Palestinians ask UN court to revoke US Jerusalem embassy move

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said on Saturday the Palestinians have petitioned the UN's top court, alleging that the US inauguration of an embassy in Jerusalem was illegal.

The Palestinians have filed a lawsuit at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) “for violating international law by moving its embassy in Israel to the occupied city of Jerusalem”, he said, quoted by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

In December, US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, despite Palestinian claims on part of the city and breaking with longstanding US policy.

Palestinians have since refused all contact with the Trump administration.

The US embassy was transferred from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14, a day marked by mass protest in the Gaza Strip, where about 60 Palestinian protesters were killed by Israeli fire in border clashes.

Israel occupied east Jerusalem along with the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War and later declared the entire city its united capital.

Palestinians claim the predominantly Arab eastern area as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

Also see: In pictures: 'Bloodiest day in Israel-Palestine conflict' as US moves embassy to Jerusalem

UN resolutions call on countries to refrain from moving their embassies to the city until its status is resolved in an Israeli-Palestinian deal.

“The ICJ was asked to declare that moving the embassy to occupied Jerusalem constituted a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” WAFA wrote in English.

The court said the Palestinian suit, filed on Friday, called on the body “to order the United States of America to withdraw the diplomatic mission from the Holy City of Jerusalem and to conform to the international obligations flowing from the Vienna Convention”.

An official of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) said it was the first time Palestinians had petitioned the court against the United States.

In November 2012, the UN General Assembly recognised the Palestinian Authority as a “non-member observer state”.

This allowed the Palestinians to join UN bodies such as the ICJ and also the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is a separate institution.

Previously, the Palestinians had asked the UN General Assembly to seek a ruling on their behalf over Israel's West Bank separation barrier.

In 2004, the court issued a non-binding ruling that the network of walls and fences was illegal and called for sections to be dismantled.

Israel said it had no intention of complying.

The ICC was set up in 2002 with jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute the world's worst crimes including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Neither the United States nor Israel are signatories to the ICC.

Earlier this month, Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said the Palestinians had filed a petition there against Israel over its pending demolition of the Palestinian Bedouin village of Khan al-Ahmar in the occupied West Bank.

They have previously filed suit to the ICC claiming Israeli war crimes in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem.

 

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High-level Saudi delegation to arrive in Pakistan today

A high-level Saudi delegation, due to arrive in Pakistan today, is expected to sign five important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the government.

The Saudi delegation will include petroleum ministers as well as the Saudi finance minister and the energy minister, according to an announcement by Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry.

The prospect of setting up oil refineries in Gwadar is likely to be discussed by the delegation. According to sources, the Saudi officials are expected to sign an agreement to sell petroleum products to Pakistan on deferred payments.

During its six-day visit to Pakistan, the Saudi delegation will also sign an MoU to make investments in the Balochistan Reko Diq gold and copper mines, sources said.

Further, agreements to privatise two Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) power plants and sale of phosphate-containing fertilisers to Pakistan are also expected to be signed by the delegation.

The Saudi delegation will also visit the Gwadar port and Reko Diq project, sources further said.

Earlier this week, Information Minister Chaudhry said pacts with the Kingdom will be transparent and a huge investment will be made by the country.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed “three grant agreements” to bring major investment in the country after the former invited the country to become the third partner in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) plan.

 

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Abdul Razzaq joins Lahore Qalandars for Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy

Another flamboyant Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has joined Lahore Qalandars’ squad for next month’s Abu Dhabi T20 tournament, which will be played next month.

The signing was announced from Qalandars’ official Twitter handle with a video message from the all-rounder saying that he’s excited to be a part of the Qalandars’ squad for the tournament which will feature T20 teams from various countries.

“Abdul Razzaq is excited to represent Lahore Qalandars in Abu Dhabi T20 and is hoping to apply his exceptional skills and expertise to help his team emerge victorious,” said the tweet on Qalandars official account.

Razzaq, in the message, stated that he’s thankful to the management of Lahore Qalandars.

“I am going to play for Lahore Qalandars in the Abu Dhabi tournament. I am very excited and thankful to Aaqib Javed, the coach of Lahore Qalandars,” the 38-year-old said.

Razzaq, who last played for Pakistan in 2013, has this year made a comeback in domestic cricket representing PTV team in Quaid-e-Azam Cup, the national one-day tournament.

Qalandars had earlier announced signing Imran Nazir for the same tournament. Imran is eyeing a return to international cricket after recovering from arthritis that kept him out for almost five years.

The Abu Dhabi tournament will feature teams of Lahore Qalandars of PSL, Boost Defenders of Afghanistan’s Shpageeza Cricket League, Hobart Hurricanes of Australia's Big Bash League, Titans from South Africa’s Ram Slam T20 Challenge, Yorkshire Vikings from England’s T20 blast and Auckland Aces from New Zealand’s Super Smash.

The tournament will be played from October 4 to 6.

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SBP increases interest rate by 100bps to 8.5 per cent

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has decided to spike target policy rate by 100 bps to 8.5 percent effective from 1st October 2018 in order to further consolidate efforts required to ensure macroeconomic stability, it said in a statement.

The central bank said that though political uncertainty has relatively subsided due to smooth transition between governments, “concerns on the economic front continue to persist on the back of rising inflation and large twin deficits that are likely to compromise the sustainability of the high real economic growth path”.

“Inflation is inching up, particularly from March 2018 onwards. So far, in the first two months of FY19, headline CPI inflation has averaged 5.8 percent as compared to 3.2 percent for the corresponding months of FY18, and an average of 3.9 for all of FY18,” it said.

The bank said that for FY19, SBP’s inflation projections show that the average headline inflation is expected to fall in the revised forecast range of 6.5-7.5 percent. It cited higher than anticipated increase in international oil prices, increase in domestic prices, continuing second round impact of previous exchange rate depreciation, etc.

“The government is also now pursuing a fiscal consolidation program and has further announced regulatory measures to slowdown the growing pressures on the external front. As a result, domestic demand is projected to decelerate in the coming months of FY19,” it added.

The SBP projected the real GDP growth for FY19 at around 5.0 percent.

“The current account deficit continues to pose a challenge. Despite some growth in workers’ remittances and exports in the first two months of FY19, a notable increase in the value of oil imports has kept the current account deficit at US$2.7 billion, as compared to US$2.5 billion, in the corresponding period last year despite non-oil imports declining during the period. Owing to these developments SBP’s net liquid FX reserves have declined to US$ 9.0 billion as of 19th September, 2018 compared to US$ 9.8 billion at the end of FY18,” the statement added.

The bank further added that during 1st July to 14th September FY19 Private Sector Credit (PSC) performed relatively better, mainly due to conducive exports demand amid GSP plus status, improved availability of energy and higher working capital needs due to capacity additions in the last three years.

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If India launched any kind of misadventure Pakistan will respond it with aggressively: Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi

The foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi warned on Saturday that if India launched any kind of misadventure Pakistan will respond it with aggressively

Addressing to Unite Nation General Assembly (UNGA) in Urdu Pakistan foreign minister alleged that the terrorists of Army Public School (APS) and Mastung terror incident supported by India.

Foreign Minister Qureshi said there can be no lasting peace in South Asia without a just settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute based on the UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.

He said India called off dialogue with Pakistan multiple times on flimsy grounds, preferred politics over peace – used the pretext of stamps issued of a Kashmiri activist and depicting grave human rights violations, including pellet gun victims, as an excuse to back out from the talks.

“Pakistan continues to face terrorism financed and orchestrated by India – shall never forget the mass murder of more than 150 children in a Peshawar School, the terrible Mastung attack and others that have links with terrorists supported by India,” he said.

“If India ventures across the LoC, or acts upon its doctrine of “limited” war against Pakistan, it will evoke a strong and matching response,” Qureshi warned.

Serving Indian Naval officer Kulbhushan Jadhav provided evidence of Indian financed, planned and executed acts of terrorism and violence in Pakistan.

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Pakistan win three Gold in Asian Junior Squash Championship

Pakistan once again vindicated its dominance in Asian junior squash by winning three Gold medals and one silver medal in the Asian Junior Squash Championship in Chennai.

Abbas Zeb, Hamza Ali Khan and Haris Qasim won the finals of their respective age categories on Saturday while Anas Ali Shah lost the final of U13 and bagged Silver medal.

The final of U19 category was won by Abbas Zeb as he defeated the second seed Chung Yat Long convincingly by margin of 11-4, 11-3 and 11-4.

The U17 age group final between Pakistan’s Haris Qasim and Malaysia’s Mohammad Amir Amirul Bin Azhar was a nail biting encounter. Haris came back from 0-2 deficit to win the game 3-2 and add another gold medal to Pakistan’s tally.

The score for Haris Qasim’s victory was 10-12, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5 and 11-9.

In U15 final, Pakistan’s Mohammad Hamza Khan outclassed India’s Arnaav Sareen in straight games with the score of 11-6, 11-9 and 11-7.

However, Anas Ali Shah went down fighting 3-1 against India’s top seed player Yuvraj Wadhwani in the final of U13 competition and got the silver medal.

The officials of Pakistan Squash Federation has expressed delight over the performance of Pakistan’s junior team in Asian junior Squash Championship and has hoped for a better future in sport for the country.

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PM directs provinces to identify possible sites for establishing tourist resorts

Prime Minister Imran Khan says a detailed and comprehensive policy will be made to promote tourism in the country in order to make this sector stronger.

He was chairing a meeting of Task Force on Tourism in Islamabad on Saturday.

The Prime Minister said the handing over of administration of government rest houses to private sector under a transparent and pre-arranged mechanism will promote tourism and ensure proper usage of these assets.

He further said that by paying attention on historical sites dotted around the country will provide employment opportunities to millions of youth. The Prime Minister said tourism potential of the country could be highlighted across the country and abroad by using the modern technology and social media.

Imran Khan said promotion of tourism is responsibility of the provincial governments but the federal government will help them overcome the obstacles and increasing their capacity.

He said special attention needs to be given on promotion of eco, religious and adventure tourism as well as establishment of tourist resorts in the country.

The Prime Minister directed the provincial governments and relevant departments to formulate a comprehensive plan and a time-table for set targets keeping in view the Terms of Reference of the task force.

He also asked the provincial representatives in the task force to identify new tourist points in their respective provinces and areas within a week.

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Govt decides to keep petroleum product prices unchanged

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has decided to keep petroleum product prices unchanged for October 2018 in a bid to provide relief for consumers.

The decision came despite the fact that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) had recommended an increase of up to Rs4.41 per litre in prices of petroleum products for the monthly rate revision for October.

Talking to media on Saturday, Finance Minister Asad Umar said the government had decided not to increase petroleum product prices for the month of October. Existing prices would be maintained as the government did not want to burden consumers with the price hike, he said.

The regulator had proposed an increase of Rs4.10 per litre in the price of petrol and Rs4.41 per litre for high-speed diesel. For kerosene oil and light diesel oil, it proposed increase of Rs3.66 and Rs3.39 per litre respectively.

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Election Commission Issues Voters List For By-elections

The Election Commission of Pakistan has issued the schedule and voters’ list for by-elections in the constituencies of national and provincial assemblies.

According to ECP, 5.57 million voters are registered to cast their ballots in 12 constituencies of the National Assembly.

In the provinces, 2.39 million voters will cast their ballots in 12 constituencies of Punjab, 1.58 million in 10 of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 483,167 in three of Sindh and 183,381 in two of Balochistan.

As per the schedule, by-polls will be held on a total of 39 constituencies 36 on October 14 and the remaining three have been scheduled for October 31.

Eleven National Assembly and 26 provincial assembly seats fell vacant due to different reasons, including resignations by those elected on more than one seat and death of some contesting candidates.

Four of the 11 National Assembly seats have been vacated by Prime Minister-elect Imran Khan who won all five seats he contested. The seats vacated by him are: NA-35 (Bannu), NA-53 (Islamabad), NA-131 (Lahore) and NA-243 (Karachi). Two National Assembly seats NA-65 (Chakwal) and NA-69 (Gujrat) have been vacated by Chaudhry Pervez Elahi of PML-Q, who has now been elected the Speaker of Punjab Assembly.The seat of NA-56 (Attock) has been vacated by retired Maj Tahir Sadiq of PTI who also won from adjacent NA-55 seat. Likewise Ghulam Sarwar Khan has vacated NA-63 seat. He also won from NA-59 (Rawalpindi). Another seat, NA-124 (Lahore), has been vacated by PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, who has chosen to retain the provincial assembly seat he also won in the election.

There are 13 provincial assembly seats in Punjab on which by-elections will be held. They include PP-3 Attock, PP-27 Jhelum, PP-87 Mianwali, PP-103 Faisalabad, PP-118 Toba Tek Singh, PP-164 and PP-165, Lahore, PP-201 Sahiwal, PP-222 Multan, PP-261 Rahim Yar Khan, PP-272 Muzaffargarh, PP-292 Dera Ghazi Khan and PP-296 Rajanpur. Nine provincial assembly seats of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on which by-elections will be held include PK-3 and PK-7 Swat, PK-44 Swabi, PK-53 Mardan, PK-61 and 64 Nowshera, PK-78 Peshawar and PK-97 and PK-99 Dera Ismail Khan.Two provincial assembly constituencies each from Sindh and Balochistan, where by-polls will be held include PS-87 Malir and PS-87 Khairpur; and PB-35 Mastung and PB-40 Khuzdar respectively.

The national and provincial assembly seats fell vacant due to the death of candidates or resignation of elected lawmakers from seats as they had won more than one seat in General Elections 2018 held on July 25.

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LHC Orders To Register All Illegal Housing Societies in Punjab

Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday has ordered to register all illegal housing societies of Punjab.

During the hearing, Justice Ali Akbar Qureshi has directed to complete the process in a month. He has also instructed Punjab Chief Secretary to constitute high-level committee in this regard.

Lahore Development Authority (LDA) had issued list of illegal housing societies in Lahore. These included Al-Rehmat Town, Theme Park View Housing Scheme, Kamboh Colony, Bin Alam City and others.

Earlier, forensic audit team of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had also sealed offices of more than 17 illegal housing societies in Sargodha and directed the concerning authorities to stop sale of plots or houses.

The bureau had also demanded to lodge case against the developers for violating Punjab Private Housing Schemes act 2010.

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Punjab CM, Governor discuss political, administrative matters

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar called on Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar in Lahore today.

They discussed political situation and administrative matters.

The Governor said that improvement in law and order situation in the province is the top priority of the government.

He said that the transfer of power at grass-root level will bring positive results.

The Chief Minister said that merit will be ensured at all levels.

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Nasir Shah refutes Taimur Talpur‘s claim of horse-trading

Senior Sindh minister Nasir Hussain Shah on Saturday has refuted Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Taimur Talpur‘s claim of horse-trading during Senate polls.

In a statement, Nasir said that one party received more votes during Senate elections due to rift in other parties.

Earlier, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had summoned Taimur Talpur on October 4.

On Thursday, in a startling revelation, PPP lawmaker Taimur Talpur had confessed to horse-trading in the Senate elections in the huddle of the Sindh Assembly.

Taimur said, “Senate polls witnessed horse-trading. The member who sold his vote to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was also sitting in the House”.

"We made a commitment that we won t ever discuss this,” said Nawab Muhammad Taimur Talpur in the Sindh Assembly.

A ruckus erupted in Sindh Assembly soon after Talpur’s remarks as opposition’s lawmakers—who were left flabbergasted by the unforeseen disclosure staged protest and urged Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Saqib Nisar to take suo motu notice and initiate a thorough probe into the matter.

Nawaz-led PML-N had accused PTI of selling their votes to PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari while terming PPP and PTI two sides of the same coin.

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Female lawyer thrashes colleague for ‘slander’

A lawyer thrashed her colleague on the premises of the accountability court on Saturday, saying he pointed fingers at her character during a hearing.

It is said that lawyer, Tajammul, made derogatory remarks on his colleague Advocate Nadia’s character during the hearing of a case, following which she caught him outside the courtroom and starting beating him. According to Nadia, Tajammul had also harassed her at various instances.

Police personnel present on the court premises did not help, while lawyers threatened media persons for making a video of the incident.

In August, a heated argument between two groups of lawyers led to a brawl at the premises of Lahore civil courts.

The two groups of lawyers were discussing a case in the committee room when an argument broke out. Eventually, the argument resulted in groups brawling with one another.

A video of the incident also surfaced, in which the lawyers could be seen punching, slapping and kicking one another. Both senior and junior lawyers engaged in the scuffle, which lasted about 15 minutes.

Moreover, some lawyers even resorted to vandalising the area and breaking chairs.

 

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Fake news being circulated about demise of Dr Adib Rizvi: SIUT

The Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) on Saturday rejected reports claiming the centre's founder, Dr Adib Rizvi, has passed away.

The urology and transplantation centre issued an official announcement and said, "This is to inform that a totally false and fabricated news is being circulated on social media and text messages about the demise of Professor Adib Rizvi."

"SIUT denies this baseless news," the announcement read.

"There is no iota of truth in the messages that are being circulated," it added.

SIUT also requested that such text messages not be circulated without authentication from SIUT.

Further, the notice said that SIUT is "contemplating legal action under the Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, Section 18 for spreading false news regarding a person".

Law enforcement agencies are to take punitive steps against such people that damage the iconic and respected personality of Pakistan, it added.

Dr Rizvi is is a prominent surgeon who played a vital role in introducing transplant surgery in the country.

SIUT is a hospital that started off as an eight-bed surgery ward in Civil Hospital, Karachi in 1972. But Dr Adib’s care for the indigent patients at the ward and support of the administration resulted in the unit’s recognition as the Department of Urology and Transplantation in 1986.

Five years later, in 1992, the department became an institution and started functioning, offering free-of-charge medical services to people who can otherwise not afford treatment.

Skilled professionals at SIUT attend patients for services including major and minor surgeries, dialysis, transplants, radiology tests and laboratory investigations.

 

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World's first human case of rat disease found in Hong Kong

A Hong Kong man has developed the world´s first ever human case of the rat version of the hepatitis E virus, according to new research from one of the city´s leading universities.

There had previously been no evidence the disease could jump from rats to humans, the University of Hong Kong said Friday, warning the discovery had "major public health significance".

"This study conclusively proves for the first time in the world that rat HEV can infect humans to cause clinical infection," the university added.

Rat hepatitis E virus is very distantly related to human hepatitis E virus variants, HKU said.

The disease was found in a 56-year-old man who persistently produced abnormal liver function tests following a liver transplant.

He could have contracted the illness through food infected by rat droppings, researchers said, according to details of the findings reported in the South China Morning Post.

The man lived in a housing estate where there were signs of rat infestation outside his home. He is now recovering after being treated for the virus, the SCMP added.

The human version of hepatitis E is a liver disease that affects 20 million people globally each year, according to the World Health Organisation.

It is usually spread through contaminated drinking water.

Symptoms include fever, vomiting and jaundice, and in rare cases liver failure.

Rodent problems in Hong Kong have escalated in recent months because of a sustained spell of hot and humid weather.

Hong Kong has been hit hard by disease outbreaks in the past.

In 2003, almost 300 people died from SARS — severe acute respiratory syndrome.

The bubonic plague, carried by rats, swept through mainland China and Hong Kong in the late 19th century killing thousands.

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Animated movie 'The Donkey King' to be released on Oct 19

Animated movie “The Donkey King” will be released on the October 19 and the film follows the adventures of Mangu Mangu Jan Mangu, a daydreaming donkey who has aspirations to be more successful in life.

Aziz Jindani is the director of the Donkey King.

The film revolves around a daydreaming donkey who has aspirations to be more successful in life.

Earlier, Talisman Studios has released a teaser trailer for its family-friendly cg animated feature The Donkey King.

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Former sessions judge Sikandar Lashari sentenced to death

An anti terrorism court on Saturday sentenced former sessions judge Sikandar Lashari sentenced to death.

The former district and sessions judge (Mithi) had been charged with murdering the 19-year-old son of Jacobabad district and sessions judge in February 2014.

Lashari had been serving a prison sentence in Hyderabad jail and was presented before the ATC today.

During the hearing today, the ATC judge sentence Lashari to death.

The second accused in the case, Irfan Bengali, was also awarded a death sentence.

Aqib Shahani, the son of Jacobabad district and sessions judge was gunned down in Hyderabad on February 19, 2014.

 

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7 Palestinians killed, over 500 injured in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Gaza

At least seven Palestinians have lost their lives and over five hundred more sustained injuries when Israeli military forces opened fire on a group of protesters participating in anti-occupation rallies along the border between the besieged Gaza Strip and Israeli-occupied territories.

The Gaza Ministry of Health said in a statement that 14-year-old Mohammed Nayef al-Houm was fatally shot in the chest during “The Great March of Return” protests east of Bureij refugee camp on Friday evening.

The statement added that 18-year-old Iyad Khalil Ahmed al-Shaer and Mohammed Bassam Shakhseh, 24, were shot dead east of Gaza City.

Four others were later identified as 24-year-old Mohamed Waleed Haniyeh, Nasser Azmi Musbah, 12, 18-year-old Mohammed Ali Anshasi and Mohammed Ashraf Awawdeh, 23.

Another 506 protesters were also injured. A total of 210 demonstrators were admitted to hospitals and medical centers across Gaza Strip to receive medical treatment. Ninety people were struck with live bullets. 

Thirty-five children, four women, four medics and two journalists were among the injured Palestinians.

A minor and a young man were taken to hospital in critical condition. Both had suffered Israeli-inflicted gunshot wounds in the chest.

More than 190 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces ever since anti-occupation protest rallies began in the Gaza Strip on March 30. Approximately 20,000 Palestinians have also sustained injuries.

The Gaza clashes reached their peak on May 14, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe), which coincided this year with the US embassy relocation from Tel Aviv to occupied East Jerusalem al-Quds.

On June 13, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, sponsored by Turkey and Algeria, condemning Israel for Palestinian civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip.

The resolution, which had been put forward on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, garnered a strong majority of 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions.

The resolution called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to make proposals within 60 days “on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation,” including “recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism.”

It also called for “immediate steps towards ending the closure and the restrictions imposed by Israel on movement and access into and out of the Gaza Strip.”

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LHC’s decision upholding NAB Ordinance challenged in SC

The Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision upholding National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) better known as NAB Ordinance has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

Lawyers Foundation for Justice has filed the petition against LHC’s decision.

The petition stated that the NAB Ordinance lapsed after the 18th Amendment and thus the Supreme Court should declare LHC’s decision null and void.

The LHC had upheld the NAB Ordinance’s legality while hearing a petition to suspend the conviction of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retd) Safdar in Avenfield reference case on September 13.

“NAB Ordinance is an effective law,” the LHC had remarked.

“The NAB Ordinance holds and has neither been dissolved nor any changes have been made to it,” the court had stated.

The LHC had further said, “The NAB Ordinance will be effective till any amendments are made to it.”

 

 

 

 

 

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CJP takes suo motu notice of private universities across Punjab

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took suo motu notice of private universities across Punjab.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice Nisar heard a case regarding a degree not being given to a student of University of South Asia’s affiliate college.

The bench also directed the Punjab advocate general to submit a report regarding details of universities and affiliated colleges in the province.

During the hearing, a Higher Education Commission (HEC) representative informed the court that University of South Asia made affiliations with colleges without seeking permission.

“An institute should not only be issuing degrees but also have teachers to educate,” the HEC representative said.

To this, the chief justice remarked, “They are defrauding people and have ruined the education system.”

“Since when are these universities operating and how much fees do they charge?” Justice Nisar further asked.

The chief justice then directed that criminal cases should be registered for “opening campuses against the law”. “I will see who comes for their bail,” Justice Nisar remarked.

 

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At least 30 dead, 12 wounded as major quake-tsunami hits Indonesian island

A tsunami caused deaths when it hit a small city on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday after a major quake, collapsing buildings and cutting off power, officials said, although the exact number of casualties was not clear.

The tsunami up to two metres (six feet) high struck beaches as dusk fell in Palu, a sleepy but growing tourist resort, and the nearby fishing town of Donggala, closest to the epicentre of the quake 27 km away, officials said.

“The earthquake and tsunami caused several casualties ... while initial reports show that victims died in the rubble of a collapsing building,” National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho told reporters. “The number of casualties and the full impact is still being calculated.”

Sutopo said the disaster caused a power outage that cut communications in Donggala and surrounding areas. The Communications Ministry is working to repair 276 electricity base stations.

Officials said aftershocks, the communications breakdown and the power outage made it hard to coordinate rescue efforts.

More than 600,000 people live in Palu and Donggala.

“The 1.5- to two-meter tsunami has receded,” Dwikorita Karnawati, who heads Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency, BMKG, told Reuters. “The situation is chaotic. People are running on the streets and buildings have collapsed. There is a ship washed ashore.”

BMKG had earlier issued a tsunami warning but lifted it within the hour.

Amateur footage shown by local TV stations, which could not immediately be authenticated by Reuters, showed waters crashing into houses along Palu’s shoreline, scattering shipping containers and flooding into a mosque in the city.

The national search and rescue agency will deploy a large ship and helicopters to aid the operation, said agency chief Muhammad Syaugi, adding he had not been able to contact his team in Palu.

The armed forces and police will also provide troops and equipment to support the emergency response, officials said.

Oil company Pertamina said its fuel depot in Donggala had been damaged in the incident though there was no oil spill. Fuel tanks had shifted in the quake and ship loading facilities were disabled among other damage.

There were no reports of damage to producing oil and gas fields in the area, according to the energy ministry.

Palu, hit by a 6.2-magnitude quake in 2005 that killed one person, is a tourist resort at the end of a narrow bay famous for its beaches and water sports.

In 2004, an earthquake off the northern Indonesian island of Sumatra triggered a tsunami across the Indian Ocean, killing 226,000 people in 13 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

Some people took to Twitter saying they could not contact loved ones. “My family in Palu is unreachable,” Twitter user @noyvionella said.

Palu airport was closed.

The area was hit by a lighter quake earlier in the day, which destroyed some houses, killing one person and injuring at least 10 in Donggala, authorities said.

The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude of the second quake at a strong 7.5, after first saying it was 7.7.

“Aftershocks are still continuing,” Nugroho said.

“Communication has been crippled at this time, causing difficulties in coordination and reporting with the region.”

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is regularly hit by earthquakes.

A series of earthquakes in July and August killed nearly 500 people on the holiday island of Lombok, hundreds of kilometres southwest of Sulawesi.

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Qureshi advises US not to lose 'old friends' despite new priorities in South Asia

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said the United States should not lose time-tested ‘old friends’ despite changing its priorities and making new strategic partners in South Asia.

Addressing a discussion held on Friday by the Asia Society on the occasion of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the foreign minister said that the US and Pakistan needed each other.

“US priorities have changed … it has new friends in the region. But please understand the value of long-standing friendship [with Pakistan],” he said while discussing priorities of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s new government.
“Pakistan and the US can’t do without each other,” Qureshi said. “Have new ones but why loose old friends?,” the minister added. “We need to see how to manage this new relationship [with the US] and expectations.”

About his meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on October 2, Qureshi said that he had a realistic agenda for the highly-anticipated meeting. He said the Pakistan-US ties have historically been looked through the prism of Afghanistan. “Road to Washington is via Kabul,” he noted.

In his speech, the minister discussed at length Pakistan’s relations with its neighbours, Afghanistan and India, ties with the US, and the country’s relationship with China, as well as its role in President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative.

In response to a question about maintaining a balance while keep strong bilateral ties with the US and China, Qureshi, in a lighter vein, said: “Both are important like a wife and a mistress.” He said China understands the history of Pakistan’s relationship with the US and had no issues regarding this.

Commenting on the Pakistan-India ties, he said he was disappointed by India’s reaction to the olive branch extended by Prime Minister Khan. Qureshi, however, stressed that Pakistan was still ready for talks. “Whenever you’re ready, Pakistan will not shy away.”

The minister maintained that the Indian leadership was reluctant to engage in dialogue with Pakistan due to domestic politics and upcoming general elections in the country.

The foreign minister said the administration of President Donald Trump had the right to choose new partners.

“Today India is their strategic partners. But let me remind you that whenever US stood with Pakistan it benefitted,” he added, referring to the Cold War era and Pakistan’s vital contribution in defeating the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

Qureshi, however, expressed concerns that the Taliban were regaining foothold in Afghanistan. He said Pakistan had lost the most in the war against terrorism. “We’ve lost over 70,000 lives for this cause,” he added.

The foreign minister said an honest and candid approach will be adopted by the PTI government when it comes to the ties with Afghanistan. The civil and military leadership of Pakistan, he said, was on the same page to address all issues concerning the nation after a long time.

“However, we’ll be careful before committing [to the US administration] because disappointments come when promises are not met,” he stated. “Pakistan desires peace in Afghanistan … it is in our national interest.”

The foreign minister said the newly-elected government of Pakistan Thereek-e-Insaf (PTI) was voted to power for bringing “change and for revising policies and looking at things differently.”

Qureshi said the Pakistani society comprised 65% of youth, a large middle-class, and a sizeable business community, most of them settled in the US, UK and other western countries. He said the overseas Pakistanis, who have experienced democratic norms in countries they are settled in, want the “same thing back home”.

He continued: “Prime Minister Imran Khan has rekindled the hope in youth. They have pinned hopes in the PTI government. People want honest leadership and institutional rebuilding and want to see an end to the dynastic politics.”

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Facebook says big breach exposed 50 million accounts to full takeover

Facebook Inc said Friday hackers stole digital login codes allowing them to take over nearly 50 million user accounts in its worst security breach ever given the unprecedented level of potential access, adding to what has been a difficult year for the company’s reputation.

Facebook, which has more than 2.2 billion monthly users, said it has yet to determine whether the attacker misused any accounts or stole private information. It also has not identified the attacker’s location or whether specific victims were targeted. Its initial review suggests the attack was broad in nature.

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg described the incident as “really serious” in a conference call with reporters. His account was affected along with that of Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, a spokeswoman said.

Shares in Facebook fell 2.6 percent on Friday, weighing on major Wall Street stock indexes.

Facebook made headlines earlier this year after profile details from 87 million users were improperly accessed by political data firm Cambridge Analytica. The disclosure has prompted government inquiries into the company’s privacy practices across the world and fueled a “#deleteFacebook” social movement among consumers.

US lawmakers said on Friday that the hack may boost calls for data privacy legislation.

“This is another sobering indicator that Congress needs to step up and take action to protect the privacy and security of social media users,” Democratic US Senator Mark Warner said in a statement.

Federal Trade Commission Commissioner Rohit Chopra on Twitter said “I want answers” with a link to a Reuters story on the breach.

‘Complex’ flaw

Facebook’s latest vulnerability had existed since July 2017, but the company first identified it on Tuesday after spotting a “fairly large” increase in the use of its “view as” privacy feature on September 16, executives said.

“View as” allows users to verify their privacy settings by seeing what their own profile looks like to someone else. The flaw inadvertently gave the devices of “view as” users the wrong digital code, which, like a browser cookie, keeps users signed in to a service across multiple visits.

That code could allow the person using “view as” to post and browse from someone else’s Facebook account, potentially exposing private messages, photos and posts. The attacker also could have gained full access to victims’ accounts on any third-party app or website where they had logged in with Facebook credentials.

“The implications of this are huge,” Justin Fier, director of cyber intelligence at security company Darktrace, told Reuters.

Guy Rosen, the Facebook vice president overseeing security, said the flaw was “complex” in that it resulted from three failings.

A video upload feature should not have displayed on a user’s profile page when accessed through “view as,” Rosen told reporters on a conference call. That alone would not have been problematic except that the video feature wrongly triggered the placement of the powerful login code. And it placed the code not for the “view as” user, but for who they were pretending to be.

Facebook fixed the issue on Thursday. It also notified the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security, Congressional aides, and the Data Protection Commission in Ireland, where the company has European headquarters.

The Irish authority expressed concern in a statement that Facebook has been “unable to clarify the nature of the breach and risk to users” and said it was pressing Facebook for answers.

Facebook reset the digital keys of the 50 million affected accounts and as a precaution temporarily disabled “view as” and reset those keys for another 40 million that have been looked up through “view as” over the last year.

About 90 million people will have to log back into Facebook or any of their apps that use a Facebook login, the company said.

Two Facebook users sued the company over the breach in federal court in California on Friday.

More than 6,000 users complained about the breach on Zuckerberg’s Facebook page.

“I’m so scared now. All my activities are on Facebook,” Mohammad ZR Zia, a 25-year-old college student in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who has been using the social media platform since 2009, told Reuters. His account was logged out earlier on Friday.

The level of concern expressed on Facebook was enough that the company’s automated system temporarily blocked sharing of some articles about the breach.

“Our security systems have detected that a lot of people are posting the same content, which could mean that it’s spam,” a message told users. Facebook later apologized for the misfire.

Facebook has suffered narrower breaches before.

In 2013, Facebook disclosed a software flaw that exposed 6 million users’ phone numbers and email addresses to unauthorized viewers for a year, while a technical glitch in 2008 revealed confidential birth-dates on 80 million Facebook users’ profiles.

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Pakistan's Qureshi, UN chief discuss regional issues, Kashmir conflict

A peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict should be both reflective of the locals' wishes and be in line with the United Nations statutes, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said during a meeting with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Raising the issue of the plight of Kashmiri people, Qureshi talked to Guterres about the human rights violations in the Occupied region, expressing grave concern regarding the matter. The Secretary-General, he requested, should play a role in the resolution of the conflict.

During the talks, the foreign minister also discussed the first-ever report on Kashmir published by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that had called for an international probe into the numerous violations.

It was important for a potential solution to be in accordance with the United Nations rules and regulations, Qureshi said, adding that Guterres should tell India to stop its aggressive and jingoistic narrative in the region.

In addition, Qureshi, while terming Pakistan a “privileged partner of the UN”, said he was grateful for his country's role at the global body and underlined Islamabad's desire to engage with New Delhi for lasting peace.

Separately, the foreign minister also informed the UN chief that Pakistan wished for a peaceful resolution to the Afghan issue.

An Afghan-led and -owned peace process was the right way to go forward, Qureshi said, noting that regional peace could be achieved through dialogue.

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7 Palestinians killed, over 500 injured in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Gaza

At least seven Palestinians have lost their lives and over five hundred more sustained injuries when Israeli military forces opened fire on a group of protesters participating in anti-occupation rallies along the border between the besieged Gaza Strip and Israeli-occupied territories.

The Gaza Ministry of Health said in a statement that 14-year-old Mohammed Nayef al-Houm was fatally shot in the chest during “The Great March of Return” protests east of Bureij refugee camp on Friday evening.

The statement added that 18-year-old Iyad Khalil Ahmed al-Shaer and Mohammed Bassam Shakhseh, 24, were shot dead east of Gaza City.

Four others were later identified as 24-year-old Mohamed Waleed Haniyeh, Nasser Azmi Musbah, 12, 18-year-old Mohammed Ali Anshasi and Mohammed Ashraf Awawdeh, 23.

Another 506 protesters were also injured. A total of 210 demonstrators were admitted to hospitals and medical centers across Gaza Strip to receive medical treatment. Ninety people were struck with live bullets.

Thirty-five children, four women, four medics and two journalists were among the injured Palestinians.

A minor and a young man were taken to hospital in critical condition. Both had suffered Israeli-inflicted gunshot wounds in the chest.

More than 190 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces ever since anti-occupation protest rallies began in the Gaza Strip on March 30. Approximately 20,000 Palestinians have also sustained injuries.

The Gaza clashes reached their peak on May 14, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe), which coincided this year with the US embassy relocation from Tel Aviv to occupied East Jerusalem al-Quds.

On June 13, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution, sponsored by Turkey and Algeria, condemning Israel for Palestinian civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip.

The resolution, which had been put forward on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, garnered a strong majority of 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions.

The resolution called on UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to make proposals within 60 days “on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation,” including “recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism.”

It also called for “immediate steps towards ending the closure and the restrictions imposed by Israel on movement and access into and out of the Gaza Strip.”

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India beat Bangladesh by three wickets on last ball to retain Asia Cup

India retained the Asia Cup with a three-wicket win off the last ball against a fighting Bangladesh who were anchored by a maiden hundred from opener Liton Das in Dubai on Friday.

India made heavy weather of a modest 223-run target as Bangladesh fought for every run before the title holders achieved victory off the last ball watched by a capacity 25,000 holiday crowd at Dubai stadium.

Das held the innings together during his 117-ball 121 which featured a dozen boundaries and two sixes but Bangladesh, who were put into bat, were all out in 48.3 overs despite a solid opening stand of 120 with Mehidy Hasan.

With their settled opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, India were expected to run away with victory, like they did in the previous matches but Bangladesh were not ready to give up without a fight.

Dhawan was dismissed for 15 and Sharma for a punishing 55-ball 48, studded with three sixes and as many boundaries.

Dinesh Karthik (37) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni (36) added 54 for the fourth wicket but once both were dismissed Bangladesh looked like pulling off an upset.

Ravindra Jadeja (23) and Bhuvenshwar Kumar (21) brought the target within India's reach through a 45-run stand for the sixth wicket but Bangladesh removed them both with eight runs still needed.

India then required six off the last over and one off the final delivery which came as a leg-bye. Kedar Jadhav finished with 23 not out.

India won the Asia Cup — under a Twenty20 format — in Bangladesh in 2016.

Friday's result meant Bangladesh lost in a second Asia Cup final after coming up just short by two runs in the 2012 final against Pakistan at home.

Earlier Bangladesh lost all their wickets for 102 runs in a major middle-order collapse after a brisk opening stand of 120.

Hasan was promoted to open the innings and he and Das attacked India's pace-cum-spin attack.

But once Hasan was caught off Jadhav in the 21st over the innings collapsed with Bangladesh losing four more wickets by the time the score reached 151.

Hasan hit three boundaries in his 59-ball 32 while Soumya Sarkar made a 45-ball 33 with a boundary and a six.

Former captain Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored 144 and 99 earlier in the tournament, also hold out off Jadhav who finished with 2-41. Rahim made just five.

Bangladesh's cause was not helped by three run-outs while left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav returned with the best figures of 3-45.

Bangladesh innings

After Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to field first, Mehidy Hasan and Liton Das opened the innings for Bangladesh, whereas Bhuveshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah shared the new ball for India.

While the Indian pace pair's opening spells had almost always troubled opposing pairs in the tournament, Hasan and Das had few such problems.

Das, in particular, seemed in fine nick, smacking Kumar for back-to-back boundaries in the 4th over, which forced Indian captain Rohit Sharma to introduced spin earlier than he'd have liked.

By the end of 5 overs, Bangladesh were 33-0 and looking quite comfortable.

Das went after Yuzvendra Chahal in the 8th over, launching him for two maximums and accelerate the scoring.The usually reliable Bumrah was also struggling against the Bangla basher; he was hit for a four in the 9th.

With Das on a roll, Hasan did the right thing by playing the facilitator rather than attempting to replicate what his partner was doing so well on the other hand.

At the end of the 10th over, Bangladesh were 65-0, with Das having raced to 47 off just 31 balls.

Following a brief lull, Das struck Jadeja for a 4 to open the 12 over — bowled by Ravindra Jadeja — before being dropped by Chahal two balls later.

Hasan drove Kuldeep Yadav for a four in the 15th, at the end of which the scoreboard read 86-0.

Das edged one to the third-man boundary to bring up Bangladesh's 100 in the 18th over, following which the teams took a drinks break.

Das played two fantastic sweep shots in the 20th over bowled by Jadeja and entered his 80s but the next over saw his opening partner Hasan depart as Indian finally found the elusive breakthrough.

Imrul Kayes walked in to join Das but his stay at the crease didn't last long as Chahal trapped him in front of the wickets in the 24th over. Kayes took the review but the umpire's call was upheld.

At the halfway mark, Bangladesh were 133-2, reeling from the twin setbacks but still confident of posting a sizable total.

However, their optimism flailed some more in the 27th and 28th minute when the in-form Musfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Mithun both departed to leave their side reeling.

Das brought up his maiden ODI century in the 29th over but the job was far from done; his side needed him to carry the bat.

The burden to carry on increased on Das some more in the 33rd over when Bangladesh lost their fifth wicket, this time Mahmudullah the one to depart.

Das and Soumya Sarkar plugged the leak and batted responsibly for the next seven overs, taking the score to 178-5 at the end of 40 overs.

The centurion's brilliant 121-run innings (off 117 balls) finally came to an end in the 41st over when he was stumped out by Yadav.

The decision was referred to the third umpire, who ruled in the bowler's favour despite there being considerable visual evidence to give the benefit of the doubt to Das.

Yadav was hit for a six in the 43rd over by Moshrafe Mortaza, who then tried to repeat the trick but instead fell for the bowler's repeat trick: a stumping dismissal.

The final three batters dragged Bangladesh to 222 before being all-out.

Line-ups

Bangladesh: Liton Das, Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza (capt.), Nazmul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman

India: Rohit Sharma (capt.), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, MS Dhoni (wk), Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah

 

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US looking at new friends in region, Pakistan also has options: Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Friday that Pakistan does hope to be friends with the United States of America while exercising its option to cultivate relations with China and other states.

We want the US to be friends with Pakistan. We recognise that the US is an important global power, and they will continue to be a military, technological and economic power in the foreseeable future," the foreign minister said in an interview to ALJAZEERA.

Qureshi, however, immediately added, "they (US) are looking at different options, they are looking at new friends in the region. We do have friends who have been consistent and very valuable. China is one of them."

The foreign minister said that the other states recognise how important and how strategically located Pakistan is. "So, we are not alone and everyone has options," he said.

On the question of bilateral relations with India, the foreign minister said that war is no option between the nuclear-armed states.

"Two neighbors with outstanding issues, atomic powers. How do you fix things? War is no option. There is no military solution. The only solution is a dialogue," he said.

Qureshi said that the Pakistani state policy towards India is on the lines of Prime Minister Imran Khan's first public address on July 26th, in which he said, "You take one step towards peace, we will take two.

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ECP summoned Taimur Talpur, Over Horse Trading Allegations

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday summoned Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) leader Taimur Talpur, who confessed to horse-trading in the Senate elections, on October 4.

According to the details, the Election Commission of Pakistan has sent out a notice summoning Nawab Muhammad Taimur Talpur in connection with his admission that a member of the parliament had sold their vote to the Pakistan People Party (PPP) in the Senate elections earlier this year.

During a fiery speech made on the floor of the Sindh Assembly on Thursday, Talpur had said: “The member who sold the vote to PPP during the Senate election is still sitting in the assembly.”

Summoning Talpur to appear before the commission on October 4, the ECP’s order said that a notice had been taken over the allegations levelled by him.

According to a statement, the ECP further said that the verdict on the issue would be announced in the absence of the PPP leader, if he failed to appear before the tribunal.

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PM Imran in Peshawar on a day-long visit

Prime Minister Imran Khan has arrived in Peshawar on a day-long visit.

The governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Shah Ferman and chief minister Mehmood Khan welcomed him on his arrival in the capital of the province.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will meet members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet.

He will also chair a meeting of FATA Task Force and will review the progress on implementation on government’s 100-day plan.

Prime Minister’s Advisor on Establishment Muhammad Shahzad Arbab, Special Assistant on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq, Special Assistant for Media Iftikhar Durrani and senior officials are accompanying the prime minister.

After assuming the charge of Prime Minister it was his first visit to Peshawar.

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CM directs to investigate death of female student of Rawalpindi college

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed to investigate death of a female student at hostel of Post Graduate College for Women in Rawalpindi.

He said the report should be furnished after considering all the aspects of the incident.

Sardar Usman Buzdar said action will be taken against whoever is responsible.

Chief Minister also expressed deep sorrow over the death of student and condoled with the bereaved family.

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ECP Decides to Remove Hurdles in Holding LB By-Poll

The Election Commission of Pakistan expressing concern over the shortcoming in voter lists and delimitation vowed to remove all kind of barriers in the way to holding the local bodies by-election.

It was decided in a meeting to review preparations for by-elections on National and provincial assemblies was held at the Election Commission of Pakistan Islamabad today.

Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Raza chaired the meeting.

The Commission expressed satisfaction over reports of the provincial election commissioners regarding preparations for the by-elections.

The meeting decided to remove hurdles in holding by-elections of local governments and conduct them at the earliest.

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No child has kidnapped from outside school in karachi, DIG South

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Javed Alam Odho on Friday refuted reports that children who have gone missing in the metropolis were kidnapped from their schools.

“No child has been kidnapped from outside a school,” the DIG said, during a press conference at his office.

According to Odho, an incident occurred within the remits of Napier police station Hussainpura, where a woman in veil snatched an eight-month-old girl from her mother.

The parents registered a case in the Napier police station, following which the investigation team tracked down a suspect.

DIG South said that the suspect’s name is Abdul Qader and is a resident of Sarjani.

He alleged during investigation that the mother willingly handed over the child and he still has the girl.

Police raided the suspect’s home and recovered the kidnapped girl. Odho said that the investigation revealed that the woman had handed over the child willingly to the man.

He said that the mother did not inform the other members of the family about the issue.

Once again refuting claims of children being kidnapped from schools, he said that the children have been missing for different reasons.

DIG South said that forceful labour, physical tortue, fights and other factors lead to children escaoping from their homes.

He said everal children have been recovered as well. Up till now 126 children have returned to their homes, he added.

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Banking sector's overall risk profile improves in first half of 2018: SBP

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday said that the overall risk profile of the banking sector has improved in first half of 2018, mainly, due to strengthening capital adequacy and improving asset quality.

The central bank has issued the Half-Yearly Performance Review (HPR) of the Banking Sector for the 1st half of CY18. The HPR provides a comprehensive coverage of the performance and soundness of the banking sector and highlights the key issues facing the financial sector.

According to the report, banking sector has performed reasonably well. The asset base of the banking sector has expanded by 4.7 percent during H1CY18 (Year-on-Year (YoY): 9.7 percent).

Encouragingly, advances to the private sector have been the key contributor in the asset growth with sugar, energy and cement sectors along with individuals (i.e. sole proprietorships) being the key borrowers. Deposits have observed slight deceleration but remained the mainstay of funds for the banks.

The overall risk profile of the banking sector has improved in H1CY18, mainly, due to strengthening capital adequacy and improving asset quality. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) has further strengthened to 15.9 percent; well above the minimum regulatory required level of 11.275 percent.

Non-Performing Loans (NPLS) to total loans ratio has receded to 7.9 percent—the lowest level since H1CY08. Banks’ after-tax earnings (Year to Date), however, have declined by 14.7 percent due to reduced non-interest income, one-off provision expenses, and higher administrative cost.

The report also highlights expectations about macro-financial conditions in H2CY18. The results of the 2nd wave of SBP’s Systemic Risk Survey suggest that external sector pressures, fiscal sector vulnerabilities, growing domestic inflation and volatile commodity markets could potentially impact financial stability over the coming six months.

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Will remind Fawad of his grandmother, Mushiduallah Brust in anger

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Mushahidullah Khan on Friday said Prime Minister Imran Khan will have to remove Fawad Chaudhry as information minister.

As Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani chaired a Senate session, Mushahidullah moved a privilege motion against Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry’s remarks in the National Assembly a day earlier.

The information minister had alleged that criticised the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) governments and said that Mushahidullah appointed his brother and cousin in top posts in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Responding to the allegations, the PML-N while adressing the Senate said, “His information is based on lies.”

“Chaudhry said I used to load luggage in PIA but I just want to clarify for record purposes that I had completed by BA-LLB before the information minister was born,” he added.

Further, Mushahidullah demanded that Chaudhry provide evidence that he appointed his brother and cousin on top posts. “If the information minister fails to provide evidence, then he will have to issue an apology on the floor of the House.”

Referring to a verse by Habib Jalib ‘jab kameenay aurooj pay jaata hai to aapni aukat bhol jatay hai’, Mushahidullah questioned, “Are you [Chaudhry] Rangeela Shah or the minister of Madina.”

He also warned, “We will remind the minister of his grandmother.”

“Prime Minister Imran Khan will have to remove Chaudhry as minister,” the PML-N senator further asserted.

Meanwhile, PML-N’s Murtaza Javed Abbasi said Chaudhry should be banned from attending Parliament proceedings for a month. “Is this the attitude of ministers in an Islamic welfare state?”

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Six Pak Army officers promoted to rank of Lieutenant General

Six Major Generals of Pak Army promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, a sttaement from DG ISPR said Friday.

The promoted General Officers include: a. Maj Gen Shaheen Mazhar b. Maj Gen Nadeem Zaki Manj c. Maj Gen Abdul Aziz d. Maj Gen Asim Munir e. Maj Gen Adnan f. Maj Gen Waseem Ashraf.

 

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Five million houses: Procedure to submit requests likely to start soon

The Punjab government has decided to accept forms starting October for the construction of houses for the homeless population.

The decision has been taken with regard to the promise made by Prime Minister Imran Khan of providing housing facilities to five million homeless people, after he assumed office.

The premier had also constituted a task force for the purpose.

According to sources, the task force that was formed on the federal level has completed its homework, deciding to construct houses for the homeless population on government land in the cities that already exist as well as new ones that would be built.

In order to collect data for construction, housing requests from homeless people would be accepted starting October 15, sources said.

Those wishing to own a house under the government scheme will have to take the required form that would be prepared with the help of National Database and Registration Authority and will be available at various branches of designated banks, sources added.

Moreover, a law would be drafted to provided housing facilities to the homeless population, while an authority would also be constituted for the purpose and be taken to the assembly for approval.

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SC summons report on transparency in LNG contracts, PSO appointments

The Supreme Court on Friday while hearing a petition regarding an increase in gas and petroleum prices summoned a report on appointments made in Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and transparency in LNG contracts.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard a petition regarding increase in the price of gas and petroleum products following the imposition of taxes.

Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan appeared before the bench after being summoned earlier today.

National Accountability Bureau (NAB) special prosecutor Akbar Tarar and Pakistan State Oil’s (PSO) counsel, Mehmood Mirza, also appeared before the court.

As the hearing began, PSO’s counsel submitted a report regarding prices of petroleum products before the bench and said the prices are high owing to management and sales affairs.

To this, the chief justice remarked, “There was an unjust increase in the prices of petroleum products. We will refer this matter to NAB.”

Justice Nisar then said, “If Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan is in town call him.”

When the chief justice questioned “where the chief executive officer is who draws Rs3.7 million?”, the PSO counsel responded he has retired.

NAB should go after such cases and leave tehsildars: CJP

The NAB special prosecutor then informed court, “During the previous government’s term, a PSO managing director was appointed to benefit one person.”

To this, Justice Nisar remarked, “Call Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and ask him why this happened.”

“NAB should go after such cases and leave tehsildars. The nation should know what has happened with them,” he said.

Justice Nisar then asked the NAB special prosecutor about Ahad Cheema, to which Tarar said, “We have prepared cases.”

The chief justice also expressed anger at PSO for hiring a private lawyer and asked Mirza how much fee he is being paid to which the lawyer responded that he would be paid Rs1.5 million.

“State intuitions are sinking in debt but they hire private counsels, PSO should have asked the attorney general to represent it,” Justice Nisar then remarked.

Directing a report to be submitted on appointments in PSO and transparency in LNG contracts, the court asked the attorney general to brief them in a week’s time and adjourned the hearing till October 10.

Briefing on petroleum prices

Chartered accountant Mukhtar Kazmi briefed the court on prices of petroleum products and said Rs61 is the import price on which an additional Rs1.32 per litre is charged.

“The additional charge includes freight and insurance charges. PSO is abiding by PEPRA rules by charging Rs1.32 per litre,” he added.

Further, Kazmi said, “Rs10.17 is the domestic cost which includes a freight charges of Rs3 to ensure petrol prices are uniform across the country.”

“Rs3.47 is the dealer commission which is determined by the government while Rs27 are paid in taxes which include a fixed custom duty and GST per liter is determined by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).”

When the chief justice asked how the government determines the tax rates, the attorney general said, “Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) gives recommendations which are then approved by the federal cabinet.”

Justice Nisar then questioned, “If PSO does not determine the prices then why was the former MD paid a salary of Rs3.7 million?”

Justice Ijazul Ahsan then added, “Most general managers are drawing millions in salaries.”

The chief justice then asked how many cars top PSO employees are given. “All of them must have a 4x4 and maybe even bulletproof vehicles.”

Stating that austerity measures should be taken, Justice Nisar said, “Call the former MD to explain why non-developmental expenditure was increased.”

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COAS, call on PM Imran to discuss regional security

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at the PM Office on Friday.

The meeting was also attended by Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt. General Naveed Mukhtar.

During the meeting, security and regional stability situation were discussed.

According to reports, the prime minister was briefed on Operation Raad-ul-Fasaa, while relations with Afghanistan and FATA reforms also came under discussion.

On September 12, Prime Minister Khan visited the ISI headquarters were by was received by COAS General Bajwa and ISI chief Mukhtar. The prime minister lauded the contributions of ISI towards national security, especially in the ongoing counter-terrorism effort. During his visit, the prime minister was briefed in detail on various strategic, intelligence and national security matters.

On August 30, Prime Minister Imran Khan had visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) and assured that the government would provide all resources required to maintain the capability and capacity of the Army.

According to the ISPR press release: “The COAS assured that Pakistan Army would Inshallah continue to deliver on the nation’s expectations of defending the motherland at all costs and sacrifices.”

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Al-Azizia reference: Statements of all prosecution witnesses recorded

All prosecution witnesses completed recording their statements in an accountability court on Friday in the Al-Azizia corruption reference against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Accountability Court II Judge Arshad Malik heard the case filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) against the former premier.

As the hearing began, Nawaz’s counsel, Khawaja Haris, submitted a request for the former premier’s exemption from appearing for today’s hearing. The request was accepted by the court after which NAB investigation officer Mehboob Alam recorded his statement.

Following this, the court summoned Alam for cross-examination on October 2 (Tuesday) and adjourned the hearing of the case.

NAB has presented 22 witnesses, including operation managers of various banks and Panamagate JIT head Wajid Zia, in the case till date.

Meanwhile, the accountability court summoned Zia in the Flagship Investment reference and adjourned its hearing till October 1 (Monday).

The trial

The trial against the Sharif family commenced on September 14, 2017.

On July 6, after four extensions in the original six-month deadline to conclude all three cases, the court announced its verdict in the Avenfield reference.

Nawaz and his sons, Hussain and Hasan, are accused in all three references whereas Maryam and Safdar were accused in the Avenfield reference only.

The two brothers, based abroad, have been absconding since the proceedings began last year and were declared proclaimed offenders by the court.

On July 10, the Supreme Court granted another six-week extension for Accountability Court-I Judge Mohammad Bashir to conclude the remaining corruption references against Nawaz and former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

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PSO submits report to SC on inflated POL, utility prices

Pakistan State Oil (PSO) submitted to Supreme Court of Pakistan a report during hearing of case pertaining to hike and inflated rates of petrol, gas, electricity on Friday.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar while hearing the case asked PSO s counsel whereabouts of company CEO and remarked that CEO is off after gobbling down Rs.3.7m monthly salaries.

The CJP expressed annoyance over PSO hiring lawyer at an expensive Rs. 1.5m fee as revealed by lawyer himself on being inquired about it. Riled by the heavy fee CJP said that public institutions which are already financially feeble hire private counsels and that PSO should have been represented by Attorney General Office.

CJP while addressing the counsel further remarked that PSO management has financially sunk and you organization and "you have turned up to defend the vultures."

Responding to SC queries PSO lawyer told the court that as per the instant report administrative, purchasing factors are behind increase in POL, utilities prices. Disagreeing with the report findings the CJP said that hike in, gas, power, POL tariff was unjustified. 

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SC to hear APS attack suo motu case on October 5

The Supreme Court on Friday fixed the date for the hearing of the suo motu case of the 2014 Army Public School attack.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar will hear the case on October 5.

Notices have been sent to the attorney general and advocate general of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa among others in this regard.

Justice Nisar had taken suo motu notice of the case during a trip to Peshawar earlier this year.

In May, the chief justice had ordered formation of a judicial commission on the APS tragedy.

On December 16, 2014, terrorists stormed the army-run school and killed around 150 people, including more than 130 students, in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Pakistan's history.

The incident shook the country and resulted in the formation of a National Action Plan to stem extremism and terrorism from the country, as well as the creation of military courts to try 'hardcore' terrorists. 

The heinous attack on schoolchildren followed intensification of the military's campaign against terrorists of all hue and colour, chasing and wiping them out from the country's urban centres to far-flung rural areas.

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Shutdown in IOK against killing of youth

Complete shutdown is being observed in occupied Kashmir, today, to protest against the killing of four youth by Indian troops, yesterday.

Call for the shutdown has been given by the Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, and is also aimed at registering protest against the ongoing arrest spree and other brutalities of Indian police and troops against the people across the occupied territory. All shops, business establishments and schools are closed while public transport is off the road.

The troops killed two youth at Panzan in Badgam and one in Dooru area of Islamabad during cordon and search operations. Another youth, identified as Muhammad Saleem Malik was killed when the troops resorted to unprovoked firing on his house in Noorbagh area of Srinagar.

Meanwhile, Indian police arrested Muhammad Yasin Malik from his residence in Srinagar, today, and lodged him at Kothibagh police station. The occupation authorities also placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest while Syed Ali Gilani is under continued house detention since 2010. The detention of the leaders is aimed at stopping them from leading demonstrations against the killings.

The occupation authorities also continue to impose strict restrictions in downtown Srinagar on the second consecutive day, today, by deploying Indian troops and police personnel in strength to prevent people from staging demonstrations against the killings.

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