Talking to German journalists in New Delhi, she said current situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir is neither good nor sustainable and cannot be supported for long.
Angela Merkel urged that the situation in Occupied Kashmir must improve.
Duty judge Khalid Bashir conducted the hearing. Call Data Record (CDR) of the investigation officer was submitted in the court. Rana Sanaullah’s counsels also requested the court take action over their client’s plea to hand over the seized car.
The PML-N leader’s wife talked to media inside the court premises and reiterated support for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazal (JUI-F) Chief Fazal-ur- Rehman’s Azadi March while terming Imran Khan as selected prime minister.
Earlier, the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) had challenged trial court’s decision of not hearing heroin smuggling case against Rana Sanaullah on daily basis in the Lahore High Court (LHC).
The petition was filed by the ANF legal director maintaining that a drug trafficking case was lodged against the PML-N leader on July 1 and the challan was timely submitted.
The ANF took the stance that the trial court, contrary to facts, rejected the plea seeking hearing on daily basis. The ANF requested the Lahore High Court to nullify the trial court’s decision and allow conducting hearing on daily basis.
Meeting of the Pakistan Tehhreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) core committee will be held today at PM Imran's Bani Gala residence to discuss prevailing political situation of the country.
According to sources, the negotiating team lead by Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak will also contact the Rahbar Committee over JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s speech.
Sources added, next course of action and directions regarding the Azadi March will be given by the prime minister during the meeting.
A day earlier, Khattak said the government had decided to approach Maulana Fazl after the latter gave Prime Minister Imran Khan a two-day deadline to tender his resignation.
Fazl, addressing the crowd at Azadi March in Islamabad on Friday, had reiterated the demand for the prime minister’s resignation.
Following which, ruling PTI’s committee —constituted to hold consultation with the Rahbar committee over the march — decided to approach Fazl again.
In a statement, the OIC Secretary General also offered condolences to the families of the victims, wishing speedy recovery of the injured.
Meanwhile, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz have also condoled over the tragic incident.
In their separate messages to President Dr. Arif Alvi, they prayed to Allah Almighty to bestow His mercy on the deceased, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Read more: President, PM express deep sorrow over loss of lives in train incident
President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in Tezgam Express fire incident in Rahim Yar Khan.
Talking to media persons in Islamabad, she said the world acknowledges Prime Minister Imran Khan's statesmanship and the President of World Bank also appreciated him for working hard to put the country's economy on the right track.
Replying to a question, Firdous Ashiq Awan said we are political people and will continue to hold dialogue with the Opposition to resolve the issues.
She said the negotiation committee of the government would decide strategy for talks with the Opposition.
Replying to another question, she said Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman disassociated himself with the promises made with the government.
The Special Assistant on Information said breaking commitments and promises is against Islamic teachings and it is tragic the nation is being misled on the basis of religion.
Meanwhile, in a tweet on Saturday, Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan has regretted that the opposition parties are attacking the state of Pakistan to help their children reach the corridors of power.
اگر غور کیا جائے تو اس وقت کنٹینر پر وہ پانچ خاندان ہیں جو ہمیشہ سے اس ملک پر حکمرانی کرتے رہے ہیں یعنی ، مفتی محمود خاندان ، اچکزئی خاندان ، ولی خان خاندان ،بھٹو خاندان اور شریف خاندان ۔۔۔
— Firdous Ashiq Awan (@Dr_FirdousPTI) November 2, 2019
اب وہ حکمرانی اپنی اولادوں تک پہنچانے کے لیئے ریاست پاکستان پر حملہ آور ہیں ۔۔۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/rspTmbPRjI
She pointed out that only those five families are standing on the container which always remained in the power. These families, she said, include Mufti Mahmood Khan, Achakzai, Wali Khan, Bhutto and Sharifs.
The premier addressed a rally in connection with independence of Gilgit-Baltistan and reiterated that NRO will not be given to the corrupt mafia regardless of the anti-government protest that is being held in the federal capital.
“From whom the protesters of Azadi March want freedom? Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers do not even know why they are participating in the march.
“Indian media is giving coverage to Fazal-ur-Rehman as if he is an Indian citizen. The enemies of Pakistan are happy with Azadi March. All parties have gathered to pressurize me. Why is the opposition afraid of accountability if it has not done any corruption?
“Those times have gone when Islam was used for political motives to gain power. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has obtained details of the corruption that the opposition parties committed and they are now afraid of being held accountable. The JUI-F chief gets sold on diesel permit.
“Pakistan’s debt soared from Rs 6,000 billion to Rs 30,000 billion. Even the children of these corrupt leaders are billionaires. The father of former finance minister ran a bicycle shop. Nawaz Sharif’s children own properties worth billions.
“The plundered money is sent abroad which leads to shortage of dollar and as a result, devaluation of Pakistan rupee. The country becomes poor due to corruption against which I have been fighting for 22 years.
“Inflation rate was highest during Pakistan Peoples Party tenure. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari calls himself a liberal but he is only a corrupt liberal.”
The DG ISPR was speaking to a private channel, where he spoke about the speech Fazl gave to Azadi March protesters today.
“Maulana Fazl should take up his reservations with the concerned institutions,” said the DG ISPR.
“Pakistan Army is an impartial institution,” said Major General Ghafoor, adding that the security personnel lay their lives in the defense of the motherland.
He further said that whichever political party has an issue it should take up with the concerned institution, being within the remits of Constitution and law.
Read more: Fazl gives PM Imran two-day deadline to resign
“No allegations should be levelled by protesting on streets,” he stated.
DG ISPR Ghafoor said that there is tension on the eastern border, while anti-terrorism operation Raddul-Fasaad is also going on in the tribal areas.
He added that the Indian aggression was befittingly responded to.
Addressing the huge crowd, the PPP chairman said that Pakistan’s population only believes in democracy.
Bilawal said that even after 70 years, transparent elections cannot be held in Pakistan, adding that his party’s polling agents were expelled from polling stations during the General Elections 2018.
“Selected government puts pressure on the nation,” said the PPP chairman, adding that people are being ‘economically murdered’.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari earlier on Friday night said the people of Pakistan won’t accept any ‘selected’ or ‘puppet’ prime minister and it was time for Prime Minister Imran Khan to go home.
“The people of this country won’t accept any selected or puppet premier nor are they willing to surrender to any dictator,” said Bilawal, addressing the Azadi March in Islamabad.
Dubbed the ‘Azadi’ March, the JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman-led caravan, which set off from the Sindh province, left Punjab’s city Lahore last night and arrived in Pakistan’s capital city, Islamabad late Thursday.
“The people of this country want only democracy and freedom from all the puppets, selectors and the selected.”
Taking jibe at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government, Bilawal said the performance of what he called the puppet government is visible to everyone after the lapse of one year of this government, adding the puppet government has no consideration for the masses.
The young PPP chairman said attacks were being launched at democracy for which the political parties suffered a lot and the rights of the people are being usurped.
“Selection is carried out in the elections. Rigging is managed. Polling agents are thrown out of the polling stations. The RTS system is aborted. As a result of the rigging, an inefficient, ineligible and puppet is selected to be the prime minister of this country,” he said.
And, that puppet is continuously assaulting the country’s federation, democracy and economy ever since, he said.
The PPP leader said puppet governments aren’t elected because of people’s vote, instead, they assume power because of someone else, hence they pay heed to their selectors, not the masses.
All the political parties have unanimously given the message that the ‘selected’ premier Imran Khan will have to go home now.
The people are economically assassinated with the help of excessive taxes and raging inflation ever since the Imran Khan-led government came, he pointed out.
Speaking to protesters in Azadi March, he congratulated JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for gathering thousands of people in the capital.
"Imran Khan had started politics of container which is being buried here today," he said.
The PMLN leader criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan for hike in prices, unemployment, poverty, and what he called his government's failure to overcome dengue .
"Today people are dying of dengue and government has deprived people of medicine," he said.
He said 50,000 people have been affected by dengue this year. "People have lost their lives to dengue. And yet Imran Khan used to call us Dengue Brothers".
He said people used to get free medicine during Nawaz Sharif government, adding that people have realised that old Pakistan was better than Naya Pakistan.
Calling Azadi March the first phase of the movement, he said the opposition would now take forward its campaign.
"We will put the country on the right track within six months after forming a government in collaboration with our allies," he said.
Dubbed the ‘Azadi’ March, the caravan, which set off from Sindh, left Punjab’s city Lahore on Wednesday and culminated its journey Thursday night in Islamabad.
Opposition leaders delivered fiery speeches against the PTI government on Thursday, giving PM Imran Khan a two-day ultimatum to resign.
Earlier, the ruling and the opposition parties reached an agreement to let the anti-government march progress as planned, as long as the protesters do not cross into the sensitive “Red Zone” in the federal capital.
Fazl demands PM's resignation within two days
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman addressed the charged crowd, saying that the incumbent government has left the people of occupied Kashmir alone. He said that the people of Kashmir will fight for their independence and right to self-determination.
"We will not allow them to further play with the emotions of the people," said the JUI-F chief.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has given Prime Minister Imran two days to resign and go home.
"We cannot show more patience," he said. "We are giving two days' time otherwise the people have the capability to enter the PM House by force and arrest the prime minister," he added.
In the same vein, the JUI-F chief said that the opposition doesn't want to clash with the institutions and wants to see them strengthened.
Religion card: The JUI-F chief lashed out at the government for alleging that he was using the religion card to instigate the masses.
"Who are you to deny me the right when our constitution talks about religion," he asked. "Who are you to deny me my rights that are enshrined in the constitution?"
Unemployment at peak: The PTI-government vowed to give employment and houses to millions but instead they 'demolished houses of five million people', he said.
Fazl said that the prime minister had promised that his government would improve the economy to the extent that people from overseas would seek jobs in the country.
"Only two people have sought employment in Pakistan from abroad — the FBR chairman and the State Bank governor," he said.
The JUI-F chief said that people are committing suicide due to the dire economic condition, adding that common man is in constant state of torment.
People are being murdered economically: Bilawal
Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto also arrived at the rally’s venue, to address the crowd.
Addressing the huge crowd gathered at H-9 park, the PPP chairman said that Pakistan’s people only believe in democracy.
Bilawal said that even after 70 years, transparent elections cannot be held in Pakistan.
Calling the prime minister incompetent, Bilawal said that the 'fake government' needs to be sent packing.
Shehbaz Sharif addresses Azadi March
PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif addressing the Azadi march said, “Tabadeeli did not come before it will come now.”
Shehbaz vowed to fix Pakistan's woes by forming a government, led by coalition partners.
He added, “Imran Khan Niazi you started container politics, today, here container politics will be buried here.”
“Today we see, that the Naya Pakistan was better or the old one. Under Nawaz medicines were free for the poor, today medicines have been taken from them.
Was that Pakistan better where there was no dengue or the one now where there is dengue now,” he asked.
"This year, 50,000 have been affected by dengue," he asserted.
He added, "Everything is expensive today. We will make economy better in six months."
"You started the container politics and you said you will burn down this parliament. Despite rigged elections we offered the charter of economy, but you refused our offer," he added.
The day is being celebrated to pay tributes to those heroes of liberation war and Gilgit Scouts who revolted against Dogra rule on 1st November 1947.
Political, Social and literary circles have finalized programs to celebrated the day in a befitting manner.
A ceremony in this regard will be held at Helipad ground in Gilgit at nine in the morning.
Besides, a grand function will also be held in Aga Khan Shahi polo ground in Gilgit after Friday prayer.
Addressing Azadi Parade on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day of Gilgit Baltistan, in Gilgit on Friday, he said Narendra Modi has played his last card by revoking the special status of the occupied territory on the 5th August. He said the oppressive regime of Modi has imposed a cruel curfew in occupied Kashmir over the last three months and millions of people have been confined to their homes by nine hundred thousand Indian troops.
He said India will see the spirit and more resolve of the Kashmiri people for freedom once it lifts the curfew in the valley.
Imran Khan said Pakistani nation stands by Kashmiri brethren. He said he is the ambassador and spokesperson of the Kashmiri people and will plead their case at every fora.
Paying tributes to the valiant freedom struggle of the people of Gilgit against Dogra regime, the Prime Minister noted if they have not fought that war they too probably would have been facing the oppression of Modi regime today.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan will be uplifted as per the principles of State of Madina. He said Pakistan is a great gift of God and it is the first country which was carved out in the name of Islam. He said we will make this country a glorious example for the world by following the principles of state of Madina.
The Prime Minister said that the country has been opened for tourism. Visa for the citizens of seventy countries have been abolished and they can get the visa on arrival at the airports.
Alluding to the immense beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Prime Minister was confident that now more tourists will be visiting the region which will bring prosperity and ensure a brighter future for its people.
He said that Gilgit-Baltistan is also a gateway to multi billion dollars China Pakistan Economic Corridor project which will bring development in this area in the days ahead.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister also greatly appreciated efforts and sacrifices of Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism.
In a tweet, he said they would not need a passport and just have a valid Identity Card.
For Sikhs coming for pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived off 2 requirements: i) they wont need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on day of inauguration & on Guruji's 550th birthday
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 1, 2019
He said they no longer have to register ten days in advance.
Prime Minister also announced that no fee will be charged on day of inauguration of Kartarpur and on Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji's 550th birthday.
Azadi March starting from Karachi traveled 1450 Km in 5 days to finally reach federal capital. The central rally under the leadership of Maulana Fazlur Rehman had started its journey from Karachi on Sunday.
The march travelling from Hyderabad, Matiari, Nawabshah, Noshehroferoz and Khairpur reached Sukkur for night stay. On Monday morning the march started its journey for Multan via Ghotki, Rahim Yar Khan and Uch Sharif.
On Tuesday the marchers moved towards Lahore via Khanewal, Mian Channu, Chicha Watnai, Sahiwal, Okara and Patoki. Passing night in Lahore the marchers moved towards their final destination in federal capital via Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jehlum and Gujar Khan.
JUI-F leadership remained in the container where consultations were being made.
Earlier, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman rejected the news regarding postponement of Azadi March and said all caravans are on their way to federal capital.
Exhibitions and photo competitions on Kashmir issue will be held across the country, including in Islamabad, provincial capitals, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan. The Islamabad event will be organized at Constitution Avenue.
Those working in the government departments will wear black arm bands entitled "I am Kashmir" to convey the message that Pakistan fully stands by their Kashmiri brethern.
The verdict was reserved by Justice Baqar Najfi and will be announced on Friday.
Also read: Accountability court extends judicial remand of Maryam Nawaz
Maryam is on judicial remand in an inquiry related to Chaudhry Sugar Mills case.
An accountability court last week extended her judicial remand till November 2.
“If they bring more people than expected, we will give them more space,” Shah told reporters, “We will make them feel comfortable, as comfortable as staying in a five star hotel.”
He also added that during negotiations the only point of discussion was the venue of the protest. The marchers, he said, demanded that the government let them enter D Chowk, “we said that it not possible.”
He added, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) will have to abide by the the judgments of Supreme Court judge Qazi Faez Isa and the Islamabad High Court regarding the sit-in.
The federal minister said Maulana Fazl was allowed to march but he should respect the court decisions too.
Shah said the prime minister decided not to prevent the JUI-F from marching since he himself is a politician.
He conceded that political statements issued by both government and the opposition made the atmosphere tense.
Maulana Fazl, along with thousands of protesters have been camping near Gujar Khan, some 53 kilometers from the federal capital.
Fazl intends to enter Islamabad in his bid to de-seat Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The JUI-F backed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) started its Azadi March from Karachi on October 27.
The Indian government had on August 5 repealed Article 370 of its constitution, stripping occupied Kashmir of its special status. The orders went into effect today, dividing up occupied Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories; one Jammu and Kashmir, and the other the Buddhist-dominated high altitude region of Ladakh.
In a statement released by the Foreign Office, Pakistan termed the move a "complete violation of the UN Security Council Resolutions and bilateral agreements between India and Pakistan, especially the Simla Agreement".
The statement underlined that India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised disputed territory. "No step by the government of India can change this. These changes are illegal and void as per the relevant UNSC Resolutions, and do not prejudice the right to self-determination of the people of occupied Jammu & Kashmir."
Pakistan particularly highlighted that the August 5 measures announced by India "were forced upon" the people of India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir "through the barrel of a gun". The FO statement said that the region has been turned into a prison with the deployment of over 900,000 Indian security forces.
The statement further observed that many people including political leaders, civil society members, women and children "remain under illegal detention".
"An iron curtain remains in place on more than 8 million Kashmiri people snapping their communications with the outside world," said the statement.
"Curfew remains imposed and movement of people restricted. Many people, especially women and children, are being continuously abused and tortured by Indian occupation forces," it added.
Pakistan rejected the narrative that the changes are India's "internal matter" and termed them as "illegal and unilateral" as the dispute "remains on the agenda of the Security Council".
The FO, in its statement said that the purpose of these changes "is neither development of the region nor welfare of the Kashmiri people".
"The real motive is to alter the demographic structure of the Muslim majority state in pursuance of the extremist 'Hindutva' ideology."
Pakistan called upon the international community to "take notice that the transfer of civilian population from outside into India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir is in grave violation of the international laws particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention".
The statement laid emphasis on the fact that this forceful occupation by India will never be accepted by the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India's unilateral actions "would only further aggravate the human rights situation in the region and threaten to destabilise the peace, security and stability of the South Asian region as well as the world".
Pakistan called on India to "stop brutalising the innocent Kashmiris under its illegal occupation for the last seven decades".
"India should immediately withdraw its military forces from the region, remove draconian laws, restore basic human rights of the people, free all detainees, lift all restrictions on the free movement and communications, allow unimpeded and full access to the UN and other international human rights observers, including independent foreign media," urged the Foreign Office.
"It is imperative that India implements the UN Security Council Resolutions on the right of Kashmiris to self-determination, without further prevarication."
The statement also asserted Pakistan's resolve to continue to "extend its full moral, political and diplomatic support to the suffering Kashmiri brothers and sisters" until their right to self-dermination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions is realised.
In their separate condolence messages, they condoled with the bereaved families.
The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to provide prompt and best possible medical treatment to those injured in the incident.
Special Assistant to Prime Minsiter on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan has also expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in Tezgam train incident. She condoled with the bereaved families.
The minister has demanded the preliminary inquiry report within 24 hours.
Sheikh Rasheed expressed tremendous grief and sorrow on the harrowing incident and condoled those whose loved ones have died or are injured due to the fact.
The Minister also requested individuals traveling via trains to not cook over live flames or carry possible flammable substances during travel to safeguard themselves from such tragedies.
He also informed that the train track would be cleared for commute within two hours, the Tableeghi Jamaat members were headed for a religious gathering in Rawalpindi and were trying to cook something over a gas cylinder when a possible leakage resulted in catastrophe.
10 fire extinguishing vehicles of rescue 1122 are participating in the efforts to kill the flame.
Forty six people reportedly dead and forty others injured when fire engulfed three bogies of Tezgam Express due to a cylinder explosion at Liaquatpur in Rahim Yar Khan earlier in the morning.
The injured are being shifted to nearby hospitals while rescue teams are busy in extinguishing the fire.
The train was on its way from Karachi to Rawalpindi when the unfortunate occurrence took place.
The people who brought the gas cylinder on board are being said to be from the Tableeghi Jamaat.
Escalation in number of deaths and those that sustained injuries is feared.
Matters of mutual interest, bilateral ties, overall regional situation and other issues were came under discussion in the meeting, said sources.
Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister said that Pakistan and Cuba had historically enjoyed close and cordial ties. He noted that the Cuban leaders including former President Fidel Castro were held in high esteem by the people of Pakistan.
PM Imran particularly recalled Cuba’s medical assistance for the victims of 2005 earthquake and for medical education of over 900 Pakistani students, both initiatives of President Castro.
He added that the visit by the Cuban delegation was timely and would help reinforce the friendly relations between the two countries expand mutually beneficial collaboration in various fields.
The Cuban vice president highlighted the excellent nature of Cuba-Pakistan relations and thanked Pakistan for close collaboration in multilateral fora.
On the occasion, both the leaders emphasized the need to build on the existing political ties and to augment bilateral economic relations in diverse areas.
Meanwhile, firefighters have initiated a rescue operation to extinguish the fire and other passengers are being evacuated from the train to safe places. The affected carriages are being separated from the train.
The train, Tezgam, was on its way from Karachi to Rawalpindi, when a gas cylinder carried by a passenger exploded, leaving several dead and injured. The fire was caused by the explosion in a gas cylinder, confirmed the Pakistan Railways official.
According to details, the passengers were cooking breakfast when the gas cylinder exploded. After the blast, the raging fire engulfed two other coaches as well.
Fire fighters were still extinguishing the fire as per last reports.
President Michel Aoun acknowledged Saad Hariri's resignation as prime minister on Tuesday but asked his government to stay on in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is formed.
But there was no clear way out of the political crisis that has drawn warnings from Lebanon's foreign partners.
On the ground, security forces reopened most roads that had remained mostly blocked by protesters since a proposed tax on calls via messaging apps sparked a wave of demonstrations on October 17.
The unprecedented mobilisation swelled into a popular drive to remove a political elite which has remained largely unchanged since the end of the civil war three decades ago.
Euphoric protesters experiencing a rare moment of national unity have pilloried politicians of all parties, calling for better public services, an end to rampant corruption and a complete overhaul of sectarian-based politics.
When a sombre Hariri appeared on television to announce his resignation, crowds erupted into celebrations across the country but warned that the government's fall was only one of their demands.
“The resignation is not enough to get us off the streets,” said Charbel, a 26-year-old draped in a Lebanese flag, who was still protesting in central Beirut on Wednesday.
“We need to keep up the pressure, but we should not keep the roads closed because now it's bothering even the people who were supporting the movement,” he said.
Protest life
Hariri's resignation came after counter-demonstrators loyal to some of his political rivals attacked the main protest site in the capital's Martyr's Square.
They destroyed tents and marquees and the rest of the temporary infrastructure that turned downtown Beirut into a huge encampment — hosting protests and political meetings by day, concerts and parties by night.
Well-organised protesters, however, swiftly cleaned up and returned to the site, occupying the main flyover again on Tuesday evening.
Food stands serving sandwiches or corn on the cob were doing brisk business.
Some protesters laid out carpets and sofas, some slept in hammocks hung between traffic signals and others brought goal posts to set up a football pitch across the four-lane highway.
By Wednesday, having won the government's resignation, protesters were divided over the decision to remove roadblocks, which they see as one of the few sources of leverage for their leaderless and spontaneous movement.
As roads reopened, the education ministry called on schools and universities to resume classes on Thursday morning, and banks were set to open again the following day.
The resignation announced by Hariri came after the failure of days of consultations with his fractious cabinet to agree on a reshuffle and meet some of the protesters' demands for a technocratic government.
Early in the protests, Hariri had hinted that resigning was an option but his rivals in the government coalition, including Aoun's party and its allies from the powerful Shiite movement Hezbollah, had warned a political vacuum could lead to chaos.
Hariri's suggestions were rejected by Aoun, whose son-in-law Gebran Bassil is the outgoing foreign minister and one of the most reviled figures for the protesters.
What's next?
Forming a government in Lebanon can typically take months, with every sectarian and party leader seeking to protect their own communal interests.
“There is no time for any of the old games,” Heiko Wimmen, Lebanon project director at the International Crisis Group think-tank, told AFP.
“The pressure of the street and, perhaps even more so, the fear of economic collapse will dictate an accelerated government formation,” he said.
The 49-year-old Hariri, who had already stepped down twice as prime minister in 10 years, could yet return as the head of the next government.
“Hariri throws it all away to better negotiate his return,” wrote the French-language newspaper L'Orient-Le Jour.
One rising name in the Sunni community to which the post is usually reserved is outgoing interior minister Raya al-Hassan, the first woman to hold that job and who has received praise for her bloodless handling of the protests.
Lebanon's economy, crippled by ballooning public debt, has been sliding to the brink of collapse in recent months.
Hariri announced a much-delayed reform package last week in a bid to address some of the protesters' demands and the requirements for a huge foreign assistance programme to be unlocked.
Some protesters want fresh elections to be organised, a move that would further delay the implementation of those reforms.
The 59-page judgment was authored by Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa.
The court in its judgment observed that the matter had been "a subject of controversy" for some time and that "different honourable benches of varying strength deciding different cases have [...] understood and interpreted the said term differently".
"It is in this backdrop that the present larger bench has been constituted so as to put an end to that controversy," read the judgment.
According to the judgment, the term 'terrorism' can be applied to the use of force, under an organised plan, for the realisation of religious, ideological or political goals.
It can also be applied when, under the plan, terror is struck in the hearts of people and damage dealt to lives and property.
The offence of terrorism is also committed when under an organised plan, religious sectarianism is spread in society.
Attacking journalists, the business community, the public, and the social sector under an organised plan also falls within the definition of terrorism. Similarly, an attack on law enforcement agencies and security forces is also terrorism, according to the judgment.
Employing an organised plan to cause damage to government property and to commit theft and robbery under such a plan are also acts of terrorism.
The judgment also outlined what offences cannot be viewed as terrorism.
The court clearly distinguished in its judgment that acts of violence, such as setting things on fire and extortion, committed under a personal vendetta arising out of enmity or hostility are not 'terrorism'.
Personal enmity as a result of contempt for a person's religion is not terrorism.
A person's involvement in an act of violence owing to hostility or personal enmity against the police, army or government employees does not fall within the scope of terrorism, ruled the court.
The Supreme Court clarified that "any action constituting an offence, howsoever grave, shocking, brutal, gruesome or horrifying, does not qualify to be termed as terrorism if it is not committed with the design or purpose specified or mentioned in clauses (b) or (c) of subsection (1) of section 6 of the said Act".
"It is further clarified that the actions specified in subsection (2) of section 6 of that Act do not qualify to be labeled or characterised as terrorism if such actions are taken in furtherance of personal enmity or private vendetta," said the court in its judgment.
It also observed that the definition of terrorism at present, as defined in the Act, is "too wide and the same includes so many actions, designs and purposes which have no nexus with the generally recognised concept of what terrorism is".
"Apart from that including some other heinous offences in the Preamble and the Third Schedule to that Act for trial of such offences by an Anti Terrorism Court when such other offences do not qualify to be included in the definition of terrorism puts an extra and unnecessary burden on such courts and causes delay in trial of actual cases of terrorism," said the court judgment.
The court recommended that the Parliament consider substituting the current definition with "a more succinct" one bringing it "in line with the international perspectives of that offence and focusing on violent activities aimed at achieving political, ideological or religious objectives".
"We further recommend that the Parliament may also consider suitably amending the preamble to the Act and removing all those offences from the Third Schedule to the Act which offences have no nexus with the offence of terrorism," said the judgment.
The court was hearing Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader’s plea seeking a bail in the hate speech case filed against him. The court also asked Safdar to submit a surety bond of Rs200,000.
After his release, overjoyed PML-N workers chanted slogans in Safdar’s favour.
Safdar and Maryam Nawaz’s son and party workers were present outside the jail to receive him, after the court announced the PML-N leader’s bail in the case.
Lahore police had arrested former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law near the Ravi Toll plaza and registered a case against him in Lahore’s Islampura police station last week.
The case was registered under section 16 of the MPO and additional charges were also added after the he was presented before the court.
Addressing a large rally in Kamoke where his Azadi March caravan arrived on Wednesday night, Fazl said that the present rulers had destroyed the economy of the country.
“The entire nation is on a single page,” said Fazl. “Join hands with me to send these rulers a clear message. When economies of nations are destroyed, their geographies are altered,” he added.
Fazl urged the masses to follow him if they wanted to ensure security in the country and make sure Pakistan’s future remains bright.
A session held at the Foreign Office today, pertaining to Maulana Fazlur Rahman’s protest, concluded under the headship of Secretary Interior Azam Suleman.
The session, attended by representatives of all Law Enforcement Agencies, took a closer look at Fazlur Rahman’s Azaadi March, participants of which were permitted to enter Islamabad through the assigned route.
Moreover, non-custom paid vehicles and those carrying weaponry would be barred from entering the federal capital.
As per the agreement, entry into Islamabad’s Red Zone is prohibited.
Last week, the government and opposition parties reached an agreement regarding the march.
Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak led the government delegation. He said that the committee did not demand Prime Minister Imran’s resignation neither did it say that it would topple the government.
“We expect the JUI-F to protest within the limits set out in the constitution of Pakistan,” he said. “If they remain peaceful, we will not create any hurdles for them.”
He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday which reviewed matters pertaining to the agro production especially the facilitation of small farmers.
The Prime Minister pointed out the agriculture policy especially the focus on facilitation of small farmers is the manifestation of government's commitment towards the agriculture sector.
Imran Khan noted that extending facilities to small farmers will not only bolster agriculture yield but also help alleviate poverty and improve the economic conditions.
The Prime Minister directed to enhance coordination amongst the provinces to achieve the targets in the agriculture sector.
According to details, traders in Islamabad and Rawalpindi gave a powerful message about their unity as many shops and outlets are remained closed in the twin cities.
The nationwide strike call was given by All-Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran (APAT).
The leaders of traders’ associations said that if FBR does not simply the tax procedure then we will lock our shops and hand over the keys to the prime minister.
Traders demanded that the incumbent government should play its role to resolve the problems of the business community.
Accountability court judge, Jawad Ul Hassan presiding over the case noted down testimonies of 5 witnesses in the first day of trial.
More witnesses have been summoned by the court for the next hearing so that their statements can also be recorded.
The court awarded both representatives of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) extensions in their judicial remand and asked them to appear in the court again on November 13.
Saad and Salman tried to meet fellow party worker and leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif after the court was adjourned but were denied access.
Both brothers currently face an assets beyond means and paragon housing scam case.
On October 16, accountability court rejected acquittal pleas of former railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafique and his brother Khawaja Salman Rafique in Paragon Housing Society case.
Khawaja brothers had filed petitions for their acquittal and also challenged jurisdiction of the court in the case.
He gave these remarks during a meeting with Pakistan's Permanent Representative at the United Nations Munir Akram in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The Adviser on Finance informed Munir Akram about the measures taken for improvement of national economy and their positive results.
He was talking to Dr Tamara Sonn, a professor of Islamic History at Georgetown University, who called on him in Islamabad today (Tuesday).
The prime minister said it is utmost necessary to aware the youth of Sufi saints’ service in spread of Islam in the Sub-continent and research and extensive study should be encouraged in this regard to meet the challenges of the current times.
Imran Khan said his government has laid the foundation stone of Al-Qadir University at Sohawa to study Sufi teachings in its true spirit.
He said a committee is being constituted under the ministry of education to introduce subjects pertaining to Sufi teachings in the educational institutions, which will present its recommendations regarding the nature of subjects and syllabus.
The prime minister lauded Dr Tamara Sonn’s educational and research endevors, especially her efforts to intdocuce Islamic teachings to the students.
According to sources, three officers associated with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and four from the National Counter Terrorism Authority were inducted in the cell.
The sources further said that the cell was comprised 11 members and it will work on FATF action plan. The cell will help complete all the points of FATF action plan.
Addressing a press conference in London, representatives of Manipur’s King Leishemba Sanajaoba also announced formation of Manipur State Council.
The Chief Minister Yamben Biren and Minister of External Affairs and Defence Narengbam Samarjit of the Manipur State Council said we believe that now is the right time to make public the Independent Government of Manipur before the international community and seek recognition.
They also urged all the governments of the sovereign states and members of the United Nations for recognition of the de-jure and exile Government of the Manipur from today onwards.
The leaders of Manipur State Council also produced a document showing that Maharaja of Manipur has authorised them to solve the political problems of the State of Manipur.
They said Narendra Modi’s government is intolerant and believes in physical annihilation of small nations and communities for sake of Hindutva supremacy and therefore it is not safe for them to continue operating from India.
"We regret to inform you that due to international submarine cable fault, internet services are impacted across Pakistan," said Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) in a post on Twitter.
"Our technical teams are working on fully restoring internet services. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience."
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, in a statement, said: "Due to a fault in the international submarine cable, internet services have been affected."
"Since today evening, some areas of Pakistan experienced a disruption in services," said the PTA spokesperson.
The telecom authority said that PTCL, along with international organisations, "are working to ascertain the location where the fault has developed".
According to ProPakistani, two submarine cables have gone offline, disrupting internet in Pakistan.
"IMEWE and SEAMEWE 4, that carry almost 50 per cent of Pakistan’s internet traffic, went offline due to a fault at a location that’s yet not determined," it said.
Internet users across the country will experience downgraded speeds until the fault is fixed, ProPakistani reported, adding that, internet service providers "are in the process of shifting the load to other submarine systems, that will balance the load to an extent".
An internet outage also occurred earlier this year, in June, when services were disrupted due to "multiple cable cuts".
A two-judge bench comprising Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard Shehbaz Sharif’s request to grant Nawaz Sharif bail on medical grounds in the Al-Azizia corruption reference.
Announcing the verdict, the court granted Sharif bail for eight weeks to get medical treatment. He has been ordered to deposit two bail bonds worth Rs2 million each.
“In case the indisposition of petitioner No.2 (Nawaz Sharif) continues, he before the expiry of perod of eight weeks may approach the Government of Punjab under Section 401 (2) Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 and until the decision of the Provincial Government on the application, he shall continue to remain on bail. However, if petitioner No. 2 does not approach the Provincial Government within the period mentioned hereinabove this order shall cease to have effect on lapse of period of eight weeks and the bail granted shall stand revoked/cancelled,” the IHC announced.
When asked about what’s the most daring thing he has done in his life, Munawar shared, “The most daring thing I’ve done is tell my mother that I’ve tried once because you said so and you yourself ended it. But this time, I’ll choose the girl I want to get married to.”
Munawar announced engagement this year in March with Haala Soomro.
The actor has also released an official statement on the matter.
“I will not comment on a decision taken by my family. This is a private matter that involves two families, and I would like to take this opportunity to request everyone to give our families, myself and my ex-fiance our due share of privacy and time to deal with this new development in our lives,” he said.
“I would like to thank my fans for all their love and understanding and members of the media for their continued support and request everyone to respect my need for privacy at this time. I will not be commenting any further on this matter,” the statement further read.
The project entails a cost of Rs124 billion on account of digging and associated machinery and other resources. The information from the project work would be beneficial in future.
Now the authorities would dig up the surface under shallow water rather than deep water as it would have a much higher success rate and would cost less. The revelation was made by the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) managing director as he spoke to media after the PPL’s 68th annual general meeting.
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) managing director said the prospects of success in Kekra-I was only 12% and even though the project met failure, the information from the work being carried out would pave the way for discovery of new reserves.
“In Kekra-I, we found nothing but water after digging deep inside the surface. However, there are chances of vast resources of oil and gas underneath the shallow water of Indus Block and the PPL will administer drilling in the site in future,” he said.
The official maintained that the PPL was selling gas at 159 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) instead of 250MMCFD despite its contract, while the company was facing a great financial strain due to circular debt for which activities of oil and gas exploration could not be adequately financed.
Currently, the PPL has Rs227 billion in outstanding receivables. The PPL is in talks with a Saudi company for expansion of its mining operations, while the state oil company of Iraq is also contemplating a deal for drilling and exploration.
Commenting on the company’s performance, the official said the PPL had dug 12 wells during the past year of which 7 were PPL-operated, while the remaining were on partnership basis.
The company reported Rs61.6 billion in net profits during the past financial year and declared 20% bonus shares as well as 20% dividend for existing shareholders. In addition, the company also announced 10% bonus shares for transferable preference shares.
Talking to a group of visiting Pakistani journalists in Beijing, Deputy Director General for Policy Planning of Asian Affair in the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Yao Wen said China stood with Pakistan and blocked any attempt to include Pakistan in the blacklist.
He said China made it clear to the United States and India that China cannot do this and goes beyond the purpose of FATF.
Yao Wen said the Financial Action Task Force is not meant to put any country in the blacklist, rather to support it to take action against terror financing.
He said Pakistan is effectively pursuing its National Action Plan, and China encouraged it to act against terrorists and strengthen its system.
About the recent visit of Chinese President to India, he said the Chinese president conveyed Pakistan’s concerns to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi over current development in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He said India was told that Pakistan did not want war with it and desired to resolve the Kashmir issue through peaceful means.
He welcomed establishing of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority by Pakistan that would help expedite work on CPEC projects.
PM Imran was talking to U.S. Special Representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad who called on him in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister also underlined the need to overcome difficulties in this regard so that an enduring political solution to Afghan conflict could be achieved at the earliest.
Imran Khan stressed that it was important for all sides to take practical steps for checking violence in Afghanistan.
He said it was equally important to guard against the negative narratives and efforts by any quarter to undermine the progress made so far through painstaking efforts.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan will continue to play its role as a sincere and honest friend for establishing peace in Afghanistan.
Imran Khan said achieving sustainable peace and security in Afghanistan and the region is in Pakistan’s best national interest.
Addressing a ceremony in connection with the ground breaking of Baba Guru Nanak University in Nankana Sahib today, he said the organizers of March are scared of the successes of the government on the economic front.
Terming the protest March as a blackmailing tactic, the Prime Minister categorically stated that no NRO will be given to the corrupt elements no matter they hold the march or resort to any other blackmailing.
The Prime Minister said the first year was difficult for the PTI government but now the country is rapidly moving forward as a result of our policies.
He said that world institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are acknowledging the reforms agenda of the govenrment and the economic stability achieved by the country.
He said our efforts for ease of doing business have also been acknowledged by the World Bank which has put Pakistan the top performer in the sub-continent and on the sixth position in the world.
He said the world is now expressing interest to invest in Pakistan due to steps taken by the government for ease of doing business.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction that the traders have agreed to the fixed tax and talks on the matter are being held with them. The Prime Minister said the inflation rate in the first year of PTI government was less than when compared with the first years of both PPP and PML (N) regimes.
On the indisposition of PML (N) Quaid Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minsiter said the federal and provincial governments made their utmost efforts to provide the best medical care to Nawaz Sharif.
He said the State of Madina was the most successful model as its foundation was laid amongst others on the principle of rule of law. He said we will also ensure rule of law and equal applicability of law for all irrespective of their stature in the society.
Turning to the uplift of the education sector, the Prime Minister assured to provide maximum resources for promotion of education. He said the government has decided to construct educational institutions on the land of Auqaf. We will make Pakistan a knowledge economy.
The Prime Minister appreciated the step of laying the foundation stone of Baba Guru Nanak University on the occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak saying it is the best honor to him.
Highlighting the siginicance of Kartarpur for Sikh Community, the Prime Minister said the Kartarpur corridor should remain open regardless of the worsening tension with neighboring India. He said we will give passage to the Sikh community to visit their sacred places.
Imran Khan also expressed the commitment to mainstream the religious seminaries and equip their students with the contemporary education. Abhorring the class based education system, he said a single uniform system and curricula will be introduced to promote harmony and unity in the country.
This also means that imported inflation has increased a great deal. The economy had earlier witnessed double-digit inflation from 2008 to 2012 when high international crude oil prices played a significant role along with the impact of devaluation that came with a lag.
Since the impact of devaluation comes with a lag, its first round impact has been felt in the form of high inflation. The country has to go for the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The government has jacked up energy tariffs on the recommendation of the IMF. However, these episodes differ based on the following factors.
The international crude oil prices are quite low as compared to 2008-09 and are hovering around $60 per barrel. Moreover, Pakistan has got the facility of oil imports from Saudi Arabia on deferred payments.No natural calamity like floods has hit the country as such calamities devastate important domestic crops.
All developing countries embark on the journey of industrialisation and Pakistan is not an exception in this regard. Industrialisation requires import of raw material, capital goods and in case of Pakistan, even food items as well. In addition to these, Pakistan is heavily dependent on oil imports.
Since the exportable surplus has low income elasticity, its demand in the international market cannot increase to the desirable extent. In the presence of a high trade deficit, the country faces foreign exchange bottleneck at frequent intervals.
The IMF normally comes up with strings and standard prescriptions. Much has been written about these standard prescriptions and their implementation schemes. However, less attention has been paid to the proper diagnosis of the problem and long-term effects of the standard prescriptions.
The foreign exchange bottleneck leads to structural inflation, which originates from structural features of the economy. These features lead to foreign exchange crisis and even currency crisis.
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been trying to rein in inflation through demand compression that partially brings it down yet the problem remains as such.
The IMF team led by Mission Chief to Pakistan Ernesto Ramirez-Rigo will stay in the country for two weeks.
During the visit, the team will hold technical discussions with authorities from all the ministries, divisions and departments concerned to examine the latest data before winding up its trip on Nov 7 with policy-level talks with Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan Dr Reza Baqir.
The IMF mission will review Pakistan’s performance against six performance criteria related to Net International Reserves (NIR), Net Domestic Assets (NDA), net foreign currency swap position, primary budget deficit target, net government borrowing from the central bank and stock of sovereign guarantees issued by the government.
The successful completion of the first review would enable Islamabad to draw about $453 million from the Fund in first part of December this year, taking the total amount to almost $1.44bn.
The IMF had made in July this year an upfront disbursement of $991 million on completion of all prior actions committed by Pakistan before signing the fund programme.
The directives issued by PEMRA said TV channels should ensure deployment of effective time delay mechanism and an impartial and independent Monitoring Committee or Editorial Board be constituted, as required under clause 17 of Electronic Media (Programs and Advertisement) Code of Conduct 2015.
The news channels' owners have been asked not to allow their platform to be used by anyone to mislead public through disinformation conjecturing and speculations.
PEMRA warned the media owners that licensee shall be held responsible for any biased, unfair analysis or propaganda against judiciary and state institutions by their employees.
It also advised media channels to invite participants with due care, having credibility as fair and unbiased analysts with requisite knowledge and expertise on the subject matter.
According to the senior superintendent of police (SSP) for Naushahro Feroze, Dr Farooq, the suspect who was beaten was identified as 25-year-old Payn and had attempted with his accomplice to steal from the house of a man named Masood Chana.
SSP Dr Farooq said Payn, however, was caught red-handed, tied to a charpoy, and brutally assaulted before being handed over to the police. A first information report (FIR) was subsequently registered against him.
A medical check-up of the suspect was carried out, confirming that he had wounds on his legs.
Following the medical check-up and after the video of the beating went viral, the district police officer (DSP) for Mehrabpur directed that Masood Chana be detained for assaulting Payn and police, therefore, arrested him.
The country scored 28.5 on the hunger index while India, with 30.3 points, was in 102nd place.
While the ranking for Pakistan is better than that of India, both countries appear to present a serious situation of food shortage and hunger.
As per the Global Hunger Index 2019, a report published jointly by an Irish and a German firm as part of their international food policy research, hunger most seriously affects the Central African Republic which has a point score of over 50 while Chad, Madagascar, Yemen and Zambia are also among the worst-hit countries with scores between 35 and 49.9.
Pakistan, India, Ethiopia, Congo and Zimbabwe are among the 43 countries that have a serious hunger problem as indicated in the Global Hunger Index with average scores between 20 and 34.9. These also include Niger, Uganda, Sudan, Rwanda, Haiti, Libya and others. As per the report, Turkey, Russia, Bulgaria, Belarus, Romania, Ukraine, Uruguay, Kuwait, Chile, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are among the 17 countries with negligible incidences of hunger with point scores under 5.0.
The traders of Rawalpindi city and cantonment announced on Sunday that they would observe complete shutterdown strike for two days in all the bazaars and markets.
Addressing a joint press conference at a local hotel, Rawalpindi Traders Association representatives Shahid Ghafoor Paracha and Sharjeel Mir and Cantonment Traders Association representatives Sheikh Hafeez and Arshad Awan said they would keep all markets and bazaars closed in response to the call of their central association.
They alleged that the government and FBR were targeting the business community and harassing taxpayers instead of expanding the tax net.
They said traders played a major role in the economy of any country and all governments gave incentives as well as provided them environment conducive for doing business.
However, they claimed that the present government was creating difficulties for the business community, adding that the FBR should review its policies otherwise the strike could go beyond two days.
The traders’ representatives urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to play his role to resolve their problems.
In Islamabad, the traders urged the government to introduce fixed tax for small traders.
Sarfraz Mughal, vice-chairman of Islamabad United Group, at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a statement that the economy would face a big loss because of the shutterdown strike.
“It is impossible to accept all the conditions of FBR because of economic crisis in the country. The government should address the issues through negotiations with the traders,” he said.
A trader, Habibullah Zahid, said the Supreme Court had already observed that the 22,000 officials of the tax department were a hurdle to tax collection.
“We demand that the condition of collecting CNICs from those who buy or sell goods worth over Rs50,000 should be withdrawn and a fixed tax imposed,” he said.
