National economy is back on track: Finance Adviser Hafeez

Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh says national economy is back on track as the difficult period has been managed.

Talking to business leaders in Karachi, he said we are on the road to recovery and next year will be better.

He said foreign exchange situation has been stabilized, exchange rate is relatively stable and the IMF programme is being implemented to the satisfaction of the fund.

Abdul Hafeez Shakh assured the businessmen that circular debt will also be addressed through two hundred bullion rupees worth of bonds for which a green light has been obtained from the IMF.

He said the government has recently announced 200 billion rupees of package to facilitate exporters and thrust is now being shifted from cheaper imports to offering benefits to exporters.

He said the stock market has witnessed a significant improvement and there has been 16 percent overall growth in tax revenue and 21 percent growth in in-land revenue during the first four months of this fiscal year.

The Adviser said 1.9 million people were under tax net in 2018 and this figure has increased to 2.7 million in 2019.

He said the federal government has doubled the budget of social safety net programmes to provide relief and improve the quality of life of poor segments of the society.

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Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed inaugurates steam Safari special train

Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad inaugurated steam Safari special train in Rawalpindi on Sunday.

Talking to media after inaugurating the new train, he said it will help promote tourism in the country.

In first phase the Safari Train will operate from Rawalpindi to Golra.

Tourists from United Kingdom, Japan, United States of America, Italy and Germany are travelling in the train.

The objective of the train is to project the culture, civilization, heritage and worth seeing beautiful places of Pakistan before the world.

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Poor Pakistan preparation will hurt tourists in Australia Test series

Pakistan’s hopes of upsetting hosts Australia in their upcoming two-match Test series have been seriously undermined by their poor preparation schedule, former Test batsman Dean Jones believes.

The tourists have played three Twenty20s, a day-night tour match against Australia ‘A’ and a two-day contest against a Cricket Australia XI since arriving in Australia.

Jones, who played 52 Tests for Australia in the 1980s and 1990s, said it was insufficient preparation for the Test matches in Brisbane and Adelaide.

“I blame Pakistan’s cricket board for their horrendous scheduling of this Test series,” Jones wrote in a column in the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday.

“Pakistan have not played a Test match since early January. Do they honestly feel playing a three-day match at night and a two-day match in Perth will get them ready to be competitive against Australia?”

Jones said Pakistan’s inexperienced pace bowlers in particular would suffer for the lack of preparation and could have done with some time with the red ball at the venues for the two Tests.

“(The) Test matches will be played in Brisbane and Adelaide and their bounce will be completely different to Perth,” Jones added.

“Why didn’t Pakistan schedule a three- or four-day match when their T20 matches against Australia were on in Adelaide or at the Gabba?

“Pakistan could have easily put together a decent team to take on a state side while the international T20s were on.

“Asian players need at least three matches to get used to our conditions and this itinerary will not help them much.”

Pakistan have never won a Test series in Australia and last tasted victory in the longest in format of the game Down Under when they won a dead rubber at Sydney Cricket Ground in 1995. The first Test starts on Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane, where Australia are unbeaten in Tests since 1988.

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Shehbaz reacts to LHC's decision allowing Nawaz to go abroad

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday appreciated the Lahore High Court's (LHC) verdict allowing Nawaz Sharif to go abroad for medical treatment.

Speaking to media, Shehbaz thanked the nation and his lawyers after the LHC issued directives to the government to remove former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's name from the ECL.

"The high court has allowed Nawaz to go abroad without the government's conditions," he said.

Shehbaz said that he hoped the former prime minister would recover soon from his illness and return to Pakistan.

"The delay which was created as a result of the government's decision has been ended today by the court's verdict," he said.

Earlier today, the LHC directed the government to remove former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's name from the Exit Control List without any conditions for a time period of four weeks.

On Friday, the LHC called the plea admissible regarding the removal of former premier Nawaz Sharif’s name from the ECL on a conditional basis — the government had said it would allow a 'one-time permission' provided Nawaz Sharif deposited surety bonds worth Rs7-7.5 billion.

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Gunmen fire on buses carrying Muslim Sri Lankan voters

Gunmen fired at buses carrying minority Muslim voters on Saturday as Sri Lankans elected a new president, with the powerful Rajapaksa clan eyeing a comeback seven months after the island was hit by extremist attacks.

Minority Tamils and Muslims are seen as crucial in the close election, and Saturday's attack in the northwest of the island — in which no one was injured — was likely aimed at deterring people from voting.

The assailants set fire to tyres on the road and set up makeshift roadblocks before shooting at and pelting with stones two vehicles in the convoy of more than 100 buses taking people to their home district to vote, police said.

In the Tamil-dominated northern peninsula of Jaffna, meanwhile, police said they arrested 10 men they suspected of "trying to create trouble", while also complaining that the army had illegally set up roadblocks that could stop people getting to polling stations.

Such tactics are nothing new in Sri Lanka, which emerged from a horrific civil war only a decade ago. At the 2015 election, there was a series of explosions in the region that activists said were aimed at reducing turnout.

This time, there were long queues outside polling stations even before voting began.

Supporters from rival parties, meanwhile, clashed in a tea plantation area 90 kilometres east of the capital Colombo, with two people taken to hospital with knife wounds, the election commission said.

Terminator vs Padman

Some 85,000 police were on duty for the election with a record 35 candidates running for president, an office with considerable power similar to the French political system, with close to 16 million eligible voters.

Results could come as early as Sunday.

One of the two frontrunners is grey-haired retired army lieutenant colonel Gotabaya Rajapaksa, 70, almost five years after his charismatic but controversial elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa lost power after a decade as president.

Dubbed the "Terminator" by his own family, "Gota" is promising an infrastructure blitz and better security in the wake of the Islamist attacks in April that killed 269 people.

"Gotabaya will protect our country," construction worker Wasantha Samarajjeew, 51, said as he cast his ballot in Colombo.

He main rival is Sajith Premadasa, 52, from the governing liberal United National Party (UNP), son of assassinated ex-president Ranasinghe Premadasa.

He is also pushing development and security but also free sanitary pads for poor women, earning him the nickname "Padman" after a famous Bollywood movie.

The Rajapaksas are adored by Sri Lanka's Sinhalese majority for defeating the Tamil Tigers and ending a 37-year civil war in 2009 in which around 100,000 people lost their lives.

For the same reason, they are detested and feared by many Tamils, who make up 15 percent of the population. The conflict ended with some 40,000 Tamil civilians allegedly killed by the army.

During Mahinda Rajapaksa's presidency, Gotabaya was defence secretary and effectively ran the security forces, even allegedly overseeing "death squads" that bumped off political rivals, journalists and others.

He denies the allegations.

Many Muslims in the Buddhist-majority country of 21.6 million are also worried, having already witnessed increased hostility since the April attacks, including hundreds of homes and shops being trashed.

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Govt respects decision of the court: Firdous

The government respects the decision of the court, said Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan, on Saturday.

Firdous said that the government viewed the Lahore High Court's decision with respect and would give a response once the court issued its detailed verdict on the matter.

The Lahore High Court permitted to remove former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's name from the Exit Control List without any conditions for a time period of four weeks.

"The government's stance was that the fine imposed on Nawaz had been done so by the court and not the government itself," said Firdous. "The government had kept the condition of the indemnity bond owing to the fine."

Firdous said that the government's narrative was not based on ill intentions. She said that the decision of the LHC could not be taken as a victory for one side or defeat of another.

"This is not a victory or defeat for anyone--it's a question of rule of law and constitution," she said.

Speaking to media, Shehbaz thanked the nation and his lawyers after the LHC issued directives to the government to remove former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's name from the ECL.

"The high court has allowed Nawaz to go abroad without the government's conditions," he said.

Shehbaz said that he hoped the former prime minister would recover soon from his illness and return to Pakistan.

"The delay which was created as a result of the government's decision has been ended today by the court's verdict," he said.

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Nawaz Sharif’s name to be removed from ECL for four weeks

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday permitted to remove former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's name from the Exit Control List without any conditions for a time period of four weeks.

On Friday, the LHC called the plea admissible regarding the removal of former premier Nawaz Sharif’s name from the ECL on a conditional basis — the government had said it would allow a 'one-time permission' provided Nawaz Sharif deposited surety bonds worth Rs7-7.5 billion.

In its decision, the LHC said that in case Nawaz's health doesn't improve then the time-period can be extended, adding that the government officials will be able to contact Nawaz through the Pakistani embassy.

During the hearing today, the LHC presented petitioner Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and the federal government’s counsels a proposed draft on the undertaking.

The High Court earlier said that it would create its own draft of Shehbaz’s undertaking guaranteeing the return of his brother — Nawaz Sharif — to Pakistan, after the siblings and the government's counsels could not reach an agreement on the phrasing of the draft and its terms.

When asked about the court’s recommended draft, Shehbaz Sharif’s lawyer Ashtar Ausaf said that it is acceptable to the party as the government’s stance was rejected.

The federal government counsels have taken the proposed draft to consult higher-ups.

Earlier in the hearing, Shehbaz submitted a draft of the undertaking to the court, saying that he would "facilitate" Nawaz’s return to Pakistan following his treatment abroad.

The LHC had asked for a written affidavit from the Sharif family guaranteeing that Nawaz would return to Pakistan after he has regained his health.

Shehbaz’s lawyer submitted the two-page long draft of the affidavit in the court.

According to the details of the draft, “Nawaz Sharif will return to the country as soon as his health is stabilised. He [Nawaz Sharif] will face his cases as soon as he returns to the country.”

The affidavit further said, Nawaz will return to the country as soon as the doctors allow him. “Nawaz Sharif is travelling abroad on the recommendation of the Pakistani doctors,” it added.

A draft was also submitted by the government which read, “Nawaz Sharif will travel abroad for medical reason. Whenever, the doctors will declare Nawaz fit, he will return to the country.”

The draft further said, “The federal government has the power to ask Nawaz to return to the country at any time”

“Shehbaz Sharif should submit an undertaking saying that if Nawaz Sharif does not return to the country, Shehbaz will pay the fine,” the draft further said.

However, the draft submitted by the government lawyer was rejected by Shehbaz’s lawyer, stating that the draft submitted by the government lawyer was unconstitutional.

The court suggested that the word “facilitate” be replaced with “ensure” in the undertaking submitted by Shehbaz.

The court also ordered that Nawaz’s medical report be presented.

The additional attorney general requested that the government’s draft be made part of the court order.

Earlier, the court had sought written assurances from the PML-N president regarding Nawaz's removal from the no-fly list.

Shehbaz’s counsel Amjad Pervaiz told the court that former prime minister was ready to assure the court that he will return to Pakistan after he recovers. He added that the former premier was going abroad on the recommendations of the doctors.

The court also asked the PML-N president what role he would play to ensure that Nawaz returns to Pakistan.

During the the recess, Shehbaz’s lawyer submitted the two-page long draft of the affidavit in the court.

The draft after being submitted to the court's associate was sent to the judges in their chamber.

According to the details of the draft, “Nawaz Sharif will return to the country as soon as he recovers after his treatment. He [Nawaz Sharif] will face his cases as soon as he returns to the country.”

The affidavit further said, Nawaz will return to the country as soon as the doctors allow him. “Nawaz Sharif is travelling abroad on the recommendation of the Pakistani doctors,” it added.

Earlier, during the hearing the two-member bench comprising Justice Ali Baqir Najafi and Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem set aside a few questions for the parties.

In the first question the court asked if a convicted person can be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL). The second question asked whether it was possible that one-sided conditions be set for removing a person from the ECL.

The fourth question the court has put forward was whether the petitioners and the government can change their views on the indemnity bonds

The court also asked if the memorandum was issued on humanitarian grounds. It also asked whether anything can be separated in the memorandum. The bench also asked if the terms can also be separated.

To this, the Additional Attorney General Ishtiaq A Khan informed the court that the former prime minister can go abroad for treatment if he wants to.

On the other hand, Shehbaz’s counsel Pervaiz said that his client was in the room and would like to discuss the questions response with him.

To this, the court allowed a 15-minute recess so that the lawyer could speak to the PML-N president.

In yesterday's hearing, the LHC had dismissed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the federal government's stance challenging the maintainability of the plea and called it admissible.

“Hopeful that the court’s decision will be in Nawaz’s favour,” Shehbaz said. “Praying the decision is in Nawaz’s favour so he can travel abroad for treatment.”

Separately Shehbaz’s counsel Amjad Pervaiz said that their undertaking is to the court of law and that they had given the undertaking’s copy to the additional attorney general.

"The court is yet to comment on the copy of the affidavit," Pervaiz said, adding that the former premier will return on the instructions of the doctors.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology stated on Saturday that the government’s stance in the case pertaining to removing Nawaz’s name from ECL was legally correct.

The minister said in a tweet on Shehbaz Sharif’s draft of the affidavit submitted to the LHC.

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AAG rejects Sharif family’s written undertaking in Nawaz ECL case

The additional attorney general (AAG) has rejected the written undertaking submitted by the Sharif in the Lahore High Court, on Saturday.

The Sharif family had submitted a written undertaking in the Lahore High Court, ensuring that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will return back to the country after getting fit.

The two-member bench headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najafi, comprising Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem is hearing the plea filed by PML-N seeking unconditional removal of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s name from Exit Control List (ECL).

A handwritten affidavit was submitted by the lawyers of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif in the court.

“The former premier Nawaz Sharif will return back to the country, as soon he gets well”, the affidavit reads.

“Sharif will also face the cases registered against him.”

The affidavit was handed over to the government lawyers for review by the court. The AAG after reviewing the affidavit rejected it.

“The draft submitted by the Sharif family has legal obstacles”, the AAG said and added that we are making a draft for submission in the court.

Earlier, the Lahore High Court (LHC) asked the lawyers of the Sharif family to submit a written undertaking ensuring the return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will return back to the country after treatment.

 

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Fawad Chaudhry submits privilege motion against PML(N) Leader Khawaja Asif in NA

Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry on Saturday submitted a privilege motion against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Asif in the National Assembly (NA).

In his motion filed in the NA, Fawad Chaudhry said Khawaja Asif misrepresented truth on the floor of the House, which was tantamount to a breach of the privilege of the entire House.

Khawaja Asif quoted the representatives of the federal government and those of the Government of Punjab, as saying ‘let Nawaz Sharif die’, which is a vivid misrepresentation of truth.

The federal minister requested that statement made by the PML-N leader should be taken up for discussion and may be sent to the Standing Committee on Rules of Procedures for further action.

While speaking on the floor of the National Assembly on Thursday, PML-N stalwart Khawaja Asif said Nawaz Sharif is seriously ill and needs to be treated abroad, according to the suggestions of the doctors.

He had claimed that the government started playing politics on the matter when Nawaz Sharif agreed to fly abroad for his treatment. “Sharif was given relief by the courts on medical grounds.”

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IHC fixes Nawaz Sharif’s plea for suspension of sentence on Nov 25

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has fixed the plea of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for suspension of his sentence in Al-Azizia reference, for hearing on November 25, on Saturday.

The high court will also hear an appeal of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for enhancing the sentence in Al-Azizia case on the same day.

A bench of the IHC had recently granted bail petition of Nawaz Sharif on medical grounds after suspending the sentence for eight weeks in the reference.

A high court bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani announced the verdict on the petition.

The court has temporarily suspended the imprisonment of Sharif in the case for eight weeks and asked his counsel to submit two surety bonds worth Rs two million each.

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader’s counsel argued before the court the provision of eight weeks are not enough for completing the medical treatment as Nawaz Sharif’s health condition is critical.

To this, the judge remarked that the petitioner could move to the provincial government if his treatment remained incomplete during the given period.

The court remarked that the concerned administration could take the decision to release any prisoner in case of deteriorated health condition. Justice Aamer Farooq questioned the administration for not using its authority under clause 401 of the jail manual.

The law permits the concerned officials to define conditions for releasing a prisoner, however, the court is authorised to review any of decision, he added.

The high court’s bench further said in its verdict that the Nawaz Sharif could move to the executive authority [Punjab government] for an extension in the suspension of the sentence if his health condition is not improved after eight weeks.

Earlier on October 25, the PMLN supreme leader was granted bail on medical grounds by the Lahore High Court (LHC) in view of the detailed report presented by a 10-member medical board.

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Dutch Queen Maxima to arrive in Pakistan on a three-day official visit

Netherlands’s Queen Maxima will arrive in Pakistan on a three-day official visit later this month.

Sources said that Queen Maxima will visit Pakistan from November 25 to 27 and during her stay in the country, the queen will hold important meetings with top civil and military leadership.

Ways to boost bilateral ties, trade, economic ties, regional situation and other issues will be discussed during the meetings, said the sources.

The queen will arrive Pakistan on the invitation of the government.

Earlier on August 17, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi had discussed the current situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir with his Netherlands counterpart Stef Blok in a telephonic conversation and highlighted India’s illegal and unilateral actions to alter the disputed status of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He had apprised the Dutch foreign minister of the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which had been under total lockdown and curfew since 5th August.

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Core committee of PTI condemns language used in JUI-F sit-in

The Core Committee of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has condemned the unacceptable language used by the JUI-F during Dharna (sit-in).

The Core Committee of the party, which met under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad, said the major casualty of this unacceptable language was the Kashmir cause.

The Committee also decided to examine violation of laws during the speeches made by the opposition leaders during dharna.

The PTI Core Committee also unanimously decided that the main opposition leaders showed their opportunism by becoming party to the dharna, simply to seek a way out of their corruption dilemma.

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PM Imran hails Pakistan Army's efforts for defending borders, ensuring internal stability

Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday to discuss the country's security situation and other matters.

During the meeting, held in Prime Minister House, the prevailing situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir and at the western border, and internal security issues were discussed.

The prime minister "hailed continued efforts of Pak Army in defending the borders while also ensuring internal security [and] stability facilitating ongoing socio-economic development," a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said.

While the statement provided no specifics, the meeting comes in the backdrop of the JUI-F-led anti-government agitation and demand for resignation of Prime Minister Imran and holding of fresh elections in the country. Under its protest's 'Plan-B', JUI-F workers have partially or fully blocked major highways and road links across the country.

The army had earlier this month said that it stood ready to assist ‘national institutions’ in accordance with the Constitution while Gen Bajwa had vowed that the security and stability achieved through national efforts in the country will not be allowed to be reversed "to suit any vested agenda".

It also comes two days after occupied Kashmir marked 100 days since India stripped the valley of its autonomy and imposed a strict communications blackout.

Tensions between Pakistan and India have been high since August 5 when the Indian government moved to bring the restive Himalayan region under direct rule, cut telecommunications and detained thousands to quell any unrest.

On the western front, three soldiers of the Pakistan Army were martyred in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in North Waziristan tribal district on Tuesday.

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Maulana ended Islamabad dharna after an 'understanding' with govt: Pervaiz

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman ended his Islamabad dharna protest after arriving at an 'understanding' with the government, claimed Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Friday.

Elahi revealed that Fazl had decided to end his dharna after arriving at an 'understanding' with the government.

In response to a question about the details of the 'understanding', Elahi said that he could not discuss details.

"Whatever we gave to Maulana Fazl is a 'trust' between us and him," he said. "I cannot betray that trust."

He did disclose that Fazl had accepted one demand of the government's negotiating team--to leave the capital without advancing and causing violence.

"We had to solve this problem. This couldn't have gone on," said Elahi. "There is an elected government in place and there were delegates coming in from China and other parts of the world."

The JUI-F chief wrapped up his Azadi March dharna protest in Islamabad a couple of days ago. The JUI-F has claimed that it has moved on to its 'Plan B' of the Azadi March which includes blocking all the main highways across the country.

Contrary to claims by Elahi, Fazl has reiterated that the primary demand of the JUI-F remains the resignation of Prime Minister Imran and the call for fresh elections.

Prime Minister Imran has categorically rejected the demand of the JUI-F chief and reportedly told the government's negotiating team that if the opposition does not give up its demand for his resignation then there was no need for talks.

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Nawaz on ECL: Lahore High Court accepts PML-N plea for hearing

The Lahore High Court gave its decision on Friday regarding the maintainability of the plea on the removal of former premier Nawaz Sharif’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) on conditional basis, calling it admissible.

The two-member bench headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najafi, and comprising of Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem, resumed the hearing of the case, where the federal government and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) submitted their reply to the two-member bench hearing the case.

The High Court dismissed the NAB and federal government's stance on the matter, adjourning the hearing until Saturday.

In its written verdict, the LHC said that the federal government’s objection regarding the court’s jurisdiction is not right, adding that the case falls under its jurisdiction.

The LHC ordered the lawyers of the relevant parties to present arguments on November 16.

Earlier during the hearing, the federal government urged the High Court to maintain its condition of seeking a security bond from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

Appearing on behalf of the federal government, Additional Attorney General Ishtiaq A Khan objected to the maintainability of the petition and requested that the petition be dismissed for being “non-maintainable”.

He contended that Nawaz should approach the Islamabad High Court (IHC) instead for removal of his name from the ECL, as the federal government had placed his name on the list and the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the plea.

The government in its 45-page reply opposed the removal of Nawaz’s name from ECL without a security bond.

It argued that the PML-N supremo is convicted which is why he should not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond.

In today’s hearing, NAB also submitted its four-page reply to the court. Following the submission of the response, the court took a recess for an hour to allow the petitioner's counsel to read the responses.

Nawaz counsel Amjad Pervez stated that the LHC could hear the petition as the NAB was a federal institution. The counsel argued that the condition of furnishing Rs7.5 billion surety bonds was not based on any provision of law.

He added the government’s condition carried no legal standing as the petitioner had been granted bail in Chaudhry Sugar Mills case by the LHC and his sentence in Al-Azizia reference had been suspended by the IHC.

He contended that Nawaz’s name was placed on the ECL in the wake of pending cases against him. Pervez pointed out that the former prime minister had sent an application to the interior ministry for removal of his name from the ECL but the federal government issued the impugned order on Nov 13, allowing Nawaz to proceed abroad for treatment only after furnishing indemnity bond.

He further said that Nawaz had the fundamental rights under Article 4 & 15 of the Constitution to move freely.

The court then asked the attorney general to tell whether the fine imposed by the government was part of the accountability court verdict.

Responding to the query, the additional attorney general said the federal government had sought surety bond equivalent to the fine imposed by the Islamabad accountability court on Nawaz.

Nawaz’s counsel also admitted that the amount of indemnity bond sought by the government was equivalent to the fine imposed on the petitioner in Al-Azizia reference by an accountability court.

The law officer added that the PML-N leader’s sentence was only suspended in Al-Azizia reference and not set aside. The bench observed that the IHC apparently suspended the sentence of the petitioner and not the fine. Justifying the government’s move to seek surety bond, he argued that if a person allowed to travel abroad did not come back, the federal government would be held responsible, as had happened in Pervez Musharraf case.

 

 

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Moot kicks off at Qauid e Azam University on Rethinking Social Contract in Gilgit Baltistan

Islamabad : Session on Rethinking Social Contract in Gilgit Baltistan organized by Students from Gilgit Baltistan studying at Quaid e Azam University "QAU".Renowned Scholars Dr Aziz Ali Dad a columnist and an esteemed scholar in philosophy, Dr Raja Qaiser Ahmed and Prof Zaigham Abbas Asst Professor at School of Politics and International Relations a young competant lecturer at GCU Lahore were speakers at session. Dr Aziz Ali Dad in his address said "SSR (State Subject Rule) can be an effective instrument for maintaining demographic composition in Jammu and Kashmir but…

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Governor Imran Ismail express grief over loss of lives in Tharparkar lightning

Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Thursday expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in Tharparkar lightning.

Talking to journalists, Imran Ismail said, ” The unfortunate loss of lives owing to lightening in Tharparkar is saddening”

He directed the provincial chief secretary to accelerate rescue operation and leave no stone unturned in providing best medical facilities to the injured in the incident.

Imran Ismail said that the federal government was ready to provide every possible assistance in this difficult hour.

The governor also telephoned Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) chairman and discussed the relief and rescue operation in Tharparkar.

At least 20 people, including women and children, had been killed in Tharparkar district in the last 24 hours after being struck by lightning during thundershowers.

The injured and dead bodies were shifted to Tharparkar hospital, rescue officials had said. According to reports, a woman and her daughter were died and five children were injured in an incident of thunder-strike at Mokaryar village taluka during the rainfall.

In another lightning incident, at least two women were killed and four children were injured following the lightning strikes in Sanghar district of Sindh province. Three injured of the incident were admitted to Umerkot Hospital Sujawal for medical treatment of multiple burn injuries.

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PM Imran to chair PTI's core committee meeting today

Prime Minister Imran Khan convened a meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) core committee meeting to be held today (Friday) at the PM Office in Islamabad.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will chair the core committee meeting during which the prevailing political situation in the country will come under discussion.

Chief Ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will also attend the meeting.

According to sources, removal of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl’s (JUI-F) sit-in and its plan-B will also come under discussion.

Sources further said that inflation, current economic situation and increase in food prices will also be discussed as well as important decisions will also be taken in the meeting.

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Pakistan elected as Chairperson of UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nation in Geneva, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, has been elected as Chairperson of the Annual Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.

The Convention represents an important arms control framework that envisages prohibitions and restrictions on certain conventional weapons that can cause unnecessary suffering to combatants or affect civilians indiscriminately.

A statement issued by Foreign Office in Islamabad said Pakistan’s unanimous election as Chairperson of the annual meeting of the Convention reflects recognition by the international community of the country’s longstanding contribution to promote international security through arms control instruments.

It is also an endorsement of Pakistan’s strong credentials in multilateral diplomacy.

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Test cricket set to return to Pakistan after more than a decade with Sri Lanka series

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed their two-matches Test tour to Pakistan in December this year, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday.

Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi will mark the return of Test cricket in Pakistan after 10 years as it will host the first PakvSL contest from 11-15 December. The second Test of the series will be played at National Stadium Karachi (NSK) from 19-23 December.

This Test series will be a part of International Cricket Council (ICC)’s Test championship.

Recently, PCB successfully hosted Sri Lanka for ODIs and T20Is in Karachi and Lahore respectively.

The chief executive of the SLC, Ashley de Silva, confirmed their team’s tour to Pakistan for Test series. “We are pleased to confirm our return visit to Pakistan as based on our earlier visit, we are comfortable and convinced conditions are suitable and conducive for Test cricket,

“We also believe all cricket playing countries should host international cricket at home and in this relation, we are happy to play our part in the complete resumption of international cricket in Pakistan, which not only has a proud history but has been one of our biggest supporters in our early days as a cricket nation,” he said.

 On the other hand, PCB’s Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khan, thanked the SLC for showing trust in them and playing their role in the resumption of complete international cricket in Pakistan.

“This is fabulous news for Pakistan and its reputation of being as safe and secure as any other country in the world. We are thankful to Sri Lanka Cricket for agreeing to send their team for the longer version of the game, which will contribute significantly to the PCB’s efforts and drive for the regular resumption of international cricket, and help in its endeavors of attracting new audiences and the younger generation,” Khan maintained.

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Trump impeachment hearing begins with stark allegation by envoy to Ukraine

The top US diplomat in Ukraine, in gripping public testimony at the historic impeachment hearing into President Donald Trump, levelled a stark new accusation on Wednesday about White House efforts to pressure Kiev to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden.

William Taylor, the acting US ambassador to Ukraine, told the House Intelligence Committee, which is conducting the hearings, that he was told Trump cared more about the probe into his likely 2020 rival than he did about Ukraine.

Trump is accused by Democrats in the House of Representatives of abusing his power by using US military aid to pressure Kiev into opening an investigation into Biden and his son Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company.

Trump, who maintains he did nothing wrong, dismissed the impeachment inquiry as a “witch hunt” and said he was too busy to watch the first televised hearings.

Taylor, who testified in a closed hearing last month, said he had since become aware of a telephone call between Trump and Gordon Sondland, the US ambassador to the EU, that was overheard by a member of Taylor’s staff.

Taylor said the staff member heard Trump asking Sondland about the status of the investigations. He said the staff member asked Sondland after the call what Trump thought about Ukraine.

“Ambassador Sondland responded that President Trump cared more about the investigations of Biden,” Taylor said.

In his opening statement, Taylor recalled his opposition to making US military aid to Ukraine contingent on Ukraine opening an investigation of the Bidens.

“Withholding security assistance in exchange for help with a domestic political campaign in the United States would be crazy,” he said. “I believed that then and I believe it now.” Taylor said an “irregular policy channel” involving former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s personal attorney, was pushing for the Ukrainian probe into the Bidens.

Democrats who control the House plan to prove over several weeks of hearings that Trump abused his office by asking Ukraine to investigate the Bidens.

The investigation threatens to make Trump only the third US president to be impeached, after Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998, although to be removed from office he would need to be convicted by the Republican-led Senate.

Neither Johnson or Clinton was convicted and removed. But in 1974 Richard Nixon resigned in the face of certain impeachment and removal from office for the Watergate scandal.

Opening the inquiry Wednesday morning, House Intelligence Committee chairman Adam Schiff, the California congressman overseeing the probe, said “there are few actions as consequential as the impeachment of a president.” “The questions presented by this impeachment inquiry are whether President Trump sought to exploit (Ukraine’s) vulnerability and invite Ukraine’s interference in our elections,” Schiff said. “If this is not impeachable conduct, what is?” Devin Nunes, the top Republican on the Intelligence Committee, hit back by accusing Democrats of waging a “scorched-earth war against President Trump” and a “carefully orchestrated media smear campaign.” “It’s nothing more than an impeachment process in search of a crime,” Nunes said.

Taylor and George Kent, deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs, have already testified in private that Trump used US military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to open an investigation into the Bidens.

“I do not believe the United States should ask other countries to engage in selective politically associated investigations or prosecutions against opponents of those in power because such selective actions undermine the rule of law regardless of the country,” Kent said in his opening statement Wednesday.

Speaking minutes before the hearing, Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic speaker of the House, said the probe was necessary to show Trump he can’t do “whatever he wants.” “That he is not above the law,” Pelosi said. “And that he will be held accountable.”

Coming just one year before national elections, the hearings carry great risks for both parties and no certain reward, with a divided US electorate weary of Washington infighting.

Polls show a slim majority of Americans favor impeaching the president.

But they also show that Trump’s sizable voter base, which delivered his shock victory in 2016, rejects the allegations.

Republicans have sought, in closed door depositions over the last six weeks, to refocus attention on Biden’s link, through his son, to Ukraine, and on the widely discredited theory Trump apparently believes that Ukraine assisted Democrats in the 2016 election.

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Will go even further than blocking highways: Fazl

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Thursday warned the government that his party would go even further than blocking highways across the country.

"The prime minister's resignation is our primary demand," he said.

Fazl said that the anti-government movement had embarked on its second phase. He hoped that the government would soon go home.

The JUI-F chief said that his party had not created a situation where the everyday life of people got affected.

"We wouldn't have been forced to block highways across the country if the government had decided to go home during our dharna," he said.

Fazl said that he hoped at the end of this year, his party would succeed in securing its primary objective.

Fazl said that the conditions that the government had imposed on Nawaz Sharif were disappointing. He said that the Rahbar Committee was operational and talks were going on between opposition parties.

He said that the government was blackmailing Nawaz. The JUI-F chief confirmed that he had spoken to Shehbaz Sharif.

The government on Thursday deployed police and paramilitary force in Rawalpindi as Jamiat Ulema-I-Islam-Fazl geared up to launch the 'Plan B' of its Azadi March.

The religio-political party, under its ‘Plan B', intends to block main roads in all the federating units of the country, including the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

Wearing protective head gear and equipped with safety shields and tear gas, the police and FC personnel were seen manning Chungi Number 26 — a key entry point into Islamabad.

A day after ending its 14-day sit-in, the JUI-F is expected to spread their protests throughout the country; blocking major thoroughfares across in all four provinces is on their agenda.

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PML-N moves court over Nawaz’s removal from ECL

The Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) has approached the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday, to request the removal of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s name from the no-fly list.

In the hearing today at the High Court, Nawaz’s counsel argued before the court that at the time of granting the bail, there were no conditions set upon the former prime minister.

Following which, the court asked the Attorney General to tell the court whether the fine imposed by the government was a part of the accountability court’s verdict.

“Does the ECL ordinance give the centre authority to give permission for a one-time visit abroad?” said the court.

The AG asked the court to grant him a one-day permission to respond in the case, following which the hearing was adjourned until Friday.

The government on Wednesday agreed to let the former prime minister travel abroad to seek specialized care, for a four-week period, provided he submits an indemnity bonds worth Rs7 billion.

Speaking to the media, Law Minister Farogh Naseem said that keeping in mind Sharif’s adverse critical medical condition, “he will be given four-week long, one-time permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.”

However, the PML-N has rejected the government’s conditional offer to travel abroad.

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Shehryar Afrid lauds efforts of Anti-Narcotics Force

Minister of State for Narcotics Control Shehryar Khan Afridi says government is determined to make drug free Pakistan.

Addressing the disposing off ceremony of narcotics in Peshawar on Thursday, he lauded efforts of Anti-Narcotics Force and other concerned departments in fighting against this curse.

Shehryar Afridi said we will make no compromise in saving our youth from this menace.

He stressed for individual contribution in rooting out the crime of drug trafficking from the society.

Meanwhile, about sixteen tons of seized drugs were burnt in the ceremony.

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Future Generations are exposed to Life long Health harms due to Climate change

Child born today faces multiple and life-long health harms from climate change.

Growing up in a warmer world with risks of food shortages, infectious diseases, floods and extreme heat, a major global study has found.

Climate change is already harming people’s health by increasing the number of extreme weather events and exacerbating air pollution, according to the study published in The Lancet medical journal. And if nothing is done to mitigate it, its impacts could burden an entire generation with disease and illness throughout their lives.

“Children are particularly vulnerable to the health risks of a changing climate. Their bodies and immune systems are still developing, leaving them more susceptible to disease and environmental pollutants,” said Nick Watts, who co-led The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change study.

He warned that health damage in early childhood is “persistent and pervasive”, and carries lifelong consequences.

“Without immediate action from all countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions, gains in wellbeing and life expectancy will be compromised, and climate change will come to define the health of an entire generation,” he told a London briefing.

Yet introducing policies to limit emissions and cap global warming would see a different outcome, the research teams said.

In that scenario, a child born today, would see an end to coal use in Britain, for example, by their 6th birthday, and the world reaching net-zero emissions by the time they were 31.

The Lancet study is a collaboration by 120 experts from 35 institutions including the World Health Organization, the World Bank, University College London and China’s Tsinghua University.

On a “business-as-usual” pathway, with little action to limit climate change, it found that amid rising temperatures and extreme weather events, children would be vulnerable to malnutrition and rising food prices, and the most likely to suffer from warmer waters and climates accelerating the spread of infectious diseases such as dengue fever and cholera.

Among the most immediate and long-lasting health threats from climate change is air pollution, the researchers said.

They called for urgent action to reduce outdoor and indoor pollution through the introduction of cleaner fuels and vehicles, and policies to encourage safe and active transport such as walking and cycling.

The WHO says that globally in 2016, 7 million deaths were due to the effects of household and ambient air pollution. The vast majority of these were in low and middle-income countries.

“If we want to protect our children, we need to make sure the air they breathe isn’t toxic,” said Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, a global health specialist at Britain’s Sussex University who worked on the Lancet study.

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Production of Human Skin in a minute: Singapore

A piece of skin about the size of your thumbnail can be printed in less than a minute, scientists in Singapore.

Made up of skin cells from donors and collagen, the in-vitro skin has the same chemical and biological properties as human skin, says John Koh, lab manager at start-up DeNova Sciences, which is collaborating with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University on the product.

“We can see that the industry is moving towards animal-free testing,” Koh said.

“So we really want to offer a solution to testing on the skin without using animal or human skin.”

The team has accelerated the manufacturing process by using a printing machine to put in precisely patterned layers that mimic human skin. Each tiny piece of skin takes less than a minute to print, which is the distinctive quality of this project.

The mixture is then incubated for about two weeks, as the skin cells multiply and gain opacity, turning into a whitish membrane.

The skin can be used to test the toxicity or irritation potential of a substance, and the penetrative qualities of active ingredients in products like cosmetics.

His team is now focusing on developing skin that includes Asian pigment cells to test the whitening effects of cosmetics and skincare products.

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Google to offer Bank Accounts

Alphabet Inc’s Google will offer personal checking accounts from sometime next year in partnership with Citigroup Inc.

The details of the project, named Cache, were first reported by the Wall Street Journal and follow moves by tech heavyweights Apple Inc and Facebook Inc into the financial industry this year.

Facebook’s plan to launch its Libra cryptocurrency has met with skepticism from regulators, worried about the risk of money laundering and the security of transactions and user data.

But there are also broader concerns about how the big tech companies’ will use their massive digital influence in other areas of business and economic infrastructure.

“Our approach is going to be to partner deeply with banks and the financial system,” Caesar Sengupta, general manager and vice-president of payments at Google, told the Journal in an interview.

“It may be the slightly longer path, but it’s more sustainable,” Sengupta was quoted as saying.

Asked about Google’s plans, US Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat on the Senate panel that oversees banking, said he was “a tech guy”, but that he had some reservations.

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Motorola is launching renown Razr folding phone with touchscreen

Motorola has decided to bring back the famous flip phone model named Razr, only with a heftier price tag and a touch screen that folds into a clam-shell.

The new model will be priced at a whopping $1500 (PKR235,000) and will be available for pre-orders in the United States in December this year before retailing worldwide in January 2020. Motorola is owned by China-based technology firm Lenovo. 

The Bloomberg report contends that the new phone will have a 6.2-inch screen and will have a durable folding mechanism as compared to current folding phones that have problems. Doubts about the battery of the device though, can still put-off customers. 

The popular Motorola Razr smartphone, launched in 2004, went on to become an iconic device, even popularized by Hollywood, until the iPhone was launched in 2007. Technology experts claim the new device simply aims to build brand awareness for Motorola in the US. 

Reports suggest that the new Razr has a small battery at 2,510mAh and runs the older Android 9 Pie operating system on Qualcomm’s sub-flagship Snapdragon 710 chip. It lacks the 5G option and bountiful memory of its rivals as well. 

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Pakistan is about to manufacture its own Solar Panels: Minister Fawad Chaudhry

Pakistan is about to start manufacturing its own solar panels, claimed Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry.

Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that the country has achieved these two major successes.

Electricity poles and wires won’t be seen anywhere in the world in the next 10 years, he predicted.

The energy sector will be completely transformed in the next three to five years, Minister added.

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Country is on right track, economy is heading towards stability: Firdous

Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan has asked the opposition parties to sit with the government for the resolution of problems faced by the masses.

Talking to the media persons in Islamabad on Thursday, she said the parliament is functional and the opposition should cooperate with the government for the passage of people friendly legislation.

Firdous Ashiq Awan said the government has put the country on the right track and the economy is heading towards stability.

She said the people will not support the elements bent upon stoking instability in the country.

The special Assistant said the plan B of JUI (F) will also flop like his Plan A of protest sit-in. She said the people fully understands the motives of the JUI (F) chief.

The Special Assistant asked the PML (N) not to do politics on the health of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. She said the PML (N) should act responsibly and take advantage of the facility extended by the government for treatment of the former Prime Minister abroad.

She said the government has demonstrated flexibility and out of box gave him the one time waiver to get the treatment abroad. She said according to law the names of the convicted persons are not removed from the ECL.

She said government has only sought guarantee in the form of indemnity bond which is a legal requirement. She said the PML (N) should not make it a matter of its ego , submit the indemnity bond and take Nawaz Sharif abroad for the treatment.

Firdous Ashiq Awan said the Prime Minister has also directed his team not to do any politics on the health of Nawaz Sharif.

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Federal govt allows Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad

The federal government has allowed the former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment.

A notification issued from the interior ministry stated that the federal government approved one-time permission to the former premier to travel abroad on medical grounds for four weeks.

The four weeks as per the notification would be counted from the date of departure and should be within the time period of bail granted to the Nawaz Sharif from Islamabad High Court (IHC).

The departure is, however, linked with the submission of indemnity bonds worth eight million United Kingdom (UK) pounds or equivalent rupees, 25 million United States (US) dollars or equivalent rupees and Rs 1.5 billion rupees to the additional secretary of the interior ministry.

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PM Imran vows to economically uplift country by bolstering exports

Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to economically uplift the country by bolstering exports and attracting the foreign investment.

He was addressing a tripartite signing ceremony between MSD Tire and Rubber Company, Doublestar China and Dawood Pakistan Express Bus Service Limited in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister said this agreement signed today between Pakistani and Chinese companies is aimed at local production of tires. He said this will not only help us reduce the import bill but export of tires will build up our foreign exchange reserves.

The Prime Minister welcomed the Chinese investment in different sectors and said Pakistan will encourage more Chinese investment by providing them an enabling environment.

He said several agreements have already been signed with China and the CPEC provides the platform to further bolster the economic partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister said the country's economy has been stabilized as a result of measures taken by the present government. He said the current account deficit has been curtailed and the rupee has also stabilized. The positive sentiments are now also visible in the stock market.

Imran Khan was confident that Pakistan will achieve higher growth rate than the one projected for the current fiscal year. He said we are giving incentives to the construction to uplift this important sector of the economy. We are also extending facilities to the investors.

The Prime Minister said world institutions including the IMF, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank have also endorsed that the country is heading in the right direction. He said the World Bank has improved our ease of doing business ranking by twenty eight points.

Imran Khan, however, stressed that our next challenge is to provide job opportunities to the youth by bringing in the investment. For this, he said we will fully facilitate the investors.

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No truth to reports regarding amendment in PAA to implement ICJ verdict on Kulbhushan: ISPR

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday evening dismissed reports regarding amendment to the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) as "incorrect".

"Speculations for amendment in Pakistan Army Act to implement International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict regarding convicted Indian terrorist Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav are incorrect," said Ghafoor on Twitter.

"Various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered. Final status shall be shared in due course of time."

The statement comes after certain Pakistani and Indian media outlets, quoting sources, reported that an amendment would soon be made to the act.

"The Pakistan government will be making amendments in the Army Act and let Kulbhushan Jadhav appeal against his conviction in a civilian court," India Today had claimed.

Speculations for amendment in Pak Army Act to implement ICJ verdict regarding convicted Indian terrorist Cdr Kulbushan Jadhav are incorrect. Various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered. Final status shall be shared in due course of time.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 13, 2019

Jadhav — a serving commander of the Indian Navy associated with Indian spy agency Research and Analysis Wing — was arrested on March 3, 2016, from Balochistan on allegations of espionage and terrorism.

In his trial at a military court, Jadhav had confessed to his involvement in terrorist plots and was sentenced to death in 2017.

ICJ, after being approached by India, had ordered a stay in his execution through an interim order.

On July 17, the international court had ruled that Jadhav be allowed consular access immediately and asked Pakistan to ensure “effective review and reconsideration of his conviction and sentences”.

The ICJ, however, rejected all other remedies sought by India, which included the annulment of the military court decision convicting Jadhav, restricting Pakistan from executing the sentence, securing Jadhav's release and ordering his return to India.

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Fazl announces end to Islamabad sit-in, expand protests

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) has decided to swing into action with its 'Plan B', as the party is ending its dharna (sit-in) in the federal capital and spreading the protest across Pakistan.

JUI-F Chief Fazl made the announcement to protesters in Islamabad on Wednesday.

“We will be leaving here tonight and will stand beside you (protesters), so the Azadi March proceeds successfully. Your presence here has pulled out the roots and the next step will be to root out the stem. Give one more push to the already falling walls,” he said to the crowd.

He appealed to the people who could not join the march to now come out when the protests spread across Pakistan.

The JUI-F held a consultation meeting under supremo Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman today, where it devised its future strategy.

According to the Plan B, the JUI-F will end the Islamabad sit-in and block highways across Pakistan.

Following the development, Azadi March participants started to dismantle their tents and started gathering their belongings to leave the H-9 venue in Islamabad.

Addressing participants of the Azadi March, Atta ur Rehman said that implementation on Plan B has already begun.

"According to our Plan B, we have staged a dharna protest on the Quetta-Chaman highway," said Rehman. "We will also block Chakdara Chowk in Lower Dir and Indus Highway according to our plan."

He said that Shahrah-e-Resham was blocked as well by the Azadi Marchers.

"We will close Indus Highway at the Link Road," he said. "In Punjab, we have blocked G.T. Road at Buzdar."

He said that workers of the JUI-F will start implementation on Plan B from Thursday at 2:00 PM.

JUI-F leader Rashid Soomro also spoke to the Azadi March protesters and urged them to gather at Hub River Road on Thursday at 2:00 pm.

"Workers should not carry sticks to the sit-in protests," he said. "Ambulances must be allowed to pass through."

Soomro said that one should not think that the Azadi March was nearing its end. He said that the protest was inching towards success with each step.

"From 2:00 pm tomorrow, the motorway in Sukkur will be blocked," he said. "At the same time, the road linking Ghotki to Punjab will also be closed."

Soomro said that Hub River Road will also be closed on Thursday from 2:00 pm and the same will be done to the road that links Kandhkot to Punjab.

Earlier, the protesters were blocking the Quetta-Chaman Highway for traffic.

JUI-F activists along with Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party have blocked the Quetta-Chaman highway while pursuing the 'Plan B' of the Azadi March.

Workers from both parties have blocked the Syed Hameed Cross for traffic, causing problems for the passengers.

Provincial JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Wasay said 'Plan B' was underway in Balochistan with the highway being closed for traffic.

On the other hand, a large contingent of levies forces have reached the spot and are negotiating with the protesters to open the highway.

Fazl lays out details of 'Plan B'

On Tuesday, while addressing the participants of Azadi March, JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had urged his party workers to come out from their homes to execute the ‘Plan B’ which involved blocking major highways and trade links across the country.

The JUI-F plans on blocking all main roads throughout Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

All the thoroughfares of Islamabad and Rawalpindi will be closed as well by the Azadi March supporters.

In the meeting, the JUI-F chief was briefed about the plan by all four provincial chiefs of the party. Fazl expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements in place for the plan.

 

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Nawaz on ECL: Govt pins travel ban removal on Rs7bn surety bond

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will be allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment for a four-week period against indemnity bonds, Law Minister Farogh Naseem announced Wednesday after a meeting of the federal cabinet’s sub-committee.

The meeting was presided over by Law Minister Farogh Naseem to decide the removal of Nawaz Sharif’s name from the Exit Control List (ECL) on basis of his medical condition.

Speaking to reporters here in Islamabad, Naseem said: "Keeping in mind his adverse critical medical condition, Nawaz Sharif will be given four-week long, one-time permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

"This permission will be subject to Nawaz Sharif or Shehbaz Sharif submitting an indemnity bond to the tune of roughly Rs7-7.5 billion to the satisfaction of additional secretary to the Ministry of Interior," he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's special assistant on accountability, Shahzad Akbar, added that requests from the Sharif Medical City, as well as the government-formed medical board, were taken into consideration.

"Nawaz has been given this one-time permission only for medical treatment," Akbar said. "It is the federal government's responsibility to ensure a guarantee from him and that that bond was only over surety, not any political gain."

The special assistant said the government understood Nawaz was unwell but stressed that the former premier was required to return to Pakistan after his medical treatment was completed. "The Ministry of Interior will issue the letter of permission," he said.

Akbar further noted that no one should forget the PML-N leader had been sentenced in a mega-corruption case and that investigation was still underway in some cases, including that of the Chaudhry Sugar Mills.

Nawaz was convicted by an accountability court last December in the Al-Azizia corruption reference and awarded him a seven-year imprisonment sentence, alongside a fine worth Rs1.5 billion and $25 million (Rs3.88 billion).

Last night, however, sources had said Nawaz was reportedly annoyed over the government's demand to deposit surety bonds and refused to go abroad to get medical treatment for his critical ailments.

PML-N leader Ata Tarar, according to the sources, had said in this regard: "We have deposited security bonds at the court, will not provide any further bonds. [The PML-N President] Shehbaz Sharif held meeting with Nawaz Sharif for one-and-a-half hour at Jati Umra and convinced him that his deteriorating health condition never allowed him to remain in Pakistan.”

The Sharif family had thought it advisable not to sign any document that had no legal status because this kind of arrangement could only be done by the court.

The sources said Tarar, who attended couple of meetings of the sub-committee of the federal cabinet in the day time, provided details to Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz about the government's demand of surety bonds.

“Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Barrister Munawar Iqbal, and Attaullah Tarar discussed the issue in detail and also got opinion from other legal brains after which the Sharif family members decided that they would not sign any illegal document to seek removal of Nawaz’ name from ECL,” the sources had said.

“When the NAB reviewed the total cost of the property of the Sharif family in Pakistan they came to know that it is less than even the fine imposed by the NAB court in the corruption cases against Nawaz Sharif,” the sources said.

 

 

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Naval Chief, Qatari PM agree to promote maritime cooperation

Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi met with Qatari Prime Minister in Doha.

According to the spokesperson of Pakistan Navy, the Naval Chief also held separate meetings with the Armed Forces Chief of Staff and Commander Qatar Naval Forces.

Issues of mutual interest and the promotion of bilateral maritime cooperation were discussed during the meetings.

The Naval chief also highlighted Pakistan's position on Kashmir issue during the meetings.

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President stress need for resolution of conflicts for peace, stability

President Arif Alvi has stressed the need for resolution of conflicts for peace and stability in the region and the world at large.

Addressing a seminar on Regional Peace and Development in Islamabad on Wednesday, he said there are several UN Security Council resolutions promising right of self-determination to the Kashmiri people. 

He said Pakistan and the Kashmiri people had hopes from the United Nations that these will be implemented.

He said the nations should rise above their vested interests and work collectively for the humanity to cope with the challenges including that of the global warming.

President Arif Alvi said Pakistan has overcome terrorism and the country learnt from its experiences. 

On the Indian Supreme Court's judgment in Babri Mosque, the President said there is frustration amongst the Muslims as well as other minorities in India.

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Technology Firm is developing Electric Kits for Bikes

A domestic technology company has introduced electric kits for locally assembled motorbikes, claiming that they will be cost-effective and easy to use.

Interacting with the media on Monday, company officials were of the view that an electrical revolution was on the cards in Pakistan and their locally designed technology would cater to 70cc and 125cc bike segments.
Bike prices jump up to Rs6,000

“It is a readymade solution designed for the local two-wheelers and can be used in second hand as well as new bikes,” said Jolta Electric co-founder Raheel Iqbal.

He pointed out that the company had been working on the product for the past three years and now it became the first technology company in Pakistan that produced locally designed e-bikes, which would run on electrical energy. These bikes will not have parts like lever, oil chain and gear.

According to the company, which is a sister concern of AUJ Technologies, it produces all parts of e-bikes locally including battery systems and chargers. However, the components for manufacturing the engine are currently being imported.

It is simultaneously producing electric cycles and aims to introduce kits for rickshaws and cars as well.

Welcoming the recently announced electric vehicle policy, the company management said it was focusing on gaining a mammoth share in the electric vehicle market by 2030.

Use of low-grade fuel in bikes to help slash import bill

“According to estimates, there are 20 million motorbikes running on roads in Pakistan, of which the share of 70cc segment is around 80% and that is our target market,” the co-founder said. “By 2030, we are aiming to achieve not less than 30% share in the electric vehicle segment in Pakistan.”

The electric vehicle policy is aimed at turning at least 30% vehicles to electricity in a bid to make Pakistan an environment-friendly country. Proper infrastructure is likely to be constructed by the stakeholders such as charging stations to support the initiative.

However, the current stakeholders in the automobile sector have expressed their dismay over the policy as they feel they have been ignored while preparing the final draft of the policy.

The official stressed that the company was not concerned if another policy was introduced by the government in future. “Any change in the automotive policy will not affect us,” he remarked. The company claims that monthly expense of a bike owner will be well below Rs1,000, however, the speed will matter in keeping the cost down.

“Charging will erode faster if the driver drives the motorbike at a higher speed,” he said. “The ideal speed will be 40 km per hour and this will give a mileage of around 80 km in a single charge.”

The battery charging will take around seven hours, according to officials of the company. “The price of an electric kit is Rs55,000 for 70cc and Rs85,000 for 125cc bikes,” he added.

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Court extends Hamza’s judicial remand till November 28

An accountability court hearing the assets beyond means case against Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) stalwart Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, extended his judicial remand.

The leader of the opposition in the Punjab Assembly was awarded an extended judicial remand till November 28.

The court asked the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) prosecutor regarding the reference which the anti-graft watchdog was to file on the accused.

The prosecutor assured the court that the reference was under process and would be filed as soon as possible.

The politician was handed an extended remand in another case pertaining to corrupt practices in Ramzan Sugar Mills, the hearing for the case was held yesterday.

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Nawaz's ECL case: Farogh Naseem telephones PM Imran

Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem has telephoned Prime Minister Imran Khan to apprise him about matters related to striking off the name of Nawaz Sharif from the ECL.

Naseem apprised the prime minister that for premier Nawaz Sharif is not ready to leave abroad on conditions and also briefed him about the reasons told by Shehbaz Sharif.

Sources said PM Khan asked the minister to convey clear policy of the government on the matter.

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Ali Shafiq has been fined for the use of offensive language

Balochistani bowler Ali Shafiq has been fined 20 percent of his match fee for a level 1 offence.

Ali Shafiq's offence was related to the use of language, action or gesture which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his dismissal during a match during his side’s three-day non first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi.

The incident happened on Sunday when Ali dismissed Mehran Ibrahim in the 21st over of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first innings.

The right-arm medium-fast was charged by on-field umpires Imtiaz Iqbal and Mohammad Sajid at the end of second day’s play for violating article 2.5 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

Ali pleaded guilty and accepted the fine imposed on him by match referee Nadeem Arshad.

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Ali Shafiq has been fined 20 percent of his match fee

Balochistani bowler Ali Shafiq has been fined 20 percent of his match fee for a level 1 offence.

His offence was related to the use of language, action or gesture which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his dismissal during a match during his side’s three-day non first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the KRL Stadium in Rawalpindi.

The incident happened on Sunday when Ali dismissed Mehran Ibrahim in the 21st over of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s first innings.

The right-arm medium-fast was charged by on-field umpires Imtiaz Iqbal and Mohammad Sajid at the end of second day’s play for violating article 2.5 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel.

Ali pleaded guilty and accepted the fine imposed on him by match referee Nadeem Arshad.

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President Arif Alvi Congratulates Snooker Champion Muhammad Asif on Winning

President Arif Alvi telephoned World Snooker Champion Muhammad Asif today and felicitated him on winning the World Snooker Championship.

President and Snooker Champion Muhammad Asif also discussed matters pertaining to promotion of snooker game in the country and the problems faced by its players.

 

Pakistan's Mohammad Asif clinched the title of IBSF World Snooker Championship in Antalya, Turkey on Saturday.

The top Pakistani cueist outclassed his Filipino opponent 8-5, completing the best-of-15 frames triumph with scores of 68-35, 88-0, 69-17, 28-73, 5-118, 93-0, 69-1, 72-57, 10-93, 77-04, 21-65, 54-66 and 68-51.

Asif, who hails from Faisalabad is now a two-time champion at the event as he had also lifted the title in 2012.

Earlier, he had made it to the final after defeating his Thai opponent Kritsanut Lertsattayathorn in the semifinal on Friday. He had won the semifinal fixture with a score of 88-41, 65-20, 86-35, 54-02, 73-17, 69-51 and 78-77.

 

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