PM breaks ground on Bhara Kahu bypass

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday performed the groundbreaking of the Bhara Kahu bypass project. PM Shehbaz was briefed about the modalities and execution of the Bahara Kahu project. It was highlighted that the 5.4-kilometre-long project had been contracted for Rs6 billion after a transparent bidding. The premier directed concerned authorities to ensure completion of the bypass within four months and also emphasised to need to further reduce project costs. The project on completion will provide a big relief to the people traveling toward Murree and Kashmir as the existing road faces massive congestion. Earlier, addressing a gathering and commenting on a audio leak allegedly featuring Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf chairman and former premier Imran Khan, Shehbaz said that it had “totally busted the narrative” whereby the incumbent government was a “product of conspiracy”. “Imran Niazi wasted five months of the nation by concocting lies and propaganda about his successor government, however, his own audio leaks exposed his fraudulence,” said PM Shehbaz. “Imran Khan called the politicians as traitors, however, in reality, it was he who betrayed the nation,” he said adding that “Imran’s lies about an ‘imported government’ are in fact a conspiracy against the entire nation.” Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/97gL54Z

Religious parties set Oct 7 deadline to trans act

  Religious parties have rejected the transgender rights bill, while giving a deadline of October 7 to the federal government to withdraw it. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq said that if the government does not show seriousness, all religious parties will protest at Shuhada Mosque in Lahore along with a large crowd. Following a consultative meeting of religious parties in Mansoorah, the JI chief said that the bill is against the Holy Quran and Sunnah and against the Constitution of Pakistan. He termed it part of a western agenda, adding that three major parties were on the same page on the issue. Siraj said that he was not against the rights of transgender persons, rather he was concerned that the controversial bill would destroy the family system. The JI chief said that a gathering of all religious parties would be held on October 7. He further said that the transgender rights bill is more dangerous than the atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Japan in 1945. He added that he will contact Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Sajid Mir, Allama Nasir Abbas and other religious leaders on the issue. Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), an ally of the government and part of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), has challenged the Transgender Protection Act, 2018, in the Federal Shariat Court (FSC) on Friday. In the petition, the JUI-F requested that the act be declared against Shariat, adding that “no law can be made against Quran and Sunnah in the country”. The FSC fixed the party's application for a preliminary hearing on Monday, October 3. On September 26, the Transgender Act Amendment Bill 2022 related to the protection of transgenders had been presented in the House by PTI Senator Fauzia Arshad and was then handed over to the relevant Standing Committee by the Chairman Senate. In recent days, the high-level meeting of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) also said that the transgender law may cause new social problems and that several provisions in the act as a whole are not compatible with Shariah principles. The recently passed Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act by the National Assembly was enacted in 2018. The law allows transgender persons equal rights to education, basic health facilities, writing their transgender identity on their identity cards and passports, besides the right to vote and contest elections. However, some religious parties are of the opinion that this bill is actually an attempt to give legal protection to homosexuality in the country. Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has also challenged the law in the Shariat court. Earlier, Maulana Fazlur Rahman, head of the JUI-F, had also said that the “law is against the teachings” of the Holy Quran and Sunnah and had added that he will submit amendments to it in parliament. Jamaat-e-Islami leader Sirajul Haq had also stated that the Act was against Islamic Sharia. The trans community of Pakistan had said that false propaganda was unleashed against the Transgender Protection Act, lamenting that labelling those fighting for equal rights for trans people as homosexuals was tantamount to committing cruelty against them. Amid criticism of the law by some religious parties, which perceive it as an attempt to give legal protection to homosexuality, trans people say that the 2018 act neither mentions any kind of sex change nor did it allow ‘unnatural’ sex. “There is no mention in this 11-page act that a man can marry another man or a woman can marry another woman,” transgender rights activist Zanaiah Chaudhry had told The Express Tribune while commenting on the criticism of the law.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ER27rMd

Pakistan Railways seeks Rs5tr for track rehabilitation

Railway officials have requested Rs5 trillion from their ministry for the restoration of infrastructure damaged by floods. According to a summary sent to the Railways ministry by the department of civil engineering, a sum of Rs53.88 billion was needed to restore the signals system; Rs60.80 billion to fix the partial damage suffered by 33 stations in Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Sukkur, Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Quetta divisions; and Rs6 billion to make the communication tower and other equipment functional again. The Railway authorities have further suspended for the 17th time the booking of trains through online and reservation offices till October 3. The signals system has suffered massive destruction in Lahore, Karachi, Multan and Sukkur divisions because of the floods. Sources said this was the reason why the train operation had become chaotic. Difficulties were being faced in giving “green signals” to the trains from one station to another as many feet of water was accumulated on the tracks. Railways communication tower and equipment have also been severely damaged by the deluge. For the repairing of the drainage system at 41 railway yards and their restoration, an estimate of Rs2.23 billion has been made. The summary stated that 3,187-kilometre track of ML 1, 2 and 3 has been completely destroyed. Similarly, 1,446 railway bridges and culverts have been damaged, of which two railway bridges were completely destroyed in Quetta division. One of the two bridges in Sukkur and Karachi divisions has been washed away too. A total of 1,181 railway bridges have been damaged and a sum of Rs433.81 billion has been estimated for their restoration and the construction of 259 new ones. Because of floods, 109.40 kilometers of tracks in Chaman, Mirpurkhas, Khokhrapar, Hyderabad, Quetta and Sialkot sections have been completely destroyed. A stretch of 68.123 kilometers of tracks was partially damaged in this section. To repair the damage and for safety in the future, an amount of Rs17.79 billion will have to be spent on this section and the construction of 79 new bridges. In the summary, funds have been requested separately for other development work at the seven divisions of the railways. More than Rs17 billion for Lahore, Rs82 billion for Karachi, over Rs19 billion for Sukkur, Rs12 billion for Quetta, Rs25 billion for Peshawar, Rs74 billion for Multan and Rs13 billion for the Rawalpindi divisions have been sought. The Railway authorities have put off the booking process of trains between Lahore, Karachi and Sukkur online and at reservation offices till October 3. Additional Railways Infrastructure General Manager Arshad Salam Khattak said funds had been sought from the ministry for the restoration of the infrastructure. He added that the Railways staff was working day and night on the flood-affected sections using their own means.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/SCphKF4

Accord on early revival of ML-1

Pakistan and China on Thursday agreed on early launch of the much-awaited Mainline-1 (ML-1) project, aimed at revamping and modernizing the country's age-old railway infrastructure. The agreement was reached between the two countries during a dinner hosted by the Chinese Ambassador in Pakistan Nong Rong for Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafiq. Railways Chairman, Additional Secretary, Secretary Aviation and Chief Executive Officer Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) accompanied the minister. The minister invited the Chinese Ambassador to consider a partnership of budget airlines with PIA in order to make Pakistan's small airports functional and provide better travel facilities to the passengers. The Chinese ambassador assured the minister to discuss his desired issue with the Chinese private airlines. The envoy also assured of taking initiatives to allow direct flights from Pakistan to Beijing and Guangzhou for Pakistani airlines at the earliest.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/A3Oo8r6

Railways faces fuel crisis as trains grind to halt

A chronic fuel crisis has started rearing its head in the Pakistan Railways (PR) owing to multiple reasons, including lack of revenue, as the state entity continues to take another beating in terms of finances in the wake of floods. Several stations have fallen short of the required quantity of fuel for the engines to run. PR sources said that the Lahore engine shed administration had only 90 thousand litres of diesel at its disposal, while as of Tuesday, the fuel at Faisalabad station was not even expected to even last a day. The issue is far more severe in Multan and Sukkur divisions. However, as for the only dedicated freight train and two passenger trains still running on the entire network, they were being provided the much-needed diesel from the Lahore administration. However, Additional General Manager Amir Baloch denied there was any diesel crisis and said that the PR was outsourcing diesel from a private firm. He added that the railways will continue taking the diesel from the private company as per the requirement. Sources noted that one of the contributing factors was the severe disruption in the train operations due to devastating floods and the resulting losses and damages. Consequently, the railways has been unable to earn its monthly income. At present, only one train between Lahore and Rawalpindi and one Khyber Mail train from Peshawar to Rohri station and a few freight trains are running on the railway network.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/5j4bt6Z

Flood relief activities to continue for two years: Iqbal

National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NFRCC) Chairperson Ahsan Iqbal urged media personnel on Thursday to continue highlighting the devastation and suffering caused by the unprecedented floods that lashed the country this monsoon season. Addressing a presser at the NFRCC with senior journalists and military persons present, the minister expressed appreciation for the media for shedding light on the flood situation, and indicating where relief efforts were necessary. Iqbal said that relief activities initiated after the cataclysmic floods in the country could continue for the next two years. Talking to the anchorpersons, Iqbal blamed climate change for the unprecedented rainfall and flooding that have "severely affected" the rural areas. "Natural disasters are a result of climate change, however, we are coming up with plans to deal with them in future. For now, the government has allocated Rs40 billion for 20 underdeveloped districts." The forum briefed the senior journalists about damages to life, property, communication, and infrastructure as well as the relief efforts underway. It further discussed the opening of rail and road networks, among other rehabilitation plans for bringing the victims into routine life. The NFRCC chief reviewed the destruction caused by the floods and the role of the armed forces, civil administration, and various organisations in rehabilitation. “During this crisis, there are heroes who worked day and night and put their own lives in danger to save others”, Ahsan said, adding that he had met with on-ground officers and relief workers and could see the pain in their eyes to help those in distress. With additional input from News Desk

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/y6sTFD3

Egypt announces relief assistance for flood victims

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi on Thursday announced relief assistance for the flood affectees in Pakistan, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. Sisi made the announcement during a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He offered condolences to the people of Pakistan over the loss of precious lives and devastation caused by climate-induced torrential monsoon rains and floods in Pakistan. The prime minister while thanking the president for his call at this difficult hour appreciated the strong expression of support and solidarity by the Egyptian government. Read more: ADB to mobilise over $2b to support Pakistan’s post-flood relief measures PM Shehbaz also thanked Sisi and people of Egypt for their assistance for flood victims. He underscored that Pakistan was among the major victims of climate change, while its contribution to global emissions has been less than 1 percent. The premier apprised the Egyptian president about the loss of lives, infrastructure, livelihood and crops owing to the devastation caused by the floods. He also shared the government’s rescue and relief efforts to save lives and growing concerns regarding the long-term impacts of floods on food security, health, and the economy. It was underlined that enormous resources were required for the rehabilitation of the millions impacted, reconstruction, rebuilding communities and addressing the economic repercussions. The two leaders also exchanged views on important developments in the region. The prime minister also assured the Egyptian President Pakistan’s support to the Egyptian Presidency of CoP-27 for a successful conference. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in diverse fields and continue close collaboration on all issues of mutual interest. Pakistan and Egypt enjoy close and cordial ties rooted deep in shared faith and values. The two countries closely collaborate bilaterally, as well as on regional and global issues of mutual interest, the statement further said.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/htAYXzu

‘Truth comes out’: Nawaz rejoices at Maryam’s acquittal in Avenfield case

Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has appreciated the Islamabad High Court (IHC) verdict in the Avenfield reference, saying “truth came out in front of everyone”. اللہ تعالیٰ کا بہت شکر ہے.آپکو یاد ہوگا میں نے کئی سال پہلے کہا تھا کہ میں نے اپنا معاملہ اللہ پہ چھوڑ دیا ہے آج اللہ تعالیٰ نے حق کو غالب فرمایا ہے.انسان سچا ہو تو اللہ بھی اسکا ساتھ نہیں چھوڑتا الحمدللہ میں اللہ تعالیٰ کا بڑا شکرگزار ہوں.@NawazSharifMNS pic.twitter.com/csHkisAi5v — PML(N) (@pmln_org) September 29, 2022 The IHC on Thursday acquitted PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz and her husband Captain (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield reference case. A two-judge bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the appeals against the conviction of Maryam and Captain (retd) Safdar in the Avenfield case. The court had accepted the appeals of PML-N vice president and her husband after four years as Maryam and Capt (retd) Safdar’s counsel had raised questions over the conviction of their clients in Avenfield Apartments corruption reference, saying the case lacked evidence from the very beginning. “You may remember that I said many years ago that I have left my matter to Allah. Today, Allah has shown truth to entire world,” he said while speaking to the media in London on Thursday. Also read: Nawaz Sharif returning to Pakistan in September, says Javed Latif Nawaz was sentenced in 2018, to a total of 11 years of imprisonment and was issued Rs1.3 billion fine in Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Avenfield properties references. His sentence was suspended in 2019 by the Lahore High Court on medical grounds and he was permitted to fly to London to seek treatment, after which he did not return. There are speculations that there has been a change of heart of powers that be towards the elder Sharif and steps are being taken to allow him to return to the country as his younger sibling Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif holds on to power. The ruling party has already speculated about his return in September, and there are rumours that his cases will also be taken care of systematically.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/aokgrvI

‘Let bygones be bygones’: PM Shehbaz calls for ‘reset’ in Pak-US ties

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the United States not to see relations with Pakistan via the lens of Afghanistan or China, saying that the ties between the two countries should stand on their own. The premier expressed these remarks while attending a diplomatic reception held at the US Embassy in Islamabad on Thursday to commemorate the 75 years of relations between Islamabad and Washington. The reception started with a one-minute silence to express condolence over the death of people and convey grief to those who had lost their livelihood in the devastating floods. The federal ministers and US Ambassador in Pakistan Donald Blome attended the reception. “Our 75-year partnership is visible throughout 🇵🇰. Decades of assistance supported construction of schools, hospitals & highways. Pakistanis studied in 🇺🇸 & returned to key roles in business & government. We are one of the largest sources of foreign investment.” -DB #AmbBlome 1/3 pic.twitter.com/CzriBZJhFt — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 29, 2022 "We really want to build and reset these relations back to normal and friendly relations based on trust, respect and mutual understanding. Of course, there is a file on your part and a file on our part but if we have to move forward and we must then I'm we can find ways and means to warm up our relations to levels we have seen in the past," PM Shehbaz said while addressing the ceremony. He also said that the US should not see relations with Pakistan through the lens of Afghanistan or China as they should stand on their own. "When Pakistan was facing the worst kind of outages, [then] prime minister Nawaz Sharif decided to spend from our own scarce resources to invest [in] another 5,000MW [of electricity]. Finance minister Ishaq Dar opposed tooth and nail... he said I don't have the money... he had his own pertinent point. PM Nawaz thought on top of what we're getting on CPEC projects. He said let's not delay it because if there is another dharna CPEC programme will be derailed and by the time of the 2018 election, we wouldn't be able to show anything to the people of Pakistan," he added. Read more: US envoy urges Pakistan to comply with IMF terms Premier Shehbaz said that as a result of that decision [we got] 5,000MW [of electricity and out of that 3,500MW was installed by GE. "The plants were installed in the fastest possible time," he lauded. The prime minister said that he was the most ardent supporter of the friendship between Pakistan and the United States. "Let bygones be bygones... as long as we have serious dialogues, we cannot go wrong." Talking about his recent trip to Washington, PM Shehbaz said that he had many productive meetings in the US including with President Biden and Secretary Blinken. "I had thanked them. I thank them again [here]. I thank them for the programme they announced for the flood-affected people," he said. "Had we used $32 billion [given by the US to Pakistan in the past] in the right direction and properly supervised, we would've broken our begging bowl," he added. Talking about floods in Pakistan, PM Shehbaz said that the disaster was not made by Pakistan as it is a developing country. ایک اچھا دوست، بُرے وقت کو بھی، اچھا بنا دیتا ہے۔#PakUSAt75 #AmbBlome pic.twitter.com/L6WaRd7qNr — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 29, 2022 "Pakistan is a very strong nation. People are very hard working. Our population is 50 per cent male and 50 per cent female. There is complete freedom of action. The US are our biggest trading partner," he said. "This catastrophic situation is not made by us... it is manmade but not by us. 1,600 people have left this world including 400 children. More than a million mud houses have been thrown into the Arabian sea. People are living under the open sky waiting for help. It is my duty [to help] but whatever we do will not be enough." "Given our long history of cooperation & shared ambitions, this reframed relationship is more urgent & valuable than ever. As we look forward to the next 75 years & beyond, I hope you will join me in opening this new door." -DB #AmbBlome 3/3 pic.twitter.com/UIH4rkoRO0 — U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) September 29, 2022 He requested the US and the international community to stand by Pakistan during this difficult time. "This is our right. We have not brought this upon us," he added. "We want to go back to those wonderful times when our relations with the US had their own standings. I would work most willingly for those relations," he concluded. In his address earlier, the US ambassador said that the people of the United States continued to stand with Pakistan. The strength of the bilateral friendship is demonstrated by the more than $66 million in US support for flood response. “We are doing what friends and partners do – support each other when it’s needed most… Our partnership has been advantageous to both countries,” he remarked according to a US embassy press release. Over the decades, more than $32 billion dollars in US support benefited Pakistan and improved the lives of the Pakistani people, the ambassador added. On the occasion, US Ambassador Donald Blome also met the prime minister and discussed the matters related to bilateral relations and cooperation. (With additional input from APP)

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Krvosji

Pakistan asks Taliban to stop terrorism from their soil

Expressing “serious” concern over terrorism originating from Afghanistan, Pakistan called on the Taliban on Tuesday to prevent the their territory from being used for attacks by terrorist groups, such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban, Pakistan (TTP), against other countries. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to United Nations Ambassador Munir Akram told the UN Security Council that recent spike in high-profile targeted killings and bombings, including an attack on the Russian Embassy in Kabul, were a cause for “special concern”. “In particular,” Akram said, “eliminating the threat posed by ISIL-K that is Da’esh, the TTP, ETIM [East Turkestan Islamic Movement] and IMU [Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan], as well as Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, is of vital importance for Pakistan.” Speaking in the 15-member Council’s debate on the situation in Afghanistan, the Pakistani envoy said the recent rise in high profile targeted killings and bombings, including against the Russian embassy is a cause for “special concern.” “Should we fail to provide the necessary and continued long-term economic solutions to the Afghan people and to the authorities in Kabul, there is a risk of anti-Taliban groups, particularly ISIL-K [Da’esh] gaining further strength in the country,” he warned. “We expect the Taliban will prevent Afghanistan’s territory from being utilised for terrorism against neighbours or any other country,” Akram said, adding that Pakistan would support all sincere efforts to neutralise and eliminate these terrorist groups. Ambassador Akram said that the role of spoilers — an apparent reference to India — who wished to aid and abet terrorism against Pakistan from the Afghan soil “must also be checked and the terrorist networks they have established must be eliminated in Afghanistan and the region, as Islamabad has a vital stake in peace and stability” of the neighbouring country. Pakistan, he said, would like to see an Afghanistan that was at peace with itself and the world, and which respected and nurtured all its citizens, without regard to gender, ethnicity and religion. “A peaceful, prosperous and connected Afghanistan is in our collective interest,” the Pakistani envoy said, pointing out that Pakistan had led the humanitarian efforts to help Afghan brothers and sisters in their present situation. Akram urged the international community to respond positively to the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for $4.2 billion in humanitarian and economic assistance to Afghanistan and release the country’s financial reserves, held by the United States, to revive its banking system.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/gUlVuJx

Senate panel for waiving loans of flood-hit farmers

  The Senate Standing Committee on Food Security recommended to the government to waive off the loans of farmers in the flood-ravaged areas and asked the relevant authorities to take action against the rising price of wheat flour. The committee, which met here with its chairman Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah in the chair, also urged the authorities to take steps to prevent wheat smuggling in collaboration with the other departments concerned. During the meeting, National Food Security Minister Tariq Bashir Cheema informed the committee that Afghanistan was completely dependent on Pakistan for wheat. He said that government had been urged to provide subsidy on fertiliser directly to the farmers. “We asked that subsidy on gas to the urea plants should be stopped. The subsidy should be given to the farmers directly,” the minister said, as he painted a grim picture of agriculture in the flood-affected areas of Sindh and Balochistan. Food security officials informed the committee that cotton was cultivated on 3.67 million acres in Punjab, while the crop had been decimated in Sindh. They added that cotton cultivation area was 12% less than the target. “Overall in the country, the officials said, 35% of the cotton crop had been destroyed by floods. Last year, our cotton production was 8 million bales, this year it is 5 million bales,” an official told the participants. “Good cotton seed is not available.” Apart from cotton, Cheema said, dates crop has also been 100% destroyed in Sindh. We will ensure seed supply to the farmers in collaboration with NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority),” he added. The committee expressed concern over the rising prices of wheat flour and it directed the Food Security Ministry to take action on the price hike. The chair observed that a meeting of the Council of Common Interests should be called to agree to a uniform wheat support price. The chair noted that smuggling was one of the major causes of wheat price hike and its shortage in the country. The committee called for a special briefing on the matter of wheat smuggling from the Ministry of National Food Security. The committee was informed that wheat cultivation in Sindh and Balochistan would be difficult because the cultivable area in both these provinces was under floodwater.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/f0IK8qJ

EU assures support in rehabilitation of flood-hit areas

Pakistan and the European Union (EU) have agreed to the agenda of multidimensional development cooperation in the fields of smart agriculture, economic development, sustainable infrastructure, technical and professional education, environmental and green development, digital change and health. The consensus between the two sides was reached during a meeting of a subgroup of the Pakistan-EU Joint Commission on Development Cooperation at the Economic Affairs Ministry on Wednesday. The meeting was chaired by Ian Hoskins, the deputy head of unit for South and Southeast Asia at the European Commission in Brussels, and Islam Zeb, the joint secretary of the Economic Affairs Ministry. During the meeting both sides discussed bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the rehabilitation of the flood-affected areas and resolved to deepen their cooperation for the overall progress of the Pakistani people. The meeting was informed that the EU would support Pakistan’s economic and social development under its Multi-Indicative Programme (MIP) and the project for rehabilitation of the flood-affected areas would be merged with it. Zeb welcomed the expression of Support from the EU. “We are grateful to the EU for the prompt assistance in the wake of recent floods,” Zeb said. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the annual action plan, the rehabilitation and reconstruction in the flood-hit areas and the EU-funded projects in Pakistan.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/DZE9WKb

Special audit of parliament's both houses ordered

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Noor Alam Khan on Wednesday directed the Accountant General of Pakistan to conduct special forensic audit of both houses of the parliament to ensure transparency. A meeting of the apex parliamentary body was held in the Parliament House to examine the appropriation of funds to the National Assembly and Senate Secretariats for the year 2018-19. The forensic audit of the National Assembly Secretariat of the last one year would be regarding appointments, promotions and foreign visits made by MNAs and officers/officials of the National Assembly. Furthermore, the PAC directed the auditor general to conduct audit regarding honorarium paid to the employees of the National Assembly Secretariat, Senate Secretariat, Finance Division and Federal Board of Revenue. The auditor assured to conduct audit of all ministries, divisions and departments regarding honorarium paid to their employees. Moreover, one honorarium would be allowed in future to all employees of both the secretariats. In addition, the PAC took briefings from the DC Islamabad regarding the National Assembly and Senate Secretariats Employees Cooperative Housing Societies. Meanwhile, the committee showed displeasure over the letter written by the Senate Secretariat to the PAC, challenging the latter’s authority for ordering the removal of glass walls established in front of the office of the chairman Senate. The PAC held that it represents parliamentarians from both houses. Therefore, the committee reiterated its earlier directive and directed the secretary Senate to remove the glass wall established in the corridor in front of the office of the chairman Senate. The chairman of the PAC and senators also requested the chairman Senate to remove the glass walls. Moreover, it was agreed by every member that previous directive of the PAC in above regard would be implemented. The committee directed secretary Senate to remove the pictures immediately from the right side of the corridor as it was causing discomfort for the worshipers praying Namaz. The committee also directed to withdraw the letter written by Senate Secretariat to the PAC. The committee showed displeasure regarding baseless news item regarding the visit of the delegation from the National Assembly to Canada. The secretary National Assembly clarified there were two MNAs including Honorable Speaker and three officials, as the expenses of the two officials were borne by the sponsors who had invited them. The committee directed the deputy commissioner of Islamabad to stop using the name of National Assembly and the Senate by the management of the National Assembly and Senate Secretariat’s Employees Cooperative Societies. The committee directed the secretary Senate and National Assembly’s secretary to revoke the NOC issued in favor of the Senate Secretariat Employees Cooperative Society pertaining to use the name of the Senate Secretariat. The committee directed the secretary National Assembly secretariat to take action under E&D rules against the lady official who was involved in fraud. The committee observed that MNAs and senators are entitled to be treated from government hospitals and directed the secretary, Cabinet Division, Establishment Division and member of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination to direct autonomous bodies/corporations to get treatment of their respective employees from government hospitals instead of private hospitals. The committee regularised the two grants pertaining to the National Assembly and Senate secretariats.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/x0L2Art

Two killed in Hazro car-van collision

Two people were killed while two others suffered serious injuries during a car-van collision on Hazro Road near Bahadur Khan area on Wednesday. According to the police, Chaudhry Faraqat, a famous political and social personality of Chhach village, was returning home from Wah Cantt with his family when his van collided near Bahadur Khan, as a result of which he and his wife lost their lives while his brother and sister-in-law were critically injured. The accident was so severe that the car overturned while the van was also destroyed. Faraqat had served as a civil servant for several years in the finance department before his retirement some time ago. Owing to his integrity and strong character, he was respected throughout the area. Meanwhile, Rawalpindi police arrested 11 illegal arm holders and recovered arms and ammunition from their possession during a crackdown on Wednesday. A police spokesman said that the Race Course police held Nadeem and recovered a 30-bore pistol from his possession. They also arrested Sajid and recovered a pistol. Similarly, the Taxila Police arrested two identified as Umar and Bilal, and recovered two pistols from their possession. The police also recovered a carbine from Naseer. In another incident, Rawat police recovered a pistol from Asif. Meanwhile, the Kahuta police arrested Nabil and Rameez and recovered one pistol each from them. The Kotli police arrested Sohrab Ahmed and recovered a pistol from his possession. Published in The Express Tribune, September 29th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ZRc3Vis

Dar favours currency market intervention

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that some changes would be made in the central bank law at “an appropriate time”, advocating intervention in the currency market that signalled a needed shift in the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed policies. In his first media talk after taking oath as the finance minister, Dar said that the exchange rate regime could not be left on speculators, sending a strong message to the people and the banks that had been playing with the value of the local currency for their vested interests. “Intervention [in the foreign exchange market] for the sake of the country is not bad but obviously the approach should be realistic,” he said. He added that all the central banks around the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom, intervened in the exchange market, only when the value of their currencies go above or below a certain band. Dar has hawkish views on the rupee-dollar parity and believes in having a strong rupee value versus the US currency. The Pakistani rupee continued its upward trajectory for the fourth consecutive working day, gaining a fresh Rs1.79 to a new two-week high of Rs232.12 against the US dollar on Wednesday. However, the new finance minister clarified that he was not against the “market-based exchange rate regime”, insisting that it was the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that implemented the market-based exchange rate regime in 1998. Pakistan does not have luxury to throw the dollars in the market due to low levels of reserves of $8.6 billion, thus, it is expected that Dar will improve the currency value through administrative steps and containing imports. Maintaining a true market-based exchange rate regime is one of the four key pillars of the IMF programme. The IMF has pushed Pakistan to adopt this free regime after $24 billion were poured in the market from 2012 to 2019. According to The Express Tribune exclusive in January 2020, the state Bank of Pakistan (SBP) pumped a whopping $24 billion into the inter-bank market from 2012 to 2019. Official record showed that the money was thrown into the inter-bank market at the time when Pakistan was not in any IMF programmes. The official record also showed that from July 2012 to July 2013, the central bank pumped $3.43 billion into the inter-bank market. The highest amount of the money injection was from October 2016 to June 2019 – the period when there was no IMF programme in Pakistan. During this period, the SBP poured $20.7 billion into the inter-bank market. The highest amount that the SBP utilised to defend the rupee in any quarter was $2.2 billion that it pumped between May and June 2018, followed by $1.8 billion from January to March 2018. This was the period when Ishaq Dar was not the finance minister. From October 2018 to April 2019, the SBP had pumped nearly $4.5 billion into the inter-bank market when the PTI was in power. The Express Tribune reported in September last year that the SBP again threw $1.2 billion in the market from May to September 2021. Responding to a question about the policy of injecting dollars into the market to keep the rate low, Dar said this was a “massive lie”. “We did not have dollars to inject,” he said, adding that the PML-N government built up foreign reserves of $23 billion. He went on to say that this was “natural progress and growth” and a result of the policies of the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. “I believe in a market-based economy but no one will be allowed to play games with Pakistan’s currency”, he said. Responding to another question about an absolute autonomy granted to the SBP by the previous regime under the IMF deal, Dar said that there were few unreasonable clauses in the SBP Act, “which will be amended when there will be an appropriate time”. During his first visit to the US, the IMF had barred the former finance minister Miftah Ismail from making any changes in the SBP law. All the political parties have serious reservations over some amendments made in the SBP Act under duress from the SBP. The Monetary and Fiscal Policies Coordination Board (MFPCB) has been abolished, which the PML-N and the PPP wanted to retain. These political parties were also against a complete ban on the government borrowing from the SBP, fearing that it would throw the federal government at the mercy of the commercial banks. Their fears have proven true during the past eight months. Through the SBP law amendments, parliament’s oversight of the central bank has been further weakened. The government also wants to have an institutional arrangement instead of setting a liaison between the finance minister and the SBP governor. Under the law, the SBP Board and its chairman, who is the governor, is also against the best practices, said PML-N MNA Ali Pervaiz Malik. The PML-N also objected to giving the governor powers to appoint deputy governors. The opposition also suggested amendment to the bill to limit the powers of the board to fix salaries of the governors and deputy governors, saying that the public sector could not have salaries equal to the private sector. While speaking about rising inflation in the country, Ishaq Dar said that a strong rupee would help contain inflation. “All of you know at which stage was the economy, when the PML-N left the government. Food inflation was 2%, the reserves were at their highest, the rupee was stable at Rs104.50 and Pakistan’s growth was at 6.3%, said the new finance minister. Dar blamed the PTI government for failing to manage the economy. He added that the PDM government could not reverse the destruction of the approximately four years of the PTI’s tenure in a few months.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Luy9TX2

G-B CM moves SC against judges’ appointment

Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan (G-B) Khalid Khursheed Khan has challenged the appointment of a judge as well as the extension of three judges of the region’s chief court by the Pakistan government. G-B Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed Khan filed a constitutional petition under Article 184(3) of the Constitution through senior lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan and made the federal government, governor GB and newly-appointed Judge chief Javed Ahmed respondents. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed three judges of the G-B Chief Court on September 16 following a summary moved by Governor Syed Mahdi Shah. However, it is further learnt that the summary for the appointments was initiated without consulting the chief minister. A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader privy to the filing of the petition had earlier told The Express Tribune that the summary was moved without holding consultation with the chief minister or the cabinet. In the petition, the G-B government contended that the action of the prime minister and the G-B governor was illegal and in violation of the Gilgit-Baltistan Government Order 2018 read with the Gilgit-Baltistan Rules of Business 2009. Read more: G-B CM inaugurates technology programme It is contended that the extension of the appointment of Mr Justice Malik Inayat-ur-Rehman, Justice Johar Ali Khan and justice Raja Shakeel Ahmed as judges of G-B’s chief court for a term of one year by the prime minister in spite of the advice to the contrary by the governor. The petition contended that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have the right to “self-government” under Article 257 of the Constitution. It elaborated that the government and the cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan comprise representatives elected by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and the chief minister is elected by the assembly. “They are responsible for protecting the fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to an independent judiciary and access to justice. The governor, on the other hand, is a nominee of the federal government. He is required in the performance of his functions to act on the advice of the chief minister or cabinet, as the case may be,” it stressed. "Without being first advised by the chief minister or cabinet, under Article 34 of the Order 2018, the governor had no authority to advise the Prime Minister to appoint as judge of the chief court of Gilgit-Baltistan,” it argued and said the action suffers both from “malice in fact and in law”. The petition stated that the appointment of Javed Ahmed by the federal government is entirely without lawful authority and of no legal effect. "The respondent does not hold the office, to which he has been illegally and maliciously appointed, under any authority of law.” It is stated that the PM was duty bound to act on the advice of the governor only where such advice was based on the advice of the chief minister or cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan. "The impugned extension notification is also without lawful authority and of no legal effect. Under Order, 2018 the prime minister is only an appointing authority. He had no authority to confirm an appointment or extend the appointment of a Judge contrary to or without the advice of the governor (which in turn must be based on the prior advice of the chief minister or cabinet). On the advice of the chief minister, the governor had advised confirmation of three judges of the chief court. The prime minister, however, without any lawful authority decided to extend the appointment of the Judges for another term of one year.” The impugned extension notification is repugnant to Article 84 of the Order 2018 and even otherwise without lawful authority and of no legal effect, the petition stated. "The two Impugned notifications violate the principles of independence of judiciary and rule of law. The Impugned notifications also suffer from both mala fide in law and in fact.” The limits of the executive authority and discretion of the governor and prime minister in the appointment of judges of the Supreme Appellate Court and Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan are controlled by Articles 75 and 84 read with Article 34 of the Order 2018. The impugned notifications, however, violate these provisions and the settled conventions in the matter. These are, therefore, without lawful authority and of no legal effect. "The appointment of respondent 3 and impugned appointment notification is repugnant to constitutional norms, provisions, rights and Fundamental Rights. The appointment is without lawful authority and of no legal effect. "Similarly, the impugned extension notification is unconstitutional, without lawful authority and of no legal effect. "The impugned notifications are contrary to a series of judgments of this hon’ble court including cases reported Al-Jehad Trust and Civil Aviation Authority (supra). This hon’ble court has consistently held that the right to self-government of Gilgit-Baltistan can only be guaranteed through an empowered G-B Assembly.” "The petitioners have information that the process for appointment of Chief Judge and Judge(s) of Supreme Appellate Court and chief court without the advice of the chief minister or cabinet. All such appointments will be repugnant to Articles 75 and 84 of the Order 2018 read with Article 34 thereof. These will violate the constitutional and fundamental rights of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and the chief minister. The petition requested the Supreme Court to declare that Governor GB Mehdi Shah had no lawful authority to advise the Prime Minister for the appointment of Javed Ahmed as judge of the chief court. Likewise, the CM requested the SC to declare the appointment of Javed Ahmed illegal. "Declare that the Respondent No.3 does not hold the office of judge of the chief court under any lawful authority, it is pleaded. "Declare the Impugned Appointment Notification dated 16.09.2022 as without lawful authority and of no legal effect, quash it and consequently the appointment of Respondent No.3 as Judge of Chief Court, Gilgit-Baltistan. Declare that the prime minister had no lawful authority to merely extend the appointment of Justice Malik Inayat-ur-Rehman, Justice Johar Ali Khan and Justice Raja Shakeel Ahmed for a term of one year and was in duty bound to confirm such appointments. It is also pleaded the SC to direct the federal government to forthwith issue a fresh notification for confirmation of the judges as judges of the chief court, with effect from 16.09.2022. "Prohibit the respondents 1 and 2, jointly and severally, from making any new appointments of Chief Judge or Judge(s) of Supreme Appellate Court as well as Chief Court of Gilgit-Baltistan without prior advice of the Chief Minister and/or cabinet of Gilgit-Baltistan" the petition prayed.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/uPQ1lTZ

Punjab road crashes claim 16 lives

At least 16 people died, whereas 993 were injured in 956 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) across Punjab during the last 24 hours. Out of this 540 people were seriously injured who were shifted to different hospitals. Whereas, 543 minor injured victims were treated at the incident site. The majority (72%) involved motorcycles. Further, the analysis showed that 462 drivers, 31 underage drivers, 140 pedestrians, and 407 passengers were among the victims of these road traffic crashes. The statistics show that 233 RTCs were reported in Lahore which affected 245 persons placing the provincial capital at top of the list followed by 78 Gujranwala in with 81 victims and at third Faisalabad with 76 RTCs and 85 victims. The details further reveal that 993 victims were affected by road traffic crashes including 814 males and 195 females, while the age group of the victims shows that 189 were under 18 years of age, 520 were between 18 and 40 years and rest of the 300 victims were reported above 40 years of age. According to the data 847 motorcycles, 70 rickshaws, 97 cars, 20 vans, nine buses, 15 trucks and 66 other types of auto vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in aforesaid road traffic accidents. Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2022.

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

Centre withholding Rs146b: CM

Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has expressed concern over the non-payment of Rs146 billion to Punjab by the federal government, accusing it of blocking legal and constitutional dues of the province. Presiding over a meeting, the chief minister disclosed that the federal government had not shared anything with Punjab from the aid given for the flood-affected people. The federal government has not released the share of funds for the construction of houses for the flood victims, he added and pointed out that the rehabilitation activities could be hampered. Similarly, he noted that different projects could be compromised because of the lack of release of the Rs146 billion. Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi stressed that the Punjab government was striving hard to provide free medicines and other facilities to the patients but the completion of work on the hospitals could also be affected because of hurdles created by the federal government by stopping the payment of the share of Punjab. He said thousands of kilometres long dilapidated roads in Punjab needed immediate repair and rehabilitation but the funds meant for the province had been intentionally stopped. He alleged that the move was aimed at ruining the province by stopping development work. “In fact, the stoppage of funds for an important federating unit like Punjab is a negation of the concept of national unity and cohesion,” the CM said. The meeting was attended by Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, chief secretary, communications and works secretary, and other officials. Meanwhile, the chief minister announced during a meeting with a delegation of Supreme Court lawyers that lawyers’ colonies would be established in every tehsil of the province. He said adding the lawyers and their families would also be provided free medical facilities equal to gazetted officers. The delegation was led by Senator Barrister Ali Zafar, Abid Zubairi and Imtiaz Rashid Siddiqui. The chief minister also announced the restoration of the public defender service act without any delay and said around 1,500 lawyers would be accommodated through the law. The CM announced a plan for the construction of a parking plaza near the Shah Chirag building and a service structure for the public prosecution department. He said the Punjab Bar Council and hostel buildings would be repaired. Assuring the Supreme Court lawyers of addressing their problems, he said practical work in this regard would be visible in the next few days. Amir Saeed Raan mentioned that the design of the parking plaza was approved in 2017-18. In a statement issued on the World Tourism Day, Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said Punjab had attractive tourist spots and the tourism sector not only promoted local culture but also strengthened the national economy while creating job opportunities. He said the purpose of celebrating the day was to promote the culture of tourism in the province with the year’s motto of ‘Rethinking tourism’. New tourist spots were being introduced along with the provision of facilities as the tourism sector is an important source to earn foreign exchange, he announced. “We should also commit that the rewards of economic development would be devolved to the impecunious strata at the grassroots by promoting tourism in the country,” he concluded. Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Irk4bT1

‘Health expo to open new opportunities’

Punjab Health Secretary Imran Sikandar Baloch has said that the Pak Medica Health Expo will be a milestone in the development of business between Pakistan and Turkey in the field of health. Baloch expressed these views while chairing a meeting to review arrangements for Pak Medica Health Expo-2022. Punjab Investment and Trade Board CEO Jalal Hassan, and Primary and Secondary Healthcare Special Secretary Saleha Saeed participated in the meeting. Chief Drug Controller Azhar Jamal Salimi, the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade Director Mufaz Ahsan also participated in the meeting. He said the private business community of health in Pakistan, especially Punjab, should take full advantage of this health expo. The health secretary said Pak Medica Health Expo-2022 was being organised in cooperation between the government of Punjab and the Ministry of Health, Turkey on October 6-8 at the Expo Centre, Lahore. More than 40 Turkish companies related to the health sector are participating in this exhibition. Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/6IPAY4x

Govt gives nod to Rs15.74b uplift schemes

The Punjab government has approved six development schemes worth Rs15.74 billion. The approval was given in 15th session of the Punjab Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) of the current fiscal year 2022-23 on Tuesday. The meeting was presided over the Planning and Development Board Chairman Abdullah Khan Sumbal. The approved development schemes include rehabilitation of 32.25km road in Pind Dadan Khan, Choa Saidan Shah from Choa Chowk Chakwal to Choa Bypass in district Chakwal at the cost of Rs2.06 billion. Rehabilitation of road from Chakwal Tehsil Chowk to Balkasar Interchange via Thoa Bhadar (length 18km) district Chakwal at the cost of Rs1.55 billion; rehabilitation of Khanpur Dhoke Tallian (length 18km) district Chakwal at the cost of Rs1.03 billion, construction of flyover at Sheranwala Gate, Lahore (revised) at the cost of Rs4.9 billion, construction of underpass at Gulab Devi Hospital and additional lanes on Lahore Bridge, Ferozepur Road, Lahore (revised) at the cost of Rs2.25 billion and construction of flyover and at-grade improvement at Shahkam Chowk, Lahore at the cost of Rs3.91 billion. Provincial Secretary P&D Board Dr Muhammad Sohail Anwar Chaudhary, all Members of the Planning and Development Board, provincial secretaries of concerned departments and other senior representatives of the relevant Provincial Departments also attended the meeting. Published in The Express Tribune, September 28th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/8X6JKA2

Treasury handed to an absconder: Imran

PTI Chairman and deposed premier Imran Khan on Tuesday “regretted” that “unfortunately” neither the justice system nor the protectors of the country “stopped” PML-N leader Ishaq Dar from “taking oath as a senator”, which would now pave the way for him to become the next finance minister of the country, adding that the national treasury had been handed over to an “absconder”. Dar took oath as a senator on Tuesday and will take charge of the finance ministry on Wednesday (today). The PML-N leader – a senator-elect – had gone to the United Kingdom in October 2017 while he was standing trial in a corruption reference. Last week, an accountability court had suspended an outstanding arrest warrant against him. He returned to the country on Monday to take charge of the finance ministry once again. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif nominated Dar as his government's finance minister just as Miftah Ismail announced his resignation from office. Addressing Ulema and Mashaikh Convention at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, Imran took a dig at Dar saying the national treasury had been handed over to an “absconder”. Speaking metaphorically, the PTI chief said that “the sheep had been entrusted to the wolf”. “Unfortunately, neither the justice system nor those who claim to be the protectors of the country could stop Dar’s way [from taking oath as a senator]. God willing, your brother Imran Khan will block his way.” Imran claimed that his government at the centre was ousted through a foreign conspiracy, adding that “thieves were imposed on the nation”. He said the country which was “progressing-fast” fast after 17 years during the PTI government’s tenure was now on the verge of bankruptcy. “During the fourth year [of PTI government] our GDP was six per cent.” Referring to PML-N and the PPP as the “two mafia families”, the former premier said they had “destroyed” the country and held them responsible for the sky-rocketing inflation. “Billions of rupees of (PPP co-chairperson) Zardari and the Sharif family are stashed abroad. The government of ‘thieves’ had claimed to bring down the prices in five months [but] inflation is at a 50-year high in the country," he said. “We sold oil at a lesser price though it was 115 dollars [per barrel] in the international market but today it is 90 dollars [per barrel] and still is being sold at Rs250 [per litre].” Imran said PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif had submitted his “wrong” medical reports to flee from Pakistan. He vowed to start haqiqi azadi march (real freedom movement) against the “government of the thieves” soon, saying people from across the country would participate in it. “Our struggle will continue till the last breath of my life.” Censuring JUI-F chief, the PTI chief said Maulana Fazlur Rehman preached religion for his “personal gains” and that a “decree of choice can be taken from him in return for power”. The PTI chairman noted that the price of palm oil in the international market was $1,000 to $1,700 but the commodity was being sold at a much higher price in the country. He lamented that the prices of daily-use items like flour and rice were getting beyond the reach of a common man and added that fifty per cent of the mobile phone and automaker plants had been shut down.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/vxBAJzW

Germany extending all possible support to help flood-hit Pakistan: envoy

German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas has said that Berlin is extending all possible support to the flood victims, saying the country has donated 28 million euros in flood aid so far. “We have various small and big projects going on to help the flood victims directly,” he said while speaking on Express News’ programme Expresso. The envoy said the German flag was not visible in the flood-affected areas because the country is giving most of its aid to large charity organisations such as the UN and the Red Cross. 📺: It was wonderful having a light conversation with @ExpressNewsPK! We talked about my first impressions of 🇵🇰 and some matters of interest to our both countries. You can watch the complete interview on our Facebook page:https://t.co/blJdROKT5f pic.twitter.com/L937LpPCxQ — Alfred Grannas (@GermanyinPAK) September 26, 2022 Regarding global climate change and its impact on Pakistan, the German ambassador emphasised the need for adapting to climate change “because it is a fact that climate change cannot be completely stopped. We have to adapt to climate change”. “We have to try not to increase the temperature by more than two degrees. There is only one solution, and that is renewable energy sources. We will always need energy but we have to develop renewable energy sources,” the envoy added. Expressing his views on women’s role in Pakistani society, the envoy encouraged the participation of women in the workforce saying that it can bring positive change to society. “There are very few women working in the offices. All these educated women are wasting their quality education. If all these women contribute to the workforce, it will bring positive changes to Pakistani society. This can further improve the relations between Germany and Pakistan,” he added. Also read: Germany to provide another €1m of relief supplies for flood victims While speaking about the student exchange programme and Pakistani students, who are willing to study in Germany, the envoy said: “The German Academic Exchange Service offers a number of scholarship programmes. But these scholarship opportunities are only for students. There are also public universities, that do not charge fees. Every student should know this” Expressing views on trade ties between the two countries, Grannas said: “I want to tell you here that the German Chamber of Commerce has recently inaugurated the Pakistan Desk. The businessmen of both countries will benefit. This is a great opportunity for German companies who want to do business in Pakistan, as well as Pakistani companies who want to invest in Germany. With the establishment of this desk, not only the commercial volume will increase but also the product quality will increase.” Speaking about cultural exchange initiatives, he said Germany has two official cultural institutes in Pakistan – one in Karachi and another in Lahore. Apart from this, the envoy said the German embassy in Islamabad also hosts various cultural activities. “The German development campaign has one goal which is to spread awareness in any country or society to take care of its inhabitants. Such as health care management, renewable energy sources, Generation, management, vocational training, human rights, etc. The German Development Cooperation works on these things. Our goal is not to teach anyone anything, but to tell you from our own experience how you can improve these things. “ Sharing his thoughts on Pakistani food and the locals, the ambassador said: “I am very calm here in Islamabad. I have been here for a month. Now I am introducing myself to the people here. The weather of Pakistan and the people here welcomed me warmly. Pakistan is a very great country. Except biryani, I don't like anything else here..”

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/7hMPLCr

More Punjab hospitals to be upgraded

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has said that government hospitals are being upgraded to provide better medical facilities to the people of Chakwal. Reviewing the health facilities for the people of Chakwal during a meeting, she said the two Tehsil headquarters level hospitals in Talagang were being improved. A central oxygen system is being installed in the city hospital and the construction of cardiac and trauma centres for upgrading the health facility is included in the annual development scheme. The civil work in the Talagang Tehsil headquarters and city hospitals will be completed by May next year. The parking system in the city hospital is also being improved. The minister said the shortage of doctors in both the hospitals would also be addressed. Punjab Primary and Secondary Healthcare Secretary Dr Irshad Ahmad and Development Special Secretary Fatima Sheikh gave a briefing to the minister. Punjab Assembly Member Hafiz Ammar Yasir also attended the meeting. Published in The Express Tribune, September 27th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/OBZj2I6

Senate sends transgender bill to relevant committee

The Senate on Monday sent the amendment bill related to the protection of rights of transgender persons to the relevant standing committee for further discussion. The bill proposes giving persons with dubious as well as both male and female characteristics half of male and female inheritance, and deleting the provision of transgender to specify the gender of their choice. In the meeting, chaired by Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani, PTI’s Senator Fauzia Arshad presented the Intersex Persons (Protection of Rights) (Amendment) Bill 2022, making changes in the existing Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2018. Senator Mohsin Uzair said that transgender and gender reassignment were two separate issues. “I ask Allah for forgiveness when this bill was passed. I was in the house. Transgender persons are not eunuchs but homosexuals, so they cannot be protected.” Senator Azam Nazir Tarar assured that the government will not do anything that is against Islam, as “the purpose of the bill is to take care of the rights of eunuchs”. “The most requested thing is not to play politics on this bill, but give guidance. “Everyone's intentions regarding this bill are clear.” Amendments were proposed in clauses two, three, seven and eight included in the Transgender Act through the Transgender Protection Act Amendment Bill. The gender expression under the proposed bill refers to the presentation of an individual's gender identity. While it will be called male, female or transgender based on physical or biological characteristics, the proposed bill recommends removing the provision of self-declared gender of transgender. According to the proposed bill, male and female will have half of the share in inheritance on doubtful sexual characteristics or characteristics of both male and female.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/zJhkNVA

Baligh warns against politics in varsities

Punjab Governor Balighur Rahman has taken notice of a university event addressed by PTI chairman Imran Khan, warning that political gatherings would not be allowed in public sector universities of the province. The Punjab Information Technology Board had organised a seminar titled 'Taleem and Hunar Sath Sath' at the Government college University with former prime minister Imran Khan as the chief guest. Several former ministers and party leaders also attended the event. Imran Khan reportedly criticised the PML-N leadership in his speech and political slogans were also raised. PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz tweeted that action should be taken against the vice chancellor over allowing the 'political gathering'. Taking notice of the incident, the governor said it was sad that a historic institution had been used as a political arena and there was no space for such gatherings in public sector universities. "Students of the universities are our future and there is no reason that we push them into political activities," he asserted. Commenting on the seminar, a GCU faculty member said, "It was not a political gathering but a constructive programme and we did not expect it to turn into a political address. Published in The Express Tribune, September 27th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/gn8Lsp2

US announces additional $10m in aid for flood-affectees

The United States (US) on Tuesday announced $10 million in aid for Pakistan’s flood relief efforts in addition to the already announced assistance of $56.1 million after Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Washington D.C. According to the Foreign Office (FO) Spokesperson, FM Bilawal apprised Blinken about “the devastation caused by the cataclysmic floods with more than 33 million people displaced and a huge loss of lives and livelihoods”. The FM also highlighted the relief efforts of the government and people of Pakistan and thanked the US government for its assistance. Read Bilawal demands compensation from developed world “No country could deal with a crisis of this proportion on its own,” said Bilawal emphasising that Pakistan being one of the lowest emitters was ironically one of the most severely impacted by climate change. The foreign minister said that Pakistan was seeking “climate justice” and “looked towards its partners to assist us in recovering from this climate-induced calamity”. He also added that Pakistan was committed to building back better, greener, and climate-resilient infrastructure in areas such as irrigation, communication, energy, agri-technology, and health; however, he held that “immediate action is required to help developing countries effectively face the climate crisis”. Underscoring the historic and growing importance of the Pakistan-US relationship in promoting peace, security, and economic prosperity in the region, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s “commitment to deepening and broadening its ties with the US”, particularly in the areas of trade and investment and underlined that both countries were “celebrating 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in a befitting manner and were charting a promising and mutually-beneficial roadmap for their future generations”. Expressing his condolences and solidarity with Pakistan over “the loss of precious lives”, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to continue cooperating with Pakistan in meeting the challenges of rehabilitation and reconstruction. Read More Canada offers 'full support' to flood-hit people of Pakistan He also maintained that, given Pakistan’s enormous potential, US private sector would like to invest in Pakistan, including, in the energy sector. The foreign minister expressed the need to assist Afghanistan in averting the humanitarian crisis and underlined that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community to achieve peace, development, and stability in Afghanistan. Secretary Blinken also thanked Pakistan for its support during the Afghan evacuation process. On the sidelines of a ceremony to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the U.S., at the State Department, Secretary Blinken announced an additional $10 million for the flood victims. While national and international sources are trying to help people affected by floods to at least get basic food and shelter, what the future holds is still very alarming as many districts are still submerged in flood water. The stagnant water has become a hub for several diseases such as malaria, dengue, gastroenteritis, eczema, and several other skin diseases. Moreover, where the magnitude of the loss from the floods is huge, the relief efforts don’t quite match the enormity of the crisis at hand.  

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/blEs6SL

Plan afoot to cope with smog, pollution

The Rawalpindi district administration has prepared a strategy to deal with the negative effects of smog this year. As part of the plan, the Punjab government has been requested to provide a mobile station to monitor air pollution. District administration officials said that like in previous years, there is a risk that the garrison city will be under attack of severe smog this year as well. The district administration has decided to form special anti-smog squads to monitor smoke-emitting brick kilns, factories and vehicles across the district. The anti-smog squads will also monitor the proper disposal of waste from hospitals and a complete ban will be imposed on the burning of plastic waste of any kind throughout the district. Officials said that the Punjab government has decided to establish special labs across the province to protect citizens from the dangers of smog. The district administration has requested the Punjab government to provide a mobile testing lab/station, which will be installed in the office of the commissioner to monitor the presence of pollutants/smog in the atmosphere and its effects on human health. According to the district administration officials, an awareness campaign will be started across the district from next week apprising the citizens about the negative effects of smog and the role they could play to mitigate it. The anti-smog squads will be empowered to impose heavy fines on violators. They said that the Punjab government has decided to impose section 144 across the province to ban the burning of crop residues and garbage and anti-smog squads will be formed to crack down on industries and vehicles causing air pollution. Separate counters will be set up in all three allied hospitals in Rawalpindi for checking of patients suffering from smog and pollution as it harms the health of citizens and can lead to serious lung, heart and brain-related illnesses. The Regional Transport Authority will work with the city traffic police and motorway police to take action against smoke-emitting vehicles. Officials said that efforts were being made to make the awareness campaign effective so that citizens themselves play a role in mitigating the effects of smog.   Published in The Express Tribune, September 27th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/E0jZLv2

G-B moves apex court against appointment of judges

The Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) government approached the Supreme Court on Tuesday against the recent appointment of three judges to the region’s chief court by the Pakistan government. It is learnt that G-B Chief Minister Khalid Khursheed Khan filed a constitutional petition under Article 184(3) of the Constitution. The petition contended that the appointments were made in violation of the G-B Government Order 2018 and the G-B Rules of Business, 2009. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed three judges of the G-B Chief Court on September 16 following a summery moved by Governor Syed Mahdi Shah. However, it is further learnt that the summary for the appointments was initiated without consulting the chief minister. A Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader privy to the filing of the petition, told The Express Tribune that the summary was moved without holding consultation with the chief minister or the cabinet. In the petition the G-B government contended that the action of the prime minister and the G-B governor were illegal and in violation of the Gilgit-Baltistan Government Order 2018 read with the Gilgit-Baltistan Rules of Business 2009. Read more: G-B CM inaugurates technology programme Another senior PTI leader said that under Article 35 of the order, the chief minister and the cabinet were included in the government, adding that the governor or the prime minister of Pakistan could not act without the mandatory consultation with the G-B government. Therefore, without the advice of the cabinet or the chief minister, he said, any act, including the appointments to the G-B Chief Court, could not be considered as lawful or in accordance with the Order of 2018. “Such appointment without the consultation with the chief minister, the elected representatives on the G-B cabinet, and Rules of Business cannot sustain in the eye of law,” the PTI leader stated. “The Gilgit Baltistan Government Order is absolutely binding upon the respondents under Article 190 of the Constitution of Pakistan. Any deviation on the part of the respondents makes them amenable to be proceeded against, in accordance with law.” At present, four Judges – the chief judge and three other Judges – are working in the Chief Court. The chief judge and one other judge have been appointed from the subordinate judiciary whereas the two other judges were appointed from the lawyers community. The Gilgit-Baltistan Government Order, 2018 stipulated that “under Article 84(1) of the Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Court shall consist of a Chief Judge and other Judges not exceeding six, of whom 60% shall be appointed from Lawyers community and 40% from subordinate judiciary”. Under the 2018 order, seven posts of judges existed in the Chief court, out of which three posts of judges had already been recommended for confirmation or extension. A summary for appointment of two judges was already sent to the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan while one post of judges lied vacant. Since the Article 84(1) of the order said that 60% of judges’ posts would filled from the lawyers community and 40% from the subordinate judiciary, the existing one vacant post of judge lied in the quota of the lawyers fraternity.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ETHbX8W

21 employed by govt departments

On the orders of Punjab Ombudsman Maj (retd) Azam Suleman Khan, 21 applicants from different districts were provided with jobs in government departments under Rule 17-A of the Punjab Civil Servants (Appointment and Conditions of Employment) Rules, 1974. In a statement issued on Sunday, a spokesman explained that Shan Haq of Lahore, Muhammad Talha Sadiq of Sahiwal, Muhammad Saad Usman of Gujranwala, Haris Waseem Khan and Ahmad Bilal Khan of Mianwali were recruited as grade-11 junior clerks in the Education Department. Similarly, he announced that Abdul Aleem of Nankana Sahib and Faryal Hanif of Jhang were appointed to the Livestock Department. Meanwhile, Muhammad Ali Raza of Multan secured a regular job in Punjab Workers Welfare Board, while Abdul Rehman of Faisalabad was hired by the Metropolitan Corporation. Additionally, the Irrigation Department employed Uzma Zia of Lahore, while Naeem Insaf Khan of Bhakkar was posted in the higher Education Department, he said. Saleh Muhammad of Mianwali and Abdul Aziz of Dera Ghazi Khan were recruited in the Education Department, while Sajjad Hussain of Bhakkar was posted in the Livestock Department. The other applicants were recruited in the irrigation, education and highway departments. Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/rLDP7gY

Saudi aid flight, UAE ship reach Karachi

The arrival of assistance for the flood victims from the brotherly Muslim countries continued on Sunday, with an aid flight landing at the Karachi airport, while a cargo ship, carrying 30 containers docked at the Karachi Port, officials said. The flight from Saudi Arabia was the eighth such airlift from the brotherly country. The head of the King Salman Relief Centre, officials of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Pakistan Army 5 Corps received the aid. Simultaneously, a cargo ship, carrying 30 containers of relief goods from UAE reached the Karachi port. According to the UAE consulate, the relief goods included food items, medicines and other goods for the thousands of flood victims in Pakistan. Also on Sunday, Italy joined the countries sending aid to Pakistan. The Italian aid was received by Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Relief and Rehabilitation Rasool Bakhsh Chandio at the airport. The Italian consul general, the NDMA officials were also present on the occasion. Earlier this week, the first flight from Russia, carrying relief goods for the flood victims landed at Jinnah International Airport. Russia sent rice, palm oil, dry milk, tents, water and other relief goods for the flood victims of Pakistan. On Saturday, an Indonesian humanitarian NGO, Dompet Dhuafa, launched a pilot project of Indonesian housing for flood victims of Sindh in collaboration with a local NGO. The project was inaugurated by Indonesian Consul General Dr June Kuncoro Hadiningrat. According to the field manager of Dompet Dhuafa, the house design was based on the "growing house concept". He maintained that the housing had been developed while keeping in view the future needs of the occupants. The Foreign Office said in a statement that Pakistan was thankful to all the countries extending their support in the form of humanitarian assistance and showing solidarity towards Pakistan in such testing times.  (WITH INPUT FROM DNA)

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/a1y3WqL

Bilawal, Blinken set to meet in Washington

  Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will hold talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington on Monday as part of a renewed push by both sides to reset their troubled relationship in the aftermath of the US pullout from Afghanistan. This will be the second formal meeting between two foreign ministers in four months as they first met in New York in May on the sidelines of the food security summit. But the latest meeting is part of an official visit by Bilawal to Washington after becoming the foreign minister in April. Bilawal and Blinken also interacted informally on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif briefly joined them too. Official sources said that Bilawal’s visit was aimed at finding ways to build a sustainable relationship in the wake of America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. There have been concerns that the US may not be interested in having a long-term relationship, preferring to focus on narrow aspects of security and counter-terrorism. Ties between the two countries remained low during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government particularly after US President Joe Biden took office. He never made a courtesy call to then-prime minister Imran Khan in what was seen as a snub to the former cricket star for making controversial statements following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan. But since the change of government, there have been visible efforts from both sides to reset the relationship. In the space of a few months, there have been several exchanges between the two countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz even held a brief interaction with President Biden in New York at the reception the latter hosted for the world leaders attending the UNGA session. Also, the Biden administration approved a $450 million sale of F-16 equipment to Pakistan, something that is seen as significant. However, despite some positive movement, observers believe that India would remain a principled ally of the US in this region and Pakistan does not figure prominently in the new changing strategic realities. Nevertheless, it is believed that the US may not completely turn a blind eye towards Pakistan. It was because of this reason that Biden particularly mentioned Pakistan during his address at the UNGA session. He sought the international community's support for Pakistan in the wake of the devastating floods. The US help and role will be crucial for Pakistan to seek debt relief from developed countries and upfront $3 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by relaxing tough conditions. Sources said that these all issues would be part of Bilawal's agenda in his meeting with US officials, including the secretary of state.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/5cJztGD

PM’s 100 hours-long conversation up for grabs on dark web: Fawad

PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry has claimed that 100 hours-long conversations of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have been put up for sale on the dark web for $3.5 million and criticised security agencies for overlooking the “sensitive” matter of audio leaks. Expressing shock over purported leaked audio clips of government officials, Fawad said, “Even the office of the prime minister of the nuclear-armed country is not safe.” Commenting on one of the leaked audio clips featuring a conversation between the premier and a government official, Fawad said the conversation showed that decisions were being made in London. “[In the audio clip] Maryam Nawaz is demanding Shahbaz Sharif to clear the way for her son-in-law's machinery import from India,” he remarked. Separately in a tweet, Fawad criticised the country’s security agencies, saying: “They would have cared about this sensitive matter if they had got time from political matters.” سو گھنٹے سے زیادہ کی وزیر اعظم کے دفتر کی گفتگو ویب سائٹ پر اگست-ستمبر سے برائے فروخت ہے ہماری ایجنسیز کو سیاسی ٹاسک سے فرصت ملتی تو وہ حساس معاملات پر نظر ڈالتے، سوال یہ ہے اتنے بڑے واقعہ پر حکومت کو سانپ کیوں سونگھ گیا ہے؟ فون ہر گیمز کھیلنے سے فرصت مل جائے تو مؤقف بھی دے دیں — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) September 25, 2022 He also expressed surprise over the silence of the government officials on the matter. Another PTI leader Mirza Shahzad Akbar said the audio leak scandal was not a hacking but definitely an inside job, aimed at influencing the government’s decision-making ahead of the crucial appointment. It is definitely an insider job. Timing is important as it’s just before crucial appointment, target seems clearly to influence the decision, which way though only time will tell! It’s also targeting/undermining IB capacity as PMO security n sweeps domain of IB 2/4 — Mirza Shahzad Akbar (@ShazadAkbar) September 25, 2022 “First it’s not a hack into the system [and] hacker [and] dark web seems cover story, our systems are based on analogue and not digital, in fact, that’s one way of Pak cyber security,” he said while sharing his sources-based information on the matter. Akbar, who served as PM’s aide on accountability during last PTI’s tenure, added that timing of the leak was important “as it’s just before crucial appointment, target seems clearly to influence the decision, which way though only time will tell!”. It is definitely an insider job. Timing is important as it’s just before crucial appointment, target seems clearly to influence the decision, which way though only time will tell! It’s also targeting/undermining IB capacity as PMO security n sweeps domain of IB 2/4 — Mirza Shahzad Akbar (@ShazadAkbar) September 25, 2022 Likewise, former human rights minister Shireen Mazari also raised questions about the audio leak. “Who ordered bugging of PMO & PM House which allowed hacking & leaks? Which Intel agency carried out this bugging & who was responsible for abetting leaks?” Who ordered bugging of PMO & PM House which allowed hacking & leaks? Which Intel agency carried out this bugging & who was responsible for abetting leaks? These leaks were public since Aug & early Sept. Were r Intel orgs, civil & mly sleeping that they pic.twitter.com/nQFUTEMjJp — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) September 25, 2022 In another tweet, Shireen said the purported audio leaks clearly revealed that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam ‘dictated decisions to the imported government’. “This is totally illegal. Cabinet violating its official secrets act plus PM/Min oath of office. Anarchy in govt. SC [Supreme Court suo moto needed,” she added. The #AudioLeaks clearly reveal decision making in Imported govt is dictated to & made by convict absconder NS & his convict-on-bail daughter Maryam.This is totally illegal. Cabinet violating its official secrets act plus PM/Min oath of office. Anarchy in govt. SC suo moto needed. — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) September 25, 2022  

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/d2OjMNt

WATCH: ‘PTI supporters’ heckle Marriyum in London

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who is in London with a PML-N delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was heckled by overseas Pakistanis apparently supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at a roadside café. Maryam Aurangzeb met PTI protesters in London. pic.twitter.com/dO9ILcag8V — Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 25, 2022 The short video clips of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed that a handful of the alleged PTI supporters surrounded the information minister while she was having a soft drink inside the café. My respect for @Marriyum_A has increased manifold the way she handled goons in London despite being hackled pic.twitter.com/UrS5UhraQ5 — Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) September 25, 2022 In one of the videos, the unruly woman can be heard hurling abuses at Marriyum while others were recording her video with the minister staying calm and using her mobile phone. In another video, the information minister can be seen interacting with one of the women supporters. “This attitude is harmful to the image of Pakistan. You asked three questions from me and I have answered them all. This is a way of having a decent conversation,” the minister told the protester. Also read: Miftah Ismail steps down as finance minister In response to the woman protester question, Marriyum said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif granted voting rights to overseas Pakistanis in 2017 and added that the right is still intact as recent legislation had only revoked the option of voting through electronic voting machines (EVMs). Later in a tweet she blamed PTI Chairman Imran Khan for the incident saying, “Sad to see the toxic impact IK’s [Imran Khan] politics of hate & divisiveness has had on our brothers & sisters. I stayed & answered each & every question they had.” The info minister added, “Sadly, they are victims of IK’s propaganda. We will continue our work to counter IK’s toxic politics & bring people together.” Sad to see the toxic impact IK’s politics of hate & divisiveness has had on our brothers & sisters. I stayed & answered each & every question they had. Sadly, they are victims of IK’s propaganda. We will continue our work to counter IK’s toxic politics & bring people together https://t.co/KEgOPa5Y3p — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) September 25, 2022 Reacting to the incident, PML-N leaders condemned the incident and appreciated Marriyum for patiently enduring the rowdy behaviour of the alleged PTI supporters. “I salute my sister Marriyum Aurangzeb for her grace and composure in the face of such harassment and baseless lies from that uncouth woman (who can be heard but thankfully cannot be seen),” said outgoing finance minister Miftah Ismail in a tweet. Calling the information minister ‘Sherni’ [lioness], Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said, “Most deplorable, condemnable and shameful act by PTI hooligans. These were Hitler’s tactics. Imran is a fascist and turning his followers into street gangs. Well done Marriyum Aurangzeb you showed grace & faced them boldly.” Other PML-N leaders and journalists also echoed similar views on Twitter.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/6t8bIJY

WATCH: ‘PTI supporters’ heckle Marriyum in London

Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, who is in London with a PML-N delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was heckled by overseas Pakistanis apparently supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) at a roadside café. Maryam Aurangzeb met PTI protesters in London. pic.twitter.com/dO9ILcag8V — Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 25, 2022 The short video clips of the incident, which went viral on social media, showed that a handful of the alleged PTI supporters surrounded the information minister while she was having a soft drink inside the café. My respect for @Marriyum_A has increased manifold the way she handled goons in London despite being hackled pic.twitter.com/UrS5UhraQ5 — Mubashir Zaidi (@Xadeejournalist) September 25, 2022 In one of the videos, the unruly woman can be heard hurling abuses at Marriyum while others were recording her video with the minister staying calm and using her mobile phone. In another video, the information minister can be seen interacting with one of the women supporters. “This attitude is harmful to the image of Pakistan. You asked three questions from me and I have answered them all. This is a way of having a decent conversation,” the minister told the protester. Also read: Miftah Ismail steps down as finance minister In response to the woman protester question, Marriyum said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif granted voting rights to overseas Pakistanis in 2017 and added that the right is still intact as recent legislation had only revoked the option of voting through electronic voting machines (EVMs). Later in a tweet she blamed PTI Chairman Imran Khan for the incident saying, “Sad to see the toxic impact IK’s [Imran Khan] politics of hate & divisiveness has had on our brothers & sisters. I stayed & answered each & every question they had.” The info minister added, “Sadly, they are victims of IK’s propaganda. We will continue our work to counter IK’s toxic politics & bring people together.” Sad to see the toxic impact IK’s politics of hate & divisiveness has had on our brothers & sisters. I stayed & answered each & every question they had. Sadly, they are victims of IK’s propaganda. We will continue our work to counter IK’s toxic politics & bring people together https://t.co/KEgOPa5Y3p — Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) September 25, 2022 Reacting to the incident, PML-N leaders condemned the incident and appreciated Marriyum for patiently enduring the rowdy behaviour of the alleged PTI supporters. “I salute my sister Marriyum Aurangzeb for her grace and composure in the face of such harassment and baseless lies from that uncouth woman (who can be heard but thankfully cannot be seen),” said outgoing finance minister Miftah Ismail in a tweet. Calling the information minister ‘Sherni’ [lioness], Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said, “Most deplorable, condemnable and shameful act by PTI hooligans. These were Hitler’s tactics. Imran is a fascist and turning his followers into street gangs. Well done Marriyum Aurangzeb you showed grace & faced them boldly.” Other PML-N leaders and journalists also echoed similar views on Twitter.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/6t8bIJY

IHC CJ visits Adiala Jail over reports of violations

Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah conducted a detailed visit of the Central Jail Adiala Rawalpindi over complaints of alleged human rights violations, torture, and bribery on jail premises. During his visit, the IHC CJ was accompanied by two other district court judges including Sessions Judge West Basharat Mufti and Sessions Judge East Atta Rabbani. The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) had submitted a detailed report to the high court alleging torture and corruption taking place in Adiala Jail. The NCHR report on alleged torture of 21-year-old inmate, Shahab Hussain, particularly prompted the three-hour-long visit by the IHC CJ that took place on Saturday. Justice Minallah along with two judges of the district court visited the barracks of dangerous inmates, women, and juvenile prisoners and listened to their problems. The IHC CJ also visited the kitchen, hospital, workshop, and other parts of the prison. Sources said that the chief justice had separate meetings with more than two dozen prisoners during which he gathered details about the injustices occurring inside the jail. Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2022.

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

Pindi's four districts to have school for transgender children

The Punjab Ministry of Education has approved the decision to build one middle school to provide education to transgender children in all the districts of the province. Sources said that not only education will be free of charge, but the children will also be provided free textbooks, uniforms and school bags. They added that educated and experienced female teachers will be appointed at these schools. The first transgender school was built in Multan last year and after this successful experiment, the schools now will be built in all the districts of Punjab for which funds have also been allocated. Instructions have been issued by the Ministry of Education to start preparations for opening these transgender schools in the four districts of the Rawalpindi Division including Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal. Sources said that an awareness campaign will also be started for the parents of transgender children so that they enroll them in schools. Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2022.

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

Philippines Embassy celebrates Kadayawan Festival

The Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Pakistan on Saturday celebrated the ‘Kadayawan Festival’ at the Chancery of the Embassy of the Philippines in Islamabad for the Diplomatic Corps and other guests. The festival was celebrated at the Domingo Lucenario Hall, Chancery of the Embassy of the Philippines in Islamabad, through a watch party and on-the-spot making of a Puto Maya (Rice cake) and Sikwate (native Philippine chocolate), for the guests of the event. The Kadayawan festival, the main festival of Davao City located in the Southern Philippines, is held every August and is a celebration of life, a thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, the wealth of culture, the bounties of harvest, and serenity of living. The event was hosted by Sumaira Domasig Khan Bagaporo, spouse of the Embassy’s Officer-in-Charge, Dan Erwin C. Bagaporo. In her welcome remarks, Sumaira compared the essence of the festival to a mother who unconditionally provides food to her children, adding that in the same way, nature provides food for all people on this planet. She said that as we say thanks for the blessing of food, family, and joy, we keep to heart the practice of not wasting such blessings and give importance to the conservation and appropriate use of what we are given. The event began with a watch party that featured a short video of the actual Kadayawan Festival celebration in Davao City, followed by an instructional video on how to make Puto Maya and Sikwate (traditional Philippine cuisine). All the participants were called to the front to plate their own version of Puto Maya using the provided pre-cooked rice and banana leaves. A fun competition was held to see which participant or pair of participants could make the best-designed puto maya plate, along with the participants voting for who they think was the best-designed plate among themselves. Abdul Osman Mubdi, the Acting High Commissioner of Brunei, won first place with his Japanese-inspired design that resembled a plate of sushi. Peter Piwi Ophoff and Saraswathi Pasupathy, won second place with their design which paid homage to the volcanoes in the Philippines. Gaurav Thakur from the Indian High Commission, Emilia Deddy from the Malaysian High Commission, and the pair of Henny Lydia from the Indonesian Embassy and Nurhaziqah Hakip, all tied for third place. The event was attended by diplomats from the High Commissions of Malaysia, Australia, Brunei, Mauritius and India, and from the embassies of Indonesia, International Federation of the Red Cross. Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Philippine Embassy’s media partners.   Published in The Express Tribune, September 25th, 2022.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/FltJ0cN

Russian wheat can help overcome shortage: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan might have to import about a million tons of wheat because of the destruction of farmland due to flooding. “It can come from Russia, but the country is open to other offers,” he said in a wide-ranging interview with a foreign news agency. “The country also needs fertilizer because factories involved in their production are closed,” he added. Flooding likely worsened by climate change has submerged one-third of Pakistan’s territory and left 33 million of its people scrambling to survive, according to the prime minister, who says he came to the United Nations this year to tell the world that “tomorrow, this tragedy can fall on some other country.” Even before the floods began in mid-June, Pakistan was facing serious challenges from grain shortages and skyrocketing crude oil prices sparked mainly by Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine and the war that has followed. The prime minister said skyrocketing prices have put the import of oil “beyond our capacity”, and — with the damage and destruction from the massive flooding — solutions have become “extremely difficult”. One dimension of grain purchases taps into one of Pakistan’s most existential issues — its relationship with neighboring India. When asked about the possibility of buying grain from India if needed, the prime minister said that the notion is impeded by “a legal bottleneck” — Kashmir. “India is a neighbour, and Pakistan would very much like to live like a peaceful neighbour with India,” the prime minister said. “But that has certain prerequisites. India has to understand that unless and until the burning issue of Kashmir is resolved through peaceful talks ... like peaceful neighbors, with the sincerity of purpose, we will not be able to live in peace.” “And that is a great shame and embarrassment,” he said. “Because in this day and age, we need our resources to feed our people, to educate them, to provide job opportunities, to provide health opportunities. India can’t afford to spend money on buying ammunition and defense equipment. Nor can Pakistan.” Touching the issue of transparency in flood relief aid, the prime minister said the country has “a very robust, transparent mechanism already in place” to ensure that all aid items are delivered to people in need. In addition, he said, “I will ensure third-party audit of every penny through international well-reputed companies.” He said he met top officials from the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and appealed for a moratorium on loan repayments and deferment of other conditions until the flood situation improves. “They sounded very supportive,” Sharif said, but he stressed that a delay “can spell huge consequences” — both for the economy and for the Pakistani people.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/qz6SKl2