FIA identifies social media account spreading fake news about army

Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing have discovered several accounts that were spreading fake news about the Pakistan Army.

According to media reports, Mohammad Naveed Afzal who is an overseas Pakistani and a resident of the Jhang district claimed that COAS Gen Bajwa attended the August 14 ceremony which was held at the London Embassy.

However, the video played on social media is of the army chief's visit to Ukraine in May 2021, said the investigating authorities.

Earlier this month, an ex-office bearer of the PTI's student branch disclosed that he ran a smear campaign on social media against Pakistan army soldiers.

He stated that he is ashamed and apologetic for what he did and that he did it because of the influence of "certain people".

Moreover, another PTI member confessed that he ran a smear campaign on social media against Pakistan Army.

He later apologised for his anti army remarks and stated that he had spread hateful propaganda at the request of his political party.

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Army stands with flood hit-population in this difficult time: COAS

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said Pakistan Army stands with flood hit-population in this difficult time and shall undertake the assistance effort as a national obligation.

He made the remarks when he called Commander Balochistan Corps to get an update on flood situation.

The Army Chief directed the commander to undertake all measures to assist government of Balochistan for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts on emergency basis in coordination with civil administration.

General Qamar Javed Bajwa said unprecedented rains have caused devastation to human life and communication infrastructure especially in Balochistan.

He said Army resources will be utilized to help affected population and restore critical communication infrastructure as immediate temporary measure.

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Shaheen Afridi ruled out of Asia Cup 2022

Pakistani pacer Shaheen Afridi has been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup 2022, dealing a major setback to the Pakistan side, who were banking on his bowling in the upcoming international tournament.

Shaheen had suffered a right knee ligament injury while fielding during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last month.

In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said Shaheen has been advised four to six weeks of rest by the body's medical advisory committee and independent specialists following the latest scans and reports.

"This means Shaheen has been ruled out of the ACC T20 Asia Cup and home series against England," the board announced about the pacer, who routinely serves as a crucial part of Pakistan's bowling attack.

The young pacer is expected to return to competitive cricket in October with the New Zealand T20I tri-series, which will be followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022.

Shaheen will stay with the squad to complete his rehabilitation. His replacement for the ACC T20 Asia Cup will be announced shortly. 

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Flood kills 5 in Chitral

At least five people were dead after flash floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains wreaked havoc in Chitral, it emerged on Saturday.

As per media reports, seven people, including a woman, were swept away by the flash flood in different areas of Chitral on Friday.

After being informed, the rescue officials launched a search operation and recovered five bodies, said the sources. The search operation is underway to recover the other two, they added.

In its daily weather report, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Saturday said that monsoon currents are still penetrating in most parts of the country.

A westerly wave is also affecting western and upper parts of the country, it added.

The Met Office said that rain coupled with thundershower is expected in Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Heavy falls are also likely at isolated places in Balochistan, Punjab, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Upper Sindh today, it added.

 

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Action against PML-N lawmakers in Punjab ‘revenge’ for proceedings against Shahbaz Gill: Tarar

PML-N leader Attaullah Tarar decried on Saturday the Punjab police’s move to raid the residences of his party’s lawmakers and register cases against them as an act of “revenge” for legal proceedings initiated against PTI’s Shahbaz Gill over his controversial remarks.

Tarar, who was speaking to the media alongside other PML-N leaders in Islamabad, said the raids were carried out on the instructions of the Punjab government — where an alliance of the PTI and PML-Q is at the helm — and warned Chief Minister Parvez Elahi’s government that they “will face the consequences of the trend of revenge they had set”.

“Parvez Elahi sahib, you and your son (Moonis Elahi) will face the consequences of this new trend that you have set,” Tarar reiterated, claiming that Moonis had been issuing instructions for action against PML-N leaders despite not having any official authority.

The PML-N leader’s criticism of the Punjab government comes hours after police raids at the residences of at least a dozen PML-N leaders in the province for their arrest over their alleged involvement in the violence witnessed in the Punjab Assembly during the chief minister’s election on April 16.

However, the lawmakers had managed to evade police and flee to Islamabad, where the PML-N is at the helm of affairs.

The ‘wanted’ PML-N MPAs, apart from Tarar, include his brother Bilal Tarar, the party’s Punjab Secretary General Sardar Awais Leghari, Rana Mashhood, Maryam Nawaz’s close aide Saiful Malook Khokhar, Mirza Javed, Abdur Rauf, Pir Ashraf Rasool, Pir Khizar Hayat Khagga, Raja Sagheer Ahmad, Bilal Farooq, and Rana Manan.

During his media talk today, Tarar, whose house was raided in connection with the April 16 episode for the second time on Friday night, maintained that while PML-N lawmakers were being booked for the provincial assembly attack case, “Parvez Elahi and his companions” were the “actual suspects”.

The PML-N leader also alleged that during last night’s raids, police had “stolen” valuables from the MPAs’ residences.

He also linked the action against his party’s members to the “promotion of an anti-state narrative”, alluding to Gill’s controversial remarks.

Tarar alleged that CM Elahi had “fully facilitated Imran Khan in promoting this anti-state narrative”, adding that Elahi was “at the forefront of exacting revenge from us”.

He went on to claim that Elahi and Moonis had directed jail officials not to hand over Gill to Islamabad police even when the court had approved his remand in police custody.

They had been defying court orders, the PML-N leader added.

Coming back to the action taken against PML-N lawmakers, he said a case should have actually been registered for the beating and torture inflicted on then-PA deputy speaker Dost Mazari during the April 16 session.

“It all started when people pulled the deputy speaker’s hair and subjected him to violence. Are you ready to get arrested?” he questioned, addressing Elahi.

“If any PML-N member is arrested, all of you would also be arrested because you started the violence,” he warned.

He demanded that the CM present proof to corroborate his claim that he was also subjected to violence in the episode, adding that the entire nation had witnessed that the deputy speaker was beaten.

Tarar said the cases registered against PML-N lawmakers in connection with the April 16 session were “fake”.

“What are you avenging?” he questioned, adding that the action taken against the PTI’s members and supporters during the May 25 Azadi March was the government’s “job” and “responsibility”.

“What you were doing was illegal. You tried to create anarchy … It was our responsibility to stop anarchy,” he said.

The PML-N leader vowed to fight the Punjab government’s “fascism and revenge” with determination. “We will take the legal course,” he said, adding that the cases against PML-N MPAs were “fake” and “baseless”.

Tarar also commented that Elahi’s government was being run through a “remote control from Banigala”, a reference to PTI chief Imran Khan’s residence.

PML-N’s Rana Mashhood, who was also present on the occasion, said “a mockery shouldn’t be made out of assemblies” and called for an end to the “politics of laadlas (blue-eyed boys)” — a term PML-N uses for Imran.

He also said the PML-N lawmakers would fight the “daaku raj” (regime of goons) in Punjab and bring it to an end.

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2 terrorists killed in gun battle with security forces in North Waziristan: ISPR

Two terrorists were killed by security forces during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan tribal district, the military’s media affairs wing said on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the IBO, an intense fire exchange took place between the army troops and terrorists.

“Resultantly, two terrorists got killed, including Commander Khabaib Alias Bilal of the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.”

The ISPR said that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the site, elaborating that terrorists remained actively involved in terror activities against security forces, preparation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and killing of innocent citizens.

“Terrorist Commander Khabaib was also involved in a suicide attack on security forces convoy in Mir Ali in August 2022,” the statement added.

 

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Shahbaz Gill 'faking it', 'no abuse of any kind occurred': Interior Minister

Federal Minister for Interior Rana Sanaullah Khan on Friday said that PTI Chairman Imran Khan's aide Shahbaz Gill was "not subjected to abuse of any kind" during his detention and that he is "just faking it".

Gill has been in police custody since August 9 when the Islamabad police arrested him in a sedition case after he passed controversial remarks on a private news channel.

According to the Islamabad police spokesperson, he was booked on charges of sedition and inciting members of state institutions against the Pakistan Army.

"No abuse of any kind occurred. Shahbaz Gill is just faking it. He was not tortured," the minister said.

"Imran Khan is lying, as always, that Gill was sexually abused," he said.

The interior minister asked Imran Khan to file an application against "the one involved", if he believes a crime was committed.

He warned PTI leaders of legal action if they try to barge into the Red Zone or PIMS Hospital.

The PML-N leader said the PTI chief knows that the verdict of the Toshakhana and foreign funding case is about to come "therefore, he is peddling false propaganda".

Meanwhile, a police inquiry was instituted to investigate the torture allegations.

According to sources, the IG Islamabad is leading the inquiry and has been ordered by the Islamabad High Court to submit a report.

The sources said DIG Headquarters Islamabad chaired an important meeting with top police officials and the investigation team. The probe team briefed the high-ups about judicial proceedings.

The police have also started recording statements to probe the torture allegations. Statements were taken from doctors on Gill's health condition.

The sources further said that the diet of the PTI leader will be fully monitored.

According to sources in jail, it was learnt that Gill complained of difficulty in breathing and poor health due to the alleged torture after which he was shifted to the jail hospital for a checkup. However, when his condition reportedly appeared to have deteriorated, it was decided that he will be shifted to a hospital for a complete medical checkup.

On August 17, Gill was shifted to the PIMS hospital's Cardiac Centre late in the night. A three-member board of doctors took his multiple tests, including blood tests, ECG and coronavirus test.

On August 18, the PIMS hospital's board released Gill's medical report that declared him absolutely fit and healthy. All his tests were clear, according to the report.

On August 19, he was shifted to an Islamabad district and sessions court from the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in a wheelchair. While he was being hustled from the ambulance to the court, Gill appeared to burst into tears.

Despite the Islamabad police's demand for an extension of Gill's physical remand in a sedition case, the district and sessions court judge ordered him sent back to the Cardiac Centre of the PIMS for a reassessment of his health.

"Shahbaz Gill's condition is not fine," the court remarked while announcing the verdict reserved by duty judge Judicial Magistrate Raja Farrukh Ali Khan.

A couple of videos of Gill crying and complaining of difficulty breathing went viral on social media. At the court premises, he was provided with an oxygen cylinder.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan decided to visit Gill at the medical facility in the federal capital. However, he was denied access to his chief of staff.

Later, the PTI chief announced rallies countrywide to express solidarity with his chief of staff, claiming that he faced "sexual abuse" in police custody.

In a series of tweets, Imran demanded justice for Gill. "All the pictures and videos show clearly Gill was tortured both mentally and physically, including sexual abuse — most too gruesome to relate," the PTI chairman said.

The PTI chairman claimed the police humiliated Gill and that he now has detailed information about the events regarding Gill's "torture".

"ICT police says it did not inflict any torture. So my question is: Who tortured Gill?" Khan asked.

The PTI chairman added that there is a general perception in the public at large and in "our minds too as to who could have carried out the gruesome torture".

"Remember the public will react. We will leave no stone unturned to find out those responsible and bring them to justice," he added.

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Imran denied permission to meet Gill at hospital

After being denied permission to meet Shahbaz Gill at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Imran Khan announced that he will hold rallies across Pakistan in support of his party official.

Imran Khan made the announcement while speaking with the media outside PIMS.

"We will conduct rallies across all divisional headquarters," Khan said, inviting PTI supporters to join him in raising his voice against the torture and ill-treatment meted out to his chief of staff.

"They don't care about court orders," he said, criticising the government's treatment of Gill and their disregard in relation to his health.

Amid strict security within PIMS' premises, Khan earlier reached the hospital to meet his chief of staff Shahbaz Gill, who has been admitted as per court orders. The former PM was, however, denied permission to visit his party member.

 

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Tow WAPDA employees 'kidnapped' in Sadiqabad

Two Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) employees have ‘kidnapped’ on Friday by unknown men in Sadiqabad, Punjab.

According to the local police, the WAPDA employees went to restore electricity on the complaint in Nawazabad. They were reportedly kidnapped after they were returning to Mahi Chowk.

According to media reports, police said that teams have been set up and they are trying to trace the location of the WAPDA employees.

This is not the first incident of kidnapping of WAPDA employees, few years earlier, a Wapda worker was abducted by unknown armed persons in the precincts of Dera Sarki PS, Kandhkot.

According to details, Nizam Din Khoso, incharge Karampur Gird Station, resident of Tangwani Taluka was returning from his duty late night on his bike when he reached near Sokar Stop, suddenly unidentified armed men intercepted him kidnapped him at gunpoint.

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Information Minister terms Imran’s tenure as dark chapter of Pakistan's media history

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb says media faced unprecedented gags during last regime of Imran Khan and now he is misleading the nation in the name media freedom.

Talking to media in Islamabad on Thursday, she said journalists' organizations condemned actions of Imran Khan's government against media. She said these organizations termed Imran Khan as press freedom predator.

She said journalists like Absar Alam, Matiullah Jan, Asad Toor, Nusrat Javed, Ghareeda Farooqui, Asma Shirazi, Amber Shamsi, Talat Hussain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Najam Sethi, Murtaza Solangi and Dr. Danish were banned during PTI's government.

The Minister said PTI government tried to introduce a black law 'Media Regulatory Authority' to curb the freedom of speech.

She said PTI government used National Accountability Bureau for political victimization.

She said Imran Khan should present himself in Election Commission of Pakistan in foreign funding case.

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China continues work with Pakistan to bring CPEC benefits: Wang Wenbin

China says it will continue to work with Pakistan under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects to ensure that cooperation outcome are better delivered.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin during a media briefing in Beijing said CPEC is an important pilot program under Belt and Road Initiative.

He said the programme focuses on development and people’s livelihood and has got wide recognition from outside.

The spokesperson said that the CPEC has brought tangible benefits for socio-economic development of people’s lives.

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Pakistan desires peaceful ties with India based on principles of equity, justice & mutual respect: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan desires peaceful ties with India based on the principles of equity, justice and mutual respect.

He was talking to Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins who called on him in Islamabad.

The Prime Minister said a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people is indispensable for peace and stability in the region.

He stressed that the international community has to play a facilitative role in this regard, as it is essential for durable peace in South Asia.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to further enhance cooperation with Australia in diverse fields including trade, investment, agriculture and livestock.

He also stressed for educational and technical cooperation, direct air-links, skilled migration, and people-to-people contacts.

The Australian High Commissioner reciprocated the desire for further strengthening of bilateral relations.

 

 

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Erdogan warns of ‘another Chernobyl’ after talks in Ukraine

Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Thursday of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine during his first face-to-face talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia’s invasion began, echoing pleas from the UN’s chief.

A flare-up in fighting around Europe’s largest nuclear facility in Russian-controlled southern Ukraine has sparked urgent warnings from world leaders and UN chief Antonio Guterres cautioned during talks with Erdogan that any damage to the plant would be akin to “suicide”.

“We are worried. We don’t want another Chernobyl,” Erdogan said during a press conference in the eastern city of Lviv, during which he also assured the Ukrainian leader that Ankara was a firm ally.

“While continuing our efforts to find a solution, we remain on the side of our Ukraine friends,” Erdogan said.

Guterres said he was “gravely concerned” about the situation at the plant and said it had to be demilitarised, adding: “We must tell it like it is — any potential damage to Zaporizhzhia is suicide”.

Erdogan, who has major geopolitical rivalries with the Kremlin but maintains a close working relationship with President Vladimir Putin, met with the Russian leader less than two weeks ago in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

The Turkish leader along with Guterres were key brokers of a deal inked in Istanbul last month allowing the resumption of grain exports from Ukraine after Russia’s invasion blocked essential global supplies.

Ahead of the press conference with Zelensky, Ukraine’s port authority announced that the 25th cargo ship under the deal had departed for Egypt carrying 33,000 tonnes of grain.

Ukraine and Russia are two of the world’s biggest grain exporters and the halt in exports saw grain prices soar and fears rise of global food shortages, particularly in poor countries already experiencing shortfalls.

Guterres said during the meeting with reporters that the sides hoped to intensify efforts to bolster operations at three southern ports designated for exports under the deal.

“We will do our best to scale up our operations to face... the coming winter,” the UN chief said, hailing the deal that saw a safe corridor established for cargo ships to exit Black Sea ports.

The success of the grain deal contrasts with failed peace talks early in the war and Zelensky on Thursday ruled out peace with Russia unless it withdraws its troops from Ukraine.

He told reporters he was “very surprised” to hear from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Russia was “ready for some kind of peace”, adding: “First they should leave our territory and then we’ll see”.

Fighting raged along the front on Thursday.

In the war-scarred eastern region of Kharkiv, Russian strikes left several dead and dozens injured.

The early morning bombardments across the city of Kharkiv and nearby Krasnograd left at least six dead and 25 injured, just one day after Russian bombardments killed 13 in the country’s second-largest urban centre.

The regional governor Oleg Synegubov posted images from the scene of one Kharkiv strike showing the smouldering remains of several burnt-out buildings and twisted wreckage of destroyed vehicles nearby.

“Kharkiv. 175 days of horror. Daily terror, missile strikes on residential areas and civilians,” a senior presidential aide, Mykhaylo Podolyak, wrote on social media.

But fighting in recent weeks has focused around the southern region of Zaporizhzhia and the nuclear facility there, and Zelensky has called on the UN to ensure security at the plant after direct talks with Guterres in Lviv.

“The UN must ensure the security of this strategic object, its demilitarisation and complete liberation from Russian troops,” he said, blaming Russia for “deliberate” attacks on the facility.

Russian forces took the Zaporizhzhia plant in southern Ukraine in March and uncertainty surrounding it has fuelled fears of a nuclear incident, recalling the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

Moscow meanwhile dismissed Ukrainian allegations Thursday saying its forces had not deployed heavy weapons at Zaporizhzhia and accused Kyiv of preparing a “provocation” there.

“Russian troops have no heavy weapons either on the territory of the station or in areas around it. There are only guard units,” the ministry said in a statement.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Russia’s seizure of the plant “poses a serious threat” and also called for a Russian withdrawal and inspections by the IAEA.

The UN chief is due to travel on Friday to Odessa, one of three ports involved in the grain exports deal.

He will then head to Turkey to visit the Joint Coordination Centre, the body tasked with overseeing the accord.

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Ireland nail down the five -match Twenty series 3-2 Against Afghanistan

Ireland clinched the five-match Twenty20 international series 3-2 against Afghanistan by sealing a narrow win in the last and fifth rain-affected faceoff at Stormon on Wednesday.

George Dockrell hit the winning run with two balls to spare after Ireland had been set a revised target of 56 in seven overs, with a seven-wicket victory giving the hosts the five-match contest 3-2.

Ireland paceman Mark Adair removed openers Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz in his first over after home skipper Andy Balbirnie won the toss.

And when Adair dismissed Ibrahim Zadran, he had figures of 3-16, with Afghanistan 26-3 inside four overs.

Usman Ghani, however, led an Afghanistan counter-attack after Josh Little had Najibullah Zadran and captain Mohammad Nabi caught behind by Lorcan Tucker off successive deliveries.

But having made an unbeaten 44, off just 40 balls -- including three fours and two sixes -- Ghani´s innings was curtailed by rain, with Afghanistan 95-5 off 15 overs.

A lengthy delay left Ireland chasing a revised target.

Off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman had Balbirnie lbw for nine and when he had Paul Stirling (16) caught at midwicket, Ireland were 38-2.

That became 45-3 when Tucker fell to leg-spinner Rashid Khan for 14.

But Harry Tector and Dockrell then held their nerve as Ireland won with three wickets down.

 

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US Secretary of State Blinken extends full support to Pakistan’s flood victims

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated the commitment to stand by Pakistan in hard times and extends full support to flood victims.

In a tweet, he said one million dollars will be given to Pakistan to build resilience against natural disasters. He said this amount is in addition to one hundred thousand dollars in immediate relief.

We stand by Pakistan in hard times and offer our support to flood victims. In addition to $100,000 in immediate relief, the U.S. announced $1 million to build resilience against natural disasters, and we continue to work together to mitigate future impacts of the climate crisis. https://t.co/eDSeZOrvaE

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 17, 2022

The US Secretary of State said we continue to work together to mitigate future impacts of the climate crisis in Pakistan.

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PM Shehbaz directs to speed-up relief operations in flood-affected areas immediately

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed NDMA, PDMA and the provincial government to speed-up relief operations in the flood-affected areas immediately.

According to PM Office, Shehbaz Sharif said the first priority in a flood situation is the rescue of the affected people and their immediate assistance.

He also directed that 50000 rupees should be provided immediately to each victim family.

The Prime Minister directed for immediate provision of accommodation, medical facilities, food and clean drinking water to the victims.

He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and properties due to floods in southern Sindh.

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Heavy rains bring more destruction to Balochistan villages

Heavy rains continued to wreak havoc in Balochistan after a new spell of rains caused flash flooding in Lasbela district and nearby areas, leaving several villages inundated.

Traffic on Quetta-Karachi National Highway remained suspended even after five days as flood water is still flowing over the highway.

Sibi Deputy Commis­si­o­ner Mansoor Qazi said flood water had entered villages including Raza Mohammad Goth and Kalmathi Goth in the Uthal area.

The deputy commissioner said the ground link between Uthal and the rest of Lasbela had been disconnected after a pylon caved in on a thoroughfare connecting the two points.

He said 12 people were rescued from one of the inundated villages.

“An alternative route that was prepared three days ago near Landa River in Uthal has been washed away once again due to floods,” he said.

He urged motorists to avoid using Quetta-Karachi National Highway, saying the repair work could take at least two more days.

Two cars were also washed away in floods on Wednesday night near Zero Point area of Uthal, however, locals with the help of welfare officials rescued five people aboard the two vehicles.

The situation in other districts has not improved yet as Musakhail, Zhob, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Nasirabad and Lasbela were still receiving torrential rains for the past two days.

According to officials, hundreds of mud houses were damaged in Qila Saifullah, Muslim Bagh, Musakhail, Kohlu, Dera Bugti and other areas due to incessant rains.

Rescue teams, including the army, Frontier Constabulary, Levies and local administration were trying to rescue people from far-flung areas of the district which were cut-off due to washing away of connecting roads and of bridges.

Meanwhile, the provincial government called upon the federal government to provide a special package of Rs60 billion for repair of infrastructure and rehabilitation of flood-hit families.

The Balochistan government sent a resolution adopted by the provincial assembly recently to Islamabad. “Balochistan, having meagre resources, is not able to rehabilitate the destroyed areas and compensate the people who suffered huge financial losses,” the resolution stated.

It asked the provincial government to approach the federal government for a special package of at least Rs50bn to Rs60bn for the rehabilitation of 32 destroyed districts and waive off all utility bills and agriculture loans in the districts that had been declared calamity-hit areas.

 

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Chinese troops will travel to Russia to take part in joint military drills

Chinese troops will travel to Russia to take part in joint military drills, Beijing’s defence ministry said.

Beijing and Moscow have close defence links and China has said it wants to push bilateral relations “to a higher level,” even as Moscow faces international sanctions and widespread condemnation over its war in Ukraine.

China’s defence ministry said Wednesday its participation in the annual “Vostok” exercises — which Moscow has said will take place from August 30 to September 5 — is part of a bilateral cooperation agreement with Russia.

“The aim is to deepen practical and friendly cooperation with the armies of participating countries, enhance the level of strategic collaboration among the participating parties, and strengthen the ability to respond to various security threats,” the Chinese defence ministry said in a statement.

India, Belarus, Mongolia, Tajikistan and other countries will also participate, it said.

China and India have been accused of providing diplomatic cover for Russia throughout its months-long war in Ukraine by opposing Western sanctions and arms sales to Kyiv.

But Beijing insisted its participation in the joint exercises was “unrelated to the current international and regional situation”.

It is the second joint military exercise conducted by Chinese and Russian troops this year.

Bombers from the two countries conducted a 13-hour drill close to Japan and South Korea in May, forcing those countries to scramble jet fighters, as US President Joe Biden was visiting Tokyo.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that while warming ties between China and Russia undermined global security, Washington didn’t “read anything” into the drills.

“Most of the participating countries also routinely participate in a wide array of military exercises and exchanges with the United States as well,” he told a press conference.

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Shahbaz Gill undergoes medical tests at PIMS

Former prime minister and Chairman PTI Imran Khan's Chief of Staff Shahbaz Gill was shifted to the PIMS Hospital late Wednesday after he complained of difficulty in breathing.

Gill has been in police custody since August 9 when the Islamabad police arrested him in a sedition case after he passed controversial remarks on a private news channel. According to the Islamabad police spokesperson, he was booked on charges of sedition and inciting members of state institutions against the Pakistan Army.

According to sources in jail, it was learnt that Gill complained of difficulty in breathing and poor health due to alleged torture after which he was shifted to the jail hospital for a checkup. However, when his condition reportedly appeared to have deteriorated, it was decided that he will be shifted to a hospital for a complete medical checkup.

At the PIMS hospital's Cardiac Centre, doctors conducted an initial medical checkup. Different tests, including blood tests and ECG, were also set to be carried out.

The sources said his oxygen saturation level was recorded at 97. For healthy individuals, a pulse oximeter reading for oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%.

Gill's blood pressure was found to be 70/110, the sources said, adding that a coronavirus test sample was also dispatched to the laboratory.

The sources, citing doctors, said Gill's health was found to be satisfactory in the initial medical examination. However, an overall medical report was to be readied in the morning.

The sources said the decision to discharge the PTI leader from the hospital will be made after the medical report is received.

 

Referring to the August 17 struggle between the Islamabad and Rawalpindi police forces, the Punjab minister criticised the Islamabad police, saying it shifted Gill to Islamabad under the guard of the Rangers. The Punjab police tried to shift Shahbaz Gill to a nearby hospital, he said.

Earlier yesterday, an Islamabad district and sessions court remanded the senior PTI leader into police custody for 48 hours in its verdict on a review plea seeking his physical remand in the sedition case.

However, after his condition deteriorated, a decision was made to shift him to the hospital. The Rawalpindi police arrived at the jail premises to take Gill's custody. After a lot of chaos, the Adiala jail authorities handed over his custody to the Islamabad police, in compliance with the court order.

The Rawalpindi Police said it would shift Gill to the DHQ Hospital while the Islamabad Police insisted on transferring the PTI leader to the federal capital as per court orders. Following the argument, additional personnel of Islamabad Police were called to the jail.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior had also summoned Rangers and FC personnel to execute the court orders.

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Pak Suzuki becomes second company to reduce prices citing rupee appreciation

Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited (PSMCL) announced on Tuesday that the prices of various models have been reduced by Rs75,000-199,000 effective August 16, citing rupee appreciation against the dollar.

The company has closed advance bookings of vehicles since July 1. The Alto VX, VXR, and AGS models now cost Rs1.699 million, Rs1.976m, and Rs2.223m, respectively.Wagon VXR, VXL and AGS models will now cost Rs2.421m, Rs2.564m and Rs2.802m, while Cultus VXR, VXL and AGS models are now available at Rs2.754m, 3.024m and Rs3.234m.

The new prices of Swift GL MT, CVT and GLX CVT are Rs3.180m, Rs3.420m and Rs3.760m while Ravi, Ravi without deck, Bolan van and Bolan Cargo carry price tags of Rs1.424m, Rs1.349m, Rs1.500m and Rs1.487mThe fall in price appears surprising as the company had raised the rates by Rs314,000-661,000 in the first week of August, linking it to the rupee devaluation against the dollar.

Pak Suzuki has also decided to temporarily shut down its car production plant from August 18-19, due to a parts shortage. In a stock filing on Tuesday, the company said the motorcycle plant would remain kikoperational.

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Shahbaz Gill remanded to police custody for 48 hours, court rules

An Islamabad district and sessions court on Wednesday approved a two-day physical remand of PTI leader Shahbaz Gill at the request of the capital police.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry announced a verdict that was reserved earlier today.

The development comes less than a week after a district and sessions court rejected a police request to extend Gill's two-day physical remand and an additional district and sessions judge dismissed a plea requesting a review of the district court's order.

A plea challenging these orders was filed by Islamabad Advocate General Jahangir Khan Jadoon in the Islamabad High Court on Saturday last week.

The authorities had maintained in the plea that the physical remand of Gill — who is currently in judicial custody on charges of sedition and inciting mutiny in the armed forces following his controversial remarks on ARY News — is important for the completion of the case's investigation.

The IHC on Tuesday referred a plea seeking Gill's physical remand to the sessions court for hearing.

Earlier in the day, the district and sessions court in Islamabad took up the plea for Gill's remand as the prosecution and defence lawyer furnished arguments.

Prosecutor Raja Rizwan Abbasi told the court that the detained party leader was "repeatedly telling lies" and that a polygraph test had to be conducted.

He said the investigators also needed the suspect's mobile phone records which could potentially lead to more evidence.

"We are yet to investigate the person who allegedly approved the script of the suspect (Gill), which [led him to utter seditious remarks]."

The prosecutor also questioned how a judicial magistrate, who refused Gill's physical remand, accepted the suspect's statement as "conclusive".

He also rejected the claim by the PTI, saying that "a justification of suspension of mobile network signals due to Ashura is also incorrect".

Abbasi urged the court to allow the physical remand of Gill to process the investigation.

Defending his client, Gill's lawyer Salman Safdar sought copies of the questions that the PTI leader faced during interrogation.

"The public's response to determine whether Gill's remarks were seditious should have been awaited before a case was filed against him," the lawyer argued.

He criticised the prosecution argument for what he said was an emphasis on Gill's remarks being made at someone's behest.

"Some of the things could be wrong but they do not fall under sedition, conspiracy or crime," Gill's lawyer contended.

He insisted that a person who had been sent on judicial remand could not be sent back on physical remand again.

Nature of 'torture'

"Shahbaz Gill said his private parts came under torture," his lawyer told the court, adding: "I also asked him whether he was being tortured by the police or someone else."

To which, the lawyer said, Gill told him that he was blindfolded when subjected to the alleged beating.

His counsel also quoted Gill as saying the investigators were asking whether "Imran Khan is an alcoholic".

Safdar said his client would cooperate with authorities even if he was granted bail.

'Judicial inquiry'

Meanwhile, senior PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry demanded a judicial inquiry into alleged torture on Shahbaz Gill in police custody.

Speaking to reporters outside the court today, Chaudhry said an independent judicial board must be formed by the IHC to investigate the alleged torture of the party leader. "The board should have the trust of Shahbaz Gill as well as the prosecution," he added.

He was of the view that the IHC should have formed the panel, however, it transferred the case to the district court.

The former minister claimed that the alleged maltreatment of the firebrand party leader was "part of regime change operation to weaken Pakistan".

Chaudhry asked the government to "realise the gravity of the situation and think of Pakistan".

"You can play in politics only if Pakistan is there," he said while insisting that the country's interests must be prioritised.

He emphasised that the PTI "will keep a strict vigil" if a decision in Gill's case turned out to be "wrong".

"We will take care that he [Gill] is not subjected to cruelty," the PTI leader added.

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Chinese military ship docks in Sri Lanka

A Chinese re­­search vessel bristling with antennas and communication gear docked at Sri Lanka’s Chinese-run port of Hambantota on Tuesday despite concerns from India and the United States about its alleged spying activities.

The Yuan Wang 5 entered the deep-sea port after securing permission to enter Sri Lankan waters on the condition it would not engage in research, port officials said.

It was originally due to arrive last week, but Colombo asked Beijing to defer the visit following objections by India, which shares Western concerns about Chinese activities in the region.

But on Saturday, after intense negotiations, Sri Lanka announced a U-turn, saying permission was restored to dock at the southern port and remain for six days for refuelling and taking in other supplies.

“We are granting the same facilities that we extend to all other countries,” government spokesman Bandula Gunawardana told reporters. “All these countries are important to us.”

Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong said the visit of Yuan Wang 5 was part of “normal ex­­changes between the two countries”.

“China and Sri Lanka enjoy outstanding friendship,” Qi told reporters at a ceremony to welcome the ship.

Shipping analytics websites des­cribed the Yuan Wang 5 as a research and survey vessel, but according to Indian media it is a dual-use spy ship.

There was no customary military band to welcome the vessel, but a small group of traditional Kandyan dancers and drummers performed on a red carpet.

Also dockside were several lawmakers, but there were no senior politicians or other dignitaries in attendance.

“Long live China and Sri Lanka friendship,” read a red-and-white banner on an upper deck of the vessel, which had at least four satellite dish antennas pointed skywards.

Men in white shirts and black trousers stood on deck waving Chinese and Sri Lankan flags as the vessel was pushed alongside the main jetty.

The Hambantota port has been run by the Chinese since 2017, when they took it on a 99-year lease for $1.12 billion, less than the $1.4bn Sri Lanka paid a Chinese firm to build it.

New Delhi is suspicious of Beijing’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and influence in Sri Lanka, seeing both as firmly within its sphere of influence.

Both India and the US have raised security concerns over the ship’s visit to Sri Lanka, with New Delhi lodging a complaint with Colombo.

China has said it was “completely unjustified for certain countries” to cite “security concerns” to pressure Sri Lanka, especially at a time when the island is facing an unprecedented economic crisis.

The vessel’s activities were “in line with international law and international practice, and do not affect any country’s security or economic interests,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters. “They should not be interfered with by third parties.”

A day before the arrival of the vessel, India gifted a Dornier 228 surveillance aircraft to Sri Lanka in a bid to bolster the island’s maritime surveillance capabilities.

The Chinese ship was allowed into port on the condition it keeps its Automatic Identification System (AIS) switched on while in Sri Lankan waters and does not carry out scientific research.

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Asif Zardari concerned over petrol price hike

Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Zardari expressed concern on Tuesday over the latest hike the petrol price by Rs6.72 for the next fortnight, and urged the government to consult the allies before taking such important decisions.

“Pakistan People’s Party is a part of the government and supports it, but there must be consultation when it comes to such decisions,” he said in a statement issued by the PPP on its Twitter handle.

Zardari said that PPP and other coalition parties had joined the government to give relief to the people. “We are with the prime minister.

I will meet him soon and talk to him about the [government’s] economic team,” the PPP co-chairman added.

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Former PM's close aide Shahzad Akbar's name placed on ECL

The federal cabinet amended the Exit Control List (ECL) on Tuesday on the recommendation of the Interior Ministry, removing 22 names from the no-fly list and adding 10 people to it, while giving a one-time permission to three people to leave the country.

Those added to the ECL included Shahzad Akbar, who served as adviser on interior and accountability to former prime minister Imran Khan, and Ziaul Mustafa Naseem. Both names were included in the ECL based on cases pertaining to a private housing scheme.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, received a briefing from the Climate Change Ministry on the effects of climate change in the country. The ministers were informed that Pakistan was among the top-eight worst affected countries because of the climate change.

It was underlined in the briefing that there was a dire need for immediate implementation of ‘Mitigation and Adaptation” mechanism. It was suggested that a documentary about the issues confronting Pakistan and the steps taken to reverse climate change effects might be presented at the global fora.

The cabinet agreed the issues of climate change and global warming should be included in the syllabi of schools and colleges. The ministers also agreed that the duration of public service messaging on TV channels should be effectively ensured.

The cabinet stressed the need for planning for rain harvesting on a war footing and a suggestion was considered over commencement of a pilot project in Islamabad. A cabinet committee, headed by Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman, was set up to present recommendations for the projects.

Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that climate change, water security and food security were three interconnected challenges and to cope with these issues, the government would have to take immediate steps to save the future generations from their impacts.

He said that the government was fully cognisant of these problems and resolution of these issues was among the government’s top priorities. He called for holistic efforts to cope with climate change issues facing the country.

At the outset of the meeting, the prime minister and the cabinet members congratulated Industry and Commerce Minister Murtaza Mahmood, Cabinet Secretary Ahmad Nawaz Sukhera, Industry and Commerce Secretary Chaudhry Imdadullah Bosal on receiving civil awards.

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Larger bench of IHC constituted to hear prohibited funding case

A larger bench of the Islamabad High Court has been constituted to hear an appeal of the PTI against the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on the prohibited funding case.

A three-member larger bench has been formed under the chairmanship of acting chief justice of the IHC, Justice Aamer Farooq, and will consist of Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb and Justice Babar Sattar.

Yesterday, the IHC heard PTI's petition against the ECP decision and ordered the matter to be handed over to a larger bench.

Justice Farooq, who was hearing the case, said that a larger bench will be formed and the case will be heard on August 18 (Thursday).

The PTI was found by the ECP to have received prohibited funding which it did not disclose. A notice was issued to the party asking it to explain why the funds should not be confiscated.

PTI has challenged the ECP's fact-finding report, with the party's lawyer contending that "it was not necessary to disclose accounts for various reasons".

"The money went from here (Centre) to provincial accounts, which was not necessary to disclose," the counsel said.

ECP's fact-finding report

In a unanimous ruling on August 2, a three-member bench of the election commission said it has found that the PTI received prohibited funding.

The case was earlier referred to as the "foreign funding" case, but later the election commission accepted the PTI's plea to refer to it as the "prohibited funding" case.

As per the 68-page order, the commission stated that the Imran Khan-led PTI did indeed receive funding from foreign companies and individuals, which it hid.

The ECP verdict states that the PTI received funds from 34 individuals and 351 businesses, including companies.

Thirteen unknown accounts have also come to light, said the commission in the verdict, adding that hiding accounts is a "violation" of Article 17 of the Constitution.

Moreover, the ECP found that the PTI chairperson submitted a false Nomination Form I and that the affidavit provided regarding party accounts was false.

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COAS Bajwa awarded highest UAE honour

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa was conferred with the Order of the Union Medal, the second highest honour of United Arab Emirates, for his distinguished efforts in strengthening UAE-Pakistan ties.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief had paid an official visit to United Arab Emirates and called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.

Matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence and security cooperation and regional security situation were discussed during the meeting.

“Both the personalities agreed that Pakistan and UAE share a great history of the cordial and deep-rooted spirit of brotherhood which is transforming into an enduring partnership,” the ISPR said.

The military’s media wing added that COAS Bajwa was conferred upon Order of the Union Medal by UAE President for making significant contributions in furthering bilateral ties between both the countries.

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Pakistan's star athlete, Arshad Nadeem arrives in Pakistan

Pakistan's star athlete, Arshad Nadeem, who won gold medals for Pakistan in the javelin throw events at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the Islamic Solidarity Games in the Turkish city of Konya, has returned home.

Arshad Nadeem arrived in Lahore late at night from Istanbul on board a foreign airline flight. At the Allama Iqbal airport, he got heroic reception as several people including his family, friends, fans and the officials of the Pakistan Sports Board gathered at the airport to accord him a warm welcome. His fans also danced to the beat of the drums.

Talking to the media, the star athlete said that he won gold medals thanks to the prayers of the Pakistani nation. It is an honour to win two medals for Pakistan, he said.

Arshad reiterated his demand that Pakistani athletes should also get facilities like international athletes. He stressed that Pakistani athletes can win gold medals in other competitions also if they are provided with resources.

The athlete also requested the government provide a separate ground for the Olympics.

Before leaving for Pakistan, Arshad posted a photograph of himself with a caption: "By the grace of God, I am going back to my homeland Pakistan."

Arshad wins two golds for Pakistan

Javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem recently won two gold medals for Pakistan -- one in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the other in the Islamic Solidarity Games in the Turkish city of Konya.

On August 12, Arshad Nadeem bagged a gold medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games by setting a games record throw of 88.55m — his second gold medal in less than a week.

In his first attempt, Nadeem was able to throw the javelin at a distance of 79.40 metres, followed by 88.55 metres, 75.50 metres, 82.40 metres, and 83.33 metres.

The 88.55m throw was his best and also a new record for the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Last week also, Arshad bagged gold by setting a new Commonwealth Games record of a 90.18m throw and became the first Pakistani to hold the record.

The gold in Konya is the fourth in Nadeem's international career. He also won a gold in the 2021 Imam Reza Athletics Championship and 2019 South Asian Games.

In the last Islamic Solidarity Games held in Baku in 2017, the Pakistani athlete claimed a bronze medal.

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At least 20 killed, 6 injured in fiery bus-tanker collision on Multan-Sukkur Motorway

At least 20 people were killed and six injured when a passenger bus collided with an oil tanker on the Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M-5) in the early hours of Tuesday, officials said.

Multan Deputy Commissioner Tahir Wattoo confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that the passenger bus, which was travelling from Lahore to Karachi, hit the oil tanker from the rear side at Jalalpur Peerwala interchange on the motorway.

A fire erupted after the collision and 20 people died on the spot, the statement added.

Later, Multan Commissioner Amir Khattak also confirmed the development in a tweet. He said the accident had taken place around 4am.

Photographs shared by him showed that the bus and the oil tanker were completely burnt in the incident.

 

At 4am at motorway obarra junobi terrible accident happened between bus LES -1211- 09 and Oil TankerLDA/6. Bus that was moving from Lahore to Karachi hit oil Tanker from backside and fire erupted.06X persons got Injured and 20X died on the spot.On spot monitoring rescue process pic.twitter.com/r87E2OvvmF

— Commissioner Multan (@CommissionerMu2) August 16, 2022

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Gold loses shine, price plummets by Rs4,300 per tola

In line with the international market, the price of gold plunged by a whopping 3.1% in the domestic market amid no demand from consumers.

Data released by the All Sindh Sarafa Jewellers Association (ASSJA) showed that the gold prices in the local market recorded a decrease of Rs4,300 per tola and Rs3,686 per 10 grams to settle at Rs134,200 and Rs115,055.

The price of the precious commodity is declining because of the continuous appreciation of the Pakistan rupee against the US dollar — which has recovered nearly 12% or Rs26 — and fading concerns regarding the deepening economic crisis.

Cumulatively, the precious commodity has lost Rs9,300 per tola since August 10.

The dealers had already anticipated the market to undergo a correction after the precious commodity scaled to new peaks. The gold hit an all-time high of Rs162,500 per tola on July 28.

Pakistan is a small market for gold at the global level. It meets the commodity’s demand through imports as it does not produce the commodity locally.

Accordingly, the gold price for local markets is determined by keeping in view its prices in world markets, rupee-dollar exchange rate, and demand and supply in domestic markets.

It should be noted that the gold price is standing below cost. Gold is cheaper by Rs7,500 per tola compared to its price in Dubai.

In the international market, bullion prices slid $27 per ounce to settle at $1,775 as investors turned cautious in the run-up to minutes of the previous US Federal Reserve policy meeting amid hawkish comments from the central bank officials.

Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market shed Rs20 per tola and Rs17.14 per 10 grams to settle at Rs1,540 and Rs1,320.30 today.

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Police barred from arresting Attaullah Tarar

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday stopped the police from arresting Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s Special Assistant Attaullah Tarar.

The high court also approved the protective bail of PM Shehbaz's aide. 

Acting Chief Justice IHC Aamer Farooq issued a verdict, ordering the police to not arrest Tarar in response to his plea seeking security.

Tarar approached the high court for protective bail following a case of violence PTI workers registered against him on May 25, due to which the police raided his residence to arrest him on August 13. A first information report (FIR) was registered against him at Lahore’s Qila Gujjar Singh Police Station.

PM’s special assistant pleaded with the IHC to approve his application for protective bail.

Earlier, the Punjab Police conducted a raid at Tarar's house in the G-3 area of Johar Town in Lahore. Police said the visit was for serving a notice to Tarar for appearing before an investigation team, but he was not found there.

Following the raid, Tarar, while taking to Twitter, called out Punjab Minister for Home and Prisons Hashim Dogar, asking what he wanted to prove by sending the police to his residence and harassing people. “Don’t go so far in defending the anti-national narrative,” he added.

The PML-N leaders had earlier announced that the Punjab government will launch an inquiry and probe the May 25 "crackdown" on the Azadi March participants. A committee was also formed by the party to oversee the matter.

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PM Shehbaz directs to remove all obstacles in way of foreign investment

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to remove all obstacles in the way of foreign.

Chairing a high level meeting in Islamabad on Monday, he constituted a committee to address the problems faced by foreign companies especially those investing in Gwadar Free Zone. The committee will present its report and recommendations to the Prime Minister within ten days.

The Prime Minister said the Chinese investment companies should be facilitated on priority basis. He directed to remove all the hurdles in acquisition of visa by the Chinese workers. He said the visa procedure should be simpled and fast tracked.

The Prime Minister was given a detailed briefing about the companies interested to invest ten billion dollars in energy, infrastructure, railway, port infrastructure and other projects.

The meeting was informed that in the first phase, an immediate investment of one to two billion dollars investment is expected. These projects will not provide forty five thousand jobs but will also improve Pakistan's Ease of Doing Business Index.

The Prime Minister directed the Investment Board and the Ministries of Planning and Finance to collectively frame a comprehensive plan regarding these projects.

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IMF programme to provide reprieve to country: Murtaza Syed

Acting Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Dr Murtaza Syed has expressed the hope that the crucial IMF bailout package will provide a reprieve to the country.

Speaking on the forthcoming IMF bailout package and Pakistan’s prospects amidst the difficult global environment, the SBP governor brushed aside the perception that Pakistan’s economy was in dire straits and said that while the world will undergo drastic challenges in the next 12 months, Pakistan is no exception.

The administrative infrastructure in countries like Pakistan is not very strong and as a result effects of price hike become more pronounced here, Murtaza Syed told the audience while unveiling a Rs75 commemorative banknote to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence in a ceremony held at the SBP Museum.

He also inaugurated the Roshan Pension Plan to augment the lifestyle banking services available under the State Bank’s Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative for overseas Pakistanis. He commenced the formal proceedings by hoisting the national flag in the presence of officers of the bank and their families, followed by playing of the national anthem.

The SBP acting governor also inaugurated the Roshan Pension Plan scheme. He said that overseas Pakistanis can now avail the benefits of financial planning for their retirement through the RPP. The soft launch of the product will start from August 15, 2022 with collaboration of RDA banks and Asset Management Companies.

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More US lawmakers visit Taiwan after Nancy Pelosi trip

A US delegation of lawmakers has arrived in Taiwan for a two-day visit during which they will meet President Tsai Ing-wen.

A five-member delegation will meet senior leaders to discuss US-Taiwan relations, regional security, and trade following US House Speaker Pelosi’s visit and amid increasing tensions with China.

According to international media, Beijing, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has held major military manoeuvres around the island to express its anger at this month’s visit to Taipei by United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The de facto US embassy in Taipei on Sunday said the delegation is being led by Senator Ed Markey, who is accompanied by four other lawmakers on what it described as part of a larger visit to the Asia-Pacific region.

“The delegation will meet with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss US-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, global supply chains, climate change, and other significant issues of mutual interest,” said the American Institute in Taiwan, which represents the US government on the island because they do not have official relations.

Taiwan’s presidential office said the group would meet Tsai on Monday morning.

“Especially at a time when China is raising tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the region with military exercises, Markey leading a delegation to visit Taiwan once again demonstrates the United States Congress’ firm support for Taiwan,” it said in a statement.

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Pakistan reports 459 fresh Covid cases in one day

In the past 24 hours, Pakistan recorded 459 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths.

The NIH stated that during the past 24 hours, a total of 18,045 diagnostic tests were conducted, of which 581 samples came out positive. Meanwhile, the country’s Covid-19 positivity rate stood at 2.54% as compared to yesterday’s 2.97 percent.

COVID-19 Statistics 15 August 2022
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 18,045
Positive Cases: 459
Positivity %: 2.54%
Deaths: 02
Patients on Critical Care: 172

— NIH Pakistan (@NIH_Pakistan) August 15, 2022

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Punjab CM announces free education up to graduation level

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi announced free education up to graduation will be free in the province.

Punjab Chief Minister Elahi has announced Rs300,000 for disabled girls who sing the national anthem. He also announced Rs50,000 for the lead singer, while Rs 100,000 will be given to the police band and Rs200,000 to the scouts.

On this occasion, CM Elahi said, “Earlier we made education free up to matriculation, now it is time to make education free up to graduation.”

He further said that Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has made the country’s defence impregnable. He said that the services of Pak Army under the leadership of COAS Bajwa for eradicating terrorism from the country and establishing peace are commendable.

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Heavy rains kill 10 more in Balochistan

The fresh spell of heavy rains has further aggravated the misery of people in Balochistan as 10 more citizens were killed during the last three days.

The rain-hit infrastructure badly affected the traffic movements at the Kohlu-Quetta National Highway. Besides this, an event related to Independence Day was also postponed due to extreme weather conditions.

As many as 200 houses were damaged in Qila Abdullah due to flash floods, while most link roads and bridges were washed away.

In addition, two people drowned in flash floods in Toba Achakzai, while the lower areas were submerged in Barkhan, Rakhni, Dera Bugti, Sheerani, Koh-e-Sulieman, Ziarat and Qila Saifullah, The News reported.

Besides this, the areas of Maidani and Pachad are also at risk of submerging amid high flow in the riverbeds after heavy rains in Chaman and the mountain terrain of Koh-e-Sulieman.

 

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PM Shehbaz inaugurates Rawal Chowk flyover

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally inaugurated the Rawal Chowk flyover.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister directed the authorities to complete the Bharakahu flyover project in next four months.

Appreciating the spirit involved in speedy completion of Rawal Chowk flyover project, the Prime Minister also directed to complete the intracity public transport project within a month.

 

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PM, President congratulate nation on 75th Anniversary of Independence Day of Pakistan

President Dr. Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have congratulated the nation on the 75th Anniversary of Independence Day of Pakistan.

In their separate messages, they said that this day reminds us of the innumerable sacrifices rendered by our founding fathers under the dynamic leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for carving this homeland "Pakistan" for us.

The President said today, we also reaffirm our resolve to uphold Pakistan's ideology and make Pakistan an ideal modern Islamic welfare nation-state.

In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has paid rich tributes to Muslims of the sub-continent for the creation of a new state.

In his message on the 75th Independence Day today, he said Independence Day is a watershed moment in our nation's history.

He said establishment of Pakistan is an outcome of the Quaid-i-Azam's single-minded devotion, unflinching resolve and his unwavering struggle. From the conception of an idea in 1930, Pakistan emerged on the map of the world as the largest Muslim country in a short span of 17 years.

The Prime Minister said coming of Pakistan into existence was not less than a miracle that stunned friends and foes alike, beating all predictions and assessments.

He said where the 75th Independence Day is an occasion of jubilation and festivity, it is also a moment of reflection and self-accountability. We, as a nation, have achieved many milestones during the last seven and a half decades. From thwarting external aggression to putting together federal constitution to becoming the 7th nuclear power of the world to beating the scourge of terrorism, we have come a long way.

Shehbaz Sharif said at the same time, it is also a fact that we have not been able to fully realize the dream that our founding fathers dreamed; the dream of socio-economic justice, rule of and equality before the law, and the dream of an egalitarian society.

He said nothing is more dangerous for a nation than the internal division; disruption and chaos, for such negative forces undermine the solidarity and integrity of the country and rob societies of their national purpose. The Quaid-i-Azam warned against such evils and gave us the motto of "unity, faith and discipline" as an antidote.

He said the greatest strength of our country is the people, particularly the youth. It is their energy, resolve and passion that is capable of overcoming any odd, beating any hurdle and lighting the candle of hope.

He said let us, vow to turn Pakistan into a nation-state that is reflective of the ideals of our founding fathers.

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On occasion of Pakistan's diamond jubilee celebrations, PM pledges to take to the country to new heights of glory

On the occasion of Pakistan's diamond jubilee celebrations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has renewed the pledge to take to the country to new heights of glory.

Addressing the main flag hoisting ceremony in Islamabad today, he urged the nation to play its role for the development of the country by following the golden principles of our great leader Quaid-i-Azam including unity, faith and discipline.

Congratulating the 75th anniversary of Pakistan's independence to the nation, the Prime Minister prayed for the independence of Muslims in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the people who sacrificed their lives in freedom movement and all those who played their role in country's development.

Acknowledging the services of civil society for country's development, the Prime Minister paid rich tribute to Abdul Sattar Edhi and Ruth Pfau for their exceptional work.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to all those who made country's defense indispensable by making it a nuclear power including Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who initiated Pakistan's nuclear program, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who accomplished it successfully and Armed Forces for playing key role.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the people and departments which played their role for the re-recording of national anthem including ISPR and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Recalling the sacrifices of freedom movement heroes, the Prime Minister said dedication can never be defeated, therefore, as a nation we should pledge to take collective measures for the development of the country. He said we should identify the mistakes of past with the commitment of not repeating those again.

The Prime Minister said youth has always been our priority and we will provide every opportunity to it as country's future belongs to them. He urged country's youth to obey Quaid-i-Azam's sayings for making Pakistan's future bright.

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