Bilawal warns against installing ‘selected PM’

In a fiery address on Saturday, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari issued a stern warning against any attempts to impose a "selected" prime minister, asserting that such endeavours would be futile, Express News reported. Bilawal emphasised that his party would actively resist any such moves, adamantly refusing to accept manipulated election outcomes contrary to the public mandate. He cautioned those allegedly conspiring to impose a "selected" prime minister, stating that they would face staunch resistance. Speaking at a workers' convention in Peshawar, Bilawal criticized both the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing them of deviating from their proclaimed narratives upon assuming power. بھٹو ازم کا مطلب پاکستان کے عوام کی خدمت کرنا ہے، بلاول بھٹو Follow our WhatsApp channel: https://ift.tt/tW7ZSdl #BilawalBhutto #ImranKhan #PPP #PMLN #PTI #NawazSharif #flood pic.twitter.com/UdnK4YHmLE — Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) November 18, 2023 He lambasted the PTI, asserting that its promise of bringing change had allegedly brought the country to the brink of destruction. Simultaneously, Bilawal accused the PML-N of exacerbating economic hardships for the common man, branding it the "Pakistan Inflation League." He contended that the PML-N had seemingly abandoned its slogan "vote ko izzat do" (respect the vote). Highlighting his tenure as the foreign minister in the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government led by the PML-N, Bilawal proudly stated that he would contest elections based on his performance over the last 16 months. "I am proud of my performance in the last 16 months [in the PDM government] and will contest elections on that," affirmed the PPP chairman. Reiterating the PPP's ideology to provide basic necessities to every poor Pakistani, Bilawal stressed the importance of a government that considers people as the source of power. Read More: Bilawal asks rivals to give up 'selection' hopes Reflecting on his efforts as foreign minister, Bilawal cited his role in addressing the aftermath of floods that affected two-thirds of Pakistan's population within months of his tenure. He claimed that, with international cooperation, three million houses were reconstructed for flood victims. Bilawal expressed concern about health cards being allocated to private hospitals in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa during PTI’s tenure and emphasised his party's resilience in the face of an uneven playing field in election run-ups. The PPP chairman also acknowledged a growing discontent among the youth and advocated for a shift away from the trend of multiple terms for one individual as prime minister, endorsing the elevation of a young leader to the position. Saad Rafique hits back at Bilawal Responding to Bilawal's criticism of PML-N, former federal minister and senior PML-N leader Khawaja Saad Rafique asserted that the former’s dissatisfaction stems solely from growing distance from the slot of premiership, as he had anticipated that he would not be the next prime minister. He urged the PPP chairman not to harbour resentment. Instead, Rafique encouraged Bilawal to face the electoral challenge by showcasing the performance of the Sindh government and adhering to the party's election manifesto. Read More: Gen Bajwa wanted us to withdraw no-trust vote against Imran: Bilawal Regarding Bilawal's remarks about former lawmakers and ‘electables’ aligning with the PML-N, Rafique emphasised the necessity of elected representatives and members as essential support in forming a government. He pointed out that both the PPP and PTI had utilised similar strategies in the past. Furthermore, Rafique expressed optimism about the potential transformation of Sindh's cities, stating that if given the opportunity, they could be developed to emulate the prosperity of Punjab cities like Lahore and Faisalabad. He said that it was important to get Sindh rid of the ‘system’, without elaborating what he actually meant by the terminology.

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Exhibit gives snapshot of Palestine’s pain

Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah and Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam on Friday inaugurated a three-day Poster Exhibition titled “Palestine: Oppression, Resistance, Victory” at Lok Virsa Art Gallery in the federal capital. The exhibition was organised by the Cultural Consulate Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in collaboration with the National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa. Ambassador of Syria to Pakistan Ramez Alraee, Ehsan Khazaei, the Cultural Counselor Embassy of Iran, Adviser National Heritage and Culture Division Muhammad Kashif Irshad, Executive Director Lok Virsa Muhammad Uzair Khan were also present on the occasion. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the exhibition, Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah said the Palestinians are valiant people and they will succeed in their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination. Read Oppressors can't be oppressed: Artists call out Israel over current atrocities in Palestine He said the responsibility rests with the world community and the United Nations to play their role in stopping the Israeli atrocities against Palestinians. The minister regretted that the cowardly Israel was targeting innocent Palestinians and their schools and hospitals. He said Israeli forces are not even sparing the children. He said we feel the pain and agony of the Palestinian people. He also said that Pakistan does not recognise the state of Israel and has repeatedly called for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters”. Reza Amiri Moghadam, Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan expressed his condolences to the Palestinian nation for the martyrdom of more than ten thousand innocent men, women and children. “I would like to appreciate the government of Pakistan for the strong positions taken by the high officials and different authorities, scholars and people belonging to various walks of life for supporting the innocent people of Palestine. He said that the fact is that the Zionist regime broke its records of barbarism, war crimes and genocide. Published in The Express Tribune, November 18th, 2023.

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Ex-NA speaker Gohar Ayub passes away in Islamabad

Gohar Ayub Khan, former speaker of the National Assembly and father of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Central Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan, passed away on Friday after enduring prolonged illness. The deceased breathed his last today while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Islamabad. Gohar Ayub's funeral prayers are scheduled to take place on Saturday afternoon in his native village, Rehana, located in Haripur. The PTI leadership and party members have expressed their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, acknowledging and paying tribute to their dedicated services to the country. Read More: Gohar Ayub joins PML-N Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar also conveyed deep sorrow and condolences over the demise of the former NA speaker. The prime minister extended prayers for the departed soul to attain a high status and for the family to find the strength to endure this loss with patience. Gohar Ayub Khan held a distinctive and influential position in Pakistan's political landscape, the caretaker PM acknowledged. Read More: Transitions: Gohar Ayub’s wife passes away President Dr Arif Alvi also expressed profound sorrow and grief on Friday, offering heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Gohar Ayub Khan. The president prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and strength for the grieving family bear this irreparable loss.

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Nawaz proposes ‘ask-no-question’ policy for investment

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif suggested an “ask-no-question” policy for the investment coming to the industry and told businessmen on Thursday that future economic decisions would be taken “boldly” in consultation with the business community. Addressing the office-bearers of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nawaz said that the PML-N understood the economic situation, facing the country but stressed that the party could change the economic fate of the country, if elected in the February 8, 202 general elections. “We understand the economic difficulties of Pakistan. We have always consulted you [business community], and now we will proceed only with the consultation,” he said. “There should be a policy of not asking questions about the money coming into the industry,” he said. “We started privatisation and liberalisation. Our neighbouring country India adopted our policies and achieved economic progress. If our economic policies of the 1990s era were not scrapped by the later governments, Pakistan might have surpassed many countries in economic progress,” he continued. Between 2013 and 2017, Pakistan had become 24th largest economy in the world, Nawaz said. “We kept the dollar at Rs104 for four years. “Had our policies been allowed to continue, the dollar would have been worth Rs40 or 50 today,” he added. He assured that the business community would be consulted on the futures decisions. “When it comes to the country, we never shy away from tough decisions, no matter if such decisions may hurt us as a political party. This is the difference between us and others”, Nawaz said. “We once again will take necessary steps to save Pakistan as we did before,” he said, adding that if the people demanded development, education and health, it was their right and it was the responsibility of the state to provide them these facilities. Read also: Nawaz clinches top electables in Balochistan “There is a need to take daring steps for the sake of our economy, while equally providing relief to the general public,” the three times former prime minister said. “It is our responsibility and duty to free the people from inflation and poverty.” While defending the performance of the previous coalition government, led by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz said that they were not ready to take the government in 2022 but it was necessary to save Pakistan from a default. “The PML-N was not ready to govern after the success of the no-confidence motion in 2022. However the country was at the brink of default, and saving the country was the need of the hour,” he said, adding: “Even Shehbaz Sharif’s resignation speech was ready. I have gone through that speech.” On the occasion, LCCI President Kashif Anwar said that because of a sharp increase in the tariffs of electricity, gas and the prices of daily-use items, depreciation of the rupee “we are facing problems like inflation, high cost of production and high markup rate etc”. Due to the strict measures, the value is strengthened. The difference in the rate of the dollar in the interbank and open market has also been eliminated. There is a great need for stability in the value of the rupee and bringing it below 200 rupees against the dollar is extreme. Anwar stressed the need for expanding the tax net. “Our businessmen want to pay taxes but the problem is that our taxation system is very complicated. In this situation, when you are afraid of audits, bank attachment, penalties and surcharges, who will come in the tax net,” he said. He called for simplifying the tax system. He also said that regulatory on imported raw materials and components, which were not being made in the country, should be eliminated. He added that the current policy rate of 22% interest rate must be reduced.

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Nawaz proposes ‘ask-no-question’ policy for investment

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif suggested an “ask-no-question” policy for the investment coming to the industry and told businessmen on Thursday that future economic decisions would be taken “boldly” in consultation with the business community. Addressing the office-bearers of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nawaz said that the PML-N understood the economic situation, facing the country but stressed that the party could change the economic fate of the country, if elected in the February 8, 202 general elections. “We understand the economic difficulties of Pakistan. We have always consulted you [business community], and now we will proceed only with the consultation,” he said. “There should be a policy of not asking questions about the money coming into the industry,” he said. “We started privatisation and liberalisation. Our neighbouring country India adopted our policies and achieved economic progress. If our economic policies of the 1990s era were not scrapped by the later governments, Pakistan might have surpassed many countries in economic progress,” he continued. Between 2013 and 2017, Pakistan had become 24th largest economy in the world, Nawaz said. “We kept the dollar at Rs104 for four years. “Had our policies been allowed to continue, the dollar would have been worth Rs40 or 50 today,” he added. He assured that the business community would be consulted on the futures decisions. “When it comes to the country, we never shy away from tough decisions, no matter if such decisions may hurt us as a political party. This is the difference between us and others”, Nawaz said. “We once again will take necessary steps to save Pakistan as we did before,” he said, adding that if the people demanded development, education and health, it was their right and it was the responsibility of the state to provide them these facilities. Read also: Nawaz clinches top electables in Balochistan “There is a need to take daring steps for the sake of our economy, while equally providing relief to the general public,” the three times former prime minister said. “It is our responsibility and duty to free the people from inflation and poverty.” While defending the performance of the previous coalition government, led by PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz said that they were not ready to take the government in 2022 but it was necessary to save Pakistan from a default. “The PML-N was not ready to govern after the success of the no-confidence motion in 2022. However the country was at the brink of default, and saving the country was the need of the hour,” he said, adding: “Even Shehbaz Sharif’s resignation speech was ready. I have gone through that speech.” On the occasion, LCCI President Kashif Anwar said that because of a sharp increase in the tariffs of electricity, gas and the prices of daily-use items, depreciation of the rupee “we are facing problems like inflation, high cost of production and high markup rate etc”. Due to the strict measures, the value is strengthened. The difference in the rate of the dollar in the interbank and open market has also been eliminated. There is a great need for stability in the value of the rupee and bringing it below 200 rupees against the dollar is extreme. Anwar stressed the need for expanding the tax net. “Our businessmen want to pay taxes but the problem is that our taxation system is very complicated. In this situation, when you are afraid of audits, bank attachment, penalties and surcharges, who will come in the tax net,” he said. He called for simplifying the tax system. He also said that regulatory on imported raw materials and components, which were not being made in the country, should be eliminated. He added that the current policy rate of 22% interest rate must be reduced.

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40% tax on banks’ windfall profits

The federal cabinet on Wednesday took major decisions, including approving amendments to Hajj Policy 2024 and imposing 40 per cent tax on windfall profit earned by banks on foreign exchange transactions during the years 2021 and 2022. It also sanctioned holding negotiations on Bilateral Investment Treaties with Saudi Arabia and Qatar on the suggestion of the Investment Board. The cabinet session was presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar in the federal capital. It approved amendments to Hajj Policy 2024 under which the government and private unutilized sponsorship schemes quota would be returned to the Saudi government. Further, in accordance with the Saudi government’s law, a foolproof monitoring system will be implemented for the financial arrangements of Hajj group organizers. Besides, children under 10 years of age will also be able to perform the religious obligation. Under the private Hajj schemes, the condition of keeping an assistant/helper will be relaxed for people over 80 years of age. Read more: Minister vows to take up gas tariff issue in cabinet However, Hajj group organizers will enter into an agreement with the pilgrims in this regard, enabling them to enlist services of local supporters during their stay in Saudi Arabia. This condition will be inserted in the agreement for provision of services and its violation would lead to imposition of fine and blacklisting of relevant Hajj group organizer. The meeting also sanctioned reduction in the hardship Hajj quota. A total of 50 per cent quota of local supporters will be allocated for those Pakistani students who are studying in different universities of Saudi Arabia and their deployment would be made as welfare staff. The cabinet in its previous meeting had constituted a committee to bring improvement in Hajj policy 2024. The amendments were made to the policy in light of these proposals. On the recommendation of Federal Board of Revenue, the cabinet also approved imposition of 40 per cent tax on windfall profit earned by banks on the foreign exchange transactions during the years 2021 and 2022. The Finance Act, 2023 introduced a new section 99D in the Income Tax Ordinance 20121 which would enforce the imposition of tax on windfall income profits and gains of the banks. The meeting also approved holding of negotiations on Bilateral Investment Treaties with Saudi Arabia and Qatar on the recommendation of the Investment Board. On the advice of the Ministry of Trade, the cabinet sanctioned constitution of a committee with regard to hearing of appeals against orders of Trade Organizations Regulators, exemption and flexibility in the provisions of Import Policy Order 2022 and Export Policy Order 2022. The minister for trade will act as convener of the committee whereas ministers for law and planning would be the other members. The cabinet, on the advice of the interior ministry, also approved inclusion of Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kyrgyz Democrat in the business visa list. It allowed removal of the names of 18 persons from the Exit Control List and placing of nine other names in it. While on the recommendation of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, the cabinet approved Jammu and Kashmir State Property Budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. For the current year, its budget is earmarked at Rs267.590 million. The meeting, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, approved signing of Hong Kong International Convention 2009 for the safe and environment sound recycling of ships and preparation of draft Instrument of Accession. Under the convention, Pakistan will legislate over recycling of ships and the training would be imparted to the relevant staff, besides enhancing their capacity. Moreover, availability of relevant technological instruments will be ensured for the disposal of any hazardous wastes during the recycling process. The safety of labourers linked with the recycling industry will be ensured which would significantly benefit ship reprocessing units in Pakistan. On the recommendation of Cabinet Secretariat, the cabinet also granted exemption to Trading Corporation of Pakistan from Rules 8, 13, 35, 38 and 40 of the Public Regulatory Authority Rules 2004, for the procurement of 200,000 metric ton urea from the international market.

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PTI denounces Imran’s ‘unlawful incarceration’

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vehemently denounced the harsh, brutal, unlawful, unjustified and arbitrary incarceration of former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Marking 100 days of his imprisonment on Tuesday, a party spokesperson declared that the detention of the former premier was entirely illegal, unconstitutional, unethical and without justification. “Imran Khan is facing repercussions for adhering to principles, refusing to compromise on the genuine freedom of the nation, and steadfastly upholding the sanctity of the Constitution and the rule of law.” The spokesperson highlighted that Imran’s 100 days in unjust imprisonment symbolises courage, resilience, and righteousness. Read more: IHC orders stay on trial court proceedings in cypher case “Over the past 20 months, the state has trampled upon the Constitution, law, and values while undermining the morale of the nation's most dependable leader through cruelty and intimidation. “Despite such tactics, the PTI chief, by the grace of Allah Almighty, remains resilient and unaffected.” Imran Khan, as a victim of unjust imprisonment, along with the message of true national freedom, the spokesperson said, resonated in the hearts and minds of every Pakistani. The spokesperson accused those who were responsible for Imran’s imprisonment of damaging the country, asserting that all their efforts to oust Imran from the nation's heart had failed. “A criminal mindset, currently in control of the country, has wreaked havoc on the entire state apparatus, including the Constitution, economy, law, politics, administration, legislature, and justice system.”

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