According to details, tremors were felt in Kasur and Sheikhura as well. However, no loss of life or property has been reported so far.
The earthquake spread panic among the local people and they rushed out of their homes, shops and other buildings reciting verses of the Holy Quran.
Before this, the Saudi government has granted permission of driving to women. Saudi women can also drive aeroplane and can work at various public places. They even can take part in various forms of sports including soccer. They can be tour guide. These steps have been taken since the new royal government under the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has assumed responsibility.
Prince’s ‘Vision 2030’ seems to be the major driver behind these changes. Prince really wants to modernize the kingdom, the fact which really was a dream in the past. Giving women freedom to drive, do jobs, take part in sports is the part of this vision which will lead towards modernization.
Overall, it is quite clear and crystal that these changes are for granting more freedom to the women and to build an open and generous view of a country which is considered to be a conservative one in social and political affairs. Women just like any other Muslim country of the world now can enjoy more freedom, the freedom which is indeed normal in other countries including those of Muslim ones. In the time to come, it will have to be seen to what extent prince achieves his targets.
French defence firm Dassault picked Reliance Group, run by Indian billionaire Anil Ambani, as its main local partner in the multi-billion-dollar 2016 deal to buy 36 Rafale jets, instead of the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This has long been controversial because unlike HAL, Reliance had no previous experience in the aeronautics sector.
Hollande, president from 2012-17, was quoted on Friday by investigative website Mediapart as saying that France was given no choice on Dassault s Indian partner. "We did not have a say in that," Hollande was quoted as saying. "It was the Indian government that proposed this service group (Reliance), and Dassault who negotiated with Ambani. "We did not have a choice, we took the interlocutor who was given to us."
The comments were front-page news in Indian newspapers on Saturday and was the top trending topic on Twitter.
Rahul Gandhi, head of the main opposition Congress party, who is seeking to replace Modi and his rightwing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in elections next year, went on the offensive.
"An ex-president of France is calling him (the prime minister of India) a thief. It s a question of the dignity of the office of the prime minister," he told a news conference in New Delhi. "The PM has betrayed India. He has dishonoured the blood of our soldiers," Gandhi, scion of India s Gandhi-Nehru political dynasty, added on Twitter.
Ravi Shankar Prasad, a close Modi ally and minister, hit back at Gandhi, accusing him playing into the hands of India s rivals Pakistan and China. "Never before in the history of independent India has a party president used such words for a PM," he told a news conference on Saturday. "We can t expect anything else from Rahul Gandhi. He has no quality or ability."
India s defence ministry tweeted on Friday that neither the Indian nor French government "had any say in the commercial decision". On Saturday the ministry issued a fuller statement, saying no rules were broken. "The government of India has no role in the selection of Indian offset partner," it said.
Foreign manufacturers securing arms contracts in India -- the world s biggest defence importer -- are obliged to reinvest a portion of the sums collected in India under the offset rule to encourage local defence manufacturing.
The defence ministry also cited a statement from Dassault saying it had signed partnership agreements with several companies and was negotiating with around 100 other companies.
Under the Rafale deal, France must spend amounts totalling around half the eight billion euros ($9.4 billion) paid by the Indian government. Dassault has invested more than 100 million euros in its joint venture with Reliance. Hollande also denied any conflict of interest with Reliance, which partially financed a film by his partner Julie Gayet in 2016.
"That is why, moreover, this group (Reliance) did not have to give me any thanks for anything. I could not even imagine that there was any connection to a film by Julie Gayet," Hollande said.
During his visit, the prime minister will be briefed about the local bodies system by the Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and Punjab Minister for Local Government and Community Development Aleem Khan.
According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf media department, members of the provincial assembly will call on the Prime Minister, Radio Pakistan reported.
PM Imran will chair a session of the Punjab cabinet at 3pm.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid, Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Minister Sibtain Khan and Tourism Minister Raja Yasir Humayun will take approvals from the prime minister for projects.
The prime minister will also meet PTI leaders and head of National Commission on Police Reform Nasir Khan Durrani.
Moreover, PM Imran along with his political team will go over the preparation for the upcoming by-polls.
During his 24-hour-long stop in DC, Qureshi is scheduled to visit Pakistan's Embassy in Washington where, on Sunday, he would be meeting members of the business community as well as journalists.
The foreign minister will be heading for New York to attend the UN General Assembly's 73rd session — which opened on September 18 — on Monday, where he would be heading the Pakistani delegation.
In addition to this, Qureshi is also expected to visit his American counterpart, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during his official trip to the United States.
He had flown out to the US on Friday, accompanied by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, for a week-long visit to the UN headquarters.
Qureshi is slated to present Pakistan's stance on various issues, including the Kashmir conflict, at the UNGA session. He would also meet his counterparts at the session and hold talks with the US administration.
Earlier, it was reported that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan would not attend the UNGA session in order to focus his attention on the country’s economy and local problems.
The CCI meeting scheduled to take place at 11:30 am at PM Office will be attended by the chief ministers of all the four provinces.
According to the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, the meeting will take up a seven-point agenda, which includes summaries with regard to import of liquified natural gas (LNG), launching a countrywide cleanliness drive, and setting up a task force for streamlining regulatory functions.
The Petroleum, Exploration and Production Policy 2012 as well as matters pertaining to workers welfare fund, and Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) will also come under discussion during the meeting.
SAARC CCI official hails Imran Khan’s speech
The Petroleum Policy 2012 provides an incentive package for onshore areas on the basis of risk and investment requirements as per the zones.
The Ministry of Energy would take the provinces on board and seek approval for creating one more zone for the onshore exploration of oil to oil and gas exploration companies in the frontier region along with other amendments in the Petroleum Policy 2012.
PSQCA
The second important agenda is harmonisation of standards and enforcement between the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority and provincial food authorities.
Provincial food authorities have been working in isolation but there have not been synchronised with each other including with the federal government. Resultantly it depicts lack of coordination and slow pace of the outcome.
The CCI will discuss to bring all the bodies on the same page for better performance and quality control on food.
EOBI
The council will also discuss post-devolution issues relating to the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and the Workers Welfare Fund which is currently under the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
The EOBI has been rocked with corruption, irregularities and mismanagement and making the headlines for the last several years.
Cleanliness drive
The Ministry of IPC will share details about the countrywide cleanliness drive in the country that will include involvement of provincial chief ministers and ministers of the cabinet, besides senior government officials in the departments concerned.
HEC
The formation of two provincial higher education bodies in the wake of 18th Amendment has also created an awkward situation at the federal level as two other provinces — Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan — have already expressed their confidence in the Higher Education Commission (HEC) at the centre.
The issue of funding, check on quality, attestation of degrees and several others are the issues the federal and provincial higher education bodies are bickering over.
The tussle has been at its height between Punjab and federal bodies where the former has been directing vice-chancellors in meetings, events arranged by the HEC.
It is planned that the provinces and federal govt will discuss the issues threadbare. The Ministry of federal education and professional training will present the agenda.
Old items
Similarly, an allocation of 1,200 cuses (650.5 MGD) additional water for Karachi City (K-IV project) is also to be presented by the Ministry of Water resources.
Imran warns of drought threat, appeals for dams’ donation
While resolution of energy problems of Balochistan will also be discussed including enhancement of absorption energy. Short supplies of water in Pat Feeder and Kirther Canals are also on the agenda.
Likewise, implementation of the Kazi Committee Methodology for calculation of the net hydel profit will be presented by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.
The issue of net-hydel profit is a long-standing issue and federal and provinces especially Sindh has yet to reach an agreement about the issue.
The prime minister is also likely to announce formation of a taskforce to streamline regulatory functions of federal government.
After the group defeat, Pakistan narrowly avoided humiliation when Sarfraz Ahmed's team beat Afghanistan in its opening Super Four match with just three balls to spare in Abu Dhabi. Also Friday, in Dubai, India easily beat Bangladesh by seven wickets.
India thrashed Pakistan by eight wickets with 21 overs to spare in their last encounter and will take confidence from that win into Sunday's game at Dubai International Stadium. The same stadium hosts the final on Friday.
Pakistan still appears annoyed by India playing only in Dubai, while other teams face a nearly 90-minute bus journey for some matches in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza has also criticized this arrangement.
Ahmed said earlier in the tournament: “I believe things should be even for all teams, whether that's India, Pakistan or anyone else. If matches are played in Abu Dhabi, then all teams must play a game or two there.”
Defending champion India, despite losing Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel and Shardul Thakur to injury during the tournament, has looked the strongest team so far. India is expected to field the same lineup that defeated Bangladesh.
Pakistan dropped struggling fast bowler Mohammed Amir against Afghanistan, but he may be recalled after the team's unconvincing bowling display. Left-arm medium-pacer Shaheen Afridi took two wickets against Afghanistan, but the newcomer might not be risked against the experienced Indian batting lineup.
India's bowling unit has played well in the conditions apart from conceding an opening 174-run stand against Hong Kong.
India captain Rohit Sharma, who has scored 52 and an unbeaten 83 in the last two matches, expressed satisfaction with his bowling attack.
“The bowlers have done a very good job and stuck to their plans. Spinners (Yuzvendra) Chahal and Kuldeep (Yadav) did not get any wickets (against Bangladesh), but they are allowed a day off and (Ravindra) Jadeja stepped up with four wickets,” Sharma said.
“It is a big match for us again and we just hope to recover well and continue to repeat the same performance against Pakistan.” On Wednesday, Pakistan once again travels to Abu Dhabi for its last Super Four match against Bangladesh, a day after India plays Afghanistan in Dubai.
According to ISPR, armed forces conducted IBO in North Waziristan and during the operation, nine terrorists were killed, however, in terrorists retaliated seven security personnel including a major embraced martyrdom.
The terrorists came from other side of the border and they were hidden in a compound of a house, ISPR said.
“In an intense exchange of fire, seven Pakistan Army soldiers including an officer embraced Shahadat. Those embraced martyrdom include Capt Junaid, Havaldar AMIR, Havaldar Atif, Havaldar Nasir, Havaldar Abdul Razzaq, Sep Sammi, Sep Anwar,” the ISPR added.
According to the army, the area has been cleared and identification of killed terrorists is in progress.
The information minister reacted on the provocative statement by the India COAS calling for a surprise action by the Indian security forces, a day after New Delhi canceled a meeting between foreign ministers of the two countries.
Chaudhry said that General Rawat is highlighting himself as a ‘tool’ of a political party.
He said that where Pakistan is calling for peace between both sides whereas the Indian army chief is restoring to warmongering.
“The whole world is watching who wants peace. Pakistan and India are nuclear-armed countries, therefore, there is no possibility of war.”
According to details, anti-graft watchdog has also summoned the managers and owners of the construction companies who had been awarded contracts during the construction of the Multan metro.
According to sources during the investigation involvements of a few other officers has revealed.“Arrested axiom Amanat Ali and SDO Munam Saeed were illegally getting petrol and vehicles from a consultant company and both visited France, Italy and Spain facilitated by the same constant company,” report said.
Chief engineer Sabir Sadozoi has also enjoyed the feast by visiting Dubai accompanied with his wife using government exchequer.
NAB has called the manager and owner of the construction company on September 24 again for further probe while six already arrested accused will be produced before accountability court on September 26at the end of his remand duration.
Responding to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat’s reckless remarks of teaching Pakistan a lesson, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major Gen Asif Ghafoor on Saturday stated Indian army has been indulged in their country’s politics in the wake of corruption scandals whereas he vehemently warned Indian civilian and military’s top brass against putting their domestic issues on ‘Pakistan’s shoulders’.
Reiterating that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be taken for weakness, ISPR DG stated Pakistan is ready to give befitting reply to any misadventure. Gen Ghafoor warned India of stern military repercussions. He urged Indian army chief to abstain from deteriorating peace situation.
He made these views while chairing the high-level meeting in Lahore. CM Punjab said that new LG system will play a vital role to redress people issues at their doorsteps and all the performance of LG representatives will be evaluated on regular basis.
“The maintaining transparency in new LG system will be the key that will ensure the solution of people problems on grass root level,” he said adding the new system will also end the status quo and prove itself it as a system of people.
Addressing the District Bar Association in Chitral this afternoon, he said the country is under heavy debt and the government should take effective steps to retire these loans.
Justice Saqib Nisar said construction of dams is the dire need of the hour.
He urged the bar members to contribute for the construction of dams.
Earlier, the Chief Justice visited District Headquarters Hospital Chitral and inquired about the health of the patients.
Justice Saqib Nisar directed to construct a hostel for paramedics on emergency basis in Chitral.
"The number of dead of the terrorist incident reached 24, some of whom were women and children among the spectators," IRNA said, adding that the death toll could rise further as many of the wounded were in critical condition.
Two gunmen opened fire on the large crowd of spectators watching the parade in the city of Ahvaz and then attempted to attack the viewing stand for official dignitaries before being shot and wounded by security forces, the semi-official Fars news agency said.
The rare attack targeted Khuzestan, a province bordering Iraq that has a large ethnic Arab community, and was a major battleground of the devastating 1980-88 conflict between Iran and Saddam Hussein's Iraq.
Saturday's rally was one of many in cities across Iran held to mark the anniversary of the launch of the war with massive Iraqi air strikes.
Attacks by Kurdish rebels on military patrols along the border in mainly ethnic Kurdish areas further north are relatively common.
Addressing a press conference, Sheikh Rasheed said that Rohi Express will be plied from Pannu Aaqil to Khanpur, while another train will run between Mojenjo Daro and Sehwan Sharif. In order to facilitate the passengers, the booking offices will remain open till 12am, he added.
He said that a summary regarding 10,000 job vacancies has also been forwarded to Prime Minister Imran Khan.
He said that tenders for the provision of clean drinking water and other facilities would soon be opened.
The minister said that Mainline-I and Mainline-II were important for the country from which ML-I had been kept under China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) whereas the ML-II would be offered to the private investors for upgradation on BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis.
He said that PR committee for investment opportunities would meet on every Thursday and the railways would welcome all investors. He continued that no improvement had been made in the freight sector and the number of freight trains were the same as it was twelve years ago.
He vowed to increase the number of freight trains from 10 to 15 within 120 days.
The minister said that Karachi was being made fright headquarters for the railways as Karachi was hub of the business.
To another question, Sheikh Rashid said that he wanted to sell two to three railways plots in Lahore and Karachi to overcome deficit of the railways. He said that Rs 38 billion was the current deficit of the railways while the railways was under debt of Rs 25 billion.
Earlier, Sheikh Rasheed had reaffirmed his commitment to bring down deficit of Railways to nil within one year. He said it has been decided to remove ghost contractual employees in the department to lessen financial burden.
Railways will soon be developed as a modern technical organization, he added.
“Disappointed at the arrogant and negative response by India to my call for resumption of the peace dialogue,” PM Imran tweeted.
"However, all my life I have come across small men occupying big offices who do not have the vision to see the larger picture," he added.
On Thursday, the premier wrote a letter to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and called for a resumption of dialogue between the two countries.
PM Imran had also called for a meeting between the foreign minister of the two countries on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.
Hours after reports circulated regarding PM Imran's letter to Modi, Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar confirmed that Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Sushma Swaraj would meet on the sidelines of the UNGA.
Kumar, however, had not specified a date for the meeting but sources told media that it was scheduled for September 27.
However, on Friday, the Indian MEA spokesperson announced the cancellation of the meeting, citing the alleged killing of three Indian police officers and a personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) as the reason.
Earlier today, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi expressed disappointment at India's backtracking and said New Delhi called off the planned meeting owing to an issue which took place in July.
“India in September presented an issue which took place in July as an excuse to back out of the meeting,” the foreign minister said while speaking to the media in Doha en route to New York. "I think this is not appropriate," he added.
FM Qureshi elaborated, "Stamps were used as an excuse although the stamps in question were distributed before the PTI-led government took charge."
The foreign minister said India first agreed to the meeting and then “later found an excuse” to cancel it.
A statement released by the office of Pakistani government's spokesperson also said India's reasons provided for cancelling the meeting "are entirely unconvincing".
The statement went on to mention that the postage stamps in question "were issued before the 25 July 2018 elections, as a result of which the Government of Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed office".
"The stamps highlight the gross and systematic human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir, which were extensively documented also in a comprehensive report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as late as June 2018," it added.
Cancers, heart and blood-vessel disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease combined to kill 12.5 million people aged 30 to 70 worldwide in 2016, they reported in a major study.
"The bottom line is this: a set of commitments were made, and most countries are not going to meet them," lead author Majid Ezzati, a professor at Imperial School London's School of Public Health, told AFP.
Only 35 nations are on track to meet UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.4 — launched in 2015 — for women, and even less for men, the study revealed.
"International donors and national governments are doing too little to reduce deaths from non-communicable diseases," Ezzati said.
The good news, he added, is that most countries are at least moving in the right direction.
But around 20 states — 15 for women, 24 for men — are either stagnating or backsliding.
That select group of failure includes only one wealthy nation: the United States.
A much-noted study last year in the American Journal of Public Health showed that the rise in premature deaths was especially sharp among white, rural Americans, described by the authors as gripped by an "epidemic of despair".
"It comes down to weak public health, weak health care system, high levels of inequality," Ezzati said.
Weak public health
Across all age groups, non-communicable diseases kill more than 40 million people a year worldwide, accounting for seven in ten deaths.
Of these, 17 million are classified as "premature," or before the age of 70.
"We are sleepwalking into a sick future because of severely inadequate progress on non-communicable diseases," said Katie Dain from the NCD Alliance.
The "NCD Countdown 2030" report, published in The Lancet ahead of next week's UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs in New York, "will assist in holding governments and donors accountable", she added.
Ezzati rejected the notion that the UN goal may have been set too high.
"The fact that 30-odd countries are very much on track, and another 40 or 50 — depending on the gender — are close, means that it is very doable," he said by phone.
Declining tobacco and alcohol use, low blood pressure, a good public health care system, low levels of inequality — countries not doing so well in meeting the UN target are likely to fail in a couple of these things, Ezzati said.
Only four countries -- South Korea, Japan, Switzerland and Australia — ranked among the top ten for lowest NCD mortality rates for both men and women.
China not on track
Spain, Singapore, Portugal, Italy, Finland and France rounded out the good health podium for women.
For men, the other countries were Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Bahrain, Canada and New Zealand.
The United States ranked 53rd for men, and 44th for women, with Chinese men and women placed 80th and 76th, respectively.
China is not on track to meet the goal but its NCD rates are declining, even as levels of obesity and high blood pressure are on the rise, the study revealed.
Smoking rates have stabilised but remain high, especially for men. Tobacco use claims one million lives in China every year.
"China has the ability to do a lot when it comes to managing tobacco and alcohol, with both largely state-owned industries," Ezzati noted.
"They are also wealthy enough so that hypertension treatment should be trivial."
In sub-Saharan Africa, non-communicable diseases account for a smaller share of deaths than infectious diseases such as AIDS and tuberculosis.
But their NCD mortality rates are still much higher than in most middle-income and rich countries, and should not be neglected, the authors said.
"By any standard, it would be inappropriate and non-strategic to not incorporate NCDs in the strengthening of the overall health care system," Ezzati said.
"We should say to the donor and aid agencies: 'Focus on the overall health system rather than disease by disease'."
Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin and Kyle Edmund all won their opening singles matches Friday to give Team Europe a commanding 3-0 lead going into the evening’s final doubles match.
Team World’s Jack Sock and Kevin Anderson needed a tiebreaker to defeat the doubles dream team of Federer and Djokovic 6-7, 6-3, 10-6.
Sock and Anderson won the tiebreaker after Federer double faulted to give Team World a key 5-4 lead.
Earlier in the day, Europe’s Dimitrov cruised past Frances Tiafoe 6-1, 6-4, Goffin saved two match points to outlast Diego Schwartzman 6-4, 4-6, 11-9 and Edmund toppled World’s Sock 6-4, 5-7, 10-6.
This is the second instalment of the Laver Cup which has been dubbed the Ryder Cup of tennis -- although it lacks the tradition of golf’s premier team event.
The exhibition is taking place on US soil for the first time and features 12 of the world’s top players squaring off against each other in a three-day showcase which wraps up Sunday in Chicago.
The format calls for shorter matches. If the players split sets, they go straight to a 10-point tiebreaker. On Saturday, wins will be worth two points each instead of one.
Dimitrov used his precision backhand to keep Tiafoe off balance as he closed out the match with his 10th and final ace. The Bulgarian hammered 27 winners to just seven for Tiafoe.
"It’s pretty nice to play indoors -- no sun, no wind," Dimitrov said. "When you get in a good rhythm you just want to follow it. I think today that’s what I did."
Bjorn Borg’s favoured Team Europe are trying to defend their crown against Team World which is captained by the legendary John McEnroe.
Federer, Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Dimitrov, Goffin and Edmund make up Team Europe. Federer played in the first Laver Cup but Djokovic is taking part for the first time.
Sock, Nick Kyrgios, John Isner, Tiafoe, Anderson and Schwartzman are representing Team World.
The event is named in honour of tennis legend Rod Laver, who won a record 200 singles titles, 11 Grand Slams and five Davis Cups for Australia.
Alvi extended condolences to Amal’s parents and asked them details of the incident that occurred on August 13.
According to sources, the president has directed authorities concerned to completed investigation into the incident.
The 10-year-old girl was killed when a policeman fired a bullet attempting to kill a robber, who had robbed her family a few minutes earlier.
"We were travelling from Korangi Road towards FTC when a man approached us at the signal and asked us to hand over everything," Amal’s father, Umer, recalled while speaking on Geo Pakistan.
“There was a lot of traffic at the signal at the time. The man took my wife’s phone and bag and then told us to roll up the windows and left,” he continued. "As soon as I started the car, we heard a gunshot and a bullet suddenly hit our windshield."
Naturally, Umer and his wife, Beenish, turned back to check up on their two daughters sitting in the backseat, who they had asked to lie down when they heard the gunshots.
"When I turned, I saw Amal lying in a pool of blood and my other daughter clutching my seat," Umer said.
Panicked, Umer tried to rush to nearby National Medical Centre. "I rolled down my window and asked people to clear the path. We did not know where the bullet had hit, as her hair was in her face and her eyes were open but there was a lot of blood,” he said.
Luckily, they reached the hospital in three to five minutes. But, according to Umer, instead of being given immediate treatment, the hospital staff intubated Amal and attached an ambu bag and asked them to take her to Jinnah hospital as she "did not have much time” and this was a medico-legal case.
But the hospital initially did not even help them arrange an ambulance, Beenish said.
By the time an ambulance reached them and they took their daughter to Jinnah Hospital it was too late. Amal had lost the battle for her life by then.
“India in September presented an issue which took place in July as an excuse to back out of the meeting,” the foreign minister said while speaking to the media in Doha en route to New York. "I think this is not appropriate," he added.
FM Qureshi elaborated, "Stamps were used as an excuse although the stamps in question were distributed before the PTI-led government took charge."
The foreign minister said India first agreed to the meeting and then “later found an excuse” to cancel it.
“The talks were called off due to India’s internal issues,” Qureshi asserted and added that he was "deeply disappointed" after reading India's stance.
The foreign minister, who is travelling to New York to attend the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session, further stressed, "Diplomatic protocol was crushed by India."
FM Qureshi further regretted that the "words used by India for Prime Minister Imran Khan's July 26 sentiments were inappropriate and contrary to diplomatic protocol."
He also said that the resolution of outstanding disputes between Pakistan and India through dialogue is in the regional interest.
Responding to a question about the UNGA session, the foreign minister said he will present Pakistan's stance on different matters at the session as well as during his meetings and talks with leaders on the sidelines.
India on Thursday decided to back out of the proposed meeting between foreign ministers of both the countries on the sidelines of the UNGA session.
Earlier, a statement released by the office of Pakistani government's spokesperson said the reasons provided for cancelling the meeting "are entirely unconvincing".
The statement further went on to mention that the postage stamps in question "were issued before the 25 July 2018 elections, as a result of which the Government of Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed office".
"The stamps highlight the gross and systematic human rights violations in Indian Occupied Kashmir, which were extensively documented also in a comprehensive report issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights as late as June 2018," it added.
On Friday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had confirmed the cancellation of the meeting, citing the alleged killing of three Indian police officers and a personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) as the reason.
On Thursday, the MEA spokesperson had confirmed that Qureshi and Swaraj would meet on the sidelines of the UNGA, later this month. Kumar, however, had not specified a date for the meeting but sources told media that it was scheduled for September 27.
The spokesperson had said the decision for the foreign ministers' meet was taken after Khan penned a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the military parade in Ahvaz which was staged concurrently with nationwide military parades on Saturday to mark the Sacred Defense Week, the militants fired at the people participating in the ceremony.
The political deputy governor of Khuzestan Province, Ali Hossein Hosseinzadeh said in the “blind and coward terrorist attack” 10 people, including a journalist, have been martyred and 21 others have been injured.
The official added that the number of martyrs is likely to increase because some of the wounded victims were in critical condition.
Hosseinzadeh also said in the clash, the security forces managed to kill two terrorists and arrest the two remaining militants.
Iran’s Armed Forces staged the countrywide military parades to mark the Sacred Defense Week on the 38th anniversary of the onset of the Iraqi imposed war on the Islamic Republic back in 1980.
“I have prepared a petition to challenge NA-245 results in the election tribunal," Sattar said while speaking to the media in Karachi. "I will provide evidence and witnesses.”
The MQM-P leader said he was hopeful that his petition will be heard and a decision will be taken in his favour.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) Amir Liaquat Hussain had emerged victor from the NA-245 constituency as he bagged 56,615 votes against Sattar who secured 35,247 votes during the July 25 polls.
Last week, Sattar resigned from the MQM-P’s top decision-making body — Rabita Committee.
Earlier, he had also said he was consulting with his close friends over an offer he had received from the PTI to join the party and contest the by-election on NA-247 from Dr Arif Alvi's seat.
Following his release from the Adiala Jail, Nawaz Sharif will restart his political activities from today with a meeting with party leaders to devise future strategy.
During the meeting, the former prime minister is likely to discuss upcoming by-elections. He will also meet legal team for consultation on National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) cases.
Earlier, the PML-N supremo offered Juma prayer at his residence in Jati Umra along with other PML-N workers.
Nawaz Sharif had also offered Fateha and placed floral wreath at the grave of his wife Begum Kulsoom Nawaz. On this occasion, a Milad-Mehfil was also held at Sharif Family s residence in Raiwand.
Earlier on September 20, Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met various party leaders and workers in Jati Umra today.
The daughter of former prime minister Maryam Nawaz and captain retired Safdar were also present on the occasion.
On September 19, IHC suspended the sentence of Sharifs in Avenfield Reference.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Mian Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Captain (retired) Safdar were released from Adyala Jail in pursuance of Islamabad High Court order on Wednesday.
A huge number of party supporters and leaders reached Rawalpindi from where the central leadership of their party was released after legal formalities.
The former PM, his daughter and son-in-law were accorded a similar welcome when they arrived in Lahore.
Party workers showered rose-petals on their caravan from airport to their residence, distributed sweets and raised slogans in their favour.
An accountability court on July 6, had handed Nawaz Sharif 10 years jail term for owning assets beyond income and one year for not cooperating with NAB in the Avenfield properties corruption reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
His daughter Maryam Nawaz was given seven years in prison and her husband Captain Safdar was given one year for non-cooperation with the anti-graft authority.
A Pakistani delegation including the private sector businessmen will participate in the summit and will meet their counterparts to promote trade relations between Pakistan and Egypt.
The delegation also have a special mission to promote CPEC program and invite investment from Egyptians in Special Economic Zones for the establishment of SMEs and other projects in the services sector.
Earlier, September 20, after coming back from Saudi Arabia and UAE official trip, Federal Information Minister Fawad told that Saudi Arabia is going to join as the third member of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Addressing media in Islamabad, Information Minister Fawad Choudhry briefed about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
He told that a high level Saudi delegation will arrive Pakistan in October this year to formally discuss the different important issues trade and security.
“Saudi Arabia is the first country that Pakistan has invited to become a third member of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)”
Chaudhry said that Pakistan’s main interest lies in cooperation with Saudi Arabia on matters of trade and security.
“A high-level coordination committee has has been constituted [to look into matters of trade and commerce] and it has the complete backing of Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud and PM Khan,” Fawad Chaudhry said.
He said that Saudi Arabia is the first country that Pakistan has invited to become a third partner in CPEC and the projects that Saudi Arabia would be investing in will be smoothed out during the Saudi delegation’s visit, scheduled for the first week of October.
“We have also assured the Saudi leadership that we will continue to provide security to their country and provide strategic support wherever needed,” Chaudhry said.
The United States is "playing with fire", Russia's deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said, while Beijing voiced "strong indignation" over the move.
United in their resentment of America's global influence, China and Russia have sought in recent years to tighten up their ties and this month conducted week-long joint military drills, Moscow's largest ever war games.
On Thursday, China — which is also locked in a trade war with Washington — got caught up in the sanctions war against Russia as the United States announced a new raft of measures that would punish third countries for dealing with Moscow.
Stepping up pressure on Moscow over its "malign activities", the US State Department said it was placing financial sanctions on the Equipment Development Department of the Chinese Ministry of Defence, and its top administrator, for its recent purchase of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems.
Beijing on Friday urged the United States to withdraw sanctions or "bear the consequences".
"The US actions have seriously violated the basic principles of international relations and seriously damaged the relations between the two countries and the two militaries," said foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, adding Beijing had lodged an official protest with the US.
"We strongly urge the US to immediately correct their mistake and withdraw their so-called sanctions, otherwise the US will have to bear the consequences."
US officials said it was the first time a third country has been punished under the CAATSA sanctions legislation for dealing with Russia, signalling Donald Trump's administration will risk relations with other countries in its campaign against Moscow.
'Undermining stability'
Moscow said Washington was rocking global stability and said sarcastically that placing sanctions on Russia has become Washington's favourite "pastime."
"It would be good for them to remember there is such a concept as global stability which they are thoughtlessly undermining by whipping up tensions in Russian-American ties," said Ryabkov.
"Playing with fire is silly, it can become dangerous," he said in a statement.
The State Department also announced it was placing 33 Russian intelligence and military-linked actors on its sanctions blacklist.
All of them — defence related firms, officers of the GRU military intelligence agency, and people associated with the Saint Petersburg-based Internet Research Agency disinformation group — have been on previous US sanctions lists.
Twenty-eight of them have already been indicted by Robert Mueller, who is investigating election meddling by Russia.
US officials said that the US could consider similar action against other countries taking delivery of Russian fighter jets and missiles.
Turkey is in talks to buy S-400 missile systems from Russia.
Ryabkov reiterated that none of the rounds of sanctions had managed to force Russia to change its course so far.
"It appears that it has become a sort of national pastime there," he added, noting the latest round of anti-Russian measures was the 60th since 2011.
For all of Russia's seemingly upbeat rhetoric, the new measures can hurt the country's struggling economy.
Arms exports are an important source of revenue for the country and last year Russia sold more than $14 billion worth of arms overseas.
Sanctions target only Russia?
A senior US administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, insisted the ultimate target was Russia.
"CAATSA sanctions in this context are not intended to undermine the defence capabilities of any particular country," the official said.
CAATSA, or the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, was passed in 2017 as a tool that gives Washington more ways to target Russia, Iran and North Korea with economic and political sanctions.
China's EDD and its director Li Shangfu became targets after taking delivery over the past year of the jets and missiles from Rosoboronexport, Russia's main arms exporter already on the US blacklist for its support of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria.
The US official said Washington had spent "an enormous amount of time" seeking to discourage prospective buyers of Russian arms.
The new sanctions came as the US and China are in the heat of a trade war.
The two countries will launch new tariffs on Monday, with Washington targeting $200 billion in Chinese exports and Beijing hitting $60 billion worth of American products.
The MV Nyerere may have been carrying as many as 200 passengers — double the ferry´s capacity — when it capsized close to the pier on Ukara Island on Thursday, according to reports on state media.
Witnesses reached by AFP said the ferry sank when passengers rushed to one side to disembark as it approached the dock.
The death toll rose to 126 by mid-afternoon Friday, according to Tanzania´s transport minister.
"We are sad to report there are 126 dead," Isack Kamwele told state television, adding that a further update would be provided at 6pm local time (1500 GMT).
Mwanza governor John Mongella had earlier said the number of survivors was 40, but it was unclear whether any new survivors had been found since rescue operations resumed with police and army divers on Friday morning.
"Operations are continuing," he said.
Rescue operations were suspended overnight Thursday and hopes are fading that more survivors might still be found.
State television cited witnesses reporting that more than 200 people had boarded the ferry at Bugolora, a town on the larger Ukerewe Island, where it was market day when locals said the vessel was usually packed with people and goods.
"I have not heard from either my father or my younger brother who were on the ferry. They had gone to the market in Bugolora to buy a school uniform and other supplies for the new school term," said Domina Maua, who was among those seeking information about loved ones.
Davita Ngenda, an elderly woman in Ukara, had already received bad news.
"My son is among the bodies recovered," she said, weeping. "He had gone with his wife but she has not been found yet. My God, what did I do to deserve this?"
Sebastian John, a teacher, said such tragedies had become part of life for those living on the lake.
"Since my birth, people have gone to their deaths on this lake, but what are we to do? We did not choose to be born here, we have nowhere to go," he said.
Overloading and 'negligence'
It remains unclear how many people are still missing.
Tanzania´s Electrical, Mechanical and Services Agency, which is responsible for ferry services, said it was unknown how many passengers were aboard the MV Nyerere.
The ageing ferry, whose hull and propellers were all that remained visible after it overturned, was also carrying cargo, including sacks of maize, bananas and cement, when it capsized around 50 metres (55 yards) from Ukara dock.
The cause of the accident was not immediately clear, but overloading is frequently to blame for such incidents.
President John Magufuli was "deeply saddened" by the disaster and called on Tanzanians to "stay calm during these difficult times," according to spokesman Gerson Msigwa.
The country´s opposition, however, accused the government of "negligence".
"We have often raised concerns about the poor condition of this ferry, but the government turned a deaf ear. We have repeatedly denounced this negligence," said John Mnyika, deputy secretary general of Chadema, the main opposition party.
Mnyika said overloading was "another failure of the authorities" and criticised "inadequate relief efforts as well as delays" in the rescue operation.
With a surface area of 70,000 square kilometres (27,000 square miles), oval-shaped Lake Victoria is roughly the size of Ireland and is shared by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
Capsizes are not uncommon in the massive lake, and the number of fatalities is often high due to a shortage of life jackets and the fact that many people in the region cannot swim.
The deadliest such accident in recent decades was in May 1996, when around 800 people died after their ferry sank on the way to Mwanza in Tanzania.
The incarcerated PML-N leader was shifted to Attock jail on the directives of DIG Rawalpindi after a photo surfaced of him with Nawaz Sharif and others inside Adiala jail before the former premier's release.
Inspector General (IG) Prisons Punjab on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the matter and a notification issued from his office said, "As it is evident from media reports that at the time of release of NAB convicts, Mian Nawaz Sharif, Captain (retd) Mohammad Safdar and Maryam Nawaz on September 19, pictures of ANF prisoner Hanif Abbasi with Nawaz Sharif and others were taken and telecast on number of TV channels as well as circulated on social media."
"ANF prisoner namely Hanif Abbasi was seen in the office of Superintendent of Central Jail, Rawalpindi, which caused adverse impression and bad name for the Prisons Department and the Government of Punjab,” it added.
The notification further said the competent authority had constituted an inquiry committee comprising DIG Prisons Malik Shaukat Feroze and AIG Judicial Malik Safdar Nawaz to probe into the matter and find out how Abbasi was allowed to enter the Admin Block and office of jail superintendent.
On July 22, Abbasi was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special anti-narcotics court in the ephedrine quota case.
Abbasi faced charges of misusing 500kg of the controlled chemical ephedrine, which he obtained for his company, Gray Pharmaceutical, in 2010. The court, in its verdict announced after six years, ruled that 363kg of ephedrine quota could be accounted for, adding that Abbasi failed to provide evidence of the use of remaining quantity of the drug.
The court acquitted seven other accused in the case, giving them the benefit of doubt.
Pakistan started the innings steadily and took minimal risks, more so due to the loss of Fakhar Zaman early in the innings. Zaman was adjudged leg before wicket without troubling the scorers.
At the end of the first 15 overs, Pakistan had managed to put only 57 runs on the board for the loss of one wicket.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq partnered with Babar Azam to build a decent second-wicket partnership of 154 runs. Imam scored 80 before being run out, while Babar looked steady for his 66.
But it was Shoaib Malik who starred for Pakistan, scoring a blistering of 51 runs off 43 balls to see his team through.
Afghanistan innings
After Asghar Afghan, the Afghanistan captain, won the toss and decided to bat first, Mohammad Shahzad and Ihsanullah opened their innings, whereas Usman Shinwari and Shaheen Afridi shared the new ball for Pakistan.
With the southpaw pacers bowling a tight line and length, Afghan pacers found runs hard to come by in the first five overs, and managed just 20 runs. The lack of runs did force them to play some rash strokes but fortunately for them their mistakes didn't convert into dismissals.
Pakistan's old demons in the field reared their head in the 8th over when Ishanullah was dropped on back-to-back Afridi deliveries, first by Fakhar Zaman and then Shinwari.
The breakthrough finally came in the 9th over when Ihsanullah was caught and bowled by Mohammad Nawaz. While the bowler deserved credit, it would be unfair to not mention the pressure captain Sarfraz Ahmed had created for the batsman from behind the wicket with his nonstop vocals in the buildup.
On the first ball of the 11th, Nawaz had Shahzad caught behind, which, which when combined with his wicket on the last ball of the previous over, put him on a hat-trick; it didn't happen though.
Runs were already hard to come by, and the twin blow did not help the Afghan cause. By the end of 15 overs, they were lagging at 57-2, with Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah in the middle.
The pair continued their cautious batting for the next five overs, taking the score to 74-0 at the end of the 20th.
With boundaries a rarity, Shahidi and Shah did the wise thing by relying on singles and doubles, taking to score to 93-2 after 25 overs.
Their 63-run stand finally came to and end in the 26th over when Nawaz repeated his caught-and-bowled trick again, this time sending back Shah (36 off 51 balls) to pick up his third wicket.
Afghan captain walked in to join Shahidi but their steady, unspectacular approach did not change. At the end of the 30th over, they were 116-3.
In the 36th over, the cautious approach was finally dispensed with for a more adventurous one, with Asghar hitting a four and a six to an otherwise excellent Nawaz.
Both Shahidi and Asghar brought up their half-centuries in the 40th over, at the end of which there score was 170-3.
After Sohail dropped the game's third match off Afridi's bowling, the debutant took the matters in his own hands, bowling out the Afghan captain Asghar (67) in the 42nd over.
The next over saw another catch dropped — the game's fourth until that point — with the guilty party being Afridi himself.
Afridi got his second of the night in the 44th over, with the dangerous Mohammad Nabi departing when Hasan Ali opted to not follow the game fad of dropping easy catches.
With just five overs left in the innings, Afghanistan were 206-5 and eyeing a total closer to 250.
Hasan bowled out Najibullah Zadran in the 47th over and did the same to Shahidi in the penultimate over, only to see his ball adjudged a no-ball. The resultant free-hit was dispatched for four as Afghanistan reached 242 with just one over left.
Shahidi, after being given a lifeline by Hasan's overstretching foot, found an extra gear and smacked several more boundaries.
Despite that late flurry, the left-hander could not get his century, finishing just three runs short. Afghanistan, meanwhile, finished their innings at 257-6.
Team news
Earlier, Sarfraz made three changes to his playing eleven, with Muhammad Amir and Faheem Ashraf dropped and Shadab Khan rested due to an injury.
Read: Pakistan v Afghanistan: Do Men in Green have anything to worry about?
Debutant Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Nawaz and Haris Sohail replaced the outgoing trio.
Line-ups
Pakistan: 1 Imam-ul-Haq, 1 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Shoaib Malik, 5 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt, wk), 6 Asif Ali, 7 Haris Sohail, 8 Mohammad Nawaz, 9 Hasan Ali, 10 Usman Khan, 11 Shaheen Afridi
Afghanistan: 1 Mohammad Shahzad (wk), 2 Ihsanullah Janat, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi, 5 Asghar Afghan (capt), 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Najibullah Zadran, 8 Gulbadin Naib, 9 Rashid Khan, 10 Aftab Alam, 11 Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Qureshi is set to lead the Pakistani delegation at the General Assembly's current session which opened on September 18.
The minister was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua in the week-long visit to the United Nations' headquarter in New York.
The FM will present Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue among others at the UN General Assembly session.
He will meet his counterparts at the session and hold talks with the US administration. He will also address the Pakistani community in Washington.
Earlier, it was reported that Prime Minister Imran Khan will not attend the UNGA session to focus his attention on the country’s economy.
Director Met Office Abdul Rasheed said the temperature in Karachi is expected to rise from September 22 to 26 owing to the low pressure of winds in Bay of Bengal. However, the temperature will start going down from September 26.
He went on to say the mercury is expected to hit 38 degree Celsius on Saturday and Sunday.
Earlier on September 07, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had expressed the possibility of rainfall in different parts of the country on Friday.
According to the Met Office, seasonal low lie over northeast Balochistan. Weak moist currents from the bay of Bengal were reaching northeastern parts of the country.
Met office had predicted rain-thundershower with gusty winds at isolated places in Gujranwala, Lahore, Rawalpindi divisions and Kashmir during the next 24 hours.
Hot and humid weather was expected elsewhere in the country. The weather remained hot and humid in most parts of the country during the past 24 hours. Sibbi remained the hottest place in the country on Thursday with the temperature rising up to 42°C.
“It shows India is reluctant to talk with Pakistan, however, the solution of all the disputes rest in talks and both the countries should come on the table sooner or later,” he said.
Qureshi said that it seems that “India has priorities other than dialogue, adding there is a group in the New Delhi that doesn’t want talks to take place.He went on to say that if India doesn’t want dialogue, then Pakistan also won’t be in a haste either. “Pakistan extended the offer despite possessing evidence of Indian interference in Balochistan.”
“It seems that India is already preparing for its elections due in the country next year,” he said. “Pakistan had asked for the talks in the larger interest of the region.”
On Thursday, a spokesman for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that Qureshi and Swaraj will meet on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York later this month.
The spokesperson, however, had not specified a date for the meeting, but sources informed that the meeting was scheduled for September 27.
MEA spokesman Raveesh Kumar said the reason for the cancellation of the meeting was alleged killing of Indian soldiers by Pakistan and release of series of postal stamps allegedly glorifying terrorists.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has issued notices regarding the matter following a petition filed by a resident of Chitral, the district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa close to which Lowari Tunnel is situated.
According to the petitioner, the tunnel is opened for only a few hours every day despite completion, which is why commuters have to wait in long queues before being allowed to pass through.
Subsequently, the top judge issued notices to the chairperson of National Highway Authority, secretary telecommunication and chief secretary, seeking a report from them on the matter within five days.
The Lowari Tunnel, which connects Chitral to the rest of the country, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on July 20, 2017. Prior to the completion of the project, the tunnel would be closed during seven months of winter and spring.
Heavy snowfall would disconnect Chitral from the rest of the country and sever communications, disrupting daily lives of locals.
Processions are being carried out in various cities as thousands of security personnel protect the mourners. Participants of the processions stopped for Zuhrain prayers while making their way through designated routes.
The procession routes are dotted with sabeel stalls, which are especially set up to provide cold drinks and milk to participants and the general public after they have walked long distances in the blazing sun.
Apart from the security measures, local administrations all over the country have placed hospitals and ambulance services on high alert. Moreover, the governments of the four provinces, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan have taken adequate measures to ensure security on the day.
As there will be no Ashura procession in the federal capital, police and administration of Islamabad are cooperating with the Rawalpindi administration to carry out checks at all entry points between the twin cities.
Pillion-riding has been banned in many cities across the country. Citizens also facing partial suspension of cellular service in different cities due to security reasons.
Police have already conducted a survey of procession routes across the country and sealed all shops, houses and buildings on the routes after a thorough check by bomb disposal squads.
Security during Muharram has remained a matter of concern for over a decade because of a number of incidents of suicide attacks and sectarian violence.
Apart from police, Rangers and Frontier Corps personnel have been deployed in many cities on the routes of Ashura processions, while the army is also kept standby and can be called in case of an emergency.
In Lahore, the main Zuljanah procession emerged from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate late on Thursday night amidst strict security arrangements and began its day-long journey on its route.
Accompanied by hundreds of mourners, the Zuljanah procession which after passing through its traditional route, including Sunehri Masjid, Pani Wala Talab and Bhatti Chowk, will culminate at Karbala Gamay Shah near Data Darbar on Friday evening where Majlis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban will be held to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) in which noted ‘Zakerin’ will shed light on the importance of the sacrifice of grandson of Prophet (PBUH) and his companions.
In Karachi, the main procession has been taken out from Nishtar Park. It will pass through traditional routes including MA Jinnah Road, Empress Market, Regal Chowk and Tibat Centre. The procession will conclude at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian in the evening today.
In Rawalpindi, the main procession started from Imambargah Col. Maqbool Hussain. After passing through Trunk Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Purana Qila and Jamia Masjid Road, it will culminate conclude Imambargah Qadeemi.
In Peshawar, the main procession was taken out from Imambargah Hussaini Alamdaar Road and it will conclude at Punjabi Imambargah.
In Quetta, the main procession has been taken out from Alamdaar Road. After passing through its traditional routs it will stop at the same point by evening today.
The Day of Ashura which was regarded as the "Day of struggle by right forces against wrong" is commemorated as a day of mourning for the death of Hazrat Imam Husain (AS).
Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), along with 72 of his companions including friends and family members, were martyred at the hand of Yazid’s troops at the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 61 AH (680 AD) after Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) rejected to make allegiance for Yazid despotic rule.
Speaker National Assembly, Asad Qaiser in his message said Youm-e-Ashur reminds us of the great sacrifices of martyrs of Karbala to uphold the supremacy of truth and Islam.He said martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) teaches that Muslims should not refrain from laying down their lives while fighting the elements of oppression and tyranny.“Let us pledge on this day to take solid steps in light of ‘Uswah-e-Shabbiri’ which ensures respect for mankind.
Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Suri in his message in connection with Ashura said that the Karbala incident teaches us the significance of sacrifice in the way to the attainment of greater objectives.
Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in his message on Ashura said that the philosophy of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) is a beacon of light for resisting dictatorship, tyranny, oppression and totalitarianism.
Chief Minister Punjab, Usman Buzdar said in his message that the Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) introduced golden principles for humankind. Battle of Karbala was a war between right and wrong and the evil forces were defeated in this battle.
Vietnam has no paramount ruler and is officially led by the president, prime minister and Communist Party chief. Experts say the presidency is largely ceremonial.
Quang was appointed to the role in April, 2016. Before that, he had served as Minister of Public Security, an organization with broad powers and a remit that includes intelligence gathering and thwarting domestic and foreign threats to the party.
Originally from a small farming community 115 km (70 miles) south of Hanoi, Quang rose through party ranks to become a police general and member of Vietnam’s powerful decision-making Politburo.
A Pakistani delegation led by Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) Chairman Muhammad Naeem attended the election held in a meeting of the agency in Austrian city of Vienna.
Out of 35 members, 11 are elected for a term of two years.
It is a big diplomatic achievement of Pakistan and also recognition of the country s status as a responsible nuclear power state.
The International Atomic Energy Agency is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
With its headquarters in Vienna, the IAEA reports to both the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council.
On the occasion of Youm-e-Ashur, President Arif Alvi, in his message, has said Youm-e-Ashur reminds of the great sacrifices of the martyrs of Karbala which were rendered for upholding the supremacy of truth and Islam.
“The incident of martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) acts as a source of guidance for Muslims to not to refrain even from laying down their lives while fighting the elements of oppression and tyranny,” he said.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that in view of immense challenges faced by the country, the need for getting united and promoting the spirit of sacrifice has become manifold, so as to counter the nefarious designs of enemies.
“This is the need of the hour and is linked with our very own existence, stability and prosperity,” the Prime Minister said in his message to nation on ‘Youm-e-Ashur’ on Muharram 10th.
The Prime Minister said the 10th Muharram ul Haram, known as the ‘Ashura Day’, reminds the great sacrifice by Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), for upholding the sanctity of Islam.
He said the incident of Karbala gives a lesson about being ever-ready to offer sacrifice for the attainment of greater objectives.
“Being steadfast while upholding the truth is a mission and one should never refrain from offering even the biggest kind of sacrifice,” he said.
He said the incident of Karbala is the historic battle between truth and falsehood that took place on 10th Muharram, however emphasized that the battle between truth and evil even existed today.
“Hazrat Imam Hussain proved with his immortal sacrifice that whenever such a situation takes place, truth always makes a lasting success. This example of steadfastness and persistence is a guiding principle for our lives,” he said.
Every year, this day is observed on 10th of Muharram to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions at Karbala to uphold the truth.
Taziya, Alam and Zuljanah processions would be taken out in all major cities and towns across the country. On the day, religious clerics and scholars would shed light over the historical, social and religious aspects of supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS).
Security has been put on red alert on the routs of Muharram processions to avoid any untoward incident. The procession routes are being monitored by cameras installed at hidden places. Heavy contingent of police and Rangers have been deployed to ensure foolproof security. Water and milk stands for the mourners have been placed at various points on the route of the processions.
Police have been deployed in all sensitive areas and all roads leading to the imambargahs have been blocked by police and anyone wants to join the mourners is strictly checked.
In Lahore, the main Zuljanah procession emerged from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate late on Thursday night amidst strict security arrangements and began its day-long journey on its route.
Accompanied by hundreds of mourners, the Zuljanah procession which after passing through its traditional route, including Sunehri Masjid, Pani Wala Talab and Bhatti Chowk, will culminate at Karbala Gamay Shah near Data Darbar on Friday evening where Majlis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban will be held to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) in which noted ‘Zakerin’ will shed light on the importance of the sacrifice of grandson of Prophet (PBUH) and his companions.
In Karachi, the main procession has been taken out from Nishtar Park. It will pass through traditional routes including MA Jinnah Road, Empress Market, Regal Chowk and Tibat Centre. The procession will conclude at Imambargah Hussainia Iranian in the evening today.
In Rawalpindi, the main procession started from Imambargah Col. Maqbool Hussain. After passing through Trunk Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, Raja Bazaar, Purana Qila and Jamia Masjid Road, it will culminate conclude Imambargah Qadeemi.
In Peshawar, the main procession was taken out from Imambargah Hussaini Alamdaar Road and it will conclude at Punjabi Imambargah.
In Quetta, the main procession has been taken out from Alamdaar Road. After passing through its traditional routs it will stop at the same point by evening today.
The Day of Ashura which was regarded as the "Day of struggle by right forces against wrong" is commemorated as a day of mourning for the death of Hazrat Imam Husain (AS).
Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), along with 72 of his companions including friends and family members, were martyred at the hand of Yazid’s troops at the battle of Karbala in Iraq in 61 AH (680 AD) after Hazrat Imam Hussain (R.A) rejected to make allegiance for Yazid despotic rule.
