. Also read: Mazari reminds PA secy he is ‘suspended’ The source further claimed that the PTI is confused over imposing a ban on media, adding that the party is divided on this issue. "Majority lawmakers suggested a complete ban on media from coverage on April 28 while some senior politicians proposed not to ban it." As per the Punjab Assembly’s agenda issued on Wednesday, the PTI made a motion part of agenda item that will be passed to remove deputy speaker Sardar Dost Muhammad Mazari. “Deputy Speaker Mazari has lost confidence amongst majority of the lawmakers owing to his conduct of not running assembly’s business in accordance with the Constitution. This house shows its distrust on Mazari," the motion said. Earlier on Wednesday morning, Punjab Assembly issued new standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to the assembly session. According to the SOPs, guests will not be allowed in the assembly, all members of the provincial assembly will surrender their mobile phones at security staff outside the assembly chambers and the women MPAs will also submit their handbags to the security staff.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/17qH9Vc

Sanaullah vows to arrest culprits responsible for KU bombing

Interior Minister Rana Sanullah on Wednesday said those involved in the terrorism at the Karachi University as well as their entire network would be apprehended soon, and foolproof security of foreign nationals will also be assured at all costs. He made these remarks while addressing a joint presser with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah in Karachi. A shuttle van of the Confucius Institute of Karachi University was hit by a suicide bomber a day earlier, leaving three Chinese teachers and a Pakistani dead. The minister termed the bombing an attack on the Sino-Pak ties and added that China has always extended help to Pakistan in times of need. وزیراعلیٰ سندھ سید مراد علی شاہ سے وفاقی وزیر داخلہ رانا ثناء اللہ کی ملاقات۔ ملاقات میں سیکیورٹی سمیت دیگر معاملات پر تبادلہ خیال۔#APPNews @RanaSanaullahPK @MuradAliShahPPP @MediaCellPPP @pmln_org pic.twitter.com/WaxonzmLgO — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) April 27, 2022 Sanaullah further said that he had offered all-out assistance to the chief minister to maintain law and order in the province. "Karachi will be turned into a city of peace and the federal government will play its due role in establishing peace in the metropolis," he remarked. Also read: KU blast: Inside the mind of woman suicide bomber He said that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) had played a vital role in probing the incident. "The nation is united against terrorism." On the occasion, he observed that there has been no progress at the National Counter-Terrorism Authority for the past four years – during the tenure of the previous government. "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon be apprised of the performance of the organisation." Rana Sana Ullah Khan visit Consulate General of China in Karachi to condole over the death of Chinese citizens. #APPNews @RanaSanaullahPK @CathayPak @PakinChina_ @pmln_org @MFA_China pic.twitter.com/NMHrunrm0o — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) April 27, 2022 Earlier today, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that the “ironclad friendship” between China and Pakistan is unbreakable and any attempt to undermine the bilateral cooperation, mutual trust and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would not succeed. He expressed the confidence that the government would spare no efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and hold them accountable. "We will work together with Pakistan to crack down on terrorist forces and make sure the culprits behind the attack will pay a heavy price," the spokesperson further said. ‘You won’t be left alone’ Rana Sanaullah and Murad Ali Shah also visited the home of the driver killed in the bombing and offered condolence to his family. They met the brothers of late Khalid Nawaz and announced a compensation of Rs2 million – Rs1 million each from the federal and provincial governments for the family. Nawaz, a father of seven, lived in Karachi’s Gulshan-e-Maymar neighbourhod. On the occasion, CM Murad informed the bereaved family that the government would pay for late Nawaz' salary and would bear the educational expenses of his children. Upon being told that one of the daughters of the deceased was scheduled to get married after Eid, Shah said he would provide the necessary financial support for the wedding. “We would not leave you alone and unattended,” he assured the family and asked them to get the children enrolled in a nearby school.    

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