Moonis’ ‘frontman’ was signatory to '32 bank accounts'

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) investigation into PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi’s money laundering case has revealed that alleged frontman, Nawaz Bhatti, was a signatory of at least 32 bank accounts with a credit turnover of around Rs24 billion. However, Moonis has denied any links to alleged frontmen Bhatti and Mazhar Abbas, who according to the FIA, allowed him to borrow their identities to set up the Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) Sugar Mills Ltd from his allegedly ill-gotten wealth. Earlier this month, The FIA had registered a money laundering case against the former federal minister others in a case pertaining to his alleged involvement in a scam to the tune of Rs720 million. The investigation agency had also arrested Bhatti and Abbas on the charges that the two men used to facilitate the PML-Q leader to embezzle money. According to the FIA's FIR, the case against Moonis was registered on June 14 under Sections 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention), 109 (punishment for abetment), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating) and 471 (using a genuine forged document) of the Pakistan Penal Code, read with Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947 and Section 4 of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010. The agency had also accused Moonis of using ‘hundi’ to transfer money out of Pakistan, saying it had "solid evidence" against the former minister. In his response submitted on Thursday to the 33 questions asked by the agency, Moonis has claimed that he did not know Bhatti and Abbas. He also maintained that he had no knowledge of whether he or his family had helped Abbas secure his job. Read Court restrains FIA from arresting Moonis till July 4 He further denied knowing that the two held shares in the RYK Sugar Mills and if he had provided any financial assistance to them. The PML-Q leader further denied using the influence of his father — former Punjab chief minister Parvez Elahi — to secure a no-objection certificate for setting up the RYK Sugar Mills. Replying to a question on the facts of the case indicating that an orchestrated scheme was employed to disguise the beneficiaries of the RYK Sugar Mills, Moonis said the allegation was "incorrect and misconceived" as all his shares were "duly declared". The FIR had said its Anti-Corruption Circle in Lahore registered an inquiry on August 7, 2020 pursuant to a report of the Sugar Inquiry Commission 2020. It had added that in light of the report, the FIA was mandated by the federal government to probe financial and corporate frauds committed by various sugar mills, including the RYK Sugar Mills. "During the ongoing probe against RYK/Alliance Sugar Mills Group, it transpired that the following low-profile individuals — one of them had been at a very low level at the time — had jointly set up RYK Sugar Mills Ltd. in 2007/2008 at Rahim Yar Khan," the FIR had stated. The FIR had added that the mill was "set up ostensibly by laundering funds from unexplained sources, including proceeds of financial crimes". It further said that the mill's capital increased by Rs720 million in 2008 but the source for these funds, as well as those required for the acquisition of land, import of plants and machinery and administrative expenses, remained "unexplained".

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Asif’s ‘army appoints its own chief’ remarks draw PTI’s ire

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif’s remarks that the “army appoints its own chief” has drawn criticism from the former ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf which termed him a “danger to Pakistan” and demanded that elections be held so that a new government could make important appointments. Asif’s comments came during an interview with a private news channel when he was asked about the difference between the PTI and the PML-N on the appointment of army chiefs. The defence minister called for an end to the controversy over the appointment of army chiefs, saying that he was at the same post at the time of the appointment of two army chiefs – former chief of army staff Gen (retd) Raheel Sharif and the incumbent army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. Both times, he said, PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif was the prime minister but he had no "personal motive" behind those appointments. Asif made it clear during the interview that the process of consultation for the selection of the army chief included seeking input from the defence secretary. He said he had taken the defence secretary’s input before the appointment of Gen (retd) Sharif. “The defence secretary was a very honourable man who said any person awarded three stars was suitable for the post,” Asif added. He criticised PTI Chairman Imran Khan for questioning and "casting doubt" on the appointment of the new army chief in November. Read Don’t accept Alvi as president, says Asif "Why can't there be a system for this (COAS appointment) to happen within the institution?" Asif asked, giving the example of the judiciary which he said had a system in place to appoint the chief justice. He said that the extent to which the army chief's appointment was being discussed in the public realm was unprecedented. "I believe that this [matter] was over-exposed when Gen [retd] Musharraf took an extension of up to nine years," he added. PTI leader and former information minister Fawad Chaudhry quickly took to Twitter to give his two cents on the matter. "People like the defence minister are a danger to Pakistan." He asked if the elected prime minister did not appoint the army chief then “his purpose for being the premier is only to make money”. "This PML-N group from 1985 is the biggest hurdle in the progress of Pakistan," he said. “It is the right of the people to elect a new government.” PTI social media head Azhar Mashwani also reacted to the defence minister's remarks, saying that he had "openly revealed the real purpose of bringing the PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement) to power". "He has suggested that the authority of appointing the army chief should be taken away from the prime minister and given to the serving army chief," Mashwani added.

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India warns Sikh pilgrims against accepting Pakistani hospitality

Ever since its inception, the Kartarpur Corridor has been at the source of Indian hostility towards the visa-free passage of Sikhs to Pakistan; most notably, the extended closure of the corridor from the Indian side under the guise of coronavirus-related safety protocols, which effectively deprived many Sikhs of the freedom to carry out their religious rites. Now in true Bharatiya Janata Party style hostility, the Narendra Modi-led government has issued an advisory for Sikhs and Hindu pilgrims coming to Pakistan directing them to desist staying as a guest of any Pakistani citizen. The advisory further warns that the Indian pilgrims who accept the hospitality of Pakistani citizens will be blacklisted for the future. The advisory comes at a time when 495 Sikh pilgrims from India are presently visiting Pakistan to celebrate the anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Even apart from the current pilgrimage, typically, Sikhs and Hindus who come to Pakistan prefer visiting their ancestral hometowns with the permission of Pakistani authorities and to meet long-lost friends and family. Pakistan's Sikh Prabandhak Gurdwara Committee, taking offence to the advisory, has maintained that the Pakistanis are hospitable people and it is a matter of honour and respect for their guests to treat them as family members. The committee further said that the Indian government wants to sow the seeds of hatred through such tactics. Sardar Amir Singh, the head of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, while talking to the Express Tribune, said, "This is a sad step taken by the Indian government." Sardar Amir was of the view that the fascist Indian government was trying to deprive Sikhs of a chance to see the lands of their ancestors. The advisory has been on the cards for a while now as earlier, the Indian government had raised objections that some pilgrims visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib via Kartarpur Corridor meet their friends and conduct business. Such pilgrims, the Indian government contended, were misusing the Kartarpur corridor. In response, Pakistan's Foreign Office had strongly rejected Indian propaganda about using the Kartarpur Corridor for business meetings. Furthermore, the Foreign Office said that the fabricated propaganda was a part of India's deliberate campaign aimed at undermining Pakistan's historic move to open the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims from India and around the world and that in reality the Indian government was trying to divert attention from the atrocities it was inflicting on its minorities. Member of the Punjab Assembly, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, referring to the Indian government’s advisory, said that Indian agencies have been trying to prevent Sikh pilgrims from coming to Pakistan with various tricks and excuses for a while now. “Previously, they told pilgrims that their lives are in danger in Pakistan. They also said that a visit to Pakistan might hurt pilgrims’ chances of getting visas for other countries. Thankfully, Sikhs have rejected such baseless propaganda,” the lawmaker said. On the other hand, Paramjit Singh Sarvaya, the secretary of the Indian Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the largest representative body of Sikhs in India, when asked about the advisory, told the Express Tribune that such instructions are normal practice for whenever a group of Sikh pilgrims goes to Pakistan from India. “The purpose of these instructions from the Indian government is to ask pilgrims to be cautious while going to Pakistan and to limit themselves to religious rituals only.” However, Sardar Amir, the Pakistani representative of the Sikh community, does not see Parmajit’s logic. “Sikhs who come here for religious pilgrimage often want to visit the bazaars and reunite with family members and friends they might not have seen for decades. The Indian government cannot just root out the love we have for each other by such absurd measures,” Sardar Amir told the Express Tribune.

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PPMA warns of medicine shortage if taxes not abolished

The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) has demanded of the government to abolish taxes on raw materials, citing shortage of 40 types of medicines, including life-saving drugs, and fearing 100 more if their request is not accepted. “Abolish taxes on our raw materials,” PPMA Chairman Qazi Mansoor Dilawar said during a meeting with the federal ministers at the Parliament House on Friday. Ministers Khursheed Shah, Miftah Ismail, Naveed Qamar, Ayaz Sadiq and Nazir Tarar along with the Federal Board of Revenue Chairman Asim Ahmad were present. The PPMA chairman apprised the ministers of the difficulties being faced by the pharmaceutical industry. “The prices of raw materials has more than tripled.” Dilawar urged the government to refund Rs48 billion collected as sales tax on import of raw material, withdraw 17% sales tax on import of raw material and increase prices of medicines by up to 25% to prevent collapse of the pharmaceutical industry. He added that they had been suffering from severe crisis for the last six months but the government was constantly showing lack of seriousness. “Sales tax was imposed and promised to be refunded in this regard … both the governments have so far collected our refunds of Rs48 billion which the government is not ready to give back due to which they have no more resources to import raw materials.” Increasing prices of gas, electricity and petroleum products and manpower wages had led to a 45% increase in production costs, he added. The PPMA chairman suggested that the government impose taxes on raw materials used for other purposes than pharmaceutical products. Finance Minister Miftah assured the PPMA chairman that he would get Rs48 billion refunds released from the FBR. The FBR chairman said that Rs40 million refunds had been given in the last one week. Ahmad accused the pharmaceutical companies of buying raw materials tax free and selling them in the market. Miftah asked Dilawar whether they were selling raw materials tax free. The finance minister said they would meet again on Monday to resolve all issues.

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Rs80b ‘burden’ passed on to salaried class

The government has caved in to the demand of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and passed on the burden of Rs80 billion on the salaried class by increasing their tax rates and withdrawing the relief announced hardly three weeks ago. It has set the minimum income tax rate of 2.5% for those earning up to Rs100,000 a month as well as a maximum of 35% on the monthly income of over Rs1 million, according to the proposed amendments to the Finance Bill 2022. The coalition government has reversed its two earlier decisions to exempt up to those with earning Rs100,000 a month from income tax and rolled back its move to reduce the highest income tax rate from 35% to 32.5% after the IMF refused to budge on its demand. On June 10, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail had announced an income tax relief of Rs47 billion for the salaried class. The coalition government has not only withdrawn the relief but also imposed Rs33 billion in net additional taxes in comparison with June 2021 for the salaried class, throwing a burden of Rs80 billion on them. Also read: PM Shehbaz announces 10pc 'super tax' on large-scale industries The IMF had proposed to tax the upper middle and rich income groups, which earn in the range of Rs104,000 to Rs1 million a month at a single rate of 30%, which the government did not accept. The new rates are still lower than the initial demand that the IMF had put before the last government of the PTI. The IMF had demanded an unjustified rate of 30% to be charged from persons earning Rs100,000 to Rs1 million a month to collect an additional Rs125 billion from the salaried class. “We tried to get maximum concessions from the IMF for the salaried class but it did not completely accept our position,” Miftah told The Express Tribune. He added that the net additional impact on the salaried class was Rs33 billion a year. About 1.24 million salaried people have filed income tax returns for the tax year 2021. Of them, 333,000 fall in the income tax exemption slab of Rs50,000 per month. This slab is still exempted. The government has now proposed a 2.5% income tax rate on up to Rs100,000 monthly income as against nil tax proposed on June 10. This is still half of the rate the salaried class paid in the outgoing fiscal year. The government has proposed a 12.5% income tax rate for people earning up to Rs200,000 a month –which is 78% higher than that proposed on June 10. The finance minister had earlier vowed that he would not put an additional burden on those with a Rs200,000 monthly income. For the outgoing fiscal year, the salaried persons were paying 10% for up to Rs150,000 monthly income and 15% on up to Rs208,000 monthly income. For the fourth slab carrying people of up to Rs300,000 monthly income, the government has now set  20% income tax rate as against 12.5% proposed on June 10  -- an additional burden of 60% in comparison with the three-week old rate.  The existing tax rate for this income group was 17.5%. Last month, inflation in Pakistan stood at 13.8%, which is expected to spiral due to many taxation measures like the Rs50 per litre petroleum levy. On a monthly income of Rs500,000 -- the fifth slab  -- the government has proposed 25% income tax as against the three-week old rate of 17.5%. For people earning over Rs1 million a month, the government has proposed a 32.5% rate -- up from 22.5% from three weeks ago. For the outgoing fiscal year, the tax rate for this slab was 25%. However, the IMF had proposed a 35% rate for them earlier. There are over 6,000 individuals, who earn up to Rs1 million a month. Read more: PSX plunges by over 2,000 points after PM Shehbaz announces 'super tax' For those who earn over Rs1 million a month, the government has now proposed a 35% income tax rate -- up from the three-week old rate of 32.5%. The finance minister said in the country, there were hardly 12,000 people, who had declared a monthly income of over Rs1 million. At present, people earning over Rs1 million a month to Rs2.5 million were paying 27.5% income tax rate. The revision in tax rates for the salaried class is expected to bring Pakistan and the IMF more closely to each other. However, the IMF has not yet shared the draft of the Memorandum for Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP). The government expects to receive the MEFP document either on Friday night or Monday.

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Russia sanctions adding to Pakistan’s woes

Pakistan on Friday admitted that it is enduring the negative fallout of the Western sanctions on Russia and other countries, saying the situation is aggravating and complicating its economic challenges. Since the invasion of Ukraine, the western countries, led by the US, have imposed sanctions on Russia including on its energy sector. The conflict coupled with western sanctions have shot up the energy prices and disrupted the supply chains. This has resulted in the increase in oil prices, which have shown some respite this week. Chinese President Xi Jinping addressing a business forum ahead of the BRICS [five emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa] summit, decried western sanctions on Russia, especially those of the US, saying that they were weaponising the economy and this was a double-edged sword affecting everyone. Pakistan is also being negatively affected by the oil crisis and like other developing countries, it risks inviting western sanctions if it tries to import energy products from Russia. Islamabad has failed to complete the multi-billion dollar Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project fearing western sanctions. When asked to comment on the Chinese president’s remarks, Foreign Office spokesperson Asim Iftikhar acknowledged that the country’s economic challenges had been aggravated by the western sanctions on Russia in reaction to its invasion of Ukraine. “In principle, our historic position on sanctions is well known. We believe that if this instrument has to be used, it should be used through the mechanisms that are internationally available that is through the UN,” he added while responding to the question. “What I can say is that on the situation in Ukraine we have clarified our position from the beginning and it remains the same,” he said. “The situation is unfortunate and it has led to many consequences, which have serious impact on the international community, particularly the developing countries, and as you said on countries like Pakistan and others who are facing the consequences of the situation.” The FO spokesperson said perhaps these consequences are “further aggravated and complicated by the sanctions that come into play”. Responding to a recent statement by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval that New Delhi would engage with Pakistan on its terms, the spokesperson said his remarks were nothing new. “Our position vis-à-vis the importance of friendly cooperative relations with neighbours including India, the need for dialogue – a dialogue which is result-oriented and meaningful, and which can lead to progress on outstanding issues including particularly the Jammu and Kashmir dispute – is very clear.” He elaborated that the environment for such a dialogue was not there and this is what the foreign minister also said recently. Also read: PM Shehbaz announces 10pc 'super tax' on large-scale industries He said the environment had been vitiated by Indian actions, and the onus was therefore on New Delhi to take necessary steps to create an environment which will be conducive for dialogue. “Now what the Indians have been saying all along, this bogey of terrorism, it’s an old repeated, parroted position. It has no locus standi, especially coming from India which itself is a state sponsor of terrorism, involved in supporting, financing, perpetrating terrorism and sabotage in Pakistan over the years, including in the past through its presence in Afghanistan,” Iftikhar added. The spokesperson said New Delhi had also used the ploy of terrorism to undermine the legitimate struggle for self-determination of the Kashmiri people and to divert the attention of the international community from its widespread atrocities and human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “So, our position on that is quite clear.” When asked to explain the context of the summoning of the Canadian high commissioner, the spokesperson informed reporters that the diplomat was called to the Foreign Office over the remarks made in the Canadian parliament recently by one of its members. “We have taken up this issue with the Canadian government. We have underlined that freedom of expression entails responsibility, and that Pakistan takes serious exception to the baseless and unsubstantiated remarks that have been made.” He, however, underlined that Pakistan and Canada enjoy multifaceted relationship and Islamabad wished to deepen its bilateral ties based on mutual respect and trust. “Such incidents are not helpful in that context.”

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SC quashes NAB case against global oil firm

The Supreme Court has ruled that where there was no entrustment of property, there could be no criminal breach of trust. “If the property belongs to and is owned by the accused in his own right, it cannot be said that he was entrusted with that property and that by using or disposing of that property he committed the offence of criminal breach of trust,” read a 10-page judgment authored by Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah while quashing the reference of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against Shell Petroleum Limited (SPL), which was accused of illegal sale of jet fuel by the anti-graft body. “'Entrustment’ is an essential ingredient of the offence of criminal breach of trust as defined in Section 405, PPC; therefore, where there is no entrustment of property, there can be no criminal breach of trust,” it added. A three-judge bench of the apex court led by Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial heard the matter. Makhdoom Ali Khan appeared on behalf of the petitioners. Senior lawyers say that this judgment will go a long way in protecting commercial entities from the excesses of NAB when their conduct is not contrary to any specific law. Justice Shah in his ruling wrote that in a welfare state, the legislature enacted laws in public interest for the regulation of some trades or businesses by statutory bodies or government functionaries. “Such regulation may involve obtaining of licences and permits to conduct a certain trade or business impose reasonable terms and conditions as to how that trade or business is to be conducted; and control the production, distribution and consumption of any commodity during the conduct of that trade or business.” The judge further noted in his order that the control on the production, distribution and consumption of some commodity, however, neither affected any change in the legal relationship between the contracting parties, nor did it alter the legal character, substance and consequence of the commercial transactions. Such regulation does not change the private nature of the trade or business. The court held that no offence under Section 9(a)(x)&(xi) of the NAB Ordinance was thus made out of the petitioners’ alleged act of illegally selling JP-I in the open market, even if it was taken to be true on its face value. Also read: SC quashes NAB reference against oil firm “The findings of the Accountability Court and the High Court, having been made without examining the essential ingredients of the offence under Sections 405 and 409 of the PPC and of the offence under Section 9(a)(x)&(xi) of the NAB Ordinance, are found legally incorrect.” The court noted that in the present matter, it was not the case of the prosecution – NAB -- that the oil allegedly sold by the petitioners in the open market illegally, was entrusted to them or their employer company by members of the public at large or entrusted to the firm by oil refinery companies in the capacity as a banker, merchant, factor, broker, attorney or agent. "There was no ‘entrustment’ of property in the present case at all that could have made the case against the petitioners fall within the scope of the provisions of Section 405, PPC and consequently constituted an offence under Section 9(a)(x)&(xi) of the NAB Ordinance,” the order read. “Although the ‘entrustment’ of property within the meaning of Section 405, PPC does not envisage the creation of a formal trust with all the technicalities of the law of trust, it does contemplate that to constitute entrustment the accused must have held the property in a fiduciary capacity.” The court noted that the word “trust” had been used in Section 405 in the ordinary sensr, and covered not only the relationship of trustee and beneficiary but also that of bailer and bailee, master and servant, pledger and pledgee, guardian and ward, and all other relations that postulated the existence of a fiduciary relationship between the complainant and the accused. The order read that in the present case, the employer company of the petitioners, purchased JP-I from the oil refinery companies, in its own right. The order read that NAB had, however, in disregard of the scope and extent of Sections 405 and 409 of the PPC, based its case against the petitioners on the minutes of a product review meeting on August 4, 2010, wherein the director (L&M) of the petroleum and natural resources ministry reiterated the “directives/priority of JP-I supplies” and instructed the oil marketing companies to follow that “directives/priority” and to make the supply of JP-I to defence, local carriers (PIA, Shaheen, etc) and scheduled carriers. "The prosecution (NAB) has referred to Rule 43C of the Pakistan Petroleum (Refining, Blending and Marketing) Rules 1971 (“1971 Rule”). This Rule provides that the Authority may, if it is of the opinion that public interest so requires, by order in writing, direct any refinery, marketing company or its agent or dealer, or a blending plant (or reclamation plant) to supply such quantity of any petroleum product to such person as may be specified in the order. As per Rule 2(b) of the 1971 Rules, the “Authority” referred to in Rule 43C means the Director General of Oil, and not the Director (L&M). As the Director (L&M) is mentioned to have reiterated the “directives/priority of JP-I supplies”, in the minutes of a Product Review Meeting, dated 04.08.2010, and not to have issued the said “directives/priority” by himself, any such “directives/priority” issued by the Director General (Oil), is neither available on the record of the case nor has it been otherwise produced before us. Irrespective of the said “directives/priority”, if any, it will not make the case against the Petitioners to fall within the definition of the offence of criminal breach of trust under Sections 405 and 409 of the PPC, or of the offence of corruption and corrupt practices under Section 9(a)(x)&(xi) of the NAB Ordinance.”

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Arrival of pilgrims from Madina to Makkah to be completed by Friday

The process of arrival of Hajj pilgrims from Madina to Makkah will be completed by Friday (today), Radio Pakistan reported. The report quoted a media cell in Makkah as saying that over 16,900 pilgrims have arrived in Madina through direct flights from Pakistan from June 6 to 15 under the government Hajj scheme. The cell informed that pilgrims, during their eight-day stay in the holy city of Madina, have been given ample opportunity to visit, and pay tribute and Salam to the Holy Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) and offer Nawafil in Riyazhul Jannah and Masjid-e-Nabawi. Read more: Hajj dream on hold Direct flights from Pakistan to Makkah via Jeddah are also in progress and more than 30,000 Pakistani pilgrims have reached Hijjaz-e-Muqaddas to perform rituals under government and private Hajj schemes. Meanwhile, Pakistan Hajj Mission in Makkah has doubled the shuttle service from Reehbakhs residential area to facilitate the pilgrims for easy reach to Haram. The residential block of Reehbakhsh in Makkah is very close to Haram. The report said that the pilgrims lauded the government and Ministry of Religious Affairs in particular for excellent Hajj arrangements. On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the Saudi leadership for the ‘Road to Makkah’ project, expressing his satisfaction over the facilitation of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims under this initiative. Also read: PM thanks Saudi for ‘Road to Makkah’ project The premier was talking to the project team led by Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy historic fraternal relations, which are marked by a common understanding on all issues of mutual interest. He assured full cooperation and support to the Saudi team for making the `Road to Makkah’ initiative a great success. Thanking the PM for his assistance to the Saudi team for the effective implementation of the initiative, the Saudi ambassador expressed the desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The ‘Road to Makkah’ is a Saudi initiative aimed at the completion of Saudi immigration and customs-related formalities before the departure of the pilgrims to perform Hajj at the Islamabad International Airport.

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Karachi ranked among world’s worst cities to live in

Karachi has been named among the world’s worst cities to live in, according to an annual report released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on Thursday. The EIU’s index rates living conditions in 172 cities based on more than 30 factors. These are grouped into five categories: stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. This is the second year in which the index incorporates indicators related to Covid-19; these assess how each city has coped with increased demand for healthcare facilities and with closures or capacity limits for schools, restaurants and cultural venues. Karachi has been ranked 168 in the least liveable cities index, only managing to fare better than Algiers, Tripoli, Lagos, and Damascus. Meanwhile, the Austrian capital Vienna has made a comeback as the world's most liveable city. The Ukrainian capital Kyiv was not included this year after Russia invaded the country in late February, while Russian cities Moscow and St Petersburg fell in the rankings over "censorship" and the impact of Western sanctions. Vienna snatched the top spot from Auckland, which tumbled down to 34th place due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, according to the report by the EIU. "Vienna, which slipped to 12th place in our rankings in early 2021 as its museums and restaurants were closed, has since rebounded to first place, the position it held in 2018 and 2019," it said. "Stability and good infrastructure are the city's main charms for its inhabitants, supported by good healthcare and plenty of opportunities for culture and entertainment." Europe boasted six out of the top 10 cities. The Austrian capital was followed by the Danish capital Copenhagen and Switzerland's Zurich. Fellow Swiss city Geneva came sixth, Germany's Frankfurt seventh, and the Netherlands' Amsterdam ninth. Canada also did well. Also read: Pakistan’s Prof Bhutta ranked among top 100 scientists in medicine Calgary came in joint third position, followed by Vancouver in fifth place and Toronto in the eighth. Japan's Osaka and Australia's Melbourne shared the 10th place. France's capital Paris came 19th, 23 places up from last year. The Belgian capital Brussels was 24th, just behind Canada's Montreal. The United Kingdom's capital London was the world's 33rd most liveable city, while Spain's Barcelona and Madrid came 35th and 43rd respectively. Italy's Milan ranked number 49, the US city of New York 51, and China's Beijing came 71st. Lebanon's capital Beirut, which was ravaged by a 2020 port explosion and is battling a crippling financial crisis, was not included in the ranking of business destinations. Neither was the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, after the Russian invasion on February 24 forced the EIU to abort its survey of the city. Russia's capital Moscow saw its liveability ranking fall by 15 places, while St Petersburg slipped by 13 places. "Increased censorship accompanies the ongoing conflict," the report noted. "Russian cities are additionally seeing restrictions on culture and environment as a result of Western economic sanctions." Other cities in eastern Europe cities were considered less stable following "raised diplomatic tensions" due to the war in Ukraine. The capital of war-torn Syria, Damascus, retained its place as the least liveable city on the planet. (With input from AFP)

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‘Many govt hospitals, schools in pathetic state in Sindh’

Opposition lawmaker belonging to Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) taking part in the budget speech said that the allocation for health and education sectors in Karachi present a grim picture where billions of rupees worth of schemes were lying non-functional. "There are three hospitals in district West and Keamari that have been built with huge amount, but even after the passage of five to six years, the buildings are laying idle. The drug mafia and land mafia have taken refuge in the incomplete structures," PTI MPA Saeed Afridi said. In his budget speech, sharing the details on the floor of house, he said, "A 50-bed hospital in Pathan Colony was finished five years ago, but it has yet to become functional,” he said, adding that the hospital comes under the preview of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) that is currently headed by Sindh government's representative Murtaza Wahab. "We I approached former Mayor Wasim Akhtar, he gave an excuse of funds and other resources, but for now the KMC is under the PPP government, so they should expedite the process to run the hospital," he said. Read more: SC rejects PTI's Sindh LG polls plea, asks to refer to SHC Another 50-bed hospital built in Kasba Colony in Karachi's West district also needs the attention of the authorities concerned as hospital building gives deserted look. "The state of art hospital is built by Sindh government five year ago. I have raised the issue with Sindh government officials many times to run it, but no one heeds to me," he said adding that another 200-bed hospital named after Shaheed Benazir Bhutto has been under construction in Moominabad for last 10 years and no one looks serious to finalize the scheme. Talking about the education, he said that in last ten years, Sindh government has spent more than Rs1.53 trillion on education, but most of the schools in his area that falls in the Baldia Town are deprived of water, sanitation and other basic facalities. During the session, which started with Deputy Speaker Rehana Leghari in chair, many MPAs belonging to ruling and opposition parties criticised and appreciated each other leadership. Firdous Shamim Naqvi of PTI who also happened to be former Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly though criticised the PPP government for failing to meet its targets, appreciated Sindh Chief Minister on launching the 1122, emergency ambulance service in the province. "Better late than never. The 1122 rescue service was launched in 2005 in Punjab, but we have now seen it here. I congratulate CM on it," she said adding that the budget was nothing, but jugglery of words.  Referring to a report about the status of education in Sindh she said, "More than six million children are out of the school in Sindh, how can they claim to bring drastic change in the province." Also read: Sindh envisages no new taxes in Rs1.7tr outlay The PTI MPA responding to PPP MPAs criticism, lauded the former prime minister Imran Khan's initiatives to counter the Islamophobia and said, "He portrayed the true picture of Islam of tolerance, love and peace in front of world leaders informing them about the teaching of peace be upon him in this respect."  Naqvi was of the view that it was the PTI tenure in which federal government started 10 mega schemes about the dams to overcome energy and water crises," he said. As the deputy speaker gave the floor to Basit Siddiqui of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), he drew the comparison between previous and existing problems confronted by the people living in Sindh. "We have the same budget figures with the same problems for last 13 years," he said adding that people living in Karachi have been protesting for drinking water, but all in vain. "If there is water shortage then wherefrom the tanker mafia get and supply it to the citizens. it means the water is available and its management has been a big problem for successive governments," he lamented. Javed Hanif, a bureaucrat turned politician who belongs to the MQM-P raised the issue of discrimination against the Urdu speaking people who according to him migrated from India and settled in Pakistan. Later, the deputy speaker adjourned the session till today (Friday).

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PM phones Afghan counterpart, vows assistance to quake-hit people

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund and conveyed support for the Afghans following a deadly earthquake in the neighbouring country a day earlier, the PM's Office said in a series of tweets on Thursday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls Acting Prime Minister of the Interim Afghan Government, Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund to convey Pakistan’s solidarity with Afghan people in the wake of devastating earthquake. — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2022 It further said that the premier highlighted steps taken to enable trade and human movement by means of border management. "The Prime Minister also highlighted the measures taken by the government to facilitate trade and movement of people through effective border management." The Prime Minister also highlighted the measures taken by Govt of Pakistan to facilitate trade and movement of people through effective border management. He added that Pakistan was committed to strengthening bilateral ties to promote the cause of peace, progress and prosperity. — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2022 In another tweet, the PMO further said that the Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda border crossings have now been opened so that the critically injured could be treated in Pakistan. The Prime Minister conveyed that Ghulam Khan and Angoor Adda border crossing points have been opened for the transportation of the seriously injured Afghans for their treatment in the Pakistani hospitals. He reassured Pakistan’s continued assistance in the days to come. — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2022 Concluding, PM Shehbaz underscored the close ties between the people of the two countries and vowed to offer all possible assistance to those stricken by the calamity. The Prime Minister underscored the close fraternal relations between the two peoples and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to provide assistance to the Afghan people facing a dire humanitarian situation. — Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 23, 2022 On Wednesday, a powerful earthquake struck a remote border region of Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan overnight, killing at least 1,000 people and injuring 1,500 others. Pakistan has already sent truckloads of humanitarian assistance to the quake-stricken country to help it regain its strength and stand on its feet.

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Bilawal urges UN to establish task force for curbing fake news

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has called upon the UN secretary general to establish an inter-agency task force for combating and enhancing public awareness about disinformation to build societal resistance and resilience against it. Addressing a virtual meeting of the Group of Friends on Thursday, he also urged the UN to appoint a focal person on disinformation for interactions with member states, the private media and online companies and other stakeholders. Foreign Minister @BBhuttoZardari message for the meeting of “Group of Friends to Counter Disinformation for the Promotion & Protection of Human Rights & Fundamental Freedoms” @ForeignOfficePk #GoFCounteringDisinformation #APPNews https://t.co/pEe1hRgJGY — APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) June 23, 2022 The foreign minister urged the international community to enhance the capacity of the governments and their relevant institutions to detect, analyse and expose disinformation, reported Radio Pakistan. FM Bilawal said financial and technical support should be extended to national and international researchers, and institutions which are involved in detecting disinformation. Pakistan successfully convenes first meeting of Group of Friends on Countering Disinformation as a follow-up to the implementation of a landmark resolution 76/227, focused on the global approaches to #CounteringDisinformation. FM 🇵🇰 @BBhuttoZardari delivered keynote address!! pic.twitter.com/RPcdTuv2kZ — Permanent Mission of Pakistan to UN, NY (@PakistanUN_NY) June 23, 2022 He said the UN Department of Information can play a critical role in this regard, stressing that concrete international efforts can help expose and dismantle disinformation networks. He also called for concerted efforts through cooperation to minimise the negative impacts of disinformation on human rights and relations between community and states. Also read: Govt to ‘amend’ PEMRA laws to curb fake news The foreign minister suggested that the UN human rights mechanism should highlight the negative impact of disinformation. He urged the UN to develop rules, standards and regulations for adherence by the private sector, social media companies and other non-governmental actors. Bilawal said the UN can develop a compendium of "best practices" and guidelines for actions, including through the use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence to serve as guidelines for national and international actions. He said the exponential proliferation of disinformation, especially through online platforms and social media, has spread social discord and fostered hate speech, racism, discrimination, xenophobia and Islamophobia.

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ECP forms panel to probe NA-240 by-poll irregularities

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has constituted an inquiry committee to probe into the incidents of theft of ballot papers in NA-240 by-election, raids on various polling stations by Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP), breaking of ballot boxes and violence against staff with directions to submit a report in 10 days. A five-member commission, headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, heard cases of theft of ballot papers at polling station No 87 in NA-240 Karachi by-election and vandalism and violence at various polling stations by the PSP. Landhi Polling Station No 87 Presiding Officer Habib Khan and SSP Faisal Basir Memon appeared before the Election Commission. The ECP special secretary said in a briefing that the presiding officer was accused of stealing ballot papers. “The presiding officer was first arrested and later released.” SSP Faisal Basir apprised the commission that on the morning of the election, “we were informed that the presiding officer was stealing ballot papers along with the polling agent of a political party”. “There is also CCTV footage of the incident. A political activist was trying to steal the ballot papers but could not succeed.” The Election Commission directed the special secretary to register a complaint for registration of the case. Presiding Officer Habib submitted a written reply, rejecting the allegations of stealing ballot papers against him as “false”. “At 10am a man came and asked if there was any hope for stamping. I said it would not be stamped, so he smiled and left. “Shortly afterwards, a large number of political activists arrived at the polling station. I was tortured and barely managed to escape.” The CEC said that the ECP would not show any leniency towards these persons, asking the SSP to identify the people in the footage. The ECP directed Secretary Umar Hameed Khan to form a special inquiry committee, saying that the committee should inquire into the role of the returning officer, presiding officer as well as DMO and submit a report within 10 days. The CEC said that there were serious allegations of vandalism and violence against the leader and workers of a political party and footage was also available. PSP chief Mustafa Kamal's lawyer Hafeezuddin said that his client was not new to politics on which the CEC stopped the lawyer, saying that not to make any political statement. READ ECP reserves order in PTI prohibited case “For us, national leaders are respected but we will not allow anyone to break the law,” CEC Raja said. Lawyer Hafeezuddin said that Mustafa did not go to any polling station. “Not a single video of Mustafa Kamal has surfaced.” Hafeezuddin said, “We do not trust the police … get the investigation done by another agency. This is the style of MQM, we are not involved in any incident.” He pointed out protests held against MQM and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan in different places. He said that there was more fraud in NA-240 than in Daska by-poll on which the CEC said that if “evidence is given then the action will be more than Daska”. The special secretary said in the briefing that three FIRs were registered against the unrest in the by-elections. According to polling station No 36 presiding officer, Mustafa entered the polling booth along with women workers. “Mustafa Kamal and his staff beat up the polling staff.” Later, he said, the PSP workers tortured people outside the polling station and resorted to aerial firing. The polling station No 51 presiding officer accused the PSP of violence. According to the presiding officer, “three to four hundred workers stormed the polling station.” “The ECP can take action against them under the Code of Conduct and the Election Act.” The CEC remarked, “If the party chief himself brought a group, what could be his punishment?” SSP Basir said that the head of a political party along with 400-500 workers attacked different polling stations. “Ballot boxes had been smashed and staff was tortured.” Later, the SSP said, the head of the political party went to his office in Landhi where he had a quarrel with another political group. Lawyer Hafeezuddin said that 12 to 13 of his client’s workers were injured and one was killed. “Talk about the attack on our office,” the lawyer demanded. “None of our workers had any weapons.” The CEC said that at present, this case was not before them but they called for a report. The ECP also sought a report from the police on the attack on Mustafa. The hearing was adjourned for 10 days.

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Zardari’s stepmother passes away in Karachi

The stepmother of former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-Cchairman Asif Ali Zardari, Zareen Ara passed away after a prolonged illness in Karachi on Wednesday. She will be buried in ancestral graveyard in Shaheed Benazirabad (Nawabshah), Express News reported. According to sources, Zardari, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Fariyal Talpur, Azra Fazal Pechuho, and Zardari’s daughters – Aseefa and Bakhtawar – will reach Nawabshah to attend the funeral. The deceased will be buried in ancestral graveyard Balu Jaqba besides her husband Hakim Ali Zardari. read more: Zardari blasts Imran for 'attacking' institutions President Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani and other social and political figures expressed their grief over the sad demise. The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and services chiefs also expressed heartfelt condolences on her passing. "May Allah bless the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss, Ameen," military’e media wing, the ISPR, quoted them as saying.

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Pakistan set to dispatch eight truckloads of aid to quake-hit Afghanistan

A convoy of trucks carrying relief assistance for the quake-hit population of Afghanistan will leave for Khost tonight under the directives issued by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The premier earlier directed the dispatch after a 6.1 magnitude deadly earthquake rattled eastern parts of Afghanistan, leaving a trail of destruction and human casualties. The relief consignment includes tents, covers, blankets and medicines which would be handed over to the Afghan authorities. The convoy of eight trucks is being loaded with relief goods arranged by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), including 200 tents, 200 tarpaulins and 500 blankets, besides three trucks carrying life-saving drugs, and would use the Ghulam Khan Kalay Zang route. Also read: Pakistan Army dispatches aid, choppers to quake-hit Afghanistan The relevant authorities at the ministry of foreign affairs, the NDMA and other officials are in close contact with the Afghan authorities for the transportation and supply of the goods. Earlier today, the Pakistan Army said that it had set up a free medical camp for the affectees in Dubai, Paktika, while a free-of-charge ration was also arranged for the families in need. The military also established a temporary gate for the burial of those belonging to Madakhel tribe, at the Alwara Mandi. It also provided two helicopters to transport the critically injured to the hospitals, while a special entry system was set up for the affectees at the Ghulan Kham border.

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Lawmakers demand more relief for poor in budget

Terming the budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 “balanced” in difficult economic circumstances, lawmakers in the National Assembly on Tuesday demanded more relief measures for the common man suffering from the last three and half years due to bad governance and wrong economic policies of the past regime. As the session dragged on despite the lack of quorum, the house echoed with allegations against the previous government of PTI for leaving the country with woes currently buffeting the country’s strained economy, while many indicated that the "bad policies" of the previous regime also took a bite from the current government's "appropriate" fiscal budget. Participating in a debate on budgetary proposals, Prof Shahnaz Baloch of the Balochistan National Party (BNP) suggested the government purchase petroleum products from Iran at a reduced rate as compared to other international markets for providing more relief to the masses. She highlighted the importance of ensuring more facilities at Gwadar seaport for increased activities and stressed improving law and order across the country as it would help in restoring the confidence of investors and move the economic wheel at a fast pace. Meanwhile, Chaudhry Riazul Haq of PML-N lauded the "appropriate budget" considering it was pulled off in a difficult situation. However, implementing the budget proposals in true letter and spirit could improve the situation significantly, he added. He demanded overcoming the Rs50 billion deficit of Pakistan Railways and the Rs100 billion deficit of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Ms Shamsun Nisa of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) lamented the severe water shortage in Sindh and urged the government to provide drip irrigation types of equipment to farmers in the province, especially Thatta. PML-N Tahira Aurangzeb lauded the budget proposal of paying interest-free loans amounting to Rs100,000 to Rs400,000 to youth for starting their own business. Read CM urges lawmakers to check prices  She said that from Rs400,000 to one million would be given to youth at the rate of 3 per cent by the government for the same purpose. She said that it was also announced that from Rs1 million to Rs10 million would be given to youth at the rate of 4 per cent for setting up a business and that move would help in ending the unemployment in the country. In addition to these measures, she disclosed that some 100,000 trained youth would also be provided jobs. Meanwhile, PTI defector Rana MNA Muhammad Qasim Noon said, “I must appreciate the government for announcing a balanced budget in such a very bad economic situation”. The government had to take tough decisions to put the country on the right economic track. He said that political stability was a prerequisite for economic progress, prosperity and development. “No economic progress was possible without political stability,” he added. Announcing incentives for the agriculture sector and withdrawal of taxes on agriculture inputs would bring positive impacts on this important sector, he said. He asked the government to take steps for ending the black marketing of the fertilisers. Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz legislature Ali Zahid asked the international community to take action against BJP leaders, who were involved in hurling derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He said that despite the difficult economic situation the government had announced a people and business-friendly budget. He criticised the PTI government for ignoring the interest of the common men and said that the people of the country would reject them in the general elections. The deputy speaker adjourned the sitting till Wednesday at 11am (today).

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Imran, ex-NAB chief should be behind bars: Marriyum

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Tuesday said Imran Khan and the former National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman should be behind bars for trampling upon the law and justice of the country. Responding to PTI chief's statement, Marriyum said, “Imran’s corruption had been exposed for the entire country to see and he could no longer harp on false narratives and accusatory politics.” “The four years of incompetence and corruption were now known to people who had figured out Imran’s false narrative of accountability to persecute his political opponents.” He went to insane lengths to file false cases against the opposition, but even after abusing all resources and power, Imran could not prove a single penny of corruption on the opposition leaders, the minister said. He embarrassed himself in front of UK's National Crime Agency and Broadsheet where his false allegations were dismissed, she added. The minister said after crushing the masses under inflation for four years and misleading them over false conspiracy narrative, Imran now wanted to deceive the nation over NAB laws. “This was because he wanted to use NAB for political victimisation so that he could imprison political opponents in death row cells once again,” she added. She pointed out that Imran should have been in jail but instead Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was appearing before courts over these political cases. "The truth was that even after abusing NAB, FIA, and Prime Minister's Office, Imran could not prove anything but he continued violating the human rights of political opponents. Maryam Nawaz too was dragged to courts over these false allegations and made up cases," she said. Imran's hoopla over NAB was nothing but an attempt to hide his own corruption, she added. Marriyum clarified that the recent amendment in NAB law would have no bearing on the cases already in process. But even after knowing this, Imran continued to lie to the people of Pakistan because he could only misguide them, she said.

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Nawaz may be held if he returns ‘sans’ transit bail

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday said PML-N supreme leader and former premier Nawaz Sharif could be arrested on his return to the country if did not secure a transit bail. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad, the minister added that ex-premier Benazir Bhutto has also secured a  transit bail when she came back to Pakistan. Speaking about former military ruler Pervez Musharraf’s return to the country, Tarar said the law would take its course and "he will be facilitated in line with the rules and regulations". He added that Musharraf’s case should be wrapped up as soon as possible and the matter of the early hearing of his case might come up in the cabinet. Speaking about his party chief’s return, Tarar said if Nawaz failed to secure a transit bail, then he would have to surrender himself. “The courts should provide [relief] to the people who are handing themselves over to the law voluntarily.” The minister claimed that the previous PTI regime wanted to appoint a retired judge as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman. However, he added that the current government would appoint a serving judge as the NAB chairman. He elaborated that a NAB chief would not be hired for a second term. He informed the media that the tenure of a NAB chief would be three years and the deputy chairman would act in his full capacity during his leave or absence. He said the courts in its judgments had repeatedly stated that the initial burden of proof would remain with the prosecution as it was also included in Islamic law and a principle of common law. Discussing the NAB’s role on inquiry, he said six months time was proposed for probing a case, as police took 17 days for an investigation. “If the institution needs more time then it should seek permission from the competent court." Tarar further said the NAB's remand time was being reduced to 14 days from its current 90 as that was against the dignity of human beings and useless. “In the new amendment, NAB would debarred from pretrial incarceration." The minister claimed that the current government had introduced amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance,1999 in light of the judgments announced by the Supreme Court and high courts. He said the interpretation of NAB laws and some procedural changes were made in the amendments. He added that the National Assembly had passed the NAB amendment bill after a four-hour lengthy debate as different MNAs had filed their motions in their individual capacities to insert some amendments to the law. When the president returned the bill despite the passage from the Senate with advice and message that some clauses should be revisited, the government thoroughly read and discussed the advice of the president with the legal experts and addressed some of his objections. He said the president had no objection on 80% of the amendments as they were introduced by previous PTI regime in November last year. However, he added that the president had suggested revisiting 20% of the changes. “The government thoroughly read and discussed the advice of the president with legal experts and addressed some of his objections.” (With input from APP)

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Balochistan to get required water supply soon

A high-profile team comprising federal and provincial ministers and the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) chairman on Tuesday informed the federal minister for water resources that authorities will soon start supplying Balochistan with the required water flows in a few days. In order to review the situation of short supplies of water from Sindh to Balochistan, Federal Minister for Water Resources Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah along with the Minister for Economic Affairs Ayaz Sadiq chaired a meeting. Irsa chairman Zahid Junejo, who is from Sindh, Federal Ministers Ayaz Sadiq, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Agha Hassan Baloch, and MNA Khalid Magsi were also present. The water resources joint secretary informed the forum about the outcome of a high-profile team’s site visit to the Sukkar barrage. On Saturday, a special team, which comprised federal and provincial ministers from Balochistan, the Irsa chairman, and other top officials, visited the Sukkur barrage and discussed the water flows threadbare, particularly from Balochistan’s point of view. They were briefed about water flows statistics and the percentage of shortage that Sindh province was bearing currently at its three barrages. During the meeting on Tuesday, the forum appreciated the assurance given by the Sindh’s irrigation department regarding an increase in the water supplies of Balochistan in Pat Feeder’s Canal at RD 109 from 3,000 cusecs to 6,000 cusecs within a period of three to four days. Furthermore, it was decided that short-medium- and long-term measures would be taken for addressing the issue of short supplies of water from Sindh to Balochistan considering the limitations conveyed by the irrigation department to the visiting team. The officials informed that during the team's visit they were told that water supplies to Balochistan could not be immediately improved in Uch and Manuthi canals, whereas the increase in water supply in the Kirthar canal would also be dependent on an increase in river flows at Sukkar barrage, which may take almost a week time. A report in this regard is being prepared by the ministry of water resources which will be submitted to a committee comprising the federal ministers for water resources and economic affairs. Federal minister for water resources Syed Khursheed Shah is expected to forward the report to the premier. Speaking during the meeting, Shah assessed that the recent monsoon rains are expected to reduce water scarcity, adding that the government was trying to provide an equal share of water to all provinces. He reiterated that the provision of a timely and equal share of water to Balochistan and Sindh was among his top priorities and added a sub-committee entrusted with the task of resolving the water scarcity issue has visited the crucial barrages in the provinces. “The leaders of Balochistan have seen it for themselves that Sindh is not depriving Balochistan of its rights. In the coming days, there will be no complaint regarding the supply of Balochistan water,” the federal minister stressed. A detailed report will be submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif soon in light of the report of the committee.

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EU mission in Islamabad to decide on GSP+ status

The European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP +) monitoring mission has reached Pakistan to review the country’s compliance with its requirements in order to ensure extension of the GSP+ status. According to the Commerce Ministry officials, the EU monitoring mission would inspect the protection of human rights in the country, elimination of child labour, labour rights and other issues, while reviewing the implementation of 27 international conventions. Meanwhile, the government seems confident about a strong possibility of winning the extension, saying that the country has fully implemented the requirements. Officials informed that after the extension of status, Pakistan will have to implement five more conventions. The cabinet expressed its satisfaction that almost all political parties had their representation in the current coalition government. The prime minister directed all the relevant ministries to ensure timely inking of the agreement for EUGSP (2024-34).

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