PBC to hold 'grand dialogue' for political parties

  Keeping in view the crippling economic crisis faced by the country, the Pakistan Bar Council has decided to hold a grand dialogue with all political parties participating -- the date for which will be announced soon. Addressing a news conference at the Supreme Court building, PBC Vice Chairman Haroon-ur-Rashid, accompanied by Executive Committee Chairman Hassan Raza Pasha, noted that the economic situation of the country was  deteriorating at an alarming rate. He stressed the need for all political parties to sign a fresh charter of the economy. Rashid added that the PBC would soon invite all political stakeholders for a grand dialogue on the matter. Speaking on the occasion, Pasha said the PBC had decided to hold the grand dialogue taking stock of the political and economic crises faced by the country. “It has become imperative that all political parties sit together to jointly address these issues,” he added. Talking about other issues, Pasha said everyone had the right to freedom of speech but that did not mean it should be exploited. “We don’t have any political agenda. If you have to criticise somebody, ensure that you do so by choosing the correct words,” he added. Responding to a query, he stressed the need for considering other players, other than parties, as non-political. “A democratic country should be run by democratic institutions,” he added. Pasha further said the PBC had met with the chief justice of Pakistan and raised the issue of judicial appointments on the basis of seniority. He added that the council had asked the CJP to appoint two judges to the apex court. Pasha pointed out that the CJP held a different opinion on the elevation of judges to the superior judiciary. Commenting on the subject of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pasha noted that successive governments had been using the anti-graft body for their own motives, adding that former military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf had been protecting “his people” from accountability. The PBC official said nobody should be arrested on the charges of sedition merely for the sake of taking political advantage. “It is for the nation to decide who is a traitor or the country’s well-wisher,” he added. Pasha further said the applicability of Section 124-A of the Pakistan Penal Code or the sedition law should take place in a very transparent manner. Speaking on the arrest of PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, he said the PBC had reservations over the manner in which he was produced before the court with his head covered with a cloth. Pasha observed that for several months, the PBC was noting that it was becoming distant from the media. “It’s necessary for the rule of law that we [the bar and media] must work together,” he said. The PBC vice chairman also congratulated Tayyab Baloch on being elected as the president of the Press Association of Supreme Court.

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Man accused of killing daughter

A murder case has been registered against a man, his father and mother. The complainant had accused the man of killing his nine-month-old daughter. The deceased Noor Fatima’s estranged parents, Sufyan and Javeria, residents of Dharowal village within the limits of Kunjah Police Station, had gotten separated 15 days ago. Sufyan kept the infant at his parent’s home instead of letting her mother take the child with her. Javeria had been adamant that the child belonged to her and that her husband must hand Noor Fatima over to her. On the other hand Sufyan didn’t have the slightest intention of giving in to her estranged wife’s demand. Javeria, nevertheless, pursued the custody of her child at all costs and demanded of her husband to give the child to her without much ado. While Javeria had been hoping that her demand would be met soon, little did she anticipate that a bombshell would be dropped on her. A relative of hers informed Javeria that her child was no more, leaving the unfortunate mother totally shell-shocked. Javeria and her relative were not prepared to accept it as a natural death. They soon contacted the police. Kunjah Police Station opened their investigation into the matter after registering a case of murder against Sufyan, his father Muhammad Yousuf, and mother Jiya Bibi, on the complaint of the infant’s maternal grandfather, Muhammad Nawaz. According to SHO Raja Ehsan, preliminary investigation indicated that the girl’s death occurred due to “blockage of the respiratory tract while drinking milk”. However, the actual facts would be known only after the postmortem report. Just a day ago, two children escaped being burnt to death by their mother in Dijkot. Zubeda Bibi, who lived in a small village, had had no means of survival. She was broke and could not find food for her children who cried for food but there was nothing Zubeda Bibi could do, people who lived in the same village said. The situation was so grave that it pushed Zubeda Bibi into the depth of desperation. Her desperation led her to the solution that only death could bring solace to her children and herself. Zubeda Bibi decided to end it once and for all. On the day of the incident she confined her daughter and her seven-year-old son Naveed in a room where she started a fire to burn themselves to death. The starving children began yelling as they began to feel the ire of the flames. The children began shouting for help at the top of their voice. Published in The Express Tribune, February 1st, 2023.

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US envoy, Pakistan officials discuss Afghan Taliban ban on women

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West, who visited Pakistan on January 30-31, discussed terrorism and Afghan Taliban’s ban on girls education with top officials including army chief General Syed Asim Munir. 1/6 Appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality over two days of productive meetings re Afghanistan. Conveyed my profound condolences for the loss of so many innocent lives in Peshawar after the horrific terrorist attack there. We stand with Pakistan in condemning this senseless assault. — U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) January 31, 2023 In a tweet from his official handle on Tuesday, the US envoy appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality over two days of productive meetings related to Afghanistan. West said he held meetings with Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq and Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed Khan. 2/6 Discussed with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, @AmbassadorSadiq & @asadmk17 the terrorism & security situations, need for int’l unity, & dangerous impact of Taliban edicts on millions of Afghans’ access to vital aid & education. — U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) January 31, 2023 During the meetings, the envoy said they discussed terrorism and security situations, “need for international unity and dangerous impact of Taliban edicts on millions of Afghans’ access to vital aid and education”. The US envoy said he also urged support for important work of the UN and implementers to secure reversal of the de facto rulers ban on women aid workers and female education. Also read: US seeks consensus against Afghan Taliban after deviation from Doha deal “Met courageous Afghan women and heard critical demands and observations: Women-headed households in Afghanistan are suffering, and int’l community must prioritise their needs,” he added. The US point person for Afghanistan said women and girls confined to home are experiencing extreme mental and psychological stresses, “without ability to move freely, get educated”. US @US4AfghanPeace Thomas West called on Foreign Secretary Asad M. Khan, today. Views on the regional situation were exchanged during the meeting. FS @asadmk17 reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and interconnected region. pic.twitter.com/OhkqnFeWJi — Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) January 30, 2023 “Reviewed with UNHCR and World Bank robust support for Afghan refugees and millions of basic human needs of millions of Afghans.” He also conveyed his profound condolences for the loss of so many innocent lives in Peshawar after the horrific terrorist attack. “We stand with Pakistan in condemning this senseless assault.”

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Young professionals flee crisis-hit Pakistan in search of jobs

Tahir took a leap of faith when he left Pakistan four months ago in search of a better and more prosperous future in Canada. Even with no job lined up, he made up his mind to leave as his homeland grapples with a worsening economic crisis that is driving thousands of young, educated workers to pack their bags. "I felt I needed a powerful passport and an escape plan if things go badly," said Tahir, a former education worker who is currently job-hunting in Toronto and hopes one day to attain dual Pakistani-Canadian citizenship. He asked to use a pseudonym to protect his identity. More than 800,000 Pakistanis left Pakistan of 220 million to take up jobs last year, according to regulatory and monitoring body the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, up from a pre-pandemic total of 625,876 in 2019, and 382,439 the year before that. Many more leave for education or other reasons, and do not return. Devastating floods last year compounded Pakistan's economic problems, which include shortages of staple foods linked to a dearth of dollars and persistently high inflation that tipped 24% in January. Pakistan is struggling to quell default fears in domestic and international markets, with a $1.1 billion bailout tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stuck due to differences over a programme review that should have been completed in November. As the government battles to alleviate the crisis, officials are also increasingly worried about the snowballing brain drain that could hamper the country's eventual recovery. "The huge exodus of educated youth is of great concern," Ahsan Iqbal, minister for planning, development and special initiatives, told Context. "It is our responsibility to provide them an enabling environment to stem the emigration." Also read: Who's India's Adani and why is his company tanking? The government has launched several development initiatives which it hopes will help retain talent, he added. They include establishing 200,000 paid internships for young engineers, a 10 billion rupee ($37.35 million) innovation fund and a 40 billion rupee programme to develop 20 poor districts. Even before the current crisis, many young workers were keen to leave - frustrated by a decline in purchasing power and limited opportunities to improve their standard of living. Almost one in three Pakistanis aged under 30 would like to take a job abroad, found a survey carried out by polling firm Gallup Pakistan and its nonprofit subsidiary the Gilani Foundation last June, before the floods struck. That rose to above 50% among university-educated youth, said Bilal Gilani, executive director of Gallup Pakistan. Tahir, the job-seeker in Canada, said his generation were worse off than their parents, who were able to buy real estate, make investments and create wealth in decades past. "There's disparity between what salaried people can afford and the income needed to generate savings and wealth, to sustain a family and good lifestyle independently," he said during a WhatsApp call. More than a year of double-digit inflation has put a further squeeze on living standards, said one 33-year-old woman, who worked two jobs before leaving for Britain on a one-year student visa four months ago. "I just cannot afford to live in Pakistan anymore," she said, asking not to be named. While in Pakistan, all her living expenses were taken care of by her parents, but increasingly she felt she was a burden on them, and is currently supplementing her savings with a part-time supermarket job in Britain. "I feel I made a 100% right decision in leaving the toxic cycle I was in," she added. Another young worker, a freelance filmmaker, said he had left Pakistan for the Gulf due to frustrations over widespread corruption and payment delays that made it difficult to progress or do business. Since arriving in Dubai two months ago, he has already found work in his field which "pays better and on time". "In Pakistan, payments were excruciatingly delayed with the last installment often remaining unsettled," he said in a voice message, asking to speak on condition of anonymity. Former finance minister, Miftah Ismail said fostering better educational and employment opportunities was vital to fighting Pakistan's brain drain among the young. "Instead of bemoaning their exit, why not provide them an enabling environment so they do not leave?" he said. Nida Zehra, 26, a graduate student in the United States who left Pakistan in August 2022, has found work as a teaching assistant and hopes to stay on to pursue a career in journalism when she finishes her studies. Zehra said she felt safer in her U.S. university town than she did in her home city of Karachi. "No one judges me and I'm treated on a par with my colleagues," she said in a WhatsApp call. "I think we have the right to decide on a better future for ourselves, even if it means leaving the country."

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Imran plans a return to Bani Gala

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman is set to end his months-long sojourn in Lahore home and head back to his hilltop residence, Bani Gala, as political activities heat up ahead of polls, sources said on Monday. Although it will be a few more days before the former prime minister – who is recovering from wounds sustained in a gun attack –  is back in full form, people in the know said Imran will return to his usual residence in the next few days. "Imran Khan's leg injury needs a few more days to heal completely, as soon as the leg heals, he will move from his Lahore's Zaman Park residence for Bani Gala," they revealed. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to beef up the security at his Bani Gala residence. Two special bulletproof rooms have been set up for the PTI chief, while the windows have been replaced with bullet-resistant glass. This is in addition to the deployment of personnel of a private security company to fortify the residence to protect the former premier who has been raising alarms that his life was under threat and conspiracies were being hatched to take aim at him again. This comes as the PTI on Sunday announced that it would take part in the by-elections on 33 National Assembly seats, adding that Imran Khan would contest for all the seats up for grabs. Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the party’s core committee in Lahore, PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi said: “There was a long discussion and debate, and the party decided that it would participate in the by-polls for the 33 seats.” He further said that Imran would be the party’s sole candidate on all 33 NA seats and lawmakers earlier elected on those seats would submit paperwork as “covering candidates”. “So we have decided to participate in the polls,” he said. Imran Khan’s convoy was attacked in Wazirabad when he was leading a protest march toward Islamabad to press for early elections. He suffered bullet injuries on his legs and received treatment at the Shaukat Khanum Hospital.

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Kalma Chowk remodelling reviewed

Caretaker Minister for Communication and Works, Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Bilal Afzal on Monday visited the under construction Kalma Chowk Remodelling Project on Central Business District Boulevard (CBD). The Caretaker Minister reviewed the progress regarding the on-going construction work on the project, and expressed satisfaction over the pace of work. The CBD Executive Director (Technical) Riaz Hussain informed about the progress of the construction work. On this occasion, the Caretaker Minister directed the administration of CBD Punjab to utilise all resources for timely completion of the project. Bilal Afzal also directed to complete the relocation of WASA and LESCO facilities at the earliest as well as ensure safety arrangements at the excavation sites. He said that providing relief to people was the government’s top priority. He said all the relevant departments had to work together for the timely completion of the project. Published in The Express Tribune, January 31st, 2023.

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Passport fee hike rumours squashed

Interior ministry has clarified that there is no change in the fee charged for Pakistan's machine-readable passport. A spokesperson for the ministry highlighted that the rumours making rounds on social media regarding the hike in the fee for machine-readable passports were baseless and unfounded. 'The federal government has approved the issuance of e-passport but there has been no increase in the fee for machine-readable passports,' said the spokesman. The official highlighted that the facility for issuance of e-passport has not started as of now. Directorate General Immigration & Passports had recently set a fee for issuance of e-passport. Soon after the news, social media was flooded with stories that there has been an increase in fee for other passport types as well. The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports operates under the interior ministry and issues passports to the applicants after completion of codal formalities.

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Terrorist who martyred intelligence officers killed in IBO

Law enforcement agencies have carried out an intelligence-based operation in Kurram Agency, tracking down and eliminating a terrorist wanted for the killing of a decorated senior intelligence officer and his comrade. Terrorist Umar Niazi had martyred two Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) officials—Director Naveed Sadiq Sial and Inspector Nasir Abbas—in a gun attack on January 3 at a roadside restaurant in Pirowal area of Khanewal. A relatively unknown terrorist group calling itself Lashkar-e-Khorasan had immediately claimed responsibility, but the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) later claimed that the deadly attack was carried out by a “secret squad” of the TTP. Also read: Two intelligence officers shot dead in Khanewal The terrorist, who earlier had tea with the two officials at the restaurant before he shot them, was believed to be an “intelligence source” on the al Qaeda terrorist group and a suspected double agent. He had escaped the scene of the crime following the gun attack. But the country's intelligence agencies utilised the latest counter-terrorism technology to track the wanted terrorist day and night, sources said, nabbing and eliminating him before his possible departure to Afghanistan. Sources said Niazi was detained by law enforcement agencies in an injured condition and was under treatment when he died. Nightmare for Da’ish Shaheed Muhammad Naveed Sadiq, a decorated senior intelligence officer, was a “nightmare for Da’ish” who had “singlehandedly” denied the Khorasan enterprise of the Middle Eastern terrorist group a foothold in the province. The fallen intelligence official, who was the Officer Commanding of ISI’s counter-terrorism department for Multan Region, had served the premier intelligence agency for more than 16 years. “The brave son of the soil had conducted multiple operations against Da’ish and al Qaeda across Punjab,” sources told The Express Tribune. “During the war against terrorism he became a terrorists’ nightmare,” the sources added. “He had singlehandedly defeated Da’ish, especially in Punjab.” He had successfully traced the residence of a Da’ish deputy commander in Faisalabad, conducting a raid and neutralising the terrorists after a fierce encounter. Also read: ISI’s fallen official ‘singlehandedly defeated Da’ish in Punjab’ In another operation in Gujranwala, Naveed Sadiq bravely fought against suicide terrorists, with his team risking their lives and successfully taking two would-be suicide bombers out of densely populated areas of the city before neutralising them. “During his posting in Multan, he was the linchpin of operations against Da’ish, al Qaeda, and other terrorist outfits in South Punjab,” sources told The Express Tribune. He was decorated with the Sitara-e-Shujaat, Pakistan’s second highest civil award, by President Arif Alvi at a special Investiture Ceremony held at the Presidency in March 2021. Director General ISI Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, who keeps a low profile, had travelled to Lahore to join other senior military officials and government functionaries to attend the funeral of the martyred intelligence officials.

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Ex-DG IB Masood Sharif Khattak passes away in Karak

Former director general of Intelligence Bureau (IB) Major (retd) Masood Sharif Khan Khattak passed away in Karak district on Sunday at the age of 72. "With a heavy heart, I want to share that my father, Major (Retd) Masood Sharif Khan, has passed away peacefully in his sleep," his son Hassan Sharif Khan said. He said that Masood Sharif Khattak will always be remembered for his love for justice, generosity and genuine-ness. "I will always be in awe of his courage and hope that I can be half the man he has been," he said, adding that his grand-children, Amaani, Elena, Suleiman, Zayyan, Sophia, Serene, Zane and Sharez, will continue the legacy he has left behind. Read more: Foes to friends: Imran's one-time rival reposes faith in PTI The funeral prayers of Khattak will be held at 10am at Motamar Al Islami F-6 Markaz in Islamabad on Tuesday. The burial will take place at his ancestral home in Karak after Asr prayer on the same day. During the tenure of the Pakistan Peoples Party, Khattak remained DG IB from 1993-1996. He also served as director general of the Federal Investigation Agency from 1992-1993. He also served as vice president of PPP from 1999 to 2008.

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Bacha Khan’s services remembered

Participants of the Bacha Khan Conference on Sunday passed resolutions, saying the security of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa be handed over to the police and the Pak-Afghan trade routes be opened. “Ensure proper implementation of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, 9th and 10th NFC awards are passed, missing persons are produced before courts and MNA Ali Wazir is released,” the other resolutions passed at the conclusion of the two-day conference in Islamabad said. The Awami National Party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, the Pakistan Peoples Party as well as leaders of other parties were in attendance. Addressing the conference, provincial ANP President Aimal Wali Khan said that Bacha Khan spoke of humanity. “He (Bacha Khan) said that the greatest religion is humanity.” Aimal said, “Ali Wazir is being treated inhumanely … tolerance is over in today's politics while Bacha Khan's philosophy is hit me on the other cheek but I will not give up my right.” He said the chains of slavery had not been broken in Afghanistan. “Afghanistan is still a slave of the US. The previous Afghan government was based on votes, while the current one is based on the slaves of the US.” Addressing the conference, former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said that he was representing PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in the event. “Bacha Khan and Wali Khan are credited for the political and economic awakening of the Pashtun nation. Their personalities can be erased but their ideas, mission, vision cannot, as ideological people live forever.” Addressing the conference, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that he had come to the conference to represent PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif. “Bacha Khan's ideology is non-violence. The ideological struggle continues and no one can deny the services of Bacha Khan,” Dar said while saluting his services. He said that financial order was very important to get out of economic difficulties. “Unfortunately, important political figures also became victims of terrorism. We fought a successful war against terrorism with our own resources.” He was of the view that negotiations were the only solution to all problems. “We have to learn from past mistakes and move forward as our forces are sacrificing their lives for the protection of the country,” he said, adding that the focus of “our politics should always be public service”. The resolutions were presented at the end of the conference. The participants clapped and voted in their favour. The other resolutions said that the first right of gas should be to the same area from where it originates and free and independent foreign policy of the state of Pakistan should be made. The resolutions condemned the inhumane treatment in Afghanistan and demanded that missing persons should be brought before the courts. Speaking at the conference, Sindh United Party President Zain Shah paid rich tributes to Bacha Khan, saying that GM Syed wrote that Bacha Khan was a “statue of morality, an idol of simplicity, has great courage and is a sincere national worker”. “I say without any exaggeration that among all the politicians in Pakistan, his record and role is the highest.” He said, “His concept of politics is worship which should be done through service. “The work that the Prophets and their companions used to do, today, the political national workers have to do that work.”

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Senate still short of mandatory sittings

The upper house in over 10 months of its parliamentary year has yet to complete its business days fixed for the year. The parliamentary year of the Senate will end by March 11, 2023, parliamentary sources said. “It is mandatory for the house to remain in session for 110 days to complete its parliamentary year,” sources said. It is mandatory, under Article 61 read with Article 54(2) of the Constitution, for the Senate to hold at least three sessions and to meet for not less than 110 days in each parliamentary year. In addition, more than 120 days should not intervene between the last sitting of the Senate in one session and the date appointed for its first sitting in the next session. Parliamentary sources said that the house has completed only 84 business days in the ongoing parliamentary year so far. “The house requires to remain in session for 30 more days in remaining 41 days of the current year,” parliamentary sources said. The Senate is the upper legislative chamber of the bicameral legislature of Pakistan, and together with the National Assembly makes up parliament. The president, from time to time, summons either house or both the houses of parliament under Article 54(1) of the Constitution. However, the Senate chairman can also, under Article 54(3), summon the Senate on a requisition of one-fourth of the total membership of the house. Each session of the Senate starts from the date of commencement of its first sitting and concludes when the house is prorogued by the president or the chairman, as the case may be. 

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Mobile puncture repair service gaining traction

The emergence of mobile puncture shops in the twin cities has gained significant popularity among riders and drivers as a convenient solution for flat tires. While talking to the media, a mechanic, Muhammad Ajmad who operates a mobile puncture shop on his motorcycle on Kashmir Highway said that mobile shops are equipped with all the necessary tools and resources to quickly and efficiently fix a flat tire which makes it easier for riders to get back on the road in no time. He said that mechanics have marked their phone numbers by pasting advertisement banners in the relevant areas and they are contacted by many riders on a daily basis. “Not only do these shops benefit the riders, but they also provide a livelihood for the mechanics”, he added. Amjad said that in addition to providing puncture repair services, he also offers bike services and carries passengers when puncture work is not available. He said that compared to a normal puncture rate which is around Rs100, people are willing to pay some extra money due to the convenience. A bike rider, Shabbir Hussain said that this new trend of mobile puncture shops has made it easier for two-wheeled riders to find help on the road without having to go to a traditional shop and it also saves them time and hassle. He said that the mobile puncture shops also provide a new business opportunity for mechanics and entrepreneurs who are looking to earn a living. A traveller, Bilal Majeed said that the mobility of these shops allows the mechanics to respond quickly to customer needs and provide services on-demand, which is a great convenience for riders who find themselves with a flat tire on the road. He said that in case of an emergency when the riders are in a hurry to reach somewhere, they can have their punctures fixed in no time without having to wait for long hours. Bilal said that this trend will continue to grow in popularity as more people become aware of the convenience and benefits of mobile puncture shops. Published in The Express Tribune, January 30th, 2023.

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CTD kills two terrorists in DG Khan

The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department has gunned down two suspected terrorists in a raid near Dera Ghazi Khan and rounded up two others, who had managed to escape during the operation, in Rahim Yar Khan. Acting on a tip-off, the CTD carried out the raid in Jhangi area of Vehowa tehsil in Taunsa district near Dera Ghazi Khan and killed two suspected terrorists. Their two other accomplices managed to escape taking advantage of the darkness in the area. However, the CTD conducted a search operation, carrying out raids at 36 different locations and checking 512 people through biometric screening, eventually arresting them both in Rahim Yar Khan within 24 hours. The arrested men, identified as Ahmed Hassan and Ghulamullah, were planning a major terrorist attack in the city of Rahim Yar Khan. They are being subjected to more interrogation. Sources said the suspected terrorists killed in Jhangi area were identified as Rowaid Khan and Hanif Ullah, boith residents of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Shabqadar town. They were found in possession of a Kalashnikov, a pistol, several rounds of ammunition, explosive material, and two grenades. The sources said the slain terrorists were involved in numerous attacks on security forces in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and other cities. They were now planning attacks on police and security forces in Dera Ghazi Khan. Earlier this month, six militants riding two motorcycles attacked a checkpoint in the Jhangi area claiming the lives of a policeman and a passer-by. The martyrs were identified as Head Constable Mazhar Khan Qaisarani and a private cook named Abdul Basit. Another policeman, Mohammad Ramzan Khan, also suffered extensive injuries in the attack. The attackers also took away the official weapons of the two cops. Punjab police chief Aamir Zulfiqar Khan and Additional IGP (AIGP) South Punjab Sahabzada Shahzad Sultan took strict notice of the incident. Syed Khurram Ali, the regional police officer (RPO) of Dera Ghazi Khan, reached the scene accompanied by a heavy contingent of police to investigate the attack on the instructions of the IGP. In fact, the IGP himself urgently reached Dera Ghazi Khan and participated in the funeral prayers held for the martyrs. The residents told the media that militants, who were hiding in Afghanistan for the last several years, again wanted to take over control of their area. The terrorist outfit, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), had claimed responsibility for the attack. In a late-night attack a day earlier, three cops had embraced martyrdom in a terrorist strike at the Sarband police station in Peshawar. The martyrs included DSP Badhabir Sardar Hussain and his two police guards -- Irshad and Jehanzeb. The terrorists used grenades and also resorted to firing during the attack. K-P IGP Moazzam Jah Ansari   told the media the next day that the attackers fled when the police retaliated. The DSP was wearing a bulletproof vest but the attackers shot him in the head using a sniper weapon. The other policemen were attacked with sniper weapons as well. The IGP informed the media that this was for the first time terrorists had used sniper weapons in Peshawar. He added that sniper weapons were already being used in Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan. This attack too was claimed by the TTP.

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Death toll rises to 41 in Balochistan's Lasbela bus crash

More than 40 people were killed after a bus fell into a ravine and caught fire in Balochistan's Lasbela District on Sunday, officials said. According to Edhi sources, a fire broke out in the passenger bus after it met with an accident due to which it was difficult to evacuate the passengers. Forty-one bodies had been recovered from the wreckage, some burned beyond recognition, district police officer Israr Umrani told Reuters. The bus carrying around 48 people crashed on the way from Balochistan's capital of Quetta to Karachi, officials said. A passenger bus toppled down in #bela area of #Balochistan as per assistant comisioner 19 dead bodies have been extracted till now & the rescue operation is underway. Increase of death toll feared . In past such accidents have taken place in vehicles ladden with smuggled fuel pic.twitter.com/uJyCn2DDbK — Daniyal Butt (@butt_daniyal) January 29, 2023 Assistant Commissioner (AC) Lasbela Hamza Anjum said that there were 48 people aboard, including children and women, confirming that the number of people killed in the accident has reached over 30. He furthered that he is monitoring the situation and maintained that most of the bodies are unidentifiable due to burning and DNA tests will be conducted. Read Eight of a family die in Darra road accident Dozens of people were combing through the wreckage, footage shared by the Edhi Foundation aid and emergency response organisation showed, and ambulance workers were carrying a dead body out of the debris. Edhi-in-charge Lasbela Dr Abdul Hakeem Laasi said that efforts are being made to evacuate passengers stuck in the bus. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo expressed sorrow and regret over the tragic accident and directed the district administration to continue the rescue operation and take the injured to the hospitals immediately. He also ordered authorities to provide the best medical facilities to those injured. (With Additional input from Reuters)

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Imran's allegations against Zardari 'may cause bloodshed', warns Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Sunday slammed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for his allegations against former president Asif Ali Zardari, warning that they may trigger "bloodshed" and spell danger for the Pakistan People's Party. On Friday, former premier Imran Khan had accused PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari of being a key player in hatching a new conspiracy for his assassination. “Now they have made a Plan C, and Asif Zardari is behind this. He has loads of corruption money, which he loots from the Sindh government. He has given money to a terrorist outfit and people from powerful agencies are facilitating him,” Imran had alleged. “I am telling you this because if something happens to me, the nation should know the people behind this so they never forgive them.” Read more: ‘Dreams’ of Imran’s wife won’t stand up in court, says Bilawal Speaking to reporters in Sialkot, Asif said that slain former prime minister Benazir Bhutto lost her life due to terrorism but the PPP still adopted a democratic approach instead of resorting to violence. "If any tragedy happens in the country, Imran Khan would be responsible for it," the defence minister warned. Asif said that Imran Khan had asked President Dr Arif Alvi to get him in touch with the army, adding that the politics of 2012 would not work any more. "The grief of losing power has not left Imran Khan. The blame [of being ousted] first was directed at the US but it has now reached [Punjab interim Chief Minister] Mohsin Naqvi," he said. Asif assured that PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry's arrest was not vengeance on the part of the government. He said that he was only offered two blankets when he was put in prison, but Fawad was being provided with all facilities. He further accused Imran Khan for being responsible for the destruction of the economy. Also read: Imran accuses Zardari of hatching new plan to assassinate him On Saturday, Foreign Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had said that Imran's statements have increased threats for his father, his family, and his party. "His latest accusation that my family has any association to a terrorist organisation or that we would employ them to cause him harm not only defies logic but exposes us all to an increased threat," Bilawal wrote in a series of posts on Twitter. He said that his party and family were "exploring a legal response to Imran’s latest defamatory & dangerous accusations." Imran Khan's latest allegations came months after he sustained multiple injuries in a gun attack in Wazirabad on November 3, 2022, while leading his 'Haqeeqi Azadi' march towards Islamabad. One person died in the shooting, while several members of the PTI chairman’s close circle, including Faisal Javaid, Imran Ismail, Ahmad Chattha and Imran Yousaf were also injured.

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Poliovirus detected in Lahore sewage again

The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Sunday confirmed the detection of poliovirus from Lahore's environmental samples for the second time this month. According to the NIH, the poliovirus was detected in sewage water in the Multan Road area on Jan 16 and in the samples taken from Gulshan-e-Ravi, Lahore on Jan 2. Experts said that environmental samples from Lahore currently contain polioviruses from South Waziristan and Nangarhar, Afghanistan. However, the NIH said, no polio case had been reported in Pakistan, so far, this year. The last poliovirus case from Lahore was reported in July 2020. However, the virus had been periodically detected in its sewage water. Last year, four environmental samples were found positive for the virus. Read more: How far are we from a polio-free Pakistan? On Tuesday, Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Abdul Qadir Patel confirmed Pakistan's first detection of the wild poliovirus in 2023 — found in an environmental sample in Lahore. The poliovirus found in Gulshan-e-Ravi's sample had links to Afghanistan's Nangarhar province from last November, the NIH said. Patel said the two "countries are united in the fight against the virus and are working together to eradicate" the crippling disease. He added that while the isolation of the virus was a cause for concern, it was excellent to note that it was detected promptly. "This timely detection of the virus in the environment was crucial to protecting children from being paralysed by the poliovirus." Stressing the need to vaccinate children timely, the minister said: “The only way to stop the virus is to vaccinate all children under the age of five. It is critically important that parents and caregivers, particularly in Lahore, ensure that their child is vaccinated in the February round.” While there was no cure for polio, vaccination was the most effective way to protect children from the crippling disease. Each time a child under the age of five was vaccinated, their protection against the virus was increased. Repeated immunisations protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become free of polio, besides the two endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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Fresh catch and a bit of Bengali

The crowded streets of Buffer Zone, Sector 15 in Karachi are bustling with activity. Located in one of the congested streets and comprising some 60 shops is the Bangali Paarra Market, known as the cheapest fish market for the freshest catch in Karachi. “Tomara ki darakar” [what do you need], “Saharera sera machha,” [best fish in town] the fishmongers call out to the customers in Bengali. The fishmongers and most of the customers in this market are ethnic Bengali people, originating in the Indian state of Bengal, who had lived in either West Pakistan or East Pakistan prior to 1971 or who migrated from Bangladesh after 1971. A variety of fish in different sizes, colours, and shapes are draped over the shop counter tops in rows. Water that the fishmongers liberally slosh on the fish to refresh it through the day drips from their tails. This smelly water dripping from the counters finds its way down to make puddles in the muddy street, which is partially covered with tarpaulin or plastic sheets to keep the sun out. Undeterred by the strong, all-pervasive smell of fish in the air, and jumping over puddles in the street to step on the congested footpath to talk to a fishmonger, you can choose exactly which fish shop you want to haggle or buy fish from. “Macha ki daam?” [How much for the fish?], asks a customer standing on the plinth of the shop. “Kaun macha?” [Which fish?], replies the fishmonger. These are most oft-repeated lines in the market between fishmongers and customers. The customer selects from the wide variety of fish and the shop assistants cut and clean the fish according to the customers’ needs. “I am not sure exactly when my father got this shop but I have been helping him since I was five and now I am 40 years old,” says Muhammad Imran, pausing to turn around and instruct his assistants in Bengali about how the customer wanted the fish to be cut. “We don’t only employ Bengali workers, but mostly our relatives or friends want to work with us so we employ them.” Fish lovers from all walks of life go to the Bangali Paarra Market, but most of the customers are Urdu-speaking or Biharis, who also speak Urdu, while some may speak or understand Bengali. “Located in the Central District, the market is accessible to Urdu-speaking people and Biharis who reside in the district and the latter are familiar with Bengali,” says Muhammad Sohail, a 37-year-old fishmonger, who along with his four workers wears rain boots to walk around in the fish-water puddles. “It is not difficult to recognise Bengali customers because they speak in our language with us, while others speak in Urdu.” Almost every shop has a similar wide variety of fish such as the carp family including carp or seem maai, rohu, mrigal or white carp, silver carp, trout, palla, Mahaseer, dwarf snakehead or channa gachhua, dhotar or Javelin Gunter, pomfret, and surmai or seer fish, which are sold at similar but fixed prices. “I have around 10-12 types of fishes on the counter top right now,” says Imran, another fishmonger, swishing away flies with a rag tied to a wooden stick. “On other days, there are around 20 types of fishes ranging from Rs 200 per kg to Rs 2000 per kg, as well as prawns from Rs 900- 2500 in price ranges. Most of the customers don’t buy expensive fish, so we keep those in lesser quantities. ” Like other fishmongers, Imran also has a deep freezer to store fish to keep it fresh. Some shop owners also have their own boats going to the sea and promise fresh catch available daily at competitive prices. The day begins before sunrise for the fishmongers of the Bengali Paarra market, who daily get up at 4 am to go to the fishery or the wholesale fish market near Mereweather Tower. It is a tough and hectic task, but it has to be done early so that by 9 am, they have purchased their daily quota of fish and return to open their shops in the market. “We have to reach the fishery really early or else we can’t get good quality fish,” says Imran, who lives in Machhar Colony and owns a rickshaw which he parks right outside the shop. He and his workers who are also his cousins use it to commute and to bring fish to the market. Buying fish on wholesale rates and selling it at a higher price in the market enables them to meet their expenses. “We make a profit of at least Rs100-200 per kg on the fish we buy on wholesale rates,” says Sohail. “We have to manage domestic expenses, shop expenses, workers’ salaries, and even the cost of our daily commute.” It is a long day for these fishmongers. “We close up here around 9 pm, but after clean-up of the counter and freezers, I don’t leave for home until 10 pm,” says Imran. They sell more fish in winter as compared to other times of the year, because people like to eat fish in cold weather as it is considered nutritious and keeps the body warm. If business is good at a fish stall, the average sale could go up to 50kg while on a bad day, it may be not more than 10-15kg. Despite living a difficult life and without an alternative livelihood to help them get by in summer, these fishmongers mostly closed down their shops in June and July every year, when due to dangerously high tide, boats are not allowed to go to the sea. “Since there is no fishing, we use the money saved in winter to run our domestic expenses,” shares Sohail adding that some fishmongers buy prawns in bulk and sell them in June and July because closing down completely is not possible as they have to give salaries to their workers. People come to the Bangla Paarra Market not just for fish, but also to shop for their daily groceries. “I buy all my groceries here,” says Ghulam Ahmed, a 62-year-old customer, who has been shopping here for 25 years. “I don’t buy from a fixed shop, but purchase from any shop that offers a good rate. It is a good place to buy fish because being Bengalis, they have an eye for fish and know the quality of the fish in a way others don’t. Not just that, because there are so many shops here, there is competition among them and if they don’t sell good quality, they can’t survive in this market.” Bengali Paarra is not just a market, but a system that helps the community living nearby who are connected to the market through employment or daily-wage jobs. There are many minors roaming around the shops who offer to clean fish and prawns at a nominal fee. “Are you buying prawns? I can clean them in 10 mins,” says 12-year-old Jasmine, her head covered in a red dupatta and prawn scales stuck on her hands. Her family lives at a five-minute walking distance from the market. “My mother and I do this cleaning for Rs 40 per kg,” she adds. “My father also cleans fish at a shop in the market. I go to school in the morning and come to market after 1pm.” My first highlight of the day was buying fresh catch and affordable price, the second was to meet Jasmine and to learn that she goes to school. Hopefully, she will have her own fish shop in the future, on modern lines or perhaps she will opt for another career. The important part is that she is getting educated. With those happy thoughts, I scurried home to prepare my bounty from the sea.

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Aleeha Imran’s ordeal highlights our culture of violence

On January 16, Aleeha Imran, a student of the Scarsdale American International School in Lahore, was beaten mercilessly by four other girls in her school. One of them sat on Aleeha, punching her, while another kicked her all over her body, including her face. The attack lasted about 40 minutes and at the end the child had to be hospitalised. The violence was stunning, not only in the physical aspect of it, but also its psychological aspect. It was chilling to see that the girls who were beating up the eighth-grader Aleeha had not an iota of restraint when it came to crossing all lines, and how relentlessly they continued to assault their victim. Worst perhaps was the fact that the entire episode was being filmed by a male student — or perhaps more students— and all the while those filming the attack laughed while it took place. The entire episode happened in broad daylight in front of several witnesses, but not a single person rushed to help the girl, instead they enjoyed the spectacle. The case has left several unanswered questions and many more disturbing thoughts for us to chew over. Where is the youth of the country headed, people ask. After the video circulated online, most members of society have been upset to see the level of violence exhibited by young people. According to Aleeha’s father Imran Younus, even while his daughter was in hospital, his family was facing threats from the parents of the accused girls. “Instead of asking about her condition, and lending some sympathy to our child,” says Younus, “we were getting intimidating calls threatening us not to leave the house and not to make any complaints. A regrettable takeaway from this episode is how the tendency to violence among the youth is learned behaviour. “The parents of these children are exactly the same as they are,” the victim’s father points out. According to the First Information Report (FIR), one of Aleeha’s fellow students was involved in bad habits — drugs and bad company. At some point, Aleeha resisted the student’s attempts to include her, and even complained about her doing drugs in school. So the student, her sister and two other girls attacked Aleeha, dragged her to the cafeteria in the basement of the school and badly beat her up . Lahore-based child rights activist Nabila Feroze Bhatti puts the blame squarely on society’s shoulders, and says the violence in children comes from the violence prevalent in society. “The elements of violence and abuse in our society, as a whole, have risen,” Bhatti says. “This includes our political training. We see our political heroes being rude to each other, being violent and disrespectful. This is the lesson being imparted to our children as well. Parents should also be blamed [for not teaching their children right from wrong] but overall it is the role of society. There is too much disrespect for each other.” She adds that, in this particular case, a special committee should be formed to investigate the issue — but at the same time, the committee members must be aware of the Juvenile Justice Act, as well as the rights of a child as compared to hardcore criminals. “Whatever the case is, there are minors on both sides and we must ensure that they are treated as minors,” says Bhatti. The child rights activist also points out that since the incident took place in school premises, the school administration should be held accountable. “We are hearing things like there were drugs and weapons being brought into school,” she says. “How was the school unaware of this happening? Schools should have a child protection and safeguarding policy and this must be checked by the government from time to time. In fact, the Punjab Child Protection Policy, which has been hanging in limbo since some time, must now be implemented.” Meanwhile, the Head of the Sociology Department in Forman Christian College (FCC) says that the recent bullying incident is the result of a whole host of factors at play and cannot be limited to any one reason. “It is a combination of factors from emotional insecurity and possibly mental health issues of the bullies, family negligence or family socialisation which encourages deviance, lack of administrative control in schools, and personality and peer factors related to assuming control, gaining attention and asserting power,” says Associate Professor Sara Rizvi Jafree. “Such incidents are mainly on the rise because of lack of sufficient mental health services, especially at an early age, lack of preventive healthcare at primary level and the screening for mental and emotional health in youth,” she adds. “There is also no concept of a social policy or integrating of families through family counselling. Lastly, there is little administrative control in educational institutes.” Yet for all the psychological analysis that is given by experts, most parents have not been very sympathetic towards the perpetrators. “These girls are ostensibly spoilt, there is just no two ways about it!” exclaims Nadia, a mother of two girls who study in a private school. “I cannot fathom such parenting where both of the sisters are such bullies. It only goes to show the culture at home.” Nadia is referring to the two sisters who together bashed up Aleeha. Mohsin Raza is of a similar opinion. A father of three, he says such violence has nothing to do with socio-economic class. “Rich or poor, the problem is not that. The point is parenting itself has gone down. There are no standards anymore. People allow their children to do everything these days and sadly this is across all social strata. Whether it is being glued to video games, or being allowed to be excessively social without any parental monitoring,” he says. “The fact of the matter is the more time you spend with your child, and build them a strong foundation, the better the future of the child is.” However, the experience of Aleeha’s father highlights how wealth and power influence our justice seeking system. He had to visit the police station several times simply to lodge an FIR against the girls who physically assaulted his daughter. “I had to meet a deputy inspector general [DIG]-level police officer to tell him that the police were not filing an FIR,” he said in an interview to the media. “I was being pressurised by the police to compromise with the families of the accused because I was told they are influential and they will make my life hell.” In the same interview, Younis said the students were known to bring pistols and drugs in school. “Outside the police station, they came in their BMW 7 Series, and their gunmen, and their fanfare…I said I won’t be the one who you will step on and move ahead. So don’t threaten me!” The families of the accused did not hold back their threats to Younis either. “They have no humanity, neither the children nor their parents,” he said. “They have been threatening us, saying, ‘Dekho tumhara kya hashar hota hai’ [wait and see what we do to you]. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Child Rights (NCRC) directed the secretary to School Education Department to submit an inquiry report on the incident. Punjab Ombudsman (retired) Azam Suleman Khan has also sought a report from the district education authority in Lahore and the superintendent of police of Lahore Cantonment regarding departmental action over the viral video. The ombudsman has given directions that the education department and the police should devise a coordinated strategy for the prevention of drug abuse among teenagers. On Thursday, January 26, the Lahore High Court (LHC) directed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to restrain all television channels from airing the video. The direction came after the lawyer submitted that one of the accused was having her picture flashed from channel to newspaper without considering that she was a minor. The video of the bullying incident has shaken members of society to re-evaluate where our children are headed. “The question to be asked is, where are the standards of education in this country?” asks a private school teacher, Sameena. “Is this what people are sending their children to school for?” Xari Jalil is editor and co-founder of voicepk.net, a human rights news platform based in Lahore. She tweets @xarijalil. All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer.

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How far are we from a polio-free Pakistan?

This year’s first nationwide anti-polio campaign to immunise children under the age of five against the crippling disease kicked off on January 16. While no new case has been reported in Pakistan so far this year, the move followed a surge in new infections last year that paralysed 20 children, compared to just one infection in 2021. During the five-day campaign, according to the national eradication programme officials, more than 364,000 health workers were engaged to deliver polio drops and a vitamin A supplement to at least 43 million children in 156 districts across the country. Viral hotbed Last year, the 20 polio cases were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), mostly in its violence-hit North Waziristan district on the Afghan border. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where polio continues to cripple children. Last year, Afghan officials detected two cases, but no more cases were reported so far this year. A mix of fragile health systems, conflicts, other complex cultural and religious challenges make these countries prone to repeated polio outbreaks. Pakistan has in the past, witnessed frequent attacks on polio teams including women, and policemen deployed to protect door-to-door vaccination campaigns, while militants pre-dominant in K-P’s North Waziristan district and areas near the Afghan border, falsely claim that vaccination campaigns are either a Western conspiracy to sterilise children or a cover for espionage. Women as the linchpin In our culture, and moreso in a tribal setting, it is unlikely that a male health worker would be allowed into a home by a family, let alone by just women members of a family. But people in the rural areas are more receptive to other women entering their homes as a point of contact to verify the number of children in the household and their vaccination records Pointing out that no polio campaign has been conducted in the Mehsud belt of South Waziristan for the last six months, because they did not allow the campaign to run, Dr Shehzad Baig, National Coordinator Emergency Operation Centre, emphasised that women as frontline workers are an asset to the polio eradication campaign and hence there is a dire need to improve the security situation for them. “Ninety-nine percent of women in North and South Waziristan are not a part of polio teams as frontline workers,” he says. “If women were included in our teams, polio virus would be eradicated from this country in no time.” Dr Baig mentioned that on his trip to Pakistan, Bill Gates had visited the Polio Emergency Centre, and had expressed his satisfaction in regard to our polio programme being technically strong. “But we are helpless when it comes to these people’s reaction to getting the polio vaccine administered to their children,” he laments, referring to the Mehsud belt on South Waziristan. False claims Apart from being considered an international conspiracy or an anti-Islamic plan, it is also believed that anti-polio drops can cause impotence among men. Sadly and ludicrously, the misconception does not end here, but it is stretched to the illogical fear that polio campaigns are only carried out in Muslim countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan to control the Muslim population through polio drops, along with deliberate fake display of polio cases in these countries. Highlighting the fact that Nigeria has been declared polio-free, Dr Baig says that Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only countries where the polio virus is still present. “In Pakistan, the virus is present in southern K-P and Dera Ismail Khan, with Tank, Lakki Marwat and Bannu being the critical areas, where not only polio cases are being reported, but running the campaign here is also a huge challenge.” The polio virus is also rampant in areas connected to Afghanistan, where there is movement across the border. “This is why on the Pak-Afghan border, anti-polio drops are administered to a larger age bracket of children from 5 to10 years of age,” says Dr Baig. “So that if any of them are virus carriers, they can be protected.” Twenty polio cases were reported up till September 2022, of which 17 were reported from an area of ​​North Waziristan covering only fifteen kilometers. Compensations for courage “According to an estimate, so far 62 polio workers and police officers who were responsible for security during the polio campaign have been martyred,” says Dr Baig. “Their families were paid Rs1 million each as financial assistance, while those who were injured were given Rs100,000 to Rs500,000.” Considering the services of the courageous frontline workers being crucial as well as highly dangerous and risky, Dr Baig apprised that their salaries had been increased by 20%. “Eighty percent workers of polio teams are government employees and 20% are private. Some 12,000 polio workers were affected by floods for which they have also been given financial assistance of Rs 25,000 each.” While the polio programme in Pakistan is funded by international donors, the cost of procuring the vaccine, maintaining its cold storage and delivery system is borne by the government. Polio certification Since a polio certificate is mandatory for those travelling to Europe from Pakistan, an online system in collaboration with NADRA is in place for the provision of OPV (Oral Poliovirus Vaccine) and IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine). To facilitate people travelling abroad, just like the corona vaccination cards, polio vaccine cards are also available since June last year. “Our biggest fear is that international donors might get tired of pushing their International Polio Programme in our country,” confesses Dr Baig. After completion of three days of the first anti-polio campaign this year, two-day catch-up days were also organised, which is a tradition with polio campaigns. Mobile phones provided to polio teams help monitor their progress and track their movement. During the campaign, a live dashboard provides area-wise information of parents’ refusals to give anti polio drops to their children and the absence of children from their homes. Workers’ woes “This is a city of mostly educated people, but when we visit their homes during the polio campaign, their attitude and response is mostly unwelcoming,” says Shabana, a health worker from Islamabad. “Since people living in posh areas believe that we know nothing about hygiene and our team is not properly sanitised, they don't let us touch their children. We have a lot of explaining to do before we are allowed to administer drops. Also people are curious about the vaccine being free and whether temperature maintenance and its delivery system in regard to the cold chain is done responsibly or not.” But Zubair Sheikh, another polio worker from Rawalpindi, feels that it is only in backward areas that people behave badly. “In Rawalpindi, mostly people are warm and cooperative about their children being administered anti-polio drops,” he says. “It is in backward areas that people believe in conspiracy theories about the virus being used to make children sick or to reduce the Muslim population. In such cases, women health workers explain everything to the women of the house. Sometimes police security comes in handy in certain areas, but in the presence of police, people are generally well-behaved and we can get on with our work easily.” What the people say Saeeda Bibi, a 45-year-old housewife from the rural area of Bahara Kahu in Islamabad has her cooked up her own set of ideas and misconceptions about the polio campaign. “Why is the government so concerned about our children’s health that they are giving free vaccines several times a year?” she asks. “No other vaccines are given again and again and with so much concern. They charge so much for utilities such as water, electricity and gas plus there is so much inflation, yet the vaccine is free! The West can use anyone for their vested interest. Why should we be used for their benefit? We don’t want our kids to take anti-polio drops.” Polio programme report According to the polio eradication programme report, the high-risk areas include Peshawar, Karachi, and Qila Abdullah, Pashin and Quetta in Balochistan. The last confirmed case of polio was in November last year while the total number of confirmed cases so far is 20. Clearing religious misconceptions “Research has confirmed that the contents of the anti-polio drops are halal and in regard to this, a fatwa has been issued by Islamic scholars which is fully supported the Islamic Ideology Council.” says Chairman Islamic Ideological Council,” Dr Qibla Ayaz. “Therefore vaccinations must be administered to prevent multiple cases of polio in the country,” Dr Ayaz believes that it is the religious responsibility of parents to protect their children. “You can only present a solid argument if you can prove outdated traditions and ideas on a scientific basis,” he says. “Otherwise, it is just paranoia, suspicion and misunderstanding that stands in the way of a free service being provided by the government.” Dr Ayaz reiterated that there is a huge need to create polio awareness and educate people. “Most certainly for us, religion is the absolute source of guidance in any matter, but linking a vaccine campaign to religion makes no sense,” he says. “Science has progressed tremendously and the modern world is so advanced that the people of Pakistan need to play a positive role in the development of this country, instead of becoming a joke in the world by linking misconceptions about the polio vaccine with Islam. Scholars in Pakistan as well as all over the world have unanimously declared the polio vaccine to be free from haram [proscribed] ingredients and it is equally safe for both men and women.” Poliovirus in Lahore A week after the execution of the first anti-polio campaign this year, the presence of polio virus was confirmed in an environmental sample from Gulshan-e-Ravi, Lahore, and its link found in the Nangarhar region, Afghanistan. Hence, additional polio campaigns are planned in February and March in Lahore. Interestingly, last year, polio virus was confirmed in four environmental samples of Lahore district, while the last case of polio in Lahore was reported in July 2020. Abdul Qadir Patel, the federal health minister believes that the timely confirmation of the virus in the environment is a good thing. The Pakistan Polio Programme has worked closely with the Afghanistan Polio Programme and the only way to prevent the spread of the virus is vaccination. Truck art for polio As a unique initiative, Pakistani truck art which is popular across the world, will be used for the polio awareness campaign this year on trucks moving between K-P and Afghanistan. Patel believes that truck art messages inscribed in all provincial languages ​​through truck art will make an effective and successful campaign. Promise of a polio free future “An integrated strategy is being worked out to eradicate polio using all necessary resources and measures,” says Patel, promising that he would not rest until polio is eradicated from the country. “Let’s pledge together to play our part in eradicating polio.”

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Better screening, prevention of cancer promised

Lahore. Caretaker Provincial Minister of Health Dr Javaid Akram has said a gynaecology and oncology society being registered in Punjab would play an important role in ensuring the provision of facilities to cancer patients and mothers and children. The caretaker health minister said that Lahore General Hospital (LGH) was playing a fundamental role in the service of suffering humanity. He expressed these views during a visit to the LGH on Saturday. “We will try our best to provide better health facilities to the people of Punjab. Society of Gynecology and Oncology shall be duly registered with SECP,” Dr Javaid Akram said. “Dr Sardar Zafar Al Farid will perform the duties of the president of the society. Society will play an important role in screening, prevention and vaccination. A curriculum committee will be formed under the society.” Published in The Express Tribune, January 29th, 2023.

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Sedition complaint lodged against Ali Gandapur

A citizen of Dera Ismail Khan has filed a complaint against former federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur for allegedly spreading hatred against the state through provocative statements on social media. According to sources, the citizen wrote a letter to the assistant director of the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber-Crime Wing in Dera Ismail Khan. The complaint states that the former federal minister made a “sinister attempt” to “incite” common people against the state and spread chaos through rebellious rhetoric against the government on social media. The complainant demanded that legal action be taken against the former federal minister on the matter. According to sources, on Jan 25, Ali Amin, in a tweet from his Twitter account, issued a provocative statement on the lines of fighting the government and state institutions.

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Plea against Lal Haveli eviction rejected

A civil court in Rawalpindi on Saturday rejected Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid’s petition challenging the Lal Haveli’s evacuation orders. Judge Naveed Akhtar said that the court could not stop any department from taking action under the law. The court postponed the hearing till Feb 15. The AML chief had argued in his petition that the evacuation of Lal Haveli was political victimisation as the case related to the property was already in litigation. Rashid prayed in his plea that the Evacuee Trust Property Board be stopped from taking action that, he alleged, was a part of “settling the score against him”.

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Fawad's arrest: Contempt plea filed against cops for flouting LHC orders

A plea was filed in Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday, seeking contempt proceedings against 16 police officials including inspector generals of Punjab and Islamabad, Secretary and Additional Secretary Interior over flouting court orders repeatedly by not producing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Chaudhry Fawad Hussain. Petitioner Nabeel Shahzad, one of Fawad’s cousins, filed the petition through advocate Azhar Siddique contending that a plea was submitted seeking the recovery of the PTI leader to which the LHC passed repeated orders after short intervals, directing police officials including the Islamabad and Punjab IGPs but all in vain as the officials did not bother to comply with the court orders. "Petition came up for hearing before the court at around 12:10pm and this court was gracious enough to pass an order and thereby direct the learned officers to ask the respondents to produce Fawad Chaudhry at 1:30pm on January 25, 2023, and this order was duly conveyed to the contemnors/respondents but Fawad Chaudhry was not produced," the counsel added. The petition stated that as the matter was again taken up after a short interval, the same direction was given to respondents by the court but the PTI leader was not produced. Read more: Court accepts police request for Fawad's physical remand extension The order was defied although the news was aired on social media and TV channels. This time directions were given to the inspector generals of Islamabad and Punjab to appear in person along with Fawad but even then neither appeared nor Fawad was produced, it said. "This act of the respondents is not only highly contemptuous but is also untoward and amounts to destruction of the entire judicial system in a highly condemnable way and manner and the Punjab administration has girded up its lion to sabotage this highly esteemed judicial system." However, Azhar said that the petition was dismissed as Fawad had reached Islamabad by the exercise of the respondents' illegal and without jurisdiction actions which defied the different orders passed by the LHC. "The respondents by showing a stubborn and wilful contemptuous attitude, opted out of producing the detenu before this court and have thus committed contempt of court. The contemnors are liable to be dealt with strenuous hands and deserve deterrent punishment." He requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings against Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar, Islamabad IGP Afzaal Kausar, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Raza Tanvir, Superintendent of Police (Operation) Cantt District Lahore Hassan Javed and others including Secretary Interior Yousaf Naseem Khokhar and Additional Secretary Interior Asad Islam. The PTI leader was arrested from Lahore on Wednesday on charges of sedition for "threatening" the chief election commissioner (CEC) and members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Following this, an Islamabad court handed Fawad over to the police on a two-day physical remand. Earlier in the day, the court accepted the police’s request for further physical remand of the PTI leader, reversing an earlier order by a judicial magistrate issued on Friday. Judge Tahir Mehmood Khan, presiding the hearing, also ordered investigators to produce the former information minister before a magistrate today.

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Maryam Nawaz leaves for Pakistan from Abu Dhabi

Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz has left for Pakistan from Abu Dhabi, said party sources on Saturday. According to the sources, Maryam will land at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport at around 3 pm on Saturday. Party workers have also started arriving at the airport to welcome the senior vice president. Moreover, banners and posters have been displayed on the way from the airport to Jati Umrah to welcome Maryam. سینئر نائب صدر مسلم لیگ ن اور چیف آرگنائزر مریم نواز صاحبہ ابوظہبی سے لاہور روانگی کیلیے جہاز میں سوار#خوش_آمدید_امید_سحر pic.twitter.com/Z47nRfga8J — PML(N) (@pmln_org) January 28, 2023 She is also expected to address party workers gathered at the reception camp outside the Lahore Airport. Read PML-N rejects talk of political vendetta Party sources also reported that PML-N leadership refused to allow Maryam to be taken to Jati Umrah in the form of a rally. She is returning to Pakistan after a three-month absence. Maryam left for London on October 6 after getting her passport from the court—which remained surrendered there for three years—to be with her father, Nawaz Sharif, and to undergo surgery. On January 3, she was made senior vice president and was given the authority to organise the party at all levels as its chief organiser. Maryam and her father, Nawaz Sharif, left London for Geneva on January 4. She had throat surgery on January 6. It was expected that with her arrival, Nawaz Sharif would again dominate the party.

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Petrol pump employee shot dead

A petrol pump employee was shot dead by some robbers over resistance. Khizar Hayat, a resident of Chak No. 272 GB, informed the police that his 50-year-old brother, Haq Nawaz, was a salesperson at a petrol station. Two persons riding on a motorbike parked their vehicle outside the door and pulled out a gun as soon as they entered the room intending to commit the crime. Haq Nawaz had been seated in the room. Khizar Hayat said that when his brother Haq Nawaz resisted, the bandits shot him four times, hitting him in the stomach and neck, leaving him seriously wounded. He was taken to the hospital where he died. City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani, SP of Jarnanwala, Ahmed Arsalan, and other police officers reached the spot as soon as the news was received. They formed teams under the leadership of the SP of Jarnanwala to arrest the bandits after inspecting the scene. The police filed a complaint under Sections 302 and 393 of the PPC after handing over the body to his heirs. Published in The Express Tribune, January 28th, 2023.

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LHC moved against contesting polls on more than two seats

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday accepted a petition seeking directions to prohibit the practice of contesting elections on more than two seats. Justice Anwaar Hussain overruled the registrar's office's objections on the petition filed by lawyer Ishtiaq Chaudhry on behalf of a citizen, and ordered the application to be fixed for hearing on January 30. Citing the example of India where the practice of running on multiple seats has been banned, the petitioner argued that contesting elections on more than two seats incurs damage to the national exchequer. “India has also legislated against contesting elections on more than two seats as such a practice is a waste of public money and time,” he contended and recommended a “two-seat rule” to strike the right balance. He prayed the court to direct the Election Commission of Pakistan to ban contesting elections on more than two seats. The petitioner said contesting elections on more than two seats damages the national exchequer. It may be noted here that PTI Chairman had last year filed nomination papers in nine constituencies for the upcoming by-elections on the seats that fell vacant after National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf accepted the resignations of PTI MNAs. The decision had prompted similar petitions in courts. However, the former premier was eventually able to run for all nine seats simultaneously, making history by winning the majority of them. A constitutional amendment bill was also moved in the National Assembly, seeking a ban on candidates contesting elections on multiple seats.

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Five aviation firms allege delay in license renewal

Flight operations of five training companies have been disrupted due to the delay in the renewal of their licences by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) because of some technical reasons, sources said on Friday. According to an Express News report, two of the 5 affected aviation companies belonged to Lahore while one each from Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar. The sources said that the planes of these companies were not getting permission to be airborne because of the licences issue. According to the sources issue arose because of the inclusion of KIBOR in the companies’ bills. however, a spokesperson for the CAA said that the licences renewal process was going on, adding that the licences would be issued when the process was completed. It is not correct to say that any company had been stopped from functioning, the CAA spokesperson said. When asked about the KIBOR issue, the spokesperson said that a board meeting would take the final decision on KIBOR charges.

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Dar blames Imran for economic woes, inflation

Minister for Finance Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday blamed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan for inflation and the current crisis in the country, challenging the former prime minister to a live debate on economy. In a televised address, the finiance minister accused Imran of presenting "incorrect facts" during his speech today, stating that the ex-premier was responsible for defaming the country and spreading false propaganda of default. He said that inflation reached a historic high during the PTI government’s tenure and that the rupee had depreciated due to the PTI's failed economic policies. "All statements of Imran Khan are based on lies. He is responsible for the deterioration of the economy and brought the country to the brink of destruction. We are fixing what he destroyed," he added. Read more: Imran accuses Zardari of hatching new plot to assassinate him The finance minister said that the ex-prime minister presented false statistics about the economy. "You only work for the country when you are in power. Otherwise, the state does not exist for you." Dar said that the PML-N government decided to save the state at the cost of its political capital. "If you had worked on the economy and had not engaged in political enmity, Pakistan would not have been where it is today. For us, there were two options: either to save the state or our politics—and we chose to sacrifice politics," he added. وفاقی وزیر خزانہ اسحاق ڈار اہم گفتگو کر رہے ہیں https://t.co/Equjvvrkf0 — PML(N) (@pmln_org) January 27, 2023 The PML-N leader said that the Imran Khan government took Rs10 triillion in loans. "The country's debt was Rs25 trillion, which he claimed was Rs30 trillion. Imran Khan misquoted the amount and also defamed the country," he said. Dar said that Imran Khan called every person in Pakistan corrupt which drove the investors away, adding that the PTI government also wasted a year before approaching the IMF. "When Imran was being ousted, he broke the agreement with the IMF. Such actions fall under the category of treason," he said. Dar further said that when Imran assumed power, Pakistan was ranked as the 24th largest economy, but when the PTI left it fell down to 47th rank.

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Pakistani prisoners return home after completing jail sentences in India

As many as 17 Pakistani nationals, released by Indian authorities on completion of their prison sentences, were repatriated to their home country via the Wagah-Attari border on Friday. The Pakistani citizens were released due to “hectic efforts” of the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and cooperation of Indian authorities, the embassy said in a statement. “Our efforts will continue to repatriate all Pakistani prisoners from India on completion of their sentences,” it added. 17🇵🇰nationals imprisoned in India were repatriated today via Attari-Wagah border after hectic efforts of @PakinIndia & @ForeignOfficePk & cooperation of Indian side. Our efforts will continue to repatriate all 🇵🇰 prisoners from India on completion of their sentences. pic.twitter.com/YBamljP1NC — Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) January 27, 2023 The Pakistani citizens after returning to their homeland expressed joy and thanked Allah Almighty for their release. Also read: India, Pakistan exchange prisoners' lists Indian authorities handed over custody of the prisoners to the Punjab Rangers at the border. The citizens were issued special travel documents by the High Commission in New Delhi to travel to Pakistan. On January 1, Islamabad and New Delhi exchanged the lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen in each other's custody. The lists were exchanged under the provisions of the Agreement on Consular Access signed between the two countries in 2008. The agreement requires both India and Pakistan to exchange lists of prisoners in each other’s custody twice a year, on January 1 and July 1. India handed over a list of 309 Pakistani civilian prisoners and 95 fishermen in Indian custody to Pakistan. Also read: Pakistani prisoners released by India return via Wagah border Similarly, Pakistan shared a list of 49 civilian prisoners and 633 fishermen in its custody, who are or are believed to be Indians. According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan had demanded the Indian government to release Pakistani nationals who have completed their sentences as soon as possible. India had also urged Pakistan to expedite necessary action at its end to confirm the nationality status of 57 Pakistani prisoners, including fishermen, whose repatriation is pending for want of nationality confirmation by Pakistan.

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18 dead in Keamari after toxic discharge from nearby factories

Sindh Health department confirmed on Thursday that at least 18 people have died in the last 16 days in Karachi’s Keamari district allegedly due to toxic chemical discharge from two factories located in the area. A statement issued by the health department said that the officials visited Ali Muhammad Goth area of Keamari district earlier today to investigate the mysterious deaths. The deaths occurred during the period between January 1 and January 25, the health department said, adding that the victims included people of all ages. According to officials, the victims died within five to seven days after showing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and shortness of breath. Also read: Keamari gas leak leaves family of ‘unknown body’ in the dark After examination of symptomatic patients, no rashes and conjunctivitis were present, the health department officials added. Two factories inside the village have reportedly been emitting foul smell, causing residents in the nearby areas to feel severe irritation in their throats, according to community members. Initial investigation suggested that the cause of the deaths was some chemicals which developed interstitial lung disease in the victims. “Medical camps for the treatment of pneumonia have also been established in the affected area. Further investigation is under way,” the statement added. Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the deaths, directing the Commissioner Karachi, DG Health, and the Labour Department to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit their report. The Labour department has been ordered to conduct lab tests on gas samples emitted from factories. The chief minister also expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the affected families.

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Punjab caretaker cabinet sworn in

An eight-member caretaker provincial cabinet of Punjab was sworn in on Thursday at a ceremony held at the Governor House in Lahore. Punjab Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman administered oath to the caretaker cabinet. Punjab Chief Secretary Chaudhry Zahid Akhtar Zaman read out the notification regarding the appointment. The caretaker cabinet that took oath included SM Tanveer, Dr Javed Akram, Ibrahim Murad, Bilal Afzal, Dr Jamal Nasir, Mansoor Qadir, Syed Azfar Ali Nasir and Aamir Mir. Read more: ECP picks Mohsin Naqvi as Punjab caretaker CM Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Punjab Chief Secretary Chaudhry Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr Usman Anwar among others were present during the ceremony. The development comes days after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) appointed Naqvi as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab after the ruling party and the opposition in the province failed to reach consensus on any name for the post. Naqvi’s name was agreed upon in an ECP meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja and attended by four members of the commission, besides ECP secretary and special secretary and ECP director general, law. The Lahore-born and US-educated Naqvi is a journalist by profession. He was made the CNN regional head upon his return to Pakistan. Naqvi founded a local media network in 2009 and now owns six news channels and a newspaper, according to some media reports. Former chief minister Elahi sent his advice for the dissolution of the provincial assembly to Governor Balighur Rehman on January 12, less than 24 hours after getting the vote of confidence from the legislature. The advice had been sent on the instruction of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan.

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Elahi apologises for 'insensitive remarks' over Fawad’s arrest

Former Punjab chief minister and PML-Q leader Pervaiz Elahi on Thursday apologised to the family of PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was booked on sedition charges earlier this week, for saying the latter should have been arrested earlier. Addressing the media earlier today, Elahi had slammed PTI leaders for “misleading” party chief and former prime minister Imran Khan. Referring to the dissolution of the Punjab Assembly, the former Punjab CM said he had tried his best to convince the PTI chairman not to dissolve the provincial legislature. “Those who were close to Khan sahab [are responsible] for damaging the roots of the party,” he had said. Without naming Fawad, Elahi had said, “If he was arrested earlier, things would have been better.” Later, Elahi expressed regret over his remarks, saying he has had a long-standing relationship with the family of Fawad Chaudhary. “My statement caused pain to his family for which I apologise to them,” he said. آج تقریر کے دوران پی ٹی آئی رہنما فواد چودھری کے متعلق جو گفتگو ہوئی اس پر معذرت خواہ ہوں. فواد چودھری کی پوری فیملی سے ہمارے دیرینہ تعلقات ہیں. میرے بیان سے ان کی فیملی کو دکھ پہنچا جس پر میں ان سے معذرت خواہ ہوں — Ch Parvez Elahi (@ChParvezElahi) January 26, 2023 Also read: Fawad runs afoul of sedition law Fawad was taken into custody on Wednesday morning from Lahore after an FIR was registered against him at Islamabad’s Kohsar police station by the Election Commission of Pakistan for “threatening” members of the commission, including the chief, and their families, and “inciting violence against a constitutional institution”. The arrest of the outspoken critic of the ruling PDM coalition during the predawn raid at his house potentially delivered a blow to the party in which he serves as vice president.  Later that night, an Islamabad court handed over the PTI leader to police in a two-day physical remand.

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PTI chairman undeterred despite Fawad's arrest

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on Thursday that the treatment being meted out to Chaudhry Fawad Hussain—"being abducted, treated like a terrorist, given physical remand on a sham FIR"—are all signs of problems being faced by the country today. PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry was taken into custody on Wednesday morning after an FIR was registered against him at Islamabad’s Kohsar police station by the Election Commission of Pakistan for “threatening” members of the commission, including the chief, and their families. The arrest of the outspoken critic of the ruling PDM coalition during a predawn raid at his house potentially delivered a blow to the party in which he serves as vice president. "The treatment being meted out to Fawad Ch - being abducted, treated like a terrorist, given physical remand on a sham FIR - shows all that is wrong with Pak today," Imran wrote on his official Twitter handle. He said that there was no justice, just the law of the jungle in the country. "If State & cabal of crooks think they can create an environment of fear & terrify us into submission, they have got it all wrong," he maintained. The treatment being meted out to Fawad Ch - being abducted, treated like a terrorist, given physical remand on a sham FIR - shows all that is wrong with Pak today. There is no justice, just law of the jungle. If State & cabal of crooks think they can create an environment of fear — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 26, 2023 The ex-premier said that the people are more determined to stand up against the fascism. "My party & I are more resolute than ever before to fight against these fascist forces for democracy, rule of law & justice for our people," he concluded. As per the complaint lodged in the case, Fawad described the status of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja as that of a “clerk”, who stamps orders conveyed to him. The complaint elaborates how the PTI leader had contested the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as the caretaker chief minister while threatening the commission, and those it comprises. It further mentions how Fawad incited the people against them. As per the complaint, Fawad alleged that all those involved in the events of May 25, those “who committed the worst violation of human rights”, were being brought back. Read more: Fawad runs afoul of sedition law It elaborates that Fawad said that those individuals should not be posted in Punjab, but if they were indeed posted there, then the members of the Election Commission, their families and these individuals were being “warned”. “If a series of abuses happened to us, you will have to pay back for this series of abuses,” the First Information Report (FIR) quoted the PTI leader as saying. “This speech has created a permanent threat to the lives of Election Commission members and their families,” the report added. “This speech of Fawad Chaudhary has also expressed hatred against the caretaker chief minister of Punjab and his constitutional government,” the FIR mentioned. “Due to this, disdain and mistrust have been created among the people against the constitutional government.” Talking to The Express Tribune, Fawad said his own morale was high but what was happening in the country did not bode well for it. “These people want that nobody who mentions the name of Imran Khan remains. This struggle actually belongs to the Kaptaan, we are merely standing by his side,” he added. Fawad hoped that Imran would succeed in his struggle.  

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Gujrat jail official sacked after inquiry

The assistant superintendent of Gujrat jail has been suspended on the recommendation of a committee that investigated the riots in the prison earlier this week. The committee led by Rawalpindi Prisons Deputy Inspector General Saeedullah Gondal has completed then investigation and its detailed report will be submitted soon to the IG. The situation in the jail has returned to normalcy. An officer of the department told The Express Tribune that the superintendent of the Gujrat District Jail had taken control of the prison on the night the riots took place two days ago. According to sources, the preliminary investigation had found Assistant Superintendent Khushi Muhammad responsible for incompetence, negligence and misconduct. He was suspended and a case was registered at Civil Lines police station against the miscreants. The investigation committee visited the entire jail for the second day and assessed the damage to property caused in the riots. The team also inspected the facilities and quality of food, listened to the problems of the prisoners and issued orders for their immediate solution. Published in The Express Tribune, January 26th, 2023.

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Asif proposes plan to deepen ties with KSA

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has proposed an all-encompassing strategic cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia to deepen bilateral defence ties. Asif met Assistant Defence Minister of Saudi Arabia Engr Talat Abdullah Alotaibi here on Wednesday. He expressed good wishes for the health of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz. “Building on a solid legacy, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are progressing towards a comprehensive defence relationship for the 21st Century,” Asif said while welcoming the visiting Saudi minister and his delegation. The Saudi minister stated that the Saudi kingdom wanted to enhance defence-related collaborations with Pakistan, particularly in the field of defence production. Defence Secretary Lt Gen (R) Hamooduz Zaman Khan was also present during the meeting.

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COMSATS official gets charge-sheeted for malpractices

COMSATS’ Rector Dr Muhammad Tabassum Afzal has issued a charge sheet to the varsity’s former director Abbottabad campus Professor Imtiaz Ali Khan, seeking his reply within 14 days over the latter’s alleged massive abuse of power and malpractices. Earlier, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) referred a complaint lodged with the anti-graft body against the former director over his alleged malpractices to the university’s rector for taking further action. In the charge sheet dated January 4, 2023, several charges were framed against Prof Khan for his alleged financial embezzlement and abuse of power. The charge sheet, a copy of which is available with this scribe, alleged excessive misuse of authority in instituting several baseless inquiries against senior varsity officers causing harassment, incitement and unrest among the working staff and faculty besides wasting precious human and material resources as well as non-productive use of the time of faculty, officers and staff members. The rector further charged him over misuse of official transport and hostel accommodation located within the premises of the university’s campus. The former director was earlier sent on a forced leave on charges of immoral conduct for which a separate inquiry under E&D statutes, 2006 has been initiated by the COMSATS rector against him. In the charge sheet, the rector further alleged that the former director misused his authority to convert the Director/COMSATS house into a guest house while making a lavish expenditure of more than Rs1 million. Similarly, the former director allegedly misused his authority to spend more than Rs8 million on non-developmental projects, bypassing the rules and regulations of the varsity and financial institutions. The former director was also asked to explain his position for hiring more than 40 interns and other employees without following the institutional procedural rules and policies. The charge sheet further stated that “in case no response is received within the stipulated time, it shall be presumed that you have nothing to say in your defence of the said charges and exparte action will be taken against you without providing you any further opportunity to this effect, which may include the imposition of major penalty under the E&D Statues”. Meanwhile, panic gripped the varsity’s faculty and staff members over the sudden transfer of Senior Manager Administration Muhammad Idrees to COMSATS Abbottabad Campus. Idrees was also charge-sheeted in June, 2022 and was transferred and posted in the CUI Attock Campus for his alleged involvement in facilitating private individuals in engaging in unethical and immoral activities on the campus. Published in The Express Tribune, January 26th, 2023.

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President approves creation of new ‘Pakistan Diamond Jubilee Award 2022’

President Dr Arif Alvi has granted his approval for the creation and conferment of the new 'Pakistan Diamond Jubilee Award 2022'. The president approved the creation of the new award under the Decorations Act, 1975, the President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release on Wednesday. The new honour would come into force from August 14, 2022 and in connection with Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day. Also read: LHC dismisses 'inadmissible' plea against Fawad's 'illegal' detention The 'Pakistan Diamond Jubilee Award 2022' would be conferred upon the personnel of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, civil forces and law enforcement agencies in recognition of their services and sacrifices for the protection of Pakistan’s geo-political territories. The award would be conferred in recognition of services and sacrifices with regard to the elimination of militancy and terrorism and on accounts of services and sacrifices rendered for the maintenance of peace internally and externally.

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Pakistan strongly condemns Holy Quran’s desecration in Netherlands

Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned the despicable act of desecration of the Holy Quran in the Netherlands on January 22, 2023. “It is undoubtedly a provocative Islamophobic hate crime committed under the guise of freedom of expression. Such offensive acts deeply hurt the feelings of 1.5 billion Muslims around the world and can create disharmony among the international community,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson said that Pakistan had always maintained that freedom of expression came with responsibilities. “We also believe that it is the responsibility of national governments and the international community at large to prevent such vile acts, which are perpetrated with the ulterior motive to provoke and incite religious hatred and violence.” The spokesperson said that the international community should raise its collective voice against Islamophobia and work together to promote interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence. That was the spirit behind the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 to mark March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the spokesperson added. As Pakistan’s concerns were being conveyed to the authorities in the Netherlands, the spokesperson urged them to be mindful of the sentiments of the people of Pakistan and the Muslims around the world and take steps to prevent such hateful and Islamophobic acts. Read more: Pakistan strongly condemns desecration of Holy Quran in Sweden A video on social media on Monday showed Edwin Wagensveld, a far-right Dutch politician and leader of the Islamophobic group Pegida, tearing out pages from a copy of the Quran in The Hague. The video then showed the politician burning the torn-out pages of the holy book in a pan. Meanwhile, Arab countries also condemned the incident, warning that it tried to rend the peaceful social fabric and cause deliberate offense to one of the world’s great faiths. The Saudi foreign ministry on Tuesday voiced the kingdom's condemnation of the incident, calling it a "provocative step towards the feelings of millions of Muslims." The Emirati foreign ministry also condemned the incident, stressing "the need to respect religious symbols and sanctities and to refrain from incitement and polarisation." Qatar also denounced the incident in a statement by its foreign ministry, saying this "heinous incident is an act of incitement and a serious provocation to the feelings of more than two billion Muslims worldwide" and warning against "allowing recurrence of violations of the holy Quran under the pretext of freedom of expression." Egypt’s foreign ministry slammed the incident as "a blatant act that goes beyond the limits of freedom of expression and violates the sanctities of Muslims," stressing that European countries witnessing the rise of Islamophobia are responsible for preventing any recurrence of such provocations. Jordan’s foreign ministry also condemned the "extremist” incident, warning that it “fuels hatred and violence, threatens peaceful coexistence, and destabilizes security and stability," calling for respect for religious symbols and an end to hatred. The Palestinian foreign ministry decried the incident as "a flagrant attack on the feelings of millions of Muslims," calling for international action to stop such provocations and criminalise their perpetrators. The Foreign Ministry of the Gulf state of Oman expressed its "strong condemnation" of the incident, stressing "the need for concerted international efforts to consolidate the values of tolerance, coexistence and respect, and to criminalise all acts that promote the ideology of extremism and hatred and offend religions and beliefs." Nayef Al-Hajraf, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, condemned the incident in a statement, warning that "such actions would inflame and provoke the feelings of Muslims around the world." In a statement, the General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, also condemned the incident in the strongest terms. The provocation came close on the heels of a similar incident last Saturday in which Rasmus Paludan, an extremist Swedish-Danish politician, burned the Quran near the Turkish Embassy in the Swedish capital Stockholm, triggering outrage both in Turkiye and worldwide. (With input from APP and Anadolu Agency)

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