New Year to bring additional Rs155 billion tax burden

The New Year is expected to dawn with a heavier tax burden for Pakistanis as the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) prepares a summary for the imposition of additional Rs155 billion taxes from January 2019.

The FBR in its supplementary bill draft has recommended an increase in the tax duty on imported luxury cars, and uniformity on General Sales Tax on all items.

The department has also recommended an increase in sales tax from 5 percent to 22 percent.

The FBR has suggested a decrease in the customs duty on the raw materials to be used in the export-oriented industries.

Finance Minister Asad Umar, earlier, presented the supplementary finance bill in the National Assembly in September, announcing cuts in planned development spending and a tax increase for higher earners.

"The country stands at the same place where it was after five years," the finance minister had lamented, adding that the fiscal deficit might reach to 7.2 per cent [2,900 billion rupees] in FY19.

Umar had also recalled that the current account deficit increased from 2.5 billion dollars in 2012-13 to 18 billion dollars in FY18.

"In the five-year term of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government, foreign debt increased by 34 billion dollars, while foreign exchange reserves continued to decline speedily," Umar said.

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Voting began in Bangladesh's parliamentary elections

Voting began on Sunday in Bangladesh's contentious parliamentary elections, seen as a referendum on what critics call Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's increasingly authoritarian rule.

Hasina's main rival is former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the leader of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), deemed ineligible by a court from running for office because she is in prison for corruption.

The two women have been in and out of power and prison for decades.

In Zia's absence, opposition parties have formed a coalition led by Kamal Hossain, an 82-year-old Oxford-educated lawyer and former member of Hasina's Awami League party.

The election campaign has been marred by allegations from the opposition of arrests and jailing of thousands of Hasina opponents.

At least a dozen people were killed in campaign-related clashes.

Both sides are hoping to avoid a repeat of 2014, when Zia and the BNP boycotted elections and voter turnout in the South Asian nation of 160 million people was only 22 per cent.

More than half of the 300 parliamentary seats were uncontested.

The Awami League's landslide victory was met by violence that left at least 22 people dead.

This time, some 106 million people are eligible to vote, including many young, first-time voters.

While rights groups sound the alarms about the erosion of Bangladesh's democracy, Hasina has promoted a different narrative, highlighting an ambitious economic agenda that has propelled Bangladesh past larger neighbours Pakistan and India by some development measures.

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PM Khan expresses concern over political scenario in Sindh

Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, in a telephonic conversation on Saturday, spoke to Grand Democratic Alliance’s (GDA) Member of National Assembly (MNA) Sardar Ali Gohar Mahar regarding current political situation in the country.

According to PTI’s spokesperson, the PM expressed concerns over the uncertain political scenario in Sindh and accepted Mahar’s invitation to visit Ghotki.

Moreover, the PM is expected to hold key meetings with influential politicians in Sindh.

On the other hand, special assistant to PM Iftikhar Durrani said that a change of leadership in Sindh was inevitable, stressing the need for ‘a new chief minister’ who was not under investigation.

“The provincial government of Sindh was used to launder money, and Murad Ali Shah acted as the facilitator to money launderers and the Zardari Group while he was the chief minister and finance minister,” he remarked.

In a reply to a question, he asserted that the accountability process was a part of democratic norms, and everybody was bound to accept the apex court’s judgement following submission of the report by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on money laundering of multi-billion rupees.

He further revealed that the JIT report has been concluded with substantial evidences, particularly concerning the chief minister facilitating the Omni Group.

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FM Qureshi reaches Qatar for one-day visit

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday has arrived in Qatar on-one day official visit.

At the airport, he was received by high officials of the Qatri Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Pakistan Embassy in Doha.

During his a day long visit, Qureshi is expected to meet Qatari Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud and other top Qatari leadership.

The foreign minister is expected to discuss the Afghan peace process, bilateral relations and other important regional and global issues.

Speaking to media before departing for Qatar, Qureshi said that "Pakistan enjoys close relations with Qatar and it is an important country in the Middle-East."

He added that there is a large Pakistani community in Qatar and there are many investment opportunities in the country.

"We will further build on our previously held talks," the foreign minister said.

On December 23, Qureshi embarked on a whirlwind four-nation tour.

During the first leg of his trip, he visited Kabul where he met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani.

After Afghanistan, Qureshi visited Tehran where he met his counterpart Javed Zarif and other top officials of the Iranian Foreign Ministry and discussed strengthening cooperation and bilateral relations.

In the third leg of this tour, Qureshi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

He then held a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on his trip to Moscow, his last stop on the tour.

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Bangladesh shuts down high-speed mobile internet on election eve

Bangladesh’s telecoms regulator has ordered mobile operators to shut down high-speed mobile internet services until midnight on Sunday, the day of a national election.

The measure is effective immediately, a spokesman for the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission said on Saturday.

“The decision has been taken to prevent rumors and propaganda surrounding the vote,” Zakir Hussain Khan said.

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Bomb kills three Vietnamese tourists, Egyptian guide near pyramids: officials

Three Vietnamese tourists and an Egyptian guide were killed and at least 10 others injured when a roadside bomb blast hit their tour bus on Friday less than 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Egypt’s world-famous Giza pyramids, authorities said.

The bombing is the first deadly attack against foreign tourists in Egypt for over a year and comes as the tourism sector, a vital source of foreign currency revenue, recovers from a sharp drop in visitor numbers since the country’s 2011 uprising.

No immediate claim of responsibility was reported. Militants, including those linked to Daesh, are active in Egypt and have targeted foreign visitors in the past.

At least nine Vietnamese tourists were injured, as well as the Egyptian driver, according to official statements.

The tourists were heading to a sound and light show at the pyramids, which they had visited earlier in the day, said Lan Le, 41, who was also aboard the bus but unhurt.

“We were going to the sound and light show and then suddenly we heard a bomb. It was terrible, people screaming,” she told Reuters, speaking at Al Haram hospital, where the injured were taken. “I don’t remember anything after.”

Egypt’s interior ministry said the bus was hit by an explosion from an improvised device hidden near a wall at around 1815 local time (1615 GMT).

About two hours later the vehicle could be seen behind a police cordon with one of its sides badly damaged and the windows blown out, a Reuters reporter said.

Dozens of police, military and firefighters were at the site, on a narrow sidestreet close to the ring road, where traffic was moving normally.

Shortly afterward, workers brought a pick-up truck to tow the bus away.

An investigator at the scene said the device had likely been planted near the wall.

The interior ministry confirmed the death of two of the tourists, and the state prosecutor’s office later said a third had died. In total, 14 Vietnamese tourists had been traveling on the bus, it said.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told local TV from Al Haram hospital that the guide had died from his injuries. “The bus deviated from the route secured by the security forces,” Madbouly told Extra News channel, an assertion also made by the owner of the company that organised the bus tour.

“We have been in contact with the embassy of Vietnam to contain the impact of the incident, and what is important now is to take care of the injured,” the prime minister said.

The bus driver later told local media he had not deviated from the route.

Egypt’s army and police launched a major campaign against militant groups in February, targeting the Sinai Peninsula as well as southern areas and the border with Libya.

The government says fighting militants is a priority as it works to restore stability after the years of turmoil that followed the “Arab Spring” protests of 2011.

Those events and the bombing of a Russian airliner shortly after it took off from Sharm el Sheikh in 2015 caused tourist numbers to plunge.

The last deadly attack on foreign tourists in Egypt was in July 2017, when two Germans were stabbed to death in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada.

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There was no need for putting me on ECL, had already given my passport: Zardari

Former president Asif Ali Zardari said on Saturday that there was no need for the authorities to put him on the Exit Control List (ECL) as he had already submitted his passport at the time of applying for bail.

"I have to be buried at the Garhi Khuda Baksh and give and I am answerable to Bhutto and Benazir after death," the Pakistan Peoples' Party co-chairperson said in a gathering at Kashmore.

"They just want to create drama but rest assured it won't affect the party's voter," adding, "we want you to stay but what else we can do if you are up to ending the political institutions. We are fighting for our people."

The former president said that in the country 71-year history establishment did not treat well people who worked for the national progress but it doesn't matter to him as he is not scared.

Zardari called his opponents 'deaf and dumb', adding that they toppled late Benazir Bhutto's government twice, martyred her but still couldn't stop her. "They weren't able to topple my government. I completed my five-year tenure. Worked for the poor, distributed provincial budget equally but those who are sitting away can't understand it."

The former president said that there will be a day when Sindh will have its own gas company like the province made its own coal company and made people of Pakistan as their partners.

"How can I make those people understand something who are up to ending political institutions. What can I do if you don't have any senses?," Zardari took a jibe without naming any political party or state institution.

The former president said that the federal board of revenue was stronger during his tenure.

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Army focused on maintaining security in Balochistan: COAS

Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan Jam Kamal on Saturday called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed with him security situation of the province, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the meeting, the chief minister appreciated efforts of Pakistan Army towards provision of enabling security environment for execution of socio-economic development projects as part of Khushal Balochistan programme, the ISPR said in a statement.

On the occasion, the COAS said that maintaining security situation of Balochistan was focus of Pak Army, adding that the progress of Pakistan was linked to peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, the statement read.

General Bajwa said fencing of Pak-Afghan border and enhanced security coordination on Pak-Iran border shall further improve the security situation, it added.

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FIA recommends SC to close Asghar Khan case

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday recommended the Supreme Court to close the case filed by the late air chief Air Marshal Asghar Khan.

The FIA submitted a report in the SC today which stated that there is "not enough evidence to continue investigating" the case.

“There are contradictions in the statements of the witnesses,” the report said.

Furthermore, the report stated that the case is more than 25 years old and no record of bank transactions could be found.

"Politicians who were accused of taking money have also denied the allegations," it further read.

A day earlier, the apex court announced that it will hear on December 31 (Monday) the case of the former air chief pertaining to the distribution of Rs 140 million among political parties ahead of the 1990 general elections.

The case

On October 19, 2012, the Supreme Court issued a 141-page verdict, ordering legal proceedings against Gen (retd) Aslam Beg and Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani in a case filed 16 years ago by former air chief Air Marshal Asghar Khan.

Khan, who passed away in January this year, was represented in the Supreme Court by renowned lawyer Salman Akram Raja.

Khan had petitioned the Supreme Court in 1996 alleging that the two senior army officers and the then-president Ghulam Ishaq Khan had doled out Rs140 million among several politicians ahead of the 1990 polls to ensure Benazir Bhutto's defeat in the polls.

The Islamic Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), consisting of nine parties including the Pakistan Muslim League, National Peoples Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, had won the 1990 elections, with Nawaz Sharif being elected prime minister. The alliance had been formed to oppose the Benazir Bhutto-led Pakistan Peoples Party.

In 1996, Khan had written a letter to the then Supreme Court Chief Justice Nasim Hassan Shah naming Beg, Durrani and Younis Habib, the ex-Habib Bank Sindh chief and owner of Mehran Bank, about the unlawful disbursement of public money and its misuse for political purposes.

The 2012 apex court judgment, authored by the then-Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry, had directed the Federal Investigation Agency to initiate a transparent investigation and subsequent trial if sufficient evidence is found against the former army officers.

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Punjab Cabinet holds meeting in Bahawalpur

The meeting of Punjab Cabinet meeting held in Bahawalpur on Saturday with Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in the chair.

The provincial cabinet deliberated upon various matters pertaining to problems being faced by the people in Multan and Bahawalpur divisions.

Later talking to news men, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said that for the first time in the country’s seventy years of history, cabinet meeting was held at other than provincial capital to assess the genuine problems faced by the masses of South Punjab and for their redressal on the spot.

He said this process will be continued and more meetings will be held at other divisional headquarters of Punjab to assess the problems at grass root level.

With reference to new province in South Punjab, the Chief Minister said PTI government took it as its top priority and formed committees at federal and provincial level for making recommendations for this important task.

He announced the establishment of an independent secretariat in Multan headed by an additional chief secretary and Inspector General for whole South Punjab for devolution of power in Southern region of Province.

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Punjab Cabinet holds meeting in Bahawalpur

The meeting of Punjab Cabinet meeting held in Bahawalpur on Saturday with Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar in the chair.

The provincial cabinet deliberated upon various matters pertaining to problems being faced by the people in Multan and Bahawalpur divisions.

Later talking to news men, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said that for the first time in the country’s seventy years of history, cabinet meeting was held at other than provincial capital to assess the genuine problems faced by the masses of South Punjab and for their redressal on the spot.

He said this process will be continued and more meetings will be held at other divisional headquarters of Punjab to assess the problems at grass root level.

With reference to new province in South Punjab, the Chief Minister said PTI government took it as its top priority and formed committees at federal and provincial level for making recommendations for this important task.

He announced the establishment of an independent secretariat in Multan headed by an additional chief secretary and Inspector General for whole South Punjab for devolution of power in Southern region of Province.

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HEC authenticates DG NAB Lahore Shahzad Saleem's degree

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Saturday authenticated Director General National Accountability Bureau (DG NAB) Lahore Major (retd) Shahzad Saleem degree.

According to the NAB spokesperson, Major (retd) Shahzad Saleem’s degree was sent to HEC on December 24 for authentication. HEC has authenticated the NAB DG Lahore’s degree, the spokesperson added.

“DG NAB Lahore Shahzad Saleem's degree has been declared 100% authentic. Shahzad Saleem s/o Zaheer Ahmed Saleem obtained a MSC degree in 2002,” the spokesperson further said.

The Lahore director general of the bureau faced an internal probe over his alleged fake degree on the orders of the Supreme Court. Various political parties had termed Saleem’s degree as dubious and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had called on Saleem to present his degree to the press so that could verify its authenticity.

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Imran Ismail rejects possibility of governor's rule in Province

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Saturday rejected reports insinuating imposition of governor's rule in the province amid friction between the federal and provincial government over the ongoing money laundering case.

Addressing a joint press conference with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan leader Khawaja Izhar ul Hasan, the governor said that the elected representatives will complete their respective tenures according to their constitutional mandate.

“Any posiblity of imposition of governor's rule in the province is not in my knowledge,” he said.

Governor Ismail also expressed his disappointment over the recent surge of target killing incidents in Karachi and vowed that the government will take control of the situation. “There have been a few arrests linked to the target killing incidents. These are unfortunate incidents but we will soon take control of the situation,” the governor added.

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No country can progress without political stability: Chaudhry Nisar

Former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar on Saturday has said that no country can progress without political stability.

Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, Chaudhry Nisar said that instant accountability process will be seen as revenge if reservations of opposition parties are not removed.

It’s impossible to run a government without opposition, he continued.

The ex-minister said that Modi government does not aspire good relations with Pakistan. Apologetic requests for dialogue with India is against country s honor, he added.

Chaudhry Nisar said that Saudi Arabia and China’s bail-out packages will merely serve as timely solution to curb economical crisis.

Moreover, he said that he has reservations on election results due to which he is not accepting them.

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White House refutes report regarding US withdrawal from Afghanistan

The White House on Saturday refuted reports that US President Donald Trump has decided to withdraw almost half of American troops stationed in Afghanistan.

Last week, reports had surfaced that Trump was planning to withdraw 7,000 troops from Afghanistan by the summer, with an American official telling AFP on condition of anonymity “that decision has been made."

"There will be a significant withdrawal."

However, White House and US National Security Council spokesperson Garrett Marquis today rubbished those claims in an emailed statement, saying: “The president has not made a determination to drawdown United States (US) military presence in Afghanistan and he has not directed the Department of Defense to begin the process of withdrawing US personnel from Afghanistan.”

Marquis' statement was supported by General Scott Miller, the US commander of international forces in Afghanistan, who said that he had not received any orders to change troop levels in the country.

Trump's rumoured and retracted decision about Afghanistan came on the back of his announcement to pull out troops from Syria, where in his own words, America has “defeated Daesh”.

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Money laundering case: Anwar Majeed, son submit reply in SC

Omni Group Chairman Anwar Majeed and his son, Abdul Ghani Majeed have submitted a reply in the Supreme Court to a joint investigation team (JIT) report today in the mega money laundering and fake accounts case.

In their reply, the two suspects requested the top court to dismiss the JIT report. “We are innocent in all allegations levelled against us in the JIT report,” the Majeeds said in their reply.

“No material or documentary evidence was provided with the JIT report to support the allegations,” the reply read. “Names of those 924 individuals, whose statements were recorded, have not been provided,” it further said.

“The JIT has no basis to recommend transferring the matter to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB),” the response stated.

“According to approval for any of the JIT’s recommendations will be a violation of basic rights,” it added.

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Real service is to fulfill professional responsibilities with sincerity: Chief Justice

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday said curbing flaws of institutions is the judiciary's constitutional responsibility.

Addressing the convocation ceremony of Services Institute of Medical Sciences in Lahore, the chief justice said “I have spent my whole life working for the provision of justice. The purpose of my life is to stay loyal to my profession.”

“The real service is to fulfill your professional responsibilities with sincerity. My test has started and its results will come after I retire,” he added.

Stating that ensuring proper health services are provided was not his nor the court’s job, the chief justice said, “But there were flaws in hospital management systems and curbing flaws of institutions is the constitutional responsibility of the judiciary.”

"We did not interfere in the internal matters of any institution,” he further said.

The top judge lamented, “Private hospitals are no longer academic institutions and have become business centres.”

“The court recovered Rs726 million from the millions earned by private medical colleges as fee and returned it back to the students,” he added.

Recalling incidents from his childhood, Justice Nisar said, “When I was eight years old, I used to take my mother to the doctor in a horse carriage and we used to spend hours at the clinic. My mother taught my brother and I to serve humanity and prayed to God to protect us from all difficulties.”

“Those who suffer greatly, understand the pain of others,” the top judge added. “I began my mission with my mother’s teachings in mind,” he continued.

Justice Nisar further said, "My love for the country is not one-sided by two-sided."

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Climate Change Ministry, AKF sign MoU to cooperate in climate change mitigation

Ministry of Climate Change and Agha Khan Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in the climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies.

The MoU was signed by Secretary Ministry of Climate Change Shahrukh Nusrat and Chief Executive Officer Agha Khan Foundation in Pakistan Akhtar Iqbal, in Islamabad.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam witnessed the MoU signing ceremony.

The CEO of Agha Khan Foundation on the occasion assured to enhance bilateral development projects with Pakistan in the field of forestry, energy, education, environmental protection, poverty alleviation and tourism.

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Earthquake of 6.9 magnitude struck off southern Philippine

In Philippines, an earthquake of 6.9 magnitudes struck off the southern island of Mindanao on Saturday morning.

The US Geological Survey said the quake struck southeast of Davao City at a depth of fifty nine kilometers.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre warned of possible hazardous tsunami waves along the coasts of Indonesia and the Philippines due to the quake.

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Saudi Arabia 'not in crisis', says FM Asaaf

Saudi Arabian new Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf has categorically denied that the kingdom is in crisis.

In his first interview, he said basic reason of cabinet reshuffling is to make government machinery more efficient.

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EU gives Pakistan €100m grant for education, rural development

The European Union (EU) on Friday signed financing agreements with the Finance Ministry, agreeing to give Pakistan a grant of €100 million and an additional €15 million will be committed by the end of the year.

According to a press release, €50 million will be spent on supporting education in Pakistan.

The five-year Development through Enhanced Education Program is aimed at contributing to universal access to quality education in Sindh, enabling young people to progress and engage in productive employment or higher and vocational education.

Another €50 million will be spent on economic development in rural Balochistan and Sindh.

The additional €15 million will be spent on supporting parliamentary democracy in Pakistan, especially in the frame of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution.

Speaking during the signing ceremony EU Ambassador Jean-François Cautain said: “I would like to thank all stakeholders, especially the Economic Affairs Division, who have been providing support for the preparation of this new funding.

I am sure that this new grant coming from the EU’s taxpayers will positively contribute to the betterment of many citizens of Pakistan by improving access to quality education, developing rural economy and strengthening parliamentary democracy.”

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CNG stations across Punjab to remain closed till Jan 10

CNG stations across Punjab and Islamabad will be shut down from December 28 to January 10, a notification issued by Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) said.

According to the General Manager SSGC Lahore Qiaser Masood, CNG stations will remain closed due to annual maintenance work at the regasified to natural gas (RLNG) terminal.

However, gas will be available at select CNG stations for public transport, the notification added.

SNGPL, SSGCL board of directors dissolved on PM's orders

On December 13, Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered that boards of directors of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and SSGCL be dissolved owing to the prevailing gas shortfall in the country.

The premier gave directions for stricter action against the gas suppliers, as the CNG crisis continued to disrupt public transport.

A day after ordering a fact-finding committee to launch an inquiry against the managing directors of both SNGPL and SSGCL, the federal government decided to reshuffle the companies’ boards of directors over purported poor performance. On the prime minister's instructions, the boards of directors of both the companies were dissolved.

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Major avenue in Brooklyn New York named after Quaid-e-Azam

In the United States, a section of Brooklyn borough in New York City has been named after founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

The New York City Council designated the part of Coney Island Avenue as “Mohammad Ali Jinnah Way”.

The resolution was tabled by city council member Jumaane Williams and adopted by a majority vote.

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President stresses the need to adopt modern Tech in agriculture sector

President Dr. Arif Alvi has stressed the need to adopt modern technology in agriculture sector to increase per acre yield.

Addressing an award ceremony of Rice Exporters Association in Karachi, he said that agricultural production could be improved through mechanized farming and better agriculture policy.

The President suggested establishing 'Seed Bank' to provide quality seeds to the growers for better crop.

He said shortage of agricultural water is the main problem which can be resolved by using effective water management.

He appreciated the efforts of Rice Exporters Association for increasing the rice exports by using their own resources.

Later, the President distributed awards among prominent rice exporters and companies.

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Karachi industrialists to shut down factories as gas crisis worsens

Factory owners in the metropolis Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) on Saturday announced they are shutting down their plants as they have been experiencing extremely low gas pressure crippling production activity.

“Industries in SITE area will be closed from Sunday, December 30,” SITE Association Chairman Saleem Parekh said.

“We are suffering huge losses owing to the mismanagement of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC),” Parekh added and announced that they will be staging a protest outside the Sindh Governor House on Tuesday (January 1).

SSGC has decided to not provide gas to CNG stations across Sindh, including Karachi, today.

Meanwhile, SSGC and industrialists will meet today to discuss the gas crisis.

Earlier this month, SSGC, the supplier of gas in Sindh and Balochistan, announced to halt gas supply to CNG stations and captive power plants of all general industries.

SSGC said that it was facing acute shortage of gas and low pressure in the system, which was affecting adequate supply to domestic and commercial sectors.

SNGPL, SSGCL board of directors dissolved on PM's orders

On December 13, Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered that boards of directors of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and SSGCL be dissolved owing to the prevailing gas shortfall in the country.

The premier gave directions for stricter action against the gas suppliers, as the CNG crisis continued to disrupt public transport.

A day after ordering a fact-finding committee to launch an inquiry against the managing directors of both SNGPL and SSGCL, the federal government decided to reshuffle the companies’ boards of directors over purported poor performance.

On the prime minister's instructions, the boards of directors of both the companies were dissolved.

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OGRA recommends Rs9.50 per liter cut in petrol prices

Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Friday submitted a summary to the petroleum division recommending that the petrol prices should be decreased by at least Rs9.50 per liter starting from January 1, 2019.

According to OGRA sources, the regulatory authority has forwarded a summary to the petroleum division suggesting a cut of at least Rs9.50 in the oil prices.

The summary also refers to other petroleum products whose prices should be decreased under monthly readjustment formula.

It is recommended that the rate of high speed diesel be decreased by Rs15 per liter and Kerosene oil Rs25 paisa per liter, while the rate of light diesel price proposed to be decreased by Rs2 per liter.

OGRA has submitted details of the proposed summary to the petroleum division and subsequently the decision over new prices will be taken after approval of the prime minister.

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Iranian Ambassador, CJCSC discuss matters of mutual interest

The Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Honardoost called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Zubair Mahmood Hayat at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.

According to ISPR, matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.

Iran, Mehdi Honardoost called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Zubair Mahmood Hayat at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi

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Model Abbas Jaffrey ties the knot

2018 isn’t over just yet and neither is the winter wedding season. This year has seen a bevy of local and international celebrities tie the knot.

Globally, 2018 saw some seriously lavish ceremonies from the Royal Wedding in May to the #DeepVeer and #NickYanka events… Here in Pakistan, names such as Aisha Khan, Faiza Saleem, Feroze Khan and Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt top the list.

And now model and PTI MNA Abbas Jaffrey has jumped the bandwagon, having tied the knot in an intimate ceremony just recently. While the couple is yet to release official pictures soon, some snapshots have been circulating over social media.

Jaffrey, clad in a black sherwani, looks handsome as ever. There is also another picture of the newlyweds from their mehendi ceremony which shoes the heartthrob and his wife all smile, dressed in colourful ensembles.

Jaffrey had previously stated that his wedding has been getting delayed due to his budding political career. The two-time winner of the Lux Style Award for Best Model was a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate and became a Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) this year.

The 26-year-old is the youngest and the only MPA from a showbiz background to have made to the Sindh assembly from PS 125 – the strongest seat under the hold of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

While Jaffrey’s wedding seemed like a low-key affair, we wonder if the reception will boast of a celebrity guest list? Guess we’ll just have to wait and watch. Congratulations to the happy couple!

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Two BDS personnel martyred in Mohmand IED blast

Two members of the bomb disposal squad of security forces were martyred after being hit by a hidden improvised explosive device (IED) near Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Mohmand district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Friday.

Both district administration and security sources have confirmed the incident that took place in Khawaizai Baizai subdivision in Jarobi Dara area near the Afghan border.

Naib Subedar Shehzad and Sepoy Kaleem were martyred while another member of the BDS, Mohsin sustained injuries in the incident.

The injured and bodies were shifted to nearby corps wing headquarters, where funeral prayers of the martyred soldiers were offered.

Jarobi Dara is the Pak-Afghan border area of Mohmand tribal district of K-P province. The Pak Army are working on fencing the border in these area in its first phase, which will be completed till next year to stop the militant infiltration from the Afghan side.

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'Iconic' image of Palestinian protester in Gaza goes viral

An image of a shirtless young protester in Gaza gripping a Palestinian flag with one hand and swinging a slingshot over his head with the other has drawn comparisons with the iconic French Revolution painting, Liberty Leading the People. Captured on October 22 by Mustafa Hassouna of Turkey's Anadolu Agency, the photo shows 20-year-old Palestinian A'ed Abu Amro seeming to rise out of the thick of a protest against the Israeli blockade. He appears in sharp contrast to fellow demonstrators and reporters in protective jackets behind him, all set against…

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COAS confirms death sentences awarded to 22 'hardcore terrorists': ISPR

Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday ratified the death sentences awarded to 22 hardcore terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The convicts were involved in heinous terrorist offences, including attacks on armed forces, law enforcement agencies, explosions of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (IED) to carry out sectarian killings, destruction of communication infrastructure, police check posts, educational institutions, and killing of innocent civilians.

According to the military's media wing, the convicted terrorists were responsible for the deaths of a total of 176 people, including 19 armed forces personnel, 41 police and Levies officials and 116 civilians, and causing injuries to 217 others. Arms and explosives had also been recovered from their possession.

Special military courts had awarded death sentences to these convicts. The courts also handed down imprisonments to 15 convicts and acquitted two accused after finding them not guilty.

All 22 of the terrorists were found to be members of banned organisations. They confessed to their offences before a judicial magistrate and in their statements during their respective trials, according to the ISPR.

Details of death penalty convictions provided by the ISPR are as follows:

Khairuddin s/o Muhammad Yousaf, Muhammad Ishaq s/o Asim Khan, Inamullah s/o Khakay Khan, Alam Sher s/o Qayyum Khan, Irfan s/o Zar Khan Yousafzai and Muhammad Shafique s/o Azizullah Jan
The convicts were found to be involved in the killing of civilians by exploding a vehicle-borne IED in Karachi's Abbas Town. The attack resulted in the deaths of 57 people and injuries to 79 others. They were also found in possession of firearms and explosives.

Sultan Mehmood s/o Syed Talib
He was found guilty of abetting a suicide bombing on April 11, 2006, at Nishtar Park in Karachi, which caused the deaths of 54 persons and injuries to 113 others.

Muhammad Tahir s/o Talimand
The convict was involved in the killing of a civilian and attacks on armed forces personnel, which resulted in the death of Maj Hafiz Attique Ahmed, Capt Amir Butt, Havildar Abdul Aziz and five other soldiers. Firearms and explosives were recovered from him, according to the ISPR.

Zafar Ali s/o Muhammad Naeem
The militant was sentenced for his involvement in attacks on the armed forces, which resulted in the deaths of Naib Subedar Muhammad Hanif, Havildar Muhammad Naseer, Havildar Muhammad Qayyum Ahmad, Naik Iftikhar Ali and two soldiers, and caused injuries to nine other soldiers.

He was also found in possession of firearms and explosives.

Umar Karim s/o Umar Rahim
He was found to be involved in the killing of a civilian and attacks on armed forces personnel, which resulted in the deaths of Maj Hafiz Attique Ahmed, Capt Amir Butt, Havildar Abdul Aziz and three other soldiers.

Muhammad Sher Wali Khan s/o Usman Ghani and Rahmat Shah s/o Fawaz Khan
Both the convicts were involved in attacks on law enforcement agencies personnel, which caused the deaths of Assistant Sub Inspector Noor Zaman, Naib Subedar Hussain Faraz and three other soldiers, and injuries to five others.

They were also found to be in possession of firearms, the military's media wing said.

Bakhtawar s/o Muhammad Bar Khan and Rasheedullah s/o Shah Naseem
The two convicts were involved in the murders of two civilians and attacks on law enforcement personnel, which resulted in the deaths of 28 Levies/police officials and caused injuries to four policemen.

Faheemuddin s/o Andaz Gul
He was involved in the killings of police/Levies personnel and attacks on law enforcement officials, which resulted in the deaths of six soldiers.

Zahir Shah s/o Syed Badshah
The convict was sentenced for his involvement in the killing of Sepoy Gohar Ali and Aamir Sher of Levies/Khasadar force.

Said Muhammad s/o Sabzi Aman
He was involved in an attack on armed forces personnel, which caused the death of Havildar Allah Dita and Sepoy Bacha Hussain.

He was also found responsible for the destruction of Government Girls Middle School, Gulibagh, as well as the abduction of a civilian for ransom.

Arab Jan s/o Shahi Khan
The convict was involved in an attack on law enforcement personnel, which resulted in the death of Sepoy Said Amin.

Muhammad Ishaq s/o Muhammad Ghafoor
He was found to be involved in an attack on the armed forces, which caused the deaths of three soldiers, and the destruction of an educational institution. He was also found in possession of firearms.

Tanhaj Ali s/o Muhammad Zeb Khan
The convict was involved in an attack on armed forces personnel, which resulted in the death of Naib Subedar Muhammad Hanif, Sepoy Shoukat Ali, and caused injuries to three other soldiers.

Firearms and explosives were also recovered from him.

Abdul Rafee s/o Sarkamand
He was found guilty of attacking the armed forces and law enforcement personnel and thus resulting in the deaths of Naib Subedar Muhammad Hanif, Sepoy Ikhlas Ahmed, Sepoy Shoukat Ali, and caused injuries to six other soldiers.

He was also involved in the destruction of Government Primary School, Langar and possessed firearms and explosives.

Muhammad Ishaq s/o Muhammad Ibrahim
The convict was sentenced for causing the deaths of two civilians and being involved in an attack on law enforcement personnel, which resulted in the death of police constable Yasir Ali and caused injuries to two other persons.

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Deadly blast hits tour bus near Giza pyramids in Egypt

A roadside blast has killed two Vietnamese tourists and injured 12 other people on a bus near the Giza pyramids in Egypt, the Egyptian ministry of interior says.

A bomb hidden beside a wall went off as the bus carrying 14 Vietnamese tourists was passing, it adds.

Two Egyptians, including the bus driver, are among the injured, according to the ministry.

Tourism has long been a mainstay of the country's economy.

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Angelina Jolie dropped a big hint that she might run for president

Angelina Jolie dropped a big hint that she might move into politics and run for president.

Speaking on Friday on BBC Radio 4's "Today" program, which she guest-edited, Jolie said she would have dismissed the idea 20 years ago but that she would now go where she is "needed."

When the program's host, Justin Webb, said he had put her on a list of Democrats who might run in 2020, Jolie laughed and said, "Thank you."

Jolie, a special envoy for the United Nations' refugee agency and campaigns against sexual violence, said she would stay quiet "for now" because she feels she can "get a lot done without a title."

She said her work had given her some relevant experience.

"I'm also able to work with governments, and I'm also able to work with militaries, and so I sit in a very interesting place of being able to get a lot done without a title and without it being about myself or my policies," she said.

But she also said her attitude had changed over time.

"I don't know if I'm fit for politics, but then I've also joked that I don't know if I have a skeleton left in my closet — I'm pretty open and out there, and I can take a lot on the chin," she said. "So that's good. But I honestly will do whatever I think can really make change."

Jolie will be an executive producer of a new BBC-run global English-language news program for children set to premiere in 2019.

Jolie said it was important to her that the project would be global and "help young people in different countries to be connected to each other and to have greater awareness and understanding of the news on an international basis."

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Facebook killed speculation that it is about to replace Mark Zuckerberg as chairman

Facebook has killed speculation that it is about to fire Mark Zuckerberg as chairman and replace him with US business grandee, Kenneth Chenault.

Chenault, the former chairman and CEO of American Express, stepped down from board positions at IBM and Procter & Gamble on Thursday, but retained his director role at Facebook.

The timing of the events, and the fact that Facebook is now Chenault's only posting at a major US company, sparked speculation that he could be about to be installed as Facebook's chairman.

It comes amid huge pressure from independent Facebook shareholders, some with stakes worth billions, for the company to break up Zuckerberg's dual role as CEO and chairman.

Investors believe this will help make Zuckerberg more accountable, following a disastrous year for the firm, which has been blighted by scandals including the giant Cambridge Analytica data breach.

Initially, Facebook did little to extinguish speculation that Chenault will become the firm's first independent chairman by declining to comment on the matter. But later, the company stopped the rumors in their tracks.

A spokeswoman told reporters: "Ken will continue to serve on our board in the same capacity." Business Insider has contacted Facebook for comment.

Chenault joined the Facebook board in January this year. At the time of his appointment, Zuckerberg said he had been trying to recruit him for years, adding that Facebook could learn much from his customer service expertise and experience in "building a trusted brand."

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Govt launching biggest action against money laundering: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is going to take biggest action against money laundering in the history of the country.

Addressing a Diplomats Conference in Islamabad on Friday, he said, “I wanted to make it clear that there is no crisis in the country now, however, the government is facing number of challenges and teamwork is needed to get out of these challenges.”

The prime minister said that we need to change our mindset as Pakistan cannot be run like this, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be the first to change its mindset.

He said that the nation needs to change its mindset of depending on others and make coordinated national efforts to convert the current challenges at different fronts into opportunities.

Imran Khan said that all actions of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) are in Pakistan’s interest, adding that this international institution wants an end to money laundering and armed groups.

“The government is going to launch biggest action in the history of the country against money laundering,” he added.

The prime minister said: “Those involved in the smuggling of dollars should start counting their days as those involved in money laundering won’t be spared.”

PM Imran regretted that our elites have ditched the country at international level for their own vested interest. He said past rulers projected themselves as progressive and painted rest of the nation as extremist, causing an enormous damage to the national image.

Highlighting importance of expatriates, the Prime Minister said overseas Pakistanis are our great asset, which needs to be better utilized.

He said Pakistani embassies abroad should extend every possible assistance and cooperation to Pakistani workers and diaspora convincing them to invest in their home country.

Imran Khan stressed the need for vigorous efforts to enhance exports and Pakistani envoys should explore new avenues like Africa and Latin America for Pakistani products.

"Pakistan is a fertile territory for investment making it the most attractive place for business," he said and added the government believes in providing cordial atmosphere for ease of doing business.

He said wealth creation is necessary for job opportunities and prosperity and the government will stand by the business people to enhance their profitability.

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Fresh violence mars Bangladesh election as campaigning ends

Bangladesh's general election campaign ended on Friday with more deadly violence and arrests of opposition activists which have raised international concern as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina seeks a record fourth term.

A ruling Awami League party supporter was killed by opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) followers, police said, while the BNP claimed 19 more of its activists had been detained ahead of Sunday's election.

The official campaign ended ended at 8am Bangladesh time on Friday after seven weeks of widespread street clashes and accusations of an official crackdown on the opposition.

An opinion poll indicated Hasina is favourite to win despite the controversy.

Police said the Awami League supporter was beaten to death in the northeastern city of Sylhet late on Thursday.

They had reported two earlier deaths of Awami League activists since the campaign opened on November 8. The BNP says eight of its supporters have been killed in election clashes.

Sylhet police chief Shah Harunur Rashid told AFP that two BNP supporters had been arrested for the latest killing. The BNP said the the man died in a conflict among Awami League supporters.

Nineteen BNP activists were arrested when police and paramilitary guards raided the election camp of a BNP candidate and several villages in southern Bangladesh, police and BNP officials told AFP.

Thousands of Awami League supporters rallied in Dhaka early on Friday as candidates made a last-minute pitch for votes.

The BNP, which says thousands of its activists have been locked up in a bid to rig the election, said it had been prevented from holding its final rally in the capital.

Hasina has shrugged off accusations of using authoritarian tactics, and in her final campaign statement urged Bangladesh's 104 million voters to re-elect her to boost the impoverished South Asian nation's economic development.

Bangladesh's economy has grown at an impressive average of 6.3 per cent every year since she won a landslide in December 2008.

"Much work is still pending and it depends on the people casting a vote for us. Then we will be able to return to power and complete the work," she said late on Thursday.

International concern

The BNP accuses the prime minister of clamping down on democracy and freedom of speech — including over the jailing of its leader Khaleda Zia this year on graft charges.

It says that 9,222 workers and supporters have been arrested during the election campaign and that half of its candidates were attacked by ruling party supporters.

Its Islamist ally, Jamaat-e-Islami, says more than 3,600 of its activists were also detained.

The opposition has depended on social media to lobby for votes, saying that harassment has confined many candidates to their homes.

Bangladeshi authorities slowed internet services across the country on Friday with 3G and 4G services suspended for several hours in an effort to fight "propaganda", an official said.

The BNP stepped up a desperate call for people to vote on Sunday. "On that day this country will be yours. You will take back its ownership," BNP deputy chief Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

The campaign troubles have put Bangladesh in an international spotlight.

US ambassador Earl Miller said "the United States is concerned by the high level of campaign violence over the last two weeks," following a meeting with Bangladesh's election chief late on Thursday.

He added that while all parties have been victims, "it appears opposition party candidates have borne the brunt of most violence".

Miller said everyone in Bangladesh must be able to vote "without harassment, intimidation, or violence".

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also called for a vote "free of violence, intimidation and coercion," according to a spokesman.

An opinion poll has showed Hasina is poised for a comfortable win.

The Awami League leader won a landslide victory in 2008 and the BNP boycotted the 2014 election, saying it was not free and fair, gifting her a return to power.

But since her last victory, civil society and rights groups have accused Hasina's government of silencing dissent and muzzling the press.

Zia, an arch-rival of the prime minister, was jailed for 17 years this year on graft charges that her party says are politically motivated.

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South Africa beat Pakistan by six wickets in first Test

South Africa eased to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Centurion on Friday as Hashim Amla returned to form with an unbeaten half-century.

Chasing 149 to win on the third day of a low-scoring match, Amla finished on 63 not out, while opener Dean Elgar contributed 50 as the hosts struck first in the three-game series.

A dropped catch and a controversial umpiring decision thwarted Pakistan as South Africa inched close towards victory.

Chasing a target of 149, South Africa were 81 for one at lunch after a tense morning.

Pakistan made an ideal start when Hasan Ali trapped Aiden Markram leg before wicket before a run had been scored.

Hasan and Mohammad Amir did not concede a run off the bat until Hashim Amla clipped Hasan for four in the sixth over.

There were two crucial incidents with the total on 16, either of which could have swung the game in Pakistan's favour.

Amla, on eight, was dropped by Fakhar Zaman at third slip off Hasan when he slashed hard at the ball, which flew at chest height to the fielder.

In the next over, Dean Elgar, on four, edged new bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi low to first slip where Azhar Ali appeared to take a diving catch.

On-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Sundaram Ravi conferred before referring to television umpire Joel Wilson with a 'soft' signal of out, indicating they thought it was a clean catch.

After looking at several replays including super-slow close-ups, Wilson ruled the ball had bounced and Elgar was reprieved.

The decision clearly astonished the Pakistan players and coach Mickey Arthur was seen leaving his place on the players' balcony and going to the adjacent office of match referee David Boon.

Television commentator Michael Holding criticised his fellow West Indian Wilson.

"I'm convinced he was out," said Holding. "I think the third umpire made a mistake. The protocol says you have got to be 100 per cent sure the decision was wrong to change it."

In a similar situation, Indian captain Virat Kohli was given out in the recent second Test against Australia in Perth when television umpire Nigel Llong found no conclusive evidence to overturn a 'soft' signal from the on-field umpires.

Elgar and Amla survived some testing bowling from the Pakistan seamers and gradually began to lift the scoring rate. Elgar was on 32 and Amla 45 at lunch.

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Premier IK approves launch of new private airline from Sialkot

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday granted approval for the launch of a new private airline from Sialkot International Airport.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar, AirSial Chairman Fazal Jillani and other members of the local business community met with the prime minister and Minister for Privatisation and Aviation Muhammad Mian Soomro in Sialkot, Dar told media.

The airline is to be launched through cooperation with local traders and businessmen. The chairman of AirSial said the airline would become operational within the next year.

The businessmen thanked the premier for the government's assistance in the launch of the airline.

The prime minister remarked that Sialkot is fast becoming a major hub for investment and that the government would provide additional facilities to the area.

"The airline's launch will create jobs and stimulate business activity in the region," the premier said.

The business community in Sialkot in 2009, after establishing the international airport in the export hub on a self-help basis, had decided to launch the airline to provide a cheaper travelling facility to the region's traders along domestic and international routes.

The airline was to be established under the joint supervision of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Sialkot International Airport.

The Sialkot business community has also planned to set up a food and vegetable processing/packing centre close to the airport to boost exports.

Exporters in Sialkot, in addition to construction of the airport, have also completed the construction of a dry port, export processing zone, small industrial estates and inter-city roads on a self-help basis under the city development package.

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Australia Test cricketer Khawaja's brother re-arrested

The brother of Australian Test cricketer Usman Khawaja has been charged with trying to influence a witness over a case where he allegedly framed a love rival with a fake terror plot, police said on Friday.

Arsalan Khawaja was released on bail in early December after appearing in a Sydney court on charges of forgery and attempting to pervert justice.

He was re-arrested on Thursday "after allegedly attempting to influence a witness" in the counter-terror investigation, a New South Wales state police spokeswoman told AFP.

The 39-year-old was charged with breaching his bail conditions and influencing a witness in judicial procedures.

His bail was formally revoked by a Sydney magistrate on Friday and he is expected to remain in custody until the next court hearing in February.

Sri Lankan Mohamed Nizamdeen was arrested in August over a "hit list" written in a notebook, which outlined plans to kill then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

But police released Nizamdeen in September and later dropped the charges after investigators could not link the handwriting in the notebook to him.

Investigators have said they believe Arsalan Khawaja set up his university colleague Nizamdeen in relation to a dispute over a woman.

Pakistan-born batsman Usman Khawaja, 32, is playing in the ongoing third Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

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Daesh - Afghanistan Spokesman Killed in US Airstrike

The United States is reporting more progress in its efforts to eradicate the Daesh terror group's branch in Afghanistan, confirming the death of its spokesman in a U.S. airstrike.

A U.S. military official said Thursday that Sultan Aziz Azam was killed Sunday (Dec. 23) in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province. A second Daesh member was also killed in the strike.

No civilian casualties were reported as a result of the strike, which was first made public by Afghan officials.

A spokesman for Afghanistan's Interior Ministry earlier told international news agency that Azam was killed along with three of his guards.

The spokesman said Azam was responsible for recruiting fighters to carry out high-profile attacks against civilians.

U.S. report claims progress

News of the strike follows the release of a quarterly report by the Pentagon to U.S. lawmakers, which hailed progress by both U.S. and Afghan forces against the terror group, also known as Daesh-Khorasan of Daesh-K.

"Daesh-K faced significant territorial, leadership, and personnel losses in Nangarhar," according to the report, which covered the period from June to the end of November.

But the Pentagon report also warned despite progress in Nangarhar province, Daesh-Khorasan has been finding ways to hang on.

"It has sought refuge elsewhere in the country," the report said. "Although weakened, Daesh-K will most likely continue to plan and execute high-profile attacks in populated areas."

Daesh fighters remain

The strike against the Daesh-Khorasan spokesman also comes as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a partial withdrawal from Afghanistan that would see nearly half of the roughly 14,000 U.S. troops in the country return home.

U.S. officials estimated that as of September 2018, Daesh-Khorasan still had more than 1,000 fighters in both Nangarhar and northern Jowzjan provinces.

Since 2017, U.S. airstrikes have killed at least three Daesh-Khorasan leaders, as well as other top officials.

Daesh poaching fighters

Most recently, on Aug. 26, the Afghan government announced the death of Daesh-Khorasan emir Abdu Saad Erhabi, along with his nine commanders, in a U.S. airstrike, calling it a "major blow" to the terror group.But before stepping down in September, the former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, General John Nicholson, warned that while Daesh-Khorasan was not growing, it was having success replenishing its ranks by poaching fighters from other terrorist groups in the region.

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No one can scare PPP leadership, says Zardari

Pakistan Peoples Party president Asif Ali Zardari on Friday warned that no one can scare away his party leadership and assured his supporters that there is nothing to be frightened of.

Addressing a rally in Ghotki, the former president told the participants not to be scared as “no one can scare us away”.

“A nation that is united and aware of its rights cannot be made to back down.”

“No one can scare your leadership,” Zardari said.”

“What sin have we committed? The work we have done will be written in the history records.

A country only becomes stronger when its people are happy.”

The PPP leader said he would face down any one who attempted to challenge him.

“We have been in opposition even after winning elections in the past.

We come here to serve the public, not to serve ourselves,” he added.

It is his party’s philosophy to give rights to the poor first, the former president reminded.

Zardari is among 172 individuals who have been placed on the Exit Control List by the government.

His son, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and sister Faryal Talpur, have also been put on the no-fly list.

Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah have also been barred from flying abroad.

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Russia will host Putin,Erdogan,Rouhani summit early 2019

Moscow will host the leaders of Russia, Iran and Turkey early next year to discuss the Syrian conflict, Russia's deputy foreign minister said on Friday, after the United States announced it was withdrawing troops from the country.

“It's our turn to host the summit around the first week of the year.

This will depend on the schedules of the presidents,” Mikhail Bogdanov was cited as saying by Interfax news agency.

The meeting will be the latest step in the Astana peace process set up in early 2017 by Russia and Iran, who support President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and opposition backer Turkey.

The Astana process was launched after Russia's military intervention in Syria tipped the balance in the Damascus regime's favour.

It has gradually eclipsed an earlier United Nations-sponsored negotiations framework known as the Geneva process.

The last meeting between Russia's Vladimir Putin, Iran's Hassan Rouhani and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan took place in Iran in September with the fate of the rebel-held Idlib province dominating the agenda.

US President Donald Trump in a shock announcement recently said he was pulling out some 2,000 American soldiers from Syria, claiming the militant Islamic State group's terrorists had been defeated.

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ٖٖFederal government releases list of 172 suspects placed on ECL

The federal government on Friday released a list of 172 suspects whose names have been placed on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Top Pakistan Peoples Party leaders including party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, former president Asif Ali Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur are among those placed on the no-fly list.

Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and former chief minister Qaim Ali Shah are also included in the list.

 

Provincial ministers Imtiaz Shaikh and Mukesh Chawla and former home minister Sohail Anwar Siyal are among those barred from flying abroad.

Ten members of the Omni Group, including chairman Anwar Majeed and his sons Abdul Ghani Majeed, Nimr Majeed are also on the list.

Tahir Mehmood, acting chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, and former Karachi Stock Exchange chairman Hussain Lawai, who is currently incarcerated in connection to the money laundering scam, are also on the list of suspects barred from leaving the country.
he list includes presidents of local banks Ahsan Raza Durrani, Ahsan Tariq, Syed Ali Raza, and Bilal Sheikh, an old confidant of former president Asif Ali Zardari.

Former Sindh Building Control Authority chairman Manzoor Qadir has also been placed on the ECL.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry in a press briefing on Thursday had announced the government's decision to put 172 individuals on the ECL, in view of a report submitted by a joint investigation team in the Supreme Court in the long-running money laundering case. The JIT, in its report, had held the Zardari and Omni groups responsible in the mega money laundering and fake bank accounts case. 

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20,000 employees of power involved in theft

The Senate Standing Committee on Power was informed that around 20,000 employees of power distribution companies were found involved in theft or other similar activities, and investigation was going on against them.

The Senate committee, in a meeting chaired by Senator Fida Muhammad, emphasised the need for zero tolerance in areas having higher electricity theft rates and recommended that power should be provided taking into account the percentage of customers who paid their bills.

The committee directed the Power Division to present a sub-committee’s recommendations in the cabinet and decide on carrying out load-shedding in accordance with the bill recovery rates.

The meeting was informed that boards of distribution companies were free to tackle theft cases and there was no interference from the ministry.

Moreover, it urged the companies to approach the committee if any matter relating to theft, losses and interference needed the panel’s intervention.

Discussions of the committee were centered around outsourcing some distribution networks to the private sector, providing proper power connections in tribal areas, pending payments to the Sindh irrigation department for work on the Guddu barrage and taking to task employees of Wapda and distribution companies involved in electricity theft.

Committee members were told that distribution companies across the country had around 120,000 employees, of which around 20,000 were found involved in theft or other heinous activities.

It was agreed that matters relating to K-Electric would be reviewed in the two special committees constituted by the prime minister and headed by the adviser to PM on commerce and the privatisation secretary.

Regarding the appointment of maintenance staff for solar tube wells in tribal areas, the committee was told that the project was not undertaken by the Power Division.

Discussing the installation of defective and expired electricity meters in the Askari 11 Housing Society, it was noted that the meters were not fixed by the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco) but by the society administration itself.

However, Lesco has replaced all 209 meters with new functional ones.

The committee decided to call the assistant commissioner revenue of Khyber Agency and the authorities concerned to discuss alleged sale of Tribal Area Electricity Supply Company (Tesco) land for the installation of a grid station in Jamrud without the owner’s consent.

The committee was also given a briefing on the budget and expenditures of the Power Division.

The ministry has a total non-development budgetary allocation of Rs245 million for the current fiscal year, out of which Rs95 million had been spent.

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PM Imran accords approval for new flight to operate from Sialkot airport

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday accorded approval for a new airline to operate flights from Sialkot airport.

The chairman of the private airline, Fazal Gilani, Federal Minister for Privatisation and Aviation Mohammedmian Soomro and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Muhammad Usman Dar met the premier in Islamabad.

During the meeting, the premier accorded approval for the airline to operate from Sialkot airport and said, “The decision of traders to start flight services is a welcome step.”

“Sialkot is becoming an important hub of investment and the government will provide further facilities,” he added."

PM Imran further said, “The government is taking comprehensive measures for the business community."

"The start of the airline will increase business activities and employment in the region.”

“Traders should present more recommendations and the government will consider them,” he continued.

Speaking on the occasion, the private airline chairman said, “The airline will be operational from next year."

"We are thankful to PM Imran for granting government patronage.”

The federal minister for aviation also welcomed the start of the new airline.

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Rao Anwar asks SC for removal of name from ECL

Suspended senior officer of Sindh Police Rao Anwar Ahmed Khan on Thursday approached the Supreme Court, seeking removal of his name from the Exit Control List (ECL) so that he could travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umra.

SSP Rao Anwar, who received much media attention after becoming a prime suspect in the murder case of 27-year-old Naqeebullah Mahsud from South Waziristan, requested the apex court to order the trial court to regulate his movement abroad after removing his name from the ECL.

On March 21, Rao Anwar had surrendered himself to the Supreme Court which then ordered constituting a five-man JIT headed by Additional Inspector General of Sindh Police Aftab Pathan and putting his name on the ECL.

In his fresh application, Rao Anwar contends that putting the name of an accused on the ECL and curtaining his liberty is beyond the requirement of reasonable restrictions as regulation of movement of the accused person by the trial court does satisfy the requirement of reasonable restrictions without completely curtailing and abridging the fundamental rights of freedom of movement.

Conceding that he still awaits posting, Rao Anwar explains that he has more than three decades of unblemished service to his credit, adding that he has always performed his duties selflessly, devotedly and to the best of his abilities.

He says that he intends to perform Umra which is subject to removal of his name from the ECL and permission granted by the trial court.

Moreover, he needs to travel abroad to deal with his family issues, like engagement of daughters since they have now grown up.

The suspended SSP contends that he is required to travel abroad since he is bound to perform his moral and religious obligation for all such events.

He states that he has been regularly attending trial, the conclusion of which in near future is not possible since even the charge has not yet been framed.

The application also undertakes that Rao Anwar will keep on attending the trial regularly and his movement abroad will never cause any hindrance, delay or impediment in expeditious proceedings of trial or its timely conclusion.

He also contends that he will travel abroad as and when required subject to permission of the trial court.

Rao Anwar pleads that mere registration of an FIR or pending criminal trial is not a valid reason for placing his name on the ECL as freedom of movement is a fundamental right and cannot be curtailed or abridged on account of pendency of trial.

There are many high-profile criminal cases, the application highlights, like the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, the May 12 carnage, the Ayan Ali case, etc, in which names of accused persons have not been placed on the ECL.

According to the application, registration of the FIR has no nexus with and is extraneous to the objects of the Exit from Pakistan (Control) Ordinance, 1981.

Rao Anwar says he enjoys tremendous goodwill and reputation among his contemporaries for his act of gallantry in busting criminal gangs, volunteering in operations against hardened criminals, members of banned outfits and militants and restoring peace and tranquillity in his area of responsibility.

But, he adds, on account of his proactive role against crime he has always remained on the hit list of criminals and has faced many assassination attempts.

Intelligence agencies have issued several threat alerts pre-empting fatal attempts on him, he contends in the application.

The application explains that the suspended SSP has been doing all this in the line of duty and without any personal benefit.

In recognition of his unprecedented services rendered for the benefit of public at large at the cost of his liberty and security, he has been issued appreciation letters, cash rewards and shields by his department, heads of other law enforcement agencies and the business community.

The application argues that Rao Anwar is entitled for equal protection of law and same treatment which is being meted out to other similarly placed accused persons as envisaged under Article 4 and 25 of the Constitution.

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