Plea challenges caretaker govt’s neutrality

A writ petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) for declaration of any actions taken by the caretaker Punjab government beyond May 14, 2023 illegal, void and hold no sanctity in the eyes of the law. The petitioner, Aftab Ahmad Bajwa, has requested the court to direct the Pakistan Election Commission chairman to appoint a new caretaker government or revert to the previous elected government. During the proceedings, the incumbent Punjab caretaker government should be restrained from taking any permanent action that breaches their constitutional mandate and Section 230 of the Elections Act, 2017. The primary purpose of the caretaker government, as mandated by the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973, and the Elections Act, 2017, is to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. During the interregnum period, from the dissolution of the assembly until fresh elections, the caretaker government is empowered only to attend to day-to-day matters necessary to run the government for a limited period of ninety days, within which elections must be conducted. However, regardless of whether elections have been held, the caretaker government automatically loses its legality and constitutionality once the stipulated ninety days elapse. Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2023.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/cvyz6YA

Chinese vice premier meets COAS

Visiting Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Monday met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, the military said in a statement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the meeting, matters of mutual interest and defence cooperation were discussed. The ISPR further said that both reiterated the desire to further enhance and strengthen bilateral relations in all fields. China’s Vice Premier and one of President Xi's close aides, He Lifeng, arrived in Islamabad a day earlier on a three-day visit to mark not only 10 years of CPEC but to discuss the next phase of the flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. Earlier in the day, six agreements and MOUs for the promotion of bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan were signed in Islamabad. Read more: Pakistan ready to contribute towards President Xi's vision of shared progress: PM Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and the vice chairman of the National Development and Reforms Commission of the People's Republic of China signed the document and the signing ceremony took place at the PM House. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chinese vice-premier witnessed the ceremony. The first document was signed on the joint cooperation committee of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the second document was related to the establishment of an expert exchange mechanism within the framework of CPEC. The third document was signed by the Secretary Ministry of National Food Security Zafar Hassan and the Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue for the export of dried Chillies from Pakistan to China. Member Planning of National Highway Authority Asim Amin and Chinese Charge D’Affaires Pang Chunxue signed the fourth document on the realignment of the Karakoram Highway Phase II project feasibility study. The two sides also signed through diplomatic channels the MOU on Industrial Workers' Exchange Program and agreed to promote the strategic ML-1 project. He Lifeng, 68, was named in March as a key government official overseeing China’s economy. In his new role as the vice premier, he oversees everything from industrial policy to trade negotiations. He spent the past five years as the leading central planner of China’s economy. The Chinese vice-premier has played a prominent role in China’s international economic relations and implementation of the BRI, of which CPEC is a flagship project.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ms987KC

China to work with Pakistan to build CPEC into ‘exemplary project’: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday that China will work with Pakistan to aim for high-standard, sustainable and livelihood-enhancing outcomes and further build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into an exemplary project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the decade of CPEC celebration event held in Islamabad. Xi pointed out that CPEC is an important pioneering project of the Belt and Road cooperation. Since its launch in 2013, China and Pakistan have been advancing CPEC under the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, and have achieved a number of early harvests. Read more: Xi presents blueprint for a new global governance system This has added new impetus to the economic and social development of Pakistan and laid a good foundation for regional connectivity and integration, he said, adding that it is a vivid testament to the all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan, and provides an important underpinning for building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Stressing that China and Pakistan will continue to improve overall planning and expand and deepen cooperation, Xi said that no matter how the international landscape may change, China will always stand firmly with Pakistan. Xi added China and Pakistan will continue to work hand in hand and forge ahead in solidarity to carry forward the ironclad friendship, coordinate development and security, pursue cooperation of higher standards, broader scope and greater depth, and take the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to new heights, so as to make even greater contribution to peace and prosperity in the two countries and the broader region.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/k04BF3w

‘Judicial inquiry’ into varsity incident demanded

Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East, and Pakistan Ulama Council Chairman Hafiz Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi has demanded a judicial inquiry into the Islamia University Bahawalpur incident. He expressed these views while addressing a news conference at the Jamia Manzoor-ul-Islamia on Sunday along with Ulemas. He said if drugs had been sold in the university, it should be found out who was selling them, adding that the incident had disturbed the parents. Strongly condemning the desecration of the Holy Quran in Denmark, he said this incident should be condemned on the platform of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He said a meeting of the Islamic Union was being held on Monday in which better decisions would be taken for the Ummah. He said, "All the holy prophets and books are respectable for Muslims and it is part of our belief." He said that the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden hurt the sentiments of the entire Ummah. He stressed on a world-level legislation for sanctity of the holy book (Quran). He said that countrywide ‘Istehkam-e-Pakistan’ conventions of Ulema would be organised under the umbrella of the Pakistan Ulema Council. APP

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

COAS condoles with UAE president

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir on Sunday met with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and offered his condolences on the death of his brother, Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi. According to a tweet from the UAE Embassy in Pakistan, army chief Asim called on the UAE president. On the occasion, the COAS expressed grief over the death of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and prayed for the departed soul. Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condoled with the UAE president over the death of Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. The premier visited the palace on his one-day visit to the UAE. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan warmly welcomed PM Shehbaz. On the occasion, PM Shehbaz expressed his grief and sorrow over the death of his brother on behalf of the Pakistani nation. The UAE president expressed his gratitude to PM Shehbaz over his visit to the UAE. He also pointed out the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/i6fq4OG

Four Zaireen die as bus overturns

A bus carrying Zaireen from Sakhi Sarwar in Dera Ghazi Khan to a place in Sindh overturned on the Indus Highway in Fazilpur area of Rajanpur district, killing four people and injuring 40 others. The injured were shifted to the Rural Health Centre of Fazilpur which happened to be just five minutes’ drive away from the site of the accident. The bodies were also taken to the RHC. The nature of the injuries of most of the Zaireen who had been taken to the RHC was minor, and they were discharged after dispensing them with medical aid, a doctor working at the Rajanpur DHQ told The Express Tribune. She said that those whose injuries were severe were referred to the Rajanpur DHQ, about half-an-hour’s drive from the Fazilpur Rural Health Centre. The doctor said that the condition of the injured were stable except for three of the Zaireen who were shifted to a tertiary health unit in Rahim Yar Khan. Meanwhile, Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives in the traffic accident near Rajanpur. Naqvi expressed heartfelt sympathy with the heirs of the deceased. He directed the administration to provide best treatment to the injured and also sought a report on the accident. Meanwhile, 10 other people died in separate road accidents in all the 37 districts of Punjab on Sunday while over a thousand others sustained injuries in those accidents in the last 24 hours. Nearly 500 people who had sustained serious injuries were shifted to different hospitals, while 446 victims with minor injuries were treated on the sites of the accidents. An overwhelming majority of accident, which constituted 71% of all the accidents, involved motorbikes. Furthermore, the analysis showed that 478 drivers, 33 underage drivers, 120 pedestrians and 351 passengers were among the victims of road traffic crashes. The statistics show that 267 accidents were reported in Lahore, affecting 259 people and placing the provincial capital at the top of the list of the cities where the accidents took place. The provincial capital was followed by Faisalabad where 100 accidents took place, and at the third spot was Multan with 69 RTCs and 65 victims. Out of the total number of 1176 victims involved in road accidents, 770 were males and 179 females. As far as the age group of the people involved in accidents was concerned, 184 were teenager, 497 were between the age of 18 and 40 and the rest of the victims were above 40 years of age. According to the data 739 motorbikes, 68 auto-rickshaws, 81 motorcars, 22 vans, 18 passenger buses, 23 trucks and 84 other types of auto vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the road accidents. In the month of January this year, four of family had died when their car was hit by a coach. The deceased had been identified as Abdullah, his son Yunan, daughter Sakina Bibi and a cousin Umar Daraz The accident had happened on Chandni Chowk near Bhakkar. Published in The Express Tribune, July 31st, 2023.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/qjG28KY

Govt to set up pool to centralise its assets

The government is set to establish the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund as an independent entity, aiming to centralize national assets and unlock liquidity to revitalize the economy and attract foreign direct investments. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar will present the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2023 in the National Assembly on Monday (today). The proposed bill seeks to create a new pool of resources dedicated to contributing to sustainable economic development through efficient management of funds and assets, adhering to international best practices and policies. To raise funds, the government has identified at least seven state assets with a combined net worth of Rs2.3 trillion to be transferred into the new fund. The plan involves selling shares and using the proceeds for capital investments. In a bid to make the sovereign fund investor-friendly, the government plans to exempt it from three core laws: the Privatisation Commission Ordinance, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority Ordinance, and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Act, 2023. The government has sought technical assistance from the $850 billion worth Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) in drafting the law, and the federal government will fully own the fund. The initial capital will be provided through transferring shareholding of SOEs like the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), and National Bank of Pakistan (NBP). This initiative comes in the wake of the government's establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a hybrid civil-military forum, designed to implement the 'Economic Revival Plan'. The Economic Revival Plan, presented by the country's top civil-military leadership, is a comprehensive strategy to address financial challenges and unlock the country's potential through local development and foreign investments. In pursuit of attracting investments from Gulf countries and expediting project implementation, the government established the SIFC to streamline the investment process and overcome financing hurdles with the army's support. With financial hardships in mind, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally approved approximately 28 projects across various sectors to attract investment from friendly countries. These projects cover agriculture, livestock, minerals and mining, information technology, and energy, with a focus on providing impeccable facilitation to potential investors interested in actualizing these schemes. The establishment of the Pakistan Sovereign Wealth Fund and the implementation of the Economic Revival Plan and SIFC demonstrate the government's commitment to bolstering the economy and fostering an environment conducive to investment and growth.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Dmy7n4R

At least 35 dead in blast at JUI-F convention in Bajaur

At least 35 people, including a local leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), were killed and as many as 70 injured on Sunday in a blast that ripped through a crowded JUI-F workers' convention in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district, police and rescue workers said. According to Express News, the explosion took place inside a hall located in a market near the Dubai Mor area of Bajaur's Tehril Khar, where the JUI-F convention was underway.  Maulana Ziaullah, the emir of the JUI-F party in Tehsil Khar also died in the explosion.  Saad Khan, the district emergency officer in Bajaur region, confirmed the casualties including the death of Maulana Ziaullah. Rescue workers said they feared the number of casualties would rise, with authorities also fearing that the number of fatalities may increase. Also read Bomber targets mosque in Khyber “I condemn the blast in the strongest words. I want to send a message to those responsible: If you call this jihad, you are mistaken. This is fasaad and outright terrorism. This is an attack on humanity, the state and region of Bajaur. This is not Islam, but a grave injustice against Islam and its followers,” JUI-F senior leader Hafiz Hamdullah told a local news channel. The JUI-F leader demanded that the state and concerned authorities investigate the attack, and the government use all means possible to provide treatment to the injured. As soon as the news of the blast was reported, the police and rescue agencies rushed to the scene to provide assistance, and the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The DIG of police in Malakand division has said that they are currently gathering information about the exact nature and cause of the blast. In the aftermath of the incident, law enforcement agencies have cordoned off the area, and investigations are underway to determine the cause and motive behind the explosion.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/h1Qyd5u

New British envoy to Pakistan arrives in Islamabad

British High Commissioner-designate Jane Marriott OBE arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to take up her new posting at the British High Commission. Jane's arrival comes at an important time for UK-Pakistan relations with a significant uplift in UK aid spending in Pakistan, focused on strengthening climate resilience and reducing humanitarian risks. Last month, the UK also launched the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which will help Pakistan boost exports by reducing tariffs and simplifying trade terms. “I am delighted to be here in Pakistan, a country that deeply matters to, and has a long-standing relationship with the UK. With over 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage in the UK making up every part of British society, we have a special and ever-growing special bond,” she stated. Read 'Will meet again': Christian Turner bids farewell to Pakistan The high commissioner added that “our friendship stems from our shared history and values, deep people-to-people ties, growing trade links and a renewed development partnership. I will be working hard to continue to expand these”. She maintained that “with the climate emergency a growing threat to health and livelihoods across the world, I have a particular interest in ensuring the bilateral relationship between our countries is a green, sustainable one.” Jane joined the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2001. She was previously posted as British high commissioner to Kenya from September 2019 to June 2023 and has served as British ambassador to Yemen. She has also been posted to the US, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan as well as heading the UK’s Joint International Counter Terrorism Unit. She travelled from London Heathrow using British Airways, the only airline to offer direct UK flights between the UK and Pakistan.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/YHyOXo1

New British envoy to Pakistan arrives in Islamabad

British High Commissioner-designate Jane Marriott OBE arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to take up her new posting at the British High Commission. Jane's arrival comes at an important time for UK-Pakistan relations with a significant uplift in UK aid spending in Pakistan, focused on strengthening climate resilience and reducing humanitarian risks. Last month, the UK also launched the new Developing Countries Trading Scheme, which will help Pakistan boost exports by reducing tariffs and simplifying trade terms. “I am delighted to be here in Pakistan, a country that deeply matters to, and has a long-standing relationship with the UK. With over 1.6 million people of Pakistani heritage in the UK making up every part of British society, we have a special and ever-growing special bond,” she stated. Read 'Will meet again': Christian Turner bids farewell to Pakistan The high commissioner added that “our friendship stems from our shared history and values, deep people-to-people ties, growing trade links and a renewed development partnership. I will be working hard to continue to expand these”. She maintained that “with the climate emergency a growing threat to health and livelihoods across the world, I have a particular interest in ensuring the bilateral relationship between our countries is a green, sustainable one.” Jane joined the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in 2001. She was previously posted as British high commissioner to Kenya from September 2019 to June 2023 and has served as British ambassador to Yemen. She has also been posted to the US, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan as well as heading the UK’s Joint International Counter Terrorism Unit. She travelled from London Heathrow using British Airways, the only airline to offer direct UK flights between the UK and Pakistan.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/YHyOXo1

At least 5 passengers killed in Rajanpur accident

At least five passengers were reported to have been killed in a road accident in Rajanpur district on Sunday.  The accident occurred as a bus overturned due to overspeeding in Fazilpur Tehsil of Rajanpur, as a result of which five people were killed while 20 were seriously injured, reported Express News. District in-charge of Rescue Dr Aslam has confirmed the death toll and added that at least 20 were seriously injured in the accident. "But all the injured have been shifted to the district and Fazilpur hospitals," he informed. On July 20, four members of the same family were killed with two others in an accident when a tourist bus fell off a cliff on a curvy mountainous road in the Diamer area of Gilgit. Twelve people from Syed Ijaz's family were on board the ill-fated bus, out of which four were killed and eight were injured. Among the injured are Syed Ijaz's brother Syed Zubair's wife and three young children. Read Accidents and Aftermath The family had gone on a tour of northern areas on a tourist bus. However, that bus fell into a ditch on the Karakoram Highway in the Thalachi area of the Diamer district. Earlier in June, it was reported that the tragic accident in the Salt Range portion of the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway that claimed 13 lives was a result of ‘criminal’ negligence, according to the complaint filed by the motorway police at the Kallar Kahar police station. The complaint noted that passengers had notified the bus owner as well as the station manager that the vehicle had complications but their concerns were dismissed. At least 32 people were on board the bus which lost control near Point 224 of the Lahore-Islamabad motorway and crashed through the safety barrier and also crushed an oncoming vehicle on the other track of the highway. The accident had once again highlighted the critical issue of road safety in the country. The filing of a criminal complaint against the bus driver, owner and others involved in the incident reflects the urgent need for immediate attention to prevent such tragedies. 

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

At least 5 passengers killed in Rajanpur accident

At least five passengers were reported to have been killed in a road accident in Rajanpur district on Sunday.  The accident occurred as a bus overturned due to overspeeding in Fazilpur Tehsil of Rajanpur, as a result of which five people were killed while 20 were seriously injured, reported Express News. District in-charge of Rescue Dr Aslam has confirmed the death toll and added that at least 20 were seriously injured in the accident. "But all the injured have been shifted to the district and Fazilpur hospitals," he informed. On July 20, four members of the same family were killed with two others in an accident when a tourist bus fell off a cliff on a curvy mountainous road in the Diamer area of Gilgit. Twelve people from Syed Ijaz's family were on board the ill-fated bus, out of which four were killed and eight were injured. Among the injured are Syed Ijaz's brother Syed Zubair's wife and three young children. Read Accidents and Aftermath The family had gone on a tour of northern areas on a tourist bus. However, that bus fell into a ditch on the Karakoram Highway in the Thalachi area of the Diamer district. Earlier in June, it was reported that the tragic accident in the Salt Range portion of the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway that claimed 13 lives was a result of ‘criminal’ negligence, according to the complaint filed by the motorway police at the Kallar Kahar police station. The complaint noted that passengers had notified the bus owner as well as the station manager that the vehicle had complications but their concerns were dismissed. At least 32 people were on board the bus which lost control near Point 224 of the Lahore-Islamabad motorway and crashed through the safety barrier and also crushed an oncoming vehicle on the other track of the highway. The accident had once again highlighted the critical issue of road safety in the country. The filing of a criminal complaint against the bus driver, owner and others involved in the incident reflects the urgent need for immediate attention to prevent such tragedies. 

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

FM Bilawal arrives in UAE on one-day official visit

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday on a one-day official visit. High officials of the UAE and Ambassador of Pakistan to the Emirati state Faisal Niaz Tirmizi received the foreign minister at the airport. During the visit, FM Bilawal will meet his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan where all aspects of bilateral relations will be discussed between the two brotherly countries. The visit reflects Pakistan's strong ties, relations and bilateral cooperation with the UAE. Both countries are committed to strengthening brotherly relations and deepening mutually beneficial economic partnerships. Read PM Shehbaz thanks UAE president for helping Pakistan The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairperson will also attend the unveiling ceremony of the wax figure of slain former premier and his mother Benazir Bhutto at Madame Tussauds. It will be the first wax figure of a Pakistani in the museum.  Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the Emirati state to offer condolences to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the death of his brother Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi. The prime minister was accompanied by Finance Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi and Ambassador Tirmizi.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ZrGCSe4

PML-N caught between devil and deep blue sea

The prevalent mood among the people shows that they lay the blame for economic woes at the ruling coalition’s door and the sentiment would reflect in the upcoming elections’ outcome, many parliamentarians, especially those belonging to the PML-N, told The Express Tribune. The dim view is helped by the grim optics from the country selling its assets amid ever-rising inflation to the deteriorating economy and a steady rise in terrorism, there was no good news on any front, a senior sitting parliamentarian from the ruling PML-N said on the condition of anonymity. Referring to the recently moved amendment by the defence minister in the Army Act, he said when the “interests of the establishment are guarded so unabashedly, no amount of lip-servicing works”. In the absence of any real opposition, he said, the government’s own performance was enough to force the people away. The lawmaker went on to admit that this had nothing to do with the performance of the previous PTI government, “but has everything to do with what happened in the last year”. “People are neck-deep in crises and are not ready to accept the PML-N led coalition government's excuse that they had no part to play in this crisis,” the parliamentarian said. “They don’t say this directly to our faces, but the questions that they ask generally reflect this sentiment.” The senior lawmaker reckoned that while people realise that the PTI government’s abysmal performance did not leave them with any breathing room, the delay in reaching an agreement with the IMF had made matters worse. If only this agreement had been reached sooner, the party could have gone into a damage-control mode. Appeasing establishment ‘big blunder’ Another senior parliamentarian from central Punjab, who too requested to be kept anonymous, said that appeasing the establishment was a “big blunder” his government was making, as this was a negation of their struggle. He said that party supremo Nawaz Sharif’s return would provide a stimulus in the PML-N but beyond that, it would not have any real impact, “especially against the backdrop of our government’s performance”. The lawmakers said that the party was known for delivering on all its promises but regretted that this time around, things went from bad to worse under its watch, and people didn’t want to be told who to blame. “They blame us.” Though all was not lost, he said, people knew that the PML-N was their only hope and was the only party that had the capacity to deliver, so they would vote for them. Similarly, JUI-F’s Abdul Ghafoor Haideri talking to The Express Tribune conceded that people were upset owing to the economic turmoil in Pakistan, saying that they indeed blamed them for this. He said that a government that ruled for more than a year was responsible for the state of affairs and the people were justified in blaming it on the government. Haideri said that people were not fully cognisant of the circumstances under which the PDM took control of the government, and neither were they aware of the global inflationary trend, so their expectations were pretty logical from their perspective. He said all shared the blame for this and Ishaq Dar alone was not responsible. PML-N MNA Waheed Alam Khan said that people blamed the government for soaring inflation and this would have an impact on the elections outcome. When asked about the damage that pro-establishment policy would have on the PML-N as was pointed out by other parliamentarians that The Express Tribune spoke to, he agreed, saying it indeed would also have an impact.

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

President, PM revere Ashura’s ‘message of faith, justice’

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) gave the precious lesson of unwavering faith, piety, and struggle for justice, reminding the Muslims of their moral responsibility to stand up against oppression and tyranny. In their separate messages on the eve of Yaum-e-Ashur (Muharram 10), the president and the prime minister urged the people to set aside their differences and promote compassion, tolerance and become one nation and work for the development of Pakistan. Alvi, in his message, called for renewing the commitment to promoting the fundamental principles of Islam and adopting the teachings of Imam Hussain (AS) and trying to imitate his courage and steadfastness in their lives. "This courageous act teaches us that we should not bow to oppression and wrongdoing, and raise our voice against injustice, no matter what the cost," he said, adding that the conduct of Imam Hussain's (AS) companions also taught the importance of supporting those who struggle for justice. “On Yaum-e-Ashur, we should keep in mind the importance of dialogue and understanding between different schools of thought. Let us stand united to uphold the values representing the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and to move forward with courage, perseverance, and boldness," he added. Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the 10th of Muharram had a profound historic and spiritual significance for the Muslims all over the world. "It teaches that we should maintain the principles of justice, compassion, and steadfastness in all spheres of life,” he said. The message of sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) was for all Muslims, beyond all borders and for all coming generations and continents, he stressed. "We should learn from the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) to overcome the challenges and difficulties faced by the nation and the whole Ummah.” The prime minister emphasised that the obstacles in the path of truth and success could only be removed through steadfastness, sacrifice, and determination. "Let us try to follow the great example set by Imam Hussain (AS) and his followers, in our daily lives,” he said. 

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

Four killed as car plunges into ditch

Four members of the same family died while three children sustained serious injuries when the private car driver lost control of the vehicle, plunging it into a ditch near Sirikot. The bodies and the injured were rushed to the nearby Haripur Trauma Centre. According to a police spokesperson, Atif Shah, an employee of the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and a native of Singhar – a mountainous region on the outskirts of Sirikot – was travelling along with his family in a private van when he lost control over the vehicle at Plusar and it fell into a deep ravine, leaving Atif Shah, his wife Ruqayya Bibi, Zainab Bibi, 31, and three-year-old Ayan died on the spot while Muhammad Ali, 15, Abdullah, 8, and Obaid Shah sustained serious injuries. As soon as the accident was reported, Ghazi Police DSP Muhammad Tahir Qureshi and SHO arrived on the spot and inspected the accident site, the spokesperson said. He went on to add that the rescue operation was conducted with the help of locals who helped the police in fetching out the bodies and the injured before transferring them to the hospital. The spokesperson said after completion of identification, post-mortem and other necessary proceedings, the bodies were handed over to the relatives of the deceased, who took them to their hometown.   Published in The Express Tribune, July 28th, 2023.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/htIjWa8

75th martyrdom anniversary of Capt Sarwar observed

The 75th martyrdom anniversary of Captain Muhammad Sarwar Shaheed, Nishan-e-Haider, was observed on Thursday, the military said in a statement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Director General Rawalpindi Garrison Security Area (RGSA) laid floral wreath at the martyr’s mausoleum in his native town Sanghori in Gujjar Khan. According to the military’s media wing, a smartly turned out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented a guard of honour. People from different walks of life, civil and military officials and relatives of the martyrs attended the wreath-laying ceremony, it added. Captain Muhammad Sarwar, the first recipient of Nishan-e-Haider, who demonstrated indomitable courage and valour in defence of motherland and embraced martyrdom at Tilpatra in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in 1948. Read more: 72nd death anniversary of Captain Sarwar today Captain Muhammad Sarwar’s martyrdom anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary sacrifices made by the armed forces of Pakistan to defend the motherland. “Let us remember these heroes who have laid down their lives in defence of our motherland. The nation is proud of its gallant sons,” ISPR had said a day earlier. Sarwar was born on November 10, 1910 at Singhori village in Gujar Khan Tehsil of Punjab’s Rawalpindi district in British India to Jeevani Bibi. His father, Raja Muhammad Hayat Khan, was also a havaldar in the British Army. Following in the footsteps of his father, he joined military in 1929 as a sepoy at the age of 19 years. In 1939, Sarwar was invited to attend the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun from where he passed out on April 21, 1944 as a commissioned officer and became a second lieutenant. He got promoted as a temporary captain on June 30, 1944. In 1945, the temporary captain took part in battle in Burma against Japanese. He joined in the Punjab Regiment in March 1946 and served it till August. He was promoted as a captain on February 1, 1947. Read more: 72nd death anniversary of Captain Sarwar today When a war broke out between the newly formed states of Pakistan and India after illegal annexation of the Himalayan valley of Jammu and Kashmir with India, Sarwar immediately volunteered but he was not allowed by his officers who wanted him to complete his training in military signals. In 1948, he took over the command of the 2nd Battalion of the Punjab Regiment of the Pakistan Army as its commanding officer, organised with the purpose of retaking Kashmir. A march towards the Uri region of Kashmir was commenced under Captain Sarwar, and the battalion led an attack on the disorganised Indian Army's troops, forcing them to retreat from the Gilgit-Baltistan to Ladakh in Kashmir on July 26, 1948. Captain Sarwar's company followed the retreating Indian Army's troops to the Uri region where his unit faced off the strongly fortified enemy position. His company was only 50 yards away from the fortified enemy position as the Indian Army's soldiers began their mortar shelling at his positions. He had received instructions to lead the attack on the left side of the Indian bunker which was surrounded with barbed wires. Sarwar decided to cut the wires and took along only six men to perform this arduous task. Despite massive Indian firing, Captain Sarwar succeeded to cut the barbed wires with a bolt cutter. Due to continuous downpour of shelling, his chest had perforated. He died while clearing the passage for his soldiers The brave captain was 38 years old when he embraced martyrdom.

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

PM vows to develop Gwadar port into world's finest

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated the government’s resolve to develop the Gwadar seaport as one of the best in the world. He said that the fate of the people of Balochistan, especially of Gwadar, would be changed through the ongoing development operation in the province. Addressing a laptop and cheques distribution ceremony in Gwadar, he said that when Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif was elected prime minister for the third time in 2013, he planned and launched multiple projects in power, infrastructure, and other sectors in Gwadar. However, he deplored that when he visited as prime minister last year, he was shocked to note that the previous government had abandoned work on all ongoing projects in the city. Read more: Gwadar Intl Airport to be inaugurated He said that despite 15 months of challenges, the coalition government managed to lay the foundation of development and prosperity in the country, especially in Balochistan. The province, he said, was rich in minerals and other natural resources which need to be explored and the fruits of the development of the area given to the local people. The local people must enjoy all the basic facilities in all sectors including health and education, he added. The premier said that the draft of the Gwadar port was one the deepest among the world’s top ports, however, dredging of the port which was a continuous process to prevent accumulating silt, was not ensured by the previous government. Now, he informed, the current government initiated the dredging process which would be completed by February next year. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif distributed cheques among the fishermen of Gawadar, today.#PMShehbazinGwadar pic.twitter.com/RBw6giQmHj — PMLN (@pmln_org) July 27, 2023 He said that in five years from 2017 to 2022, only 100,000 tonnes of goods could arrive here while goods of over 600,000 tonnes arrived at the port during the 15 months of the incumbent government. The prime minister announced that the laptop quota for Balochistan had now been increased to 14 per cent against the 6 per cent population share of the province. He also directed the relevant authorities to further increase the laptop quota to 18% for next fiscal year. گوادر: وزیراعظم شہباز شریف نے گوادر یونیورسٹی کے ہونہار طلباء وطالبات میں وزیراعظم یوتھ لیپ ٹاپ سکیم کے تحت لیپ ٹاپ تقسیم کیے اور ان کی حوصلہ افزائی کی۔#PMShehbazinGwadar #PMLaptopScheme #PMYouthProgramme @ShazaFK pic.twitter.com/3xpDghrkj9 — PMLN (@pmln_org) July 27, 2023 PM Shehbaz said that default risk for Pakistan had been averted due to support from the brotherly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and UAE. Yesterday, he said, China’s Exim bank had rolled over loan of another $2.4 billion for the next two years. He made it clear that all the support from the friendly countries was totally unconditional as no country had placed any condition in return for the loan relief. He also directed the relevant authorities to put the security of the foreigners on top priority. Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Faisal Sabzwari said that under the leadership of PM Shehbaz, numerous welfare and development projects were being launched to uplift of the people of the province. For the social uplift of the poor fishermen, he said that the prime minister had distributed cheques to 3,250 small fishermen amounting to Rs250,000 per head. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Shaza Fatima Khawaja said over one million laptops had been delivered since the launch of the laptop scheme by Shehbaz Sharif as Punjab chief minister. She said that as per the new laptop quota, some 14,000 talented students of Balochistan would receive laptops this year. Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Balochistan Governor, provincial ministers and top government officials were also present on the occasion.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/O823jt9

FBR ‘unblocks’ PIA’s bank accounts

The bank accounts of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) were unblocked after matters between the national flag carrier and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) over non-payment of dues were settled, sources in the FBR said on Thursday. However, the airline cannot make payments through these accounts, and can only deposit funds. A day earlier, the revenue board had frozen PIA’s accounts, which according to sources had disturbed the latter’s flight schedule. The airline’s management was in contact with the FBR for the unfreezing of the accounts. Sources on Thursday maintained that issues between the revenue board and the management of the PIA had been resolved over the non-payment of dues, and that the national flag carrier’s bank accounts had been unblocked. They further said that PIA owed more than Rs24 billion to the Pakistan State Oil (PSO) – company supplying fuel to the airline. Read more: FBR freezes PIA’s accounts Due to the blocking of accounts, the airline has not made any payment to the PSO during the last 48 hours. The last sum it had paid was of Rs156 million on July 25, which too was given after much delay. The chief financial officer of the PIA had assured the PSO of making the payment on Thursday but the dues could not be cleared. The national flag carrier will now only be able to make payment on Monday as banks are closed due to Muharram holidays. When contacted, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan denied the unblocking of the accounts, saying the issue would be discussed on Monday. He stated that the flights operations continued as per the schedule and that no disturbance was expected in the airline’s activities due to the prevailing situation. Last year, the airline’s 53 accounts were blocked over non-payment of dues, which were later restored on assurance of early payments.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/9iP2F5C

Crushed by inflation: Porters left to fend for themselves

In the present economic downturn, porters at two of the country’s busiest railway stations, responsible for hauling passengers’ luggage, are struggling, much like Pakistan Railways itself. However, while Pakistan Railways can rely on the government to bail it out, porters do not have the same luxury. Poor working conditions, docked salaries, lack of health insurance, no pension plan, and job insecurity are the hallmarks of being a porter, colloquially referred to as coolie, at the Karachi and Lahore railway stations. Furthermore, the high cost of living in the two cities means that coolies who live there can barely survive, let alone put food on the table. “This is not a salaried job. Some days I make Rs 800, other days I make Rs 1,500; out of which 30 per cent goes to the contractor who hired me,” informed Shafqat, a porter at the Karachi Railway Station, also known as Cantt Station. On average Shafqat makes somewhere around Rs 34,000 per month, which hardly covers his bills. “With the current inflation level, I barely get by,” he said. Similarly, Mohammad Razzaq Chatha, a coolie from Sargodha, working at the Lahore Railway Station for the past 37 years, said that he was struggling to put food on the table. “I have five children who live with their mother back home in Sargodha. After a long month of gruelling labour, I have only Rs 30,000 in my pocket, a large percentage of which is sent back home to support my family,” shared Chatha. Naeem, a porter at the Cantt Station, who had just gotten done helping out a passenger with his luggage, can relate to his Lahori counterpart’s plight. “I can either afford food and living or send money back to my family,” he said. “These days a coolie has no life,” Naeem added sorrowfully. Muhammad Iqbal, a coolie in Lahore, agrees. “The worst part about this job is that our misery does not end with us; we cannot even afford to send our children to school,” resented Iqbal, who is the father of eight children of school going age. However, while the coolies’ plight has been exacerbated by the back-breaking inflation, it is not new. “There has never been any sort of government assistance, pension, or medical facility by the department for porters. The government does not care about coolies,” regretted Manzoor Mullah, leader of the Railway Workers Union. This is because the porters are not employees of Pakistan Railways, they are daily wage workers, according to Haji Allah Dutta, a contractor for porters at the Cantt Station. When pointed out that even contractors were exploitative, a defensive Allah Dutta, said, “we help out porters in every emergency, when it is the government that should take responsibility.” Muhammad Ashraf, the current contractor at the Lahore Railway Station, echoing Allah Dutta’s thoughts, said that while we occasionally do provide monetary support to porters, it is the job of the government to provide them with medical facilities and educational opportunities. However, Athar Riaz, Divisional Superintendent Karachi of Pakistan Railways, does not agree with the two contractors. “Porters are not regular employees of the department, they are subordinate to contractors. Hence, contractors should be held responsible for the plight of the porters,” said Athar matter-of-factly. Nevertheless, the department and contractors throwing blame at each other is of no interest to Manzoor Razi, a central leader of the Railway Workers Union, who demanded that porters be given governmental protection. “The railways minister, Khawaja Saad Rafique, desperately needs to take notice of the plight of coolies,” Razi implored. Chaudhry Naseem Iqbal, President of Pakistan Workers Federation, agrees. “I urge the government to include porters in the workers category so that they can receive employment and social security benefits,” asserted Iqbal while talking to the Express Tribune.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/NkKE3hJ

Govt eyes 3.5% growth in FY2023

The government has succeeded in ensuring the sustainability of the external and fiscal sectors through various tough decisions and stabilisation measures in FY2023. In FY2024, the government is gearing towards achieving higher growth of 3.5 per cent through various measures like the Kissan package, industrial support, export promotion, encouragement of the IT sector, and resource mobilisation, etc., according to the Monthly Economic and Update and Outlook Monthly report issued by the Ministry of finance here on Wednesday. According to the report, achieving higher and sustainable economic growth will require prudent and effective economic decisions, political and economic certainty, and continuation of friendly economic policies along with enough foreign exchange financing. The recent IMF approval of the stand-by arrangement and other bilateral and multilateral inflows will pave the way to further improve the macroeconomic environment and the confidence of economic agents. Despite of substantial decline in imports, the LSM and the overall slowdown in economic activity, the government’s effective resource mobilisation strategy remained effective in maintaining the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax collection growth at 16.6 per cent, while non-tax grew by 31 per cent, the report said. Read more: Businessmen warn of mass industrial shutdowns Similarly, on the expenditure side, though mounting interest expenditure remained a significant burden on fiscal accounts, curtailing non-interest spending triggered a primary deficit to narrow down. For FY2024, the government is taking various measures for domestic resource mobilisation. The government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy for every sector of the economy in an effort to revive economic growth and move towards a higher inclusive and sustainable growth trajectory. Further different administrative and policy measures have been introduced to increase the tax collection. Additionally, SBP’s withdrawal of restrictions on imports will create demand for imports. All these measures will be supportive in improving the revenues, the report added. On the expenditure side, various austerity measures are in place that will be helpful in reducing non-productive expenditures. About the overall economic activity, the Monthly Economic Indicator (MEI) is developed as a tool to distribute the past annual GDP numbers, as reported by the PBS, on a monthly/quarterly basis, and to now cast on that same frequency GDP growth for the FY in which the national accounts are not yet available, the report said. The MEI calculated for July 2022 to June 2023 is well aligned with the newly published national accounts for FY2023. It indicates that since April, MEI, following the upward trend, is showing signs of improvement and is expected to be positive in the coming months. According to the report, FY2023 was a challenging fiscal year, however, it has witnessed noteworthy fiscal and current account balance improvements. Also read: Banking spreads reach 20 year high The government’s stern decisions and stabilisation measures have steered the country towards a sustainable path. The growth targets of 3.5 per cent are anticipated to be met through Kissan package, industrial support, export promotion, encouragement of the IT sector, and resource mobilisation efforts. On the global front, the economic activity in major advanced economies is still showing signs of weakness, mainly due to the continuation of monetary tightening measures. Inflation has fallen in some economies due to lower energy prices, but food and services prices continue to rise, contributing to the persistent high inflation. Monetary tightening measures are still in place. Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation has declined to 29.4 per cent in the month of June 2023 from 38.0 per cent recorded in May 2023. The food inflation (urban) has declined from 48.1 per cent to 40.8 per cent. The sensitive price indicator (SPI) also declined by 0.07 per cent on the week ended July 20, 2023. The fiscal front has seen an important improvement, with the primary deficit reducing significantly from Rs945.3 billion last year to Rs112 billion during July-May FY2023. Decline in fiscal deficit Furthermore, the fiscal deficit is also expected to decline from the previous year 7.9 per cent of GDP, largely due to a 12 per cent reduction in non-markup spending. In order to contain persistently rising inflationary pressures and to maintain external sector stability, SBP had to increase the policy rate by 100 basis points to 22 per cent in its last monetary policy committee meeting. The current account deficit has also declined by 85.4 per cent as compared to the last year. The current account has posted a deficit of $2.6 billion for FY2023, a reduction from the previous year’s deficit of $17.5 billion. According to the report, the current account has improved, resulting in a surplus of $334 million in June 2023. OECD economic outlook estimated global growth to be 2.7 per cent in 2023, with a modest pick-up to 2.9 per cent in 2024 – both well below the average growth rate in the decade preceding the Covid-19 pandemic. Global GDP growth slowed substantially throughout 2022, but several of the factors weighing negatively are now unwinding. Falling energy prices and headline inflation, easing supply bottlenecks and the reopening of China’s economy coupled with strong employment, all contribute to a projected recovery. Significant uncertainty about economic prospects remains, and the major risks to the projections are on the downside. One key concern is that inflation could continue to be more persistent than expected. Emerging market economies face challenges from tight global financial conditions: higher debt servicing costs, capital outflows, and reduced credit availability from foreign lenders, the report said. Moreover, rising geopolitical tensions and concerns about supply chain security have prompted several countries to implement trade and investment restrictions. Increasingly restrictive trade policies risk curtailing the gains from global trade and harming the development prospects of low-income countries. Asian Development Outlook for July 2023 projects Asia’s outlook optimistic, as China’s reopening and domestic consumption and investment continue to underpin growth in the region, the report said. The regional growth forecast is maintained at 4.8 per cent for 2023 and marginally revised downward to 4.7 per cent for 2024.

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

PAC concerned over NADRA data leak

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman, Noor Alam Khan, expressed grave concern over the recent National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) data leak, describing it as a compromise on the integrity of the country. The committee convened under Khan's chairmanship to be briefed by Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials on the matter. During the meeting, Chairman Khan highlighted that the leaked Nadra records of every Pakistani citizen being sold was a severe breach of trust and a threat to the nation's security. FIA officials faced resistance from Nadra officials while investigating the data leak, as one Nadra officer approached the high court during the inquiry. Chairman Khan demanded that the FIA officials show the judge, who had halted the inquiry, the leaked data concerning his own family. He also urged the chief justice to permit a thorough inquiry into this sensitive matter, emphasizing the importance of preserving the country's integrity. Also read: PAC orders probe into NADRA data leak Drawing attention to Pakistan's judiciary ranking, which stands at 128th in the world, Khan stressed the urgency of conducting a fact-finding inquiry into the data leak in Nadra and the corruption in the National Testing Service (NTL). Following the discussions, the PAC ordered a fact-finding inquiry into both cases, aiming to uncover the extent and impact of the data leak and NTL corruption. In the course of the meeting, the interior secretary revealed another alarming discovery - arms licenses were obtained through fake letters in the names of Members of the National Assembly (MNAs). As a result, four individuals were arrested in connection with this fraudulent activity, which also caused delays in processing legitimate licenses for lawmakers.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/zes8B1V

Court halts salaries of top Punjab officials for not producing Elahi

Special Central Court Judge Bakht Fakhar Bahzad on Wednesday took strict action against top Punjab officials for non-compliance with a court order. The judge issued show-cause notices to the Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP), Punjab Inspector General Prisons, and Home Secretary, directing the concerned quarters to halt their salaries. The notices were issued in response to their failure to produce former Punjab chief minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi before the court. The court emphasised the importance of upholding individual freedoms and highlighted the potential consequences when the police fail to abide by legal orders. Judge Bahzad expressed dismay over the situation, stating that an under-trial prisoner like Elahi should not be held hostage by law enforcement officials, pointing to a distressing state of affairs that disregards human values. The case in question involves money laundering charges against Elahi and others. Earlier in the proceedings, Judge Bahzad had directed the IGP Punjab to present the accused before the court, but the order was not followed. Read more: Police failure to release Elahi irks court The judge has now sought explanations from the aforementioned officials regarding Elahi's transfer from judicial custody to another jail without the court's permission. The court has summoned the officers in person by August 5 to provide satisfactory legal replies and ensure the accused is produced in court at the next hearing. Judge Bahzad also expressed concern over the police's attitude, highlighting the callousness of the state in dealing with the suffering of under-trial prisoners and their unjustified deprivation of constitutional and legal rights. The judge questioned the justification for detaining Elahi without proper legal procedures and called for stern action against those responsible. The judge ordered the concerned officials' salaries to be stopped until further notice. Additionally, a cost of adjournment amounting to Rs 50,000 each has been imposed on them under Section 344 of Cr.P.C. He has also directed the Investigation Officer (IO) of the case to submit a complete report under Section 173 of Cr.P.C. Failure to do so may result in proceedings being initiated against the IO in accordance with the law.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/uv2JQCX

PPP vows to thwart digital census approval by CCI

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has made it clear that it will not support any attempt to get the digital census approved from the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in the remaining few days of the incumbent government, which it claims will result in an inordinate delay in holding the general elections. Former Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) secretary and Adviser to Caretaker Punjab CM Kanwar Dilshad has said that the CCI could accord its approval to the digital census and prompt the ECP to begin with the delimitation process, which would automatically delay the elections. He said if the approval was accorded, elections would be presumed to be delayed till the time the delimitation of the constituencies was completed. He said the timelines originally delineated by the CCI were not abided by, but that did not take away the authority of the body to approve the digital census, and issue a gazette notification accordingly. Asked if the Constitution, which clearly spelled out the two timelines – one of 60 days in case of completion of the tenure and the other of 90 days upon dissolution – he said the said articles would not become an impediment, as the same Constitution, gave an exception in Article 254 providing a legal cover to the delay. He said the report of digital census would also be placed before parliament. Asked if the courts would allow this delay, Dilshad who sounded a bit miffed over the idea of bringing courts into the equation, said: “Why would we bring courts in matters where the system functions in the framework of the Constitution.” PPP Information Secretary Faisal Karim Kundi told The Express Tribune that granting approval to the digital census would cause an inordinate delay in holding the general elections and the party would not approve of it. Asked if the PPP had taken a position on the digital census, Kundi, who is also a state minister, clarified that his party was yet to officially decide on the matter but in principle, their position was to ensure timely elections. The state minister said according approval to the decision in CCI, and allowing the ECP to initiate delimitation process would not mean a delay of just four months, but it could take as long as eight months or even more. Kundi noted that the Sindh chief minister had written to the premier regarding the province’s concerns over the digital census whereas the MQM had raised its concerns. Kundi said he had also personally written to the prime minister apprising him of his reservations over the digital census in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He opined that the matter should be left for the next government to deliberate, adding that they would not grant their “stamp of approval” to this decision given the potential delay it could cause. When asked about the chances of the decision coming from the CCI sans the PPP, Kundi said that they had limited representation, chiefly via the Sindh CM, so the PML-N led government could have its ways even without them. He said they did not know whether the issue would be on the CCI agenda, but generally there were concerns about it. Kundi stated that the CCI meeting was expected in the first week of August, clarifying that his opinion mattered if the digital census was on agenda, adding that thus far, they did not have verified information in this regard. When asked if the digital census was on the agenda of the CCI’s upcoming meeting, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said: “[They] have not discussed [it] so far.” Former caretaker Punjab CM Hasan Askari said getting approval from the CCI was easier said than done, recalling that the 2017 census also could not get the nod of all parties, which prompted another head count. He said Sindh had objected to the latest census and that other provinces might also come up with their concerns. Askari also remained skeptical about the stature of caretaker chief ministers against the elected ones, saying both did not enjoy the same position in the CCI. A senior lawyer, also part of the PM’s team, however, claimed that all the chief ministers in the CCI enjoyed the same stature, noting that during any CCI meeting it would make no difference whether one was a caretaker or an elected CM. Meanwhile, senior MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal stressed that the elections should be held according to the new census. He said all the processes of census had been completed and that the ECP had also conducted an audit of the digital head count, to address their concerns. He said the audit had placated their concerns. Kamal maintained that the government had around 20 days left, observing that if the delimitation process was undertaken on war footings, election could be held on time. Knowing that the 2017 census was flawed, he said, holding election on its basis would make no sense and would cast a shadow on the transparency of polls. The MQM-P leader said they were assured by the prime minister that the government had not taken any decision of holding elections on the old census.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/OYp9ud4

SHO suspended over ‘negligence’

District Police Officer (DPO) Mansehra Zahoor Babar Afridi Tuesday in response to alleged negligence and failure to handle the case professionally and promptly suspended all officers involved and ordered them to report police lines. Following the suspension of officers, an investigation against them has been started and a charge sheet has been issued, with a response expected from the involved within seven days. Inspector Ajmal Khan and Head Constable Yaser, among others, have been suspended and ordered to report police lines. The move came as the case remained unresolved, causing anguish to the family and raising concerns among the public. Afridi has announced that the bereaved family members of the deceased child will be allowed to be present during the investigation proceedings. He vowed to leave no stone unturned in pursuing justice for the victim and assured the community that the investigation would be conducted meticulously, and that the culprits responsible for this heinous crime will be held accountable based on the evidence presented. Published in The Express Tribune, July 26th, 2023.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/f9A3rno

Two-judge SC bench takes up Imran’s case today

The Supreme Court has again become the last hope for PTI Chairman Imran Khan since the court can rescue him from disqualification in the Toshakhana (gift repository) case as it had declared him “honest and trustworthy” in PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi’s case before the last general elections.  During his term as the premier, Imran had realised that the case might land him in hot water.  When the matter came up in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the PTI chief had asked the then attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan to personally appear before Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to resist any direction for disclosure of details about the gifts given to him by foreign dignitaries.  However, he was ousted in April 2022 and the current government decided to make public details of all the gifts given to the former premier during his term.  Subsequently, PML-N lawyer Mohsin Ranjha approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for his disqualification on account of his mis-declaration about the purchase and sale of Toshakhana gifts.  In October 2022, the ECP declared the PTI chief guilty and held that he made “false statements and incorrect declaration”. The commission ruled that the PTI chief committed the offence of corrupt practices defined under Section 167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017.  These practices are punishable under Section 174 of the Elections Act.  “The office is directed to initiate legal proceedings and to take follow-up action under Section 190(2) of the Elections Act, 2017,” the ECP judgment added. Last year, the ECP filed a complaint in a sessions court in Islamabad for Imran’s disqualification.  Now the trial in Toshakhana case is at its final stage and the trial court has summoned the PTI chief to give testimony under Section 342. Earlier, Imran challenged the maintainability of this complaint, but was unable to receive complete relief from the IHC. Therefore, the PTI chief approached the apex court for relief.  Read Asif’s sexist slurs spark fury from female lawmakers Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial has listed this matter before a division bench of the apex court comprising Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Musarrat Hilali for hearing on Wednesday (today).  Both these judges belong to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Justice Afridi is known as a judge whose integrity is beyond any doubt.  However, he is also famous for his ‘unpredictability’. Since his elevation to the SC, he has mostly recused himself from hearing suo motu cases. Justice Afridi dismissed a constitution petition filed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa against the presidential reference seeking his removal.  However, he accepted the superior bars’ petitions in this case.  Out of a five-member larger bench, Justice Afridi was the only judge, who held that a contempt notice should be issued to Imran over the violation of the May 25 orders wherein the PTI protesters were restricted from reaching near D-Chowk in Islamabad.  He also dissented with the majority opinion over the presidential reference filed by the PTI government in connection with holding the Senate elections through open ballots without a constitutional amendment.  Justice Afridi declared that the reference was not maintainable and termed the Senate elections matter as a political one. The judge also dismissed petitions over the delay in the announcement of the dates for holding the elections to Punjab and K-P assemblies.  He noted that the matter should be decided in the high courts first. Recently, the CJP listed Imran’s petition before Justice Afridi's bench seeking quashing of an FIR registered against him in the Abdul Razaq Shar murder case.  The PTI chief succeeded in acquiring interim relief from his bench on Monday.  Interestingly, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi is not part of the bench hearing Imran’s petition in the Toshakhana case.  It was witnessed that when the trial was under way in the Panama Papers case, then prime minister Nawaz Sharif approached the apex court for relief but then CJP Saqib Nisar turned him down.  Now Imran is approaching the top court in a similar situation.  PML-N lawyers believe that the IHC judgment in the Toshakhana case has already been implemented and the matter has become infructuous.  However, PTI lawyers are hopeful that notices will be issued to the respondents and a stay order will be granted on the proceedings of the trial court in the case. If this happens, it will be a major setback for those who are trying hard to have Imran disqualified before the general elections.  There is also a chance that the SC bench may restrain the trial court from making the final decision in the matter until the former’s concluding judgment.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/E3ZAMur

Two-judge SC bench takes up Imran’s case today

The Supreme Court has again become the last hope for PTI Chairman Imran Khan since the court can rescue him from disqualification in the Toshakhana (gift repository) case as it had declared him “honest and trustworthy” in PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi’s case before the last general elections.  During his term as the premier, Imran had realised that the case might land him in hot water.  When the matter came up in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), the PTI chief had asked the then attorney general for Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Javed Khan to personally appear before Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb to resist any direction for disclosure of details about the gifts given to him by foreign dignitaries.  However, he was ousted in April 2022 and the current government decided to make public details of all the gifts given to the former premier during his term.  Subsequently, PML-N lawyer Mohsin Ranjha approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for his disqualification on account of his mis-declaration about the purchase and sale of Toshakhana gifts.  In October 2022, the ECP declared the PTI chief guilty and held that he made “false statements and incorrect declaration”. The commission ruled that the PTI chief committed the offence of corrupt practices defined under Section 167 and 173 of the Elections Act, 2017.  These practices are punishable under Section 174 of the Elections Act.  “The office is directed to initiate legal proceedings and to take follow-up action under Section 190(2) of the Elections Act, 2017,” the ECP judgment added. Last year, the ECP filed a complaint in a sessions court in Islamabad for Imran’s disqualification.  Now the trial in Toshakhana case is at its final stage and the trial court has summoned the PTI chief to give testimony under Section 342. Earlier, Imran challenged the maintainability of this complaint, but was unable to receive complete relief from the IHC. Therefore, the PTI chief approached the apex court for relief.  Read Asif’s sexist slurs spark fury from female lawmakers Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial has listed this matter before a division bench of the apex court comprising Justice Yahya Afridi and Justice Musarrat Hilali for hearing on Wednesday (today).  Both these judges belong to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Justice Afridi is known as a judge whose integrity is beyond any doubt.  However, he is also famous for his ‘unpredictability’. Since his elevation to the SC, he has mostly recused himself from hearing suo motu cases. Justice Afridi dismissed a constitution petition filed by Justice Qazi Faez Isa against the presidential reference seeking his removal.  However, he accepted the superior bars’ petitions in this case.  Out of a five-member larger bench, Justice Afridi was the only judge, who held that a contempt notice should be issued to Imran over the violation of the May 25 orders wherein the PTI protesters were restricted from reaching near D-Chowk in Islamabad.  He also dissented with the majority opinion over the presidential reference filed by the PTI government in connection with holding the Senate elections through open ballots without a constitutional amendment.  Justice Afridi declared that the reference was not maintainable and termed the Senate elections matter as a political one. The judge also dismissed petitions over the delay in the announcement of the dates for holding the elections to Punjab and K-P assemblies.  He noted that the matter should be decided in the high courts first. Recently, the CJP listed Imran’s petition before Justice Afridi's bench seeking quashing of an FIR registered against him in the Abdul Razaq Shar murder case.  The PTI chief succeeded in acquiring interim relief from his bench on Monday.  Interestingly, Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi is not part of the bench hearing Imran’s petition in the Toshakhana case.  It was witnessed that when the trial was under way in the Panama Papers case, then prime minister Nawaz Sharif approached the apex court for relief but then CJP Saqib Nisar turned him down.  Now Imran is approaching the top court in a similar situation.  PML-N lawyers believe that the IHC judgment in the Toshakhana case has already been implemented and the matter has become infructuous.  However, PTI lawyers are hopeful that notices will be issued to the respondents and a stay order will be granted on the proceedings of the trial court in the case. If this happens, it will be a major setback for those who are trying hard to have Imran disqualified before the general elections.  There is also a chance that the SC bench may restrain the trial court from making the final decision in the matter until the former’s concluding judgment.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/E3ZAMur

Asif’s sexist slurs spark fury from female lawmakers

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif came under fire and faced severe criticism from women parliamentarians in a joint session of Parliament on Tuesday for using what they termed as sexist and derogatory remarks, leading to protests from the opposition. He made the remarks in an address to a joint sitting of Parliament in response to criticism by parliamentarians, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Senator Ali Zafar, over the handling of legislation and bills. Referring to former PTI chief Imran Khan, Asif recalled legislative practices during the former prime minister’s tenure. He then made disparaging comments that soon caused chaos in the House. “Those with such a dark and ugly history, they are sitting here giving us lessons on virtue. There is no need for depraved women to give lectures on chastity," said the defence minister, prompting women lawmakers on the opposition benches to stand up from their seats in protest over his choice of words. The PTI women parliamentarians objected, demanding that Asif retract his words. But the defence minister continued his address despite the protests, calling the PTI women parliamentarians the "remnants" and "ruins" of the PTI chairman. Also read Khawaja Asif calls Firdous Ashiq Awan a ‘dumper’, a year after his Shireen Mazari ‘tractor trolley’ remarks “These are the remnants of an individual who termed the Chief of (Army) Staff his father. Mr Speaker, these are his ruins. This is the trash he left behind. This is his garbage… which has to be cleaned,” he continued after female members of the opposition shouted in severe criticism over Asif’s rant. “Listen to me! Today, he (Imran Khan) does not have the courage to appear in courts. He has left his ‘burgers’ to rot in jail while he hides like a rat. And these people defend him? A person who needs women to defend him, what can you say about his courage or bravery?” The remarks continued to draw strong reactions from the PTI members, while other members from the treasury benches remained largely silent. The protests compelled NA Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf to repeatedly call for order in the House, while the word "garbage" was expunged from the record. Also read Asif reminded of misogynistic past after he takes on PM Notably, this is not the first time that Asif has faced criticism for using offensive language against women. He had faced backlash in the past for making derogatory remarks about former PTI Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari and referring to former lawmaker Firdous Ashiq Awan as the PTI's "newly acquired dumper." In a statement, the PTI condemned Asif's latest remarks, considering them an attempt to "depoliticise women." Absolutely shameful! Clearly all this is an attempt to depoliticise women in the country. Khawaja Asif and whole PMLN are constantly targeting women of Pakistan as usual. https://t.co/O2oBOsmfmM — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 25, 2023 “Absolutely shameful! Clearly all this is an attempt to depoliticise women in the country. Khawaja Asif and the whole PMLN are constantly targeting women of Pakistan as usual,” the party stated on Twitter. پارلیمنٹ کے مشترکہ اجلاس میں جب مجھے لب کشائی کا موقع ملا، گو کہ وقت تھوڑا تھا ورنہ اول فول بولنے والوں کو اخلاقیات کا سبق مکمل دے دیتی، لیکن پھر بھی شکریہ اسپیکر قومی اسمبلی راجہ پرویز اشرف صاحب@SenatePakistan @NAofPakistan @RPAPPP pic.twitter.com/nJMVwbBSPq — Senator Dr. Zarqa Taimur (@drzarqa) July 25, 2023 The defence minister’s remarks also drew widespread criticism from both men and women on social media, with “Khawaja Asif” trending on Twitter. In a tweet, journalist Absa Komal reminded that “This is not the first time! @KhawajaMAsif has made derogatory remarks about female politicians that too on the floor of the house.” This is not the first time! @KhawajaMAsif has made derogatory remarks about female politicians that too on floor of the house. During the joint session he said; “These characterless women cannot lecture us.", He further adds, "A man who needs women to defend him, it speaks… pic.twitter.com/zQ33gNh9gh — Absa Komal (@AbsaKomal) July 25, 2023 “Filth from Khawaja Asif is nothing surprising; all he is capable of doing is spewing dirt on women,” writer and columnist Mehr Tarrar wrote in a tweet, adding, “What's baffling is Sherry Rehman's silence.” Filth from Khawaja Asif is nothing surprising; all he is capable of doing is spewing dirt on women. What's baffling is Sherry Rehman's silence. https://t.co/5Rm1hG22sN — Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) July 25, 2023 Social activist Shad Begum called on the defence minister to apologise for his words. “Khawaja Asif's derogatory remarks about female politicians are disrespectful to every Pakistani woman. He should apologise publicly and avoid insulting #women,” she wrote. Khawaja Asif's derogatory remarks about female politicians are disrespectful to every Pakistani woman. He should apologize publicly and avoid insulting #women. pic.twitter.com/2KA2YAl6vj — Shad Begum / شادبیگم (@ShadBegum) July 25, 2023 Human rights activists Farzana Bari strongly condemned Asif's “abhorrent remarks about PTI's women parliamentarians”. Strongly condemn Khawaja Asif's abhorrent remarks about PTI's women parliamentarians. Such misogynist mindset should be thrown out of parliament. Women across political parties should have walked out of parliament in protest. Action must be taken against him @MaryamNSharif — farzana bari (@drfarzanabari) July 25, 2023 “Such misogynist mindset should be thrown out of parliament. Women across political parties should have walked out of parliament in protest. Action must be taken against him,” she said.

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

Two-day CPEC conference kicks off

A two-day international conference, themed “Decade of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt & Road Initiative (BRI): From Vision To Reality,” started here on Monday to mark the 10-year celebrations of CPEC. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives has organised the conference in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, a statement said. The key objective of the conference is to bring together policymakers, scholars, practitioners and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and insights related to the economic, social, environmental and geopolitical impacts of CPEC and BRI. Chinese Charge d’Affaires Pang Chunxue was the chief guest on the first day of the conference, which was attended among others by Planning Secretary Syed Zafar Ali Shah and Chief Economist of Pakistan Dr Nadeem Javaid, who is also Project Director of CPEC. Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and hundreds of policymakers and experts were present on the first day of the conference.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/OprD87S

Pakistan offers ‘good offices’ to revive Ukraine grain deal

Islamabad on Monday offered its good offices to revive the Ukraine grain deal as it voiced concerns that the expiry of the Black Sea initiative would adversely impact developing countries including Pakistan, which is already under economic pressure. As part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari held a telephone conversation with European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. Expressing Pakistan’s concerns over the expiry of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), the foreign minister said that the resulting food inflation and food security-related challenges would adversely impact developing countries like Pakistan which were already under economic pressure, according to the statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO). FM Bilawal said that he had also spoken to his Ukrainian and Turkish counterparts on this subject. He hoped that efforts aimed at reviving the initiative would come to fruition through dialogue and constructive engagement accommodating the concerns of all parties. The foreign minister requested the EU representative to play his role to help find a solution that would allow the renewal of BSGI, and conveyed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to collective efforts in that regard. Just spoke to @JosepBorrellF regarding grave implications for food security, especially for developing world, due to suspension of Black Sea Grain Initiative. Requested him to play his part to help find solutions that would allow renewal of BSGI. Pakistan is ready to contribute… — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 24, 2023 FM Bilawal and the EU’s representative agreed to remain engaged on the issue and other matters of mutual interest. Russia pulled out of the deal last week raising fears over global food supplies and scrapping a rare diplomatic breakthrough since Moscow invaded Ukraine. The deal was brokered by Turkiye and the United Nations in July last year and was hailed as a major breakthrough. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that Russia would not renew the pact right now, saying it “has been terminated.” The Ukrainian Foreign Minister visited Islamabad this week on a maiden trip and requested Pakistan to play its role in reviving the deal. FM Bilawal agreed to reach out to the UN Secretary-General and his Turkish and Russian counterparts to ensure the Black Sea initiative is revived at the earliest. Read more: Pakistan, Ukraine deny arms supply deal amid conflict On Saturday, as part of that agreement, Bilawal spoke to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and discussed efforts seeking the revival of grain export deal. He extended Pakistan’s full support to international efforts in reviving the agreement. The deal allowed Ukraine to export grain by sea, with ships bypassing a Russian blockade of the country’s Black Sea ports and navigating safe passage through the waterway to Turkiye’s Bosphorus Strait in order to reach global markets. Vessels were inspected before they arrived in Ukraine by Russian, Ukrainian and Turkish officials, to ensure weapons were not being smuggled into Ukraine. It proved vital for stabilising global food prices and bringing relief to the developing countries which rely on Ukrainian exports. The impact of the war on global food markets was immediate and extremely painful, especially because Ukraine is a major supplier of grain to the World Food Programme (WFP). According to the European Commission, Ukraine accounts for 10% of the world wheat market, 15% of the corn market, and 13% of the barley market. Read more: Pakistan pushes for Ukraine grain deal revival It is also a key global player in the market of sunflower oil. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a UN body, warned at the time that as many as 47 million people could be pushed into “acute food insecurity” because of the war. Official sources said that Bilawal is expected to speak to his Russian counterpart and the UN Secretary-General on the issue. Pakistan has maintained a delicate balance in its relationship between Russia and Ukraine since the conflict began. But the visit of Ukrainian FM, the first by any since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1993, was seen as an effort by Pakistan to accommodate the West's concerns. Bilawal, without condemning the Russian invasion, did express deep concerns over the loss of lives due to the Ukraine conflict. He stressed the need to find a political solution to the problem.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/HTC60tS

Landslide blocks Karakoram Highway

As torrential rains continue to batter the country, passengers remained stranded after heavy downpours spawned extreme flooding and a landslide in the Karakoram Highway (KKH), leaving parts of the arterial passage blocked and creating punishing travel conditions. The landslide forced the closure of the thoroughfare between Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Upper Kohistan and Chilas in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district, officials said, adding that the surface communication with China was also disrupted due to landslides near Khunjerab Zero Point. The incident resulted in snarled traffic with reportedly hundreds of people trapped on swamped roads as efforts to restore the artery failed. Meanwhile, the ground that is still saturated from the previous rains is potentially creating conditions for more mudslides and flooding ahead of anticipated heavy rains expected to be unleashed on July 31. According to Ghulam Abbas, the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) deputy director for Shangla and Kohistan in K-P, the road was blocked at nine different points between Diamer and Kohistan. Read more: Landslides block Kaghan Highway There is a large blockade of around 500 metres in length and 7m in height in Kaigah, he said, adding that the work to clear the rubble and debris was under way, expecting that all blockades would be removed by Monday night. Fatalities Meanwhile, one person was killed while five others were reported missing after a passenger van plunged into the Indus River in Gilgit. A van carrying tourists from Rajanpur, Punjab lost control due to the driver’s error and subsequently plunged into the Indus River, he added. Rescue teams arrived at the scene and recovered mobile phones, a gas cylinder, and men’s shoes from the spot. Meanwhile, at least six people were killed in rain-related incidents across Balochistan on Monday. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority declared an emergency in the areas hit by rains and floods. The monsoon rains have been ongoing in Balochistan for the past week, in which most of the rains were recorded in the districts of Sahabpur, Lasbela, Bolan, Harnai, Sorab and Zhob. At least two people were swept away in the floodwaters in Naseerabad district. The rescue workers retrieved the bodies in the Harnai, Lasbela and Sohbatpur districts of Balochistan. The PDMA has stepped up efforts to reach all the rain-affected people across the province. PDMA Director Faisal Panezai informed that a letter was sent to the authorities to impose Section 144 at all picnic points, and along with this, food and necessary supplies for over 300 people have been delivered to the deputy commissioners of all districts. More rains Meanwhile, in a briefing on rainfall in the last 24 hours and the upcoming monsoon spell, the PMD DG informed that the next monsoon spell was expected to bring heavy rains in the upper parts of the country from July 31 to Aug 6, triggering urban flooding from major cities, flash flooding, and landslides in hilly regions. He said major reservoirs, including Tarbela and Mangla, were nearly full at 79% and 74%, respectively, adding that two Indian dams – Pong and Thein – were also almost flowing to their brim, creating a possibility of flood flow from India into Indus River, which may affect Lahore adversely. The FFC informed that all major rivers are currently within normal limits. Separately, in a statement on Monday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said that monsoon currents were continuously penetrating the country from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. “A fresh westerly wave is also likely to enter upper parts of the country from July 26,” it warned, saying the heavy rains could cause flash flooding in Balochistan and hill torrents of Dera Ghazi Khan on July 25 and 26 and from July 26 to 28 in AJK, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Manshera, Abbottabad and Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Also read: Pakistan braces for floods, landslides as PMD warns of ‘significant weather event’ It warned of possible urban flooding as well in the low-lying areas of Sukkur, Larkana, Qamber Shahdad Kot, Noushero Feroze and Dadu on July 25 and 26 and the low-lying areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faisalabad from July 25 to 28. “[Heavy rain] may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, AJK, G-B and hilly areas of K-P during the wet period,” the statement cautioned. Authorities take stock In view of the deteriorating situation, relevant authorities whirred into action to ensure the implementation of preventive and rescue measures. Acting NDMA Chairman Brigadier Naiknam Muhammad Baig presided over a special National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) session with key stakeholders to take stock of the current monsoon situation. He reviewed the restoration of roads and bridges, monsoon-related incidents and rescue and relief operations in parts of the country, including Chitral, G-B and AJK in the past two days. 133 lives lost Meanwhile, at least 133 people were reported to have been killed while 215 injured in rain-related incidents since the start of monsoon on June 25 as torrential rains wreaked havoc across the country, mainly in Punjab and K-P, according to a report issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Every year, between June and September, monsoon winds bring rains to South Asia, accounting for 70% to 80% of the region's annual rainfall. According to a breakdown provided by the NDMA, 65 deaths were reported in Punjab, 35 in K-P, 11 in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 10 in Sindh, six in Balochistan, five in AJK and one in G-B. The majority of the deaths were mainly due to electrocution and building collapses, official data showed.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/RSXMKj1

Int’l community urged to halt Indian brutalities in IIOJK

The rising human rights violations and arrests of political leadership in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) must be highlighted at international forums like the United Nations UN, European Union EU and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to exert pressure on the Indian government to stop excessive use of force to crush the indigenous ongoing political movement in the occupied valley. These views were expressed by speakers at a seminar on “IIOJK after August 5, 2019, and the role of diaspora and Azad government of the state of Jammu and Kashmir”. The seminar was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) in connection with “accession to Pakistan week” which started on July 19 to mark Kashmiris' accession to Pakistan announced on July 13, 1947, in Srinagar. During the event, President Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, Raja Fahim Kayani, graced the occasion as the chief guest. He highlighted the overwhelming support from people in the UK and other European countries for the Kashmir cause. Kayani expressed that the diaspora communities in these regions are eager to contribute to the cause and play an active role in advocating for the rights of the people in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “It is only overseas Kashmiris and Pakistanis who are still committed and intact with Kashmir freedom struggle. People in Spain, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, Scotland and even Ireland came on the streets after August 5, 2019, when India abrogated the special status of Kashmir and merged it into India while dividing it into two pieces Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,” he added. Kayani said that the AJK government must earmark a special fund for the promotion of Kashmiri’s freedom struggle at international level, stating that all the lawmakers and elected representatives of AJK must have basic knowledge about the Kashmir dispute. Former chief justice of AJK Supreme Court Justice Manzoor Gilani said that ground realities must be accepted that Pakistan’s poor economy dented Kashmir cause. Also read: India boosts security for G20 meeting in IIOJK after attacks He said that only Pakistan’s economic stability will ensure the permanent settlement of IIOJK. He urged upon the diaspora to hire intellectuals in the UK and other Western countries and brief them on the Kashmir dispute so they will influence the powerful circles to get their support for the permanent settlement of this vexed issue that has put the South Asian countries’ peace and security at stake. Former deputy Amir Jamaat-e-Islami AJK Sheikh Aqeelur Rehman grilled the AJK government, saying that they have turned the "base camp into race camp" for their personal gains and interests. He said it is time to evolve a joint national strategy for the settlement of IIOJK. Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) Altaf Ahmad Bhat said that the AJK government has immense resources but priorities are different which is dangerous for the Kashmir cause. Bhat appreciated the line adopted by the government of Pakistan and its establishment to keep the Kashmir issue on priority both at the national and international levels. The JKSM chairman further said that it is time for both the AJK government and civilians to keep the Kashmir issue on priority. Bhat said that various areas are open and the AJK government in collaboration with other stakeholders can highlight the Kashmir cause vehemently. Former Additional Chief Secretary General Farhat Ali Mir said that the instrumental role of the AJK government is vital for the diaspora and appealed to the AJK government to appoint a plebiscite advisor aimed at highlighting Kashmiris’ freedom struggle with full pace. He also hailed the role of overseas Kashmiris and Pakistanis for Kashmir cause.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/xbPaEJ0

Retirees ‘occupy’ quarters despite govt order to vacate

Efforts to evacuate the government quarters at Tarbela Dam have faced setbacks as notices issued to ‘irrelevant occupants’ five years ago have not been heeded. The failure to vacate these quarters has left government employees without proper accommodation, causing difficulties for them. Reports indicate that a significant number of retired employees of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and private individuals have occupied these government quarters for an extended period. As a result, in-service Wapda employees are struggling to secure quarters, forcing many to live privately. Some employees have expressed frustration, pointing out that retired personnel who left service two decades ago are still occupying government quarters that rightfully belong to current employees. Despite attempts to reclaim these quarters, the occupants are unwilling to relinquish them to the management. In addition to retired employees, it has been observed that some retirees have sublet the quarters to others, depriving deserving employees of their right to reside in these accommodations. The issue has been exacerbated by influential private employees and officers who have allotted these quarters to their relatives. In response to the situation, the management of Wapda at Tarbela Dam issued a notification threatening those unwilling to vacate with having to pay double the rent for each quarter. However, rumours have circulated that the rent for the quarters has been reduced by 50 per cent, leading to confusion among residents. In 2018, the then GM attempted to get the quarters vacated so that they could be allocated to deserving employees. The deadline was first extended by six months and then there was no significant progress. The situation has persisted since then. Published in The Express Tribune, July 24th, 2023.

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

ECP issues warrants for Imran’s arrest

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has issued an order to the Islamabad police chief to arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan in a contempt case and produce him before the electoral body today (Tuesday) at 10am. According to the warrant issued to the Islamabad inspector general of police for execution and received by Rai Muhammad Ali Advocate on behalf of Imran at Bani Gala, “Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi, R/o (Bani Gala, Mora Nor Islamabad & House No2, Zaman Park Lahore) is required in the contempt of the commission’s proceedings initiated in terms of Section 10 of the Elections Act, 2017. “The said person failed to appear before the Election Commission of Pakistan despite service of notices as well as bailable arrest warrants of arrest dated Jan 16, 2023 and March 2, 2023.” It stated, “The commission in exercise of powers vested in it under Section 4(2) of the Elections Act, 2017 and other enabling provisions of act and rules has issued non-bailable warrant of arrest of Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi. Read more: SC bars arresting Imran in lawyer killing case till Aug 9 “This warrant authorises you (Islamabad IGP) to arrest said Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi and bring him before the Election Commission of Pakistan on 25th day of July, 2023 at 10am.” After the news of the warrant spread, PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Information Secretary Rauf Hassan, and Babar Awan reached Bani Gala. According to sources, the permission to arrest the former premier came from the Ministry of Interior, following which, the police could arrest him. The case was related to the alleged use of foul language against the electoral chief by various leaders of the former ruling party. On July 11, a four-member ECP bench, headed by member Nisar Durrani, had ordered the release of a warrant for Imran’s arrest after he failed to appear before the commission. Also read: ECP rules out new constituencies Last year, the ECP had initiated contempt proceedings against the PTI chief as well as party leaders Asad Umar and Fawad Chaudhry for allegedly using “intemperate language” and passing “contemptuous remarks” against the chief election commissioner and the electoral body. The commission had asked them to appear in person or through their counsels before it to explain their position. However, they challenged the ECP’s contempt proceedings before various courts on the grounds that Section 10 of the Elections Act, 2017, which was the statutory provision regarding the commission’s power to punish for contempt, was against the Constitution. Section 10 titled ‘Power to Punish for Contempt’ states that the “election commission may exercise the same power as the high court to punish any person for contempt of court”. In January, the Supreme Court allowed the ECP to continue the proceedings against Imran, Umar, and Fawad, and on June 21, the ECP decided to frame charges against them. At the July 11 hearing, they did not appear before the commission despite being summoned, after which the ECP had issued arrest warrants against Imran and Fawad. The ECP had, however, accepted a plea by Umar’s lawyer to allow his client exemption from the hearing.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/RqJ4nG2