Thursday, May 31, 2018

National Assembly Lauds Establishment of Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs

National Assembly Lauds Establishment of Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
National Assembly Lauds Establishment of Parliamentary Task Force
The National Assembly today passed a resolution congratulating the speaker and the parliamentarians on the initiative of establishing a parliamentary task force on Sustainable Development Goals.

The Resolution was moved by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb.

The resolution also pointed out that Pakistan’s parliament is the first one which established the SDGs secretariat to oversee the implementation of development goals. The resolution also recommended the parliamentary task force on SDGs be made a permanent part of future parliaments.

In another resolution moved by Malik Abrar, the house demanded that 15 Ramadan be observed as a national day of orphans. It pointed out that there are 4.2 million orphan children in Pakistan and there is need to create awareness about their rights.The resolution said that concrete steps should also be taken for the proper upbringing of orphans and provision of better health and education facilities to them.

Earlier, responding to a point of Asiya Nasir about the rights of Minorities, the chair stated that the minorities are equal citizens of Pakistan. He said they are as dear to us as any other people.

Meanwhile, responding to a calling attention notice regarding the investigation into Faizabad Dharna, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhary said that twenty-seven cases were registered into the incident and the cases are being heard in courts.

Responding to another resolution, Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhamamad Afzal Khan said the federal cabinet will consider today the matter regarding non-payment of honorarium equivalent to three basic pays for the financial year 2017-18 to all employees of the federal government.

He said the cabinet can either approve or reject the proposal.

The House will now meet again tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11 a.m.



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ECP allotted electoral symbols to at least 77 parties

ECP allotted electoral symbols to at least 77 parties

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
ECP allotted electoral symbols to at least 77 parties
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday allotted electoral symbols to at least 77 parties.

Pakistan Peoples Party has been allotted symbol of “Sword”, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf was allotted ‘Bat’ symbol, ‘Lion’ to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, ‘Kite’ to Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, and ‘Book’ to Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal.

PML-Q was allotted symbol of “Tractor”, Pakistan Workers Party” Symbol of Victory”.

National Party and Balochistan National Movement had filed a request for ‘Saw’ symbol. ECP assigned it to National Party.The symbol of ‘Bull’ was designated to Pakistan Muttahida Ulema and Mashaikh Council, ‘Human Hand’ to Pakistan Awam League, ‘Pen and Ink’ to Awami Muslim League, ‘Lantern’ to Awami National Party.

Earlier, Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) said that all-out measures have been taken to hold fair and free general elections in the country.

The spokesman for the Election Commission Nadeem Qasim said in his statement that ECP has completed its work simultaneously on delimitations after census and preparations for conducting the elections.

He said training of election staff, which includes Returning officers and Presiding Officers, is being completed.The spokesman said that a monitoring wing would be set up by the ECP and monitoring officers would be debuted at every constituency.

To a question, he said that a new election act has been passed under which, statement of expenditures of every candidate would be scrutinized thoroughly.



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Nawaz facing trial owing to his children's greed: Fawad Chaudhry

Nawaz facing trial owing to his children's greed: Fawad Chaudhry

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Nawaz facing trial owing to his children's greed: Fawad Chaudhry
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday claimed that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is facing trial owing to his children’s greed to gather money.

Responding to Maryam Nawaz’s press conference earlier today, Chaudhry said, "She is not in court because of Nawaz but Nawaz is in court because of her.”

“Nawaz’s children kept Rs300 billion in foreign accounts and it is his children’s greed that has brought him to court,” he added.

“His [Nawaz] children crossed all limits of gathering money which is why the whole family is facing trials today,” the PTI leader continued.

Refuting Maryam’s statement that she has been ‘dragged’ into the Avenfield reference to pressurise her father to cower, Chaudhry said, “Maryam is being made to appear before court because she and her father embezzled money from the national exchequer.”

“Maryam is a habitual liar and has no difficulty in lying,” he asserted.

"First, she claimed that she has no properties in London or Pakistan and then later admitted that she owns property worth over Rs1.25 billion," he added.

The PTI leader further alleged that Maryam submitted 22 fake deeds in court.

“If the Supreme Court had applied the same laws that are applied on a common man then she would be facing a seven-year jail terms for submitting fake deeds,” he upheld.

Earlier today, Maryam said she has been 'dragged' into the corruption cases filed against her and her family to be taught a lesson and to force her father to cower.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said her name was not mentioned in the April 2016 verdict but she was later implicated in the JIT investigation.

Maryam went on to say that she was "dragged into the case [Avenfield reference]" owing to "teach a lesson mindset".

"Despite not figuring anywhere in the Supreme Court judgment dated April 20, 2017, the reason I was dragged into the case finds its origin in ‘will teach a lesson’ mindset that has threatened, harassed and victimised those who refuse to accept the excesses, those who had the courage to stand up to injustice and those who have dared to question the rotten, entrenched practice of bringing elected prime ministers to their knees, on one pretext or the other, be it religion, corruption or even ‘ghaddari’," she said while reading out a part of her statement recorded before the accountability court.

Questioning why she has to appear again and again before a joint investigation team (JIT) "formed through WhatsApp calls", the former premier's daughter said, "I have appeared before the court more than 70 and the case is still going on."

"I know why I am being kept away from my mother who is suffering from cancer and I also know that in Pakistan's 70 year history no woman has ever appeared before the court these many times,' she continued.

"My only fault is that I am Nawaz Sharif's daughter. My only fault is that I like other brave women of this country and stand firmly with my father. My only fault is that I think my father is right," Maryam asserted.

She further continued that she was named in the case to pressurise her father. "They are aware of the sensitive relationship between a father and daughter."

"They [conspirators] named me in the case to make my father cower before them," the PML-N leader added.



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Sindh govt’s move of declaring Rao Anwar’s house as sub-jail challenged

Sindh govt’s move of declaring Rao Anwar’s house as sub-jail challenged

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Sindh govt’s move of declaring Rao Anwar’s house as sub-jail challenged
The father of Naqeebullah Mehsud has challenged in Sindh High Court the declaration of suspended SSP Rao Anwar’s house as a sub-jail.

Naqeebullah was a shopkeeper and an asipiring model who along with three others was killed in a fake encounter by Anwar and his subordinates.

While speaking to the media outside Sindh High Court on Tuesday, Saif-ur-Rehman, leader of Grand Jirga constituted to pursue Naqeebullah’s murder case, said they have challenged the Sindh government’s move of making Anwar’s house a sub-jail. He added the Singh government was trying to save Anwar’s back.

At a hearing held earlier in May, the court was informed by the government of a notification declaring the Multan Lines in Malir Cantt as a sub-jail.

Though the notification did not mention it explicitly, the location of the sub-jail is, in fact, Anwar's own residence in the military cantonment, sources said.

As per the notification, the court ordered on April 21 that Anwar be shifted to Central Prison Karachi jail but due to security issues, the home department directed the jail’s inspector general to move him to Malir Cantt.

On Tuesday, Naqeebullah’s father Khan Muhammad also spoke to the media outside Sindh High Court saying they have neither forgotten their son nor would they compromise on his murder. “If Rao Anwar is an influential person then I am also a hard worker,” the father said. 



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My only fault is that I am Nawaz Sharif's daughter: Maryam Nawaz

My only fault is that I am Nawaz Sharif's daughter: Maryam Nawaz

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
My only fault is that I am Nawaz Sharif's daughter: Maryam Nawaz
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, Maryam Nawaz, on Tuesday said she has been 'dragged' into the corruption cases filed against her and her family to be taught a lesson and to force her father to cower.

"I answered 127 questions presented by an accountability court hearing the Avenfield reference, " Maryam said while addressing a press conference at Punjab House, Islamabad.

The Avenfield reference, pertaining to the Sharifs' London properties, is among three filed against the family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last year on the Supreme Court's directives.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said her name was not mentioned in the April 2016 verdict but she was later implicated in the JIT investigation.

Maryam went on to say that she was "dragged into the case" owing to "teach a lesson mindset".

"“Despite not figuring anywhere in the Supreme Court judgment dated April 20, 2017, the reason I was dragged into the case finds its origin in ‘will teach a lesson’ mindset that has threatened, harassed and victimised those who refuse to accept the excesses, those who had the courage to stand up to injustice and those who have dared to question the rotten, entrenched practice of bringing elected prime ministers to their knees, on one pretext or the other, be it religion, corruption or even ‘ghaddari’," she asserted.

Reading out the second part of her statement recorded before an accountability court, Maryam said, "I, like my father, know why I was named in this case."

"I am not involved in any corrupt practices or any theft," she added.

"My only fault is that I am Nawaz Sharif's daughter. My only fault is that I like other brave women of this country stand firmly with my father. My only fault is that I think my father is right," Maryam asserted.

She further continued that she was named in the case to pressurise her father. "They are aware of the sensitive relationship between a father and daughter."

"They [conspirators] named me in the case to make my father cower before them," the PML-N leader added.

At the last hearing of the accountability court on Monday, Maryam denied being the beneficial owner of London flats and offshore companies Nielsen and Nescoll while testifying before the court. Maryam remarked that she never took any financial advantage from these companies. Moreover, she shared that she has nothing to do with 25% shares of Gulf Steel Mills, Al-Taufiq case, and settlement worth Rs12 million.

Maryam said that the Capital FZE documents don't concern her, adding that the documents were submitted with ‘despicable purposes’.

During court proceedings, Maryam remarked that the letters which were used as evidence against Sharif family cannot be made part of court records. The two letters she mentioned include one which was submitted by Joint Investigation Team Head Wajid Zia on July 3, 2017, and other by Mossack Fonseca dated June 22, 2012.

While referring to the JIT letter, she explained that the way letter was sent to JIT was quite suspicious and not according to the law. “There is no truth in letter attained from the private firm."

Moreover, with regards to the Mossack Fonseca letter, she shared that she was denied the right to cross-examine the witness who penned down the letter.



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Keep PML-N’s achievements in mind when voting, PM says in Havelian

Keep PML-N’s achievements in mind when voting, PM says in Havelian

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Keep PML-N’s achievements in mind when voting, PM says in Havelian
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday urged people to keep the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) achievements in mind when they vote in the general elections later this year.

He was addressing a ceremony in Havelian after reviewing the progress of Havelian-Thakot motorway project. The motorway starts from Havelian and passes through Abbottabad, Mansehra, Shinkiari, before terminating at Thakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Highlighting the PML-N's role in development projects such as the motorway, the prime minister said the party contributed more to Pakistan's progress over the past five years than other governments who ruled during the 65 years before it. 

"This [progress] is the result of your vote. Keep this in mind when you vote in the next elections," he said. 

"The decision is yours. This is democracy: whatever you decide will determine [what happens] in the next five years."

Taking aim at the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, PM Abbasi said he did not think people would vote for those who [only] believe in dharnas.

He reiterated that the next elections would be held on July 25, 2018 as per schedule.



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Indian troops kill civilian in Pulwama

Indian troops kill civilian in Pulwama

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Indian troops kill civilian in Pulwama
Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism martyred another civilian youth in Pulwama district, last night.

The youth identified as Bilal Ahmad Ganai, a driver by profession, was injured after troops opened indiscriminate fire in Kakapora area of the district, late night. However, Ganai succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Earlier, Indian army’s 50 Rashtriya Rifles camp came under an attack in the area. An Indian soldier was killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, the authorities suspended internet and train services in South Kashmir after the killing of the civilian youth. The cellular companies snapped the Internet late Sunday night after a directive from the police. “The service was immediately suspended as a precautionary measure following the death of a civilian,” said an official. Train service between Banihal and Srinagar was also suspended.



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No point in investigating just one person, Nawaz on Durrani controversy

No point in investigating just one person, Nawaz on Durrani controversy

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
No point in investigating just one person, Nawaz on Durrani controversy
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif while weighing on the controversy surrounding book penned down by former chief of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen (retd) Asad Durrani remarked that there is no point in investigating just one person.

Durrani, who served as the chief of Pakistan's premier intelligence agency from August 1990 to March 1992, landed in hot waters over remarks made in a book, titled The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace, which he co-authored with former chief of Indian intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) AS Dulat.

While speaking to journalists outside accountability court on Tuesday, Nawaz remarked that Asad Durrani wrote the book but former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf and former Chief of General Staff (CGS) Shahid Aziz also gave statements.

A national inquiry commission should be formed after an advisory meeting to go into depth of the issue, said the deposed premier. “Asad Durrani has made important statements in the book.”

On Monday, Durrani appeared before Pakistan Army's General Headquarters (GHQ) to explain his position on the book.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations, wrote on Twitter that a formal Court of Inquiry headed by a serving lieutenant general had been ordered to probe the matter in detail.

Durrani's summoning to the GHQ came after former premier Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Senator Raza Rabbani voiced their reservations over the book.

'Nasirul Mulk is an exemplary person'

Over appointment of Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk as country’s caretaker prime minister, Nawaz said that he has an exemplary personality. “Everyone should hail the decision of appointing him as caretaker PM.”

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah had announced that Justice (retd) Mulk will take reigns as caretaker premier while addressing a press conference along with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Monday.

Nawaz further shared that lives of politicians have been put in danger after taking security away from them. “If an accident occurs then who will be responsible for it,” he questioned. 



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Capt (retd) Safdar records statement in Avenfield reference

Capt (retd) Safdar records statement in Avenfield reference

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Capt (retd) Safdar records statement in Avenfield reference
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law Captain (retd) Safdar is expected to record his statement before accountability court today in the Avenfield reference.

The Avenfield reference, pertaining to the Sharifs' London properties, is among three filed against the family by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last year on the Supreme Court's directives.

Safdar, his wife Maryam Nawaz and father-in-law Nawaz Sharif appeared before the court of accountability judge Muhammad Bashir.

The father and daughter left the court shortly after marking their attendance.

Both Maryam and Nawaz have already recorded their statements in the reference.

At the last hearing on Monday, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Maryam Nawaz denied being the beneficial owner of London flats and offshore companies Nielsen and Nescoll while testifying before the court.

Maryam remarked that she never took any financial advantage from these companies. Moreover, she shared that she has nothing to do with 25% shares of Gulf Steel Mills, Al-Taufiq case, and settlement worth Rs12 million.

Maryam said that the Capital FZE documents don't concern her, adding that the documents were submitted with ‘despicable purposes’.

During court proceedings, Maryam remarked that the letters which were used as evidence against Sharif family cannot be made part of court records. The two letters she mentioned include one which was submitted by Joint Investigation Team Head Wajid Zia on July 3, 2017, and other by Mossack Fonseca dated June 22, 2012.

While referring to the JIT letter, she explained that the way letter was sent to JIT was quite suspicious and not according to the law. “There is no truth in letter attained from the private firm."

Moreover, with regards to the Mossack Fonseca letter, she shared that she was denied the right to cross-examine the witness who penned down the letter.

The corruption cases

The National Accountability Bureau has in total filed three references against the Sharif family in light of the Supreme Court's orders in the Panama Papers case verdict of July 28.

The corruption references, filed against the Sharifs, pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and Avenfield properties of London.

Nawaz and sons Hussain and Hasan are accused in all three references whereas his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Safdar are accused in the Avenfield reference only.

The court originally had a deadline of six months which ended in mid-March but was extended for two months after the judge requested the apex court.

Later, on May 9, the trial court's second plea for a deadline extension was approved by the Supreme Court which gave a month to both sides to finish the corruption cases.



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CJP reprimands govt over lack of progress in Asghar Khan case

CJP reprimands govt over lack of progress in Asghar Khan case

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
CJP reprimands govt over lack of progress in Asghar Khan case
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday reprimanded the federal government over lack of progress in the Asghar Khan case, as he resumed hearing the case a day after returning from a foreign visit.

"Why hasn't the federal cabinet done anything regarding the Asghar Khan case verdict," he remarked, adding that this is a serious case but the government is least concerned about it.

The top judge, who reached Pakistan late Wednesday after a two-week international tour, resumed his duties Thursday morning.
A three-member bench, headed by the CJP, heard the case at Supreme Court Lahore Registry. The bench also comprises Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik and Justice Gulzar Ahmed.

On May 8, the apex court gave a week’s time to the federal government to summon a cabinet meeting to determine what action to take in light of the case verdict.

Appearing before the court, the attorney general (AG) requested the court for more time. "Please give us some time to summon a meeting of the cabinet," he said.

To which, an enraged CJP remarked: "The cabinet should hold a meeting today and take a decision. You must tell us about cabinet's decision today only."

Moreover, Director-General Federal Investigation Agency Basheer Memon said that an inquiry into the case is ongoing.

At the last hearing, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar remarked that the court has given its order in the case and rejected review petitions of former army chief General Mirza Aslam Beg and former Inter-Services Intelligence DG Lieutenant General Asad Durrani, accused of illegally influencing the 1990 elections.

Now, the implementation of the verdict remains, the chief justice asserted.

"To-date the federal government did not do anything," he regretted, adding that the FIA probe after the verdict also ceased after a certain point.

The chief justice directed the federal government to implement the court’s earlier verdict and decide what action has to be taken against the accused in the case.

Chief Justice Nisar also observed that it is the government’s job to determine in which court former army officers are to be tried.



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Khosa Excuses From Assuming Charge of Caretaker CM Punjab

Khosa Excuses From Assuming Charge of Caretaker CM Punjab

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Nasir Khosa
Nasir Khan Khosa on Thursday has excused himself from serving as caretaker Punjab Chief Minister (CM) ahead of general elections 2018.

According to sources, the leader said that he was not taken into confidence before suggesting his name.

Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz led provincial Government decided not to accept Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf’s decision to withdraw the name of Nasir Khosa as caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab.

Source told Abb Takk that summary of Nasir Khosa as a caretaker chief minister has already been sent to Governor Punjab.

Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf on Wednesday withdrew support for Nasir Khosa’s candidature for Punjab’s caretaker chief minister. According to the PTI, now the new name would be proposed by PTI Chief Imran Khan himself.

Taking another u-turn, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had withdrawn its nominee Nasir Khan Khosa for the post of caretaker Punjab Chief Minister (CM).

As per details garnered, opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed stated that party would announce new name for the same after holding a consultation. He further stated that announcement was made in haste.

He went on to say that party had fallen prey to misunderstanding. “Ever since his nomination, Nasir Khan Khosa has become a controversial figure”, held Rasheed.The agreement between chief minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif and opposition leader was made on the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa for the caretaker chief minister Punjab on Monday.

The announcement was made in a joint press conference of chief minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif and opposition leader Mian Mehmoodru Raheed in Lahore.

PTI’s Mehmood ur Rasheed had announced the selection of Khosa candidature for the position. Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif had later said consensus had been reached on the candidate, who is a former chief secretary. He had also praised the Khosa’s personality.

Addressing press conference CM Punjab said that Nasir Khosa pious person and have good credibility.

“I hope Nasir Khosa will conduct the transparent and fair election,” he said.He also thanked opposition leader for his cooperation to solve the issue amicably and expressed hope that all the political parties will be given equal opportunities to contest the election.

It is worth here to mention that general elections for both National Assembly and provincial assemblies will be held on July-25.



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Security forces, nation on positive trajectory of peace and stability: COAS

Security forces, nation on positive trajectory of peace and stability: COAS

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
COAS
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that through great sacrifices of security forces and the nation we are on positive trajectory of peace and stability.

The job is not completed yet and we have to carry forward the gains towards enduring peace.

Acknowledging and hailing contributions and performance of young officers in the operations COAS advised them to continue excelling in profession.


Later, COAS visited Headquarters Southern Command, Quetta where he was briefed about the progress of border fencing along the Balochistan portion of Pak-Afghan border, Quetta Safe City Project and Khushal Balochistan’ initiative. COAS expressed his satisfaction on progress of the socio-economic and security initiatives.



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NAB has 'irrefutable evidence' of illegal possession of land by Bahria Town

NAB has 'irrefutable evidence' of illegal possession of land by Bahria Town

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Bahria Town
The investigation team tasked with probing the illegal allotment of land to Bahria Town Karachi is confident that it has a watertight case against the real estate developer and the individuals who abetted illegal land transfers and swaps for it.

The information was shared during a board meeting of the accountability watchdog chaired by NAB Sindh Director General Altaf Bawany.

The investigation team apprised the board that the management of Bahria Town, in connivance with relevant public office holders and officials of revenue dept, district Malir, MDA and Sindh Building Control Authority took illegal possession of 2,156 acres of govt land situated on the main superhighway (M9) in violation of Colonisation of Government Land Act 1912, MDA Act 1993 and Sindh Building Control Ordinance 1979.

The board was also apprised that a concise statement was also submitted in the Supreme Court highlighting the facts regarding blatant violation of laws and rules.

The board appreciated the efforts of the investigating team that concluded the case by engaging Survey of Pakistan, Ministry of Defence for demarcation of the land under illegal possession after which Bahria Town was restrained by the apex court from undertaking further development.



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PTI withdraws nominee for Punjab caretaker CM

PTI withdraws nominee for Punjab caretaker CM

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
PTI withdraws nominee for Punjab caretaker CM
Taking another u-turn, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has withdrawn its nominee Nasir Khan Khosa for the post of caretaker Punjab Chief Minister (CM).

As per details garnered, opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed stated that party would announce new name for the same after holding consultation. He further stated that announcement was made in haste. Rasheed adopted stance that names of Tariq Khosa and Nasir Khosa were given to him by PTI supremo Imran Khan.

He went on to say that party had fallen prey to misunderstanding. “Ever since his nomination, Nasir Khan Khosa has become a controversial figure”, held Rasheed.

PTI will propose name of new caretaker Punjab CM today.

Earlier, on April-28, Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif had announced that Nasir Khan Khasa will be Punjab’s caretaker CM adding that the decision had been taken unanimously after holding several rounds of talk with opposition leader.

In a video message, Shehbaz vowed to put country on the path of progress via democratic procedure. Sharif further added that Nasir Saeed Khosa is a person of good reputation.

It is worth here to mention that general elections for both National Assembly and provincial assemblies will be held on July-25.



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Two Soldiers Martyred, Three Injured in N.Waziristan

Two Soldiers Martyred, Three Injured in N.Waziristan

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Two Soldiers Martyred, Three Injured in N.Waziristan
Two soldiers were martyred and three injured after a security forces vehicle struck an IED in North Waziristan Agency, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The improvised explosive device (IED) was planted on the track by terrorists near Datakhel.

Soldiers Lance Naik Momin Ali and Sepoy Saleem were martyred. The injured were evacuated to CMH Peshawar, said the military’s media wing.



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Captain Safdar left alone to face trial by ‘busy’ Nawaz, Maryam

Captain Safdar left alone to face trial by ‘busy’ Nawaz, Maryam

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Captain Safdar left alone to face trial by ‘busy’ Nawaz, Maryam
Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar on Tuesday recorded his statement in the Avenfield Apartments reference.

During the statement, neither Nawaz Sharif nor Maryam Safdar, ministers, political workers, lawyers and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supporters stayed behind to support him. Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz briefly appeared before the court and left as Maryam Nawaz was scheduled to hold a press conference at Punjab House at 11am.

Safdar stood alone and answered many of the questions that were from the period when he was not married to Maryam and part of the Sharif family. “Some questions pertain to the period prior to my marriage,” Safdar quipped when questions were being read to him.
During Safdar’s statement, NAB prosecutor Sardar Muzaffar Abbasi also left it to other NAB prosecutors and sat in a chair in the front row until the Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir inquired about his stance on something. At one moment, there were only two NAB prosecutors, defence counsel Amjad Pervaiz, one reporter and two security officials on each side who stood near Safdar.

During the 15-minute break, when court reporters asked Safdar why everyone left him alone in the courtroom, Safdar said, “It was my wish that Nawaz Sharif and family members are not present during my statement…having the judge in front of you and Nawaz Sharif on your back adds extra pressure.”

A reporter inquired about Maryam Nawaz leaving the courtroom to which Safdar said, “Maryam is with me for the last 25 years…Isn’t that enough that she has stayed with an empty-pocket man for 25 years.”

He said that Maryam Nawaz left the hearing because “he needs her the most at this moment” and added that the ministers left since they had work in they had to “attend important sessions in the last working days.”

While answering the court questions, Safdar said, “My name did not find mention in any of the documents known as PANAMA LEAKS.”

With regards to the Gulf Steel Mill’s establishment in 1974, GSM’s sale 75% of shares of in 1978 and 25% in 1980, subsequent 12 million AED’s investment with Qatari Royal family who purchased Avenfield apartments through company Nielson and Nescoll, co-accused Hassan and Hussain’s stay in the apartments and final settlement with Qatari family in 2006, Safdar said that all these subjects do not relate to him. However, he said that “it is correct that co-accused Maryam Safdar was made trustee and I signed the trust deed as witness.”

Meanwhile, a lawyer who regularly appears before the court regretted that all other cases pending in the court haven’t been properly heard for the last eight to nine months. He revealed roughly 50 cases were pending before the court but only Panamagate trial is being regularly heard. Safdar would resume his statement on May 30.

Nawaz Sharif told the reporters outside the accountability court that the commission ought to comprise of judges, military men, lawmakers and other notables.

He added that the proposed commission would identify who made what kind of policies and also reveal their part in it.

Commenting on the recent naming of Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk as caretaker premier, Sharif lavished praise on the ‘English’ judge. Terming Mulk an “outstanding” chief justice, the former prime minister said he had done great service to the nation.



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Balochistan’s minister seeks election delay

Balochistan’s minister seeks election delay

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Balochistan’s minister seeks election delay
A resolution demanding one-month delay in general elections was submitted in Balochistan Assembly on Wednesday.

The resolution, submitted by Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, sought that elections be held in August, instead of July this year, because “a majority of the public wants to undertake Hajj for which [many] would be travelling to Saudi Arabia in July” and hence, they would be unable to vote in the elections.

Expressing “concern” that the province receives monsoon downpours during the month of July, the resolution states that many districts face flooding and a lot of residents are forced to move to other areas for shelter. Such a situation would deprive these people of the opportunity to vote.
The resolution urges the provincial government to keep these concerns in mind and ask the federal government to instead hold the elections in the last week of August so that everyone can exercise their constitutional right to vote, the resolution adds.
Last week, President Mamnoon Hussain had approved holding the General Elections 2018 on July 25 this year for both the Centre and provinces.
Earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had proposed July 25-27 as possible dates for the upcoming elections and forwarded a summary in this regard to President Mamnoon Hussain, requesting him to set one of the proposed dates as the day of the polls according to Elections Act 2017, Section 57(1).

The current government will complete its five-year term on May 31. The caretaker government will then take over to ensure a smooth transition of power after the elections.



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Election Commission Stands Firm For Holding Elections On Time

Election Commission Stands Firm For Holding Elections On Time

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Election Commission
The Election Commission of Pakistan on Wednesday has said that General Polls of 2018 will be held on time.

According to the spokesman, Election Commision held a meeting to review the judgment of the Islamabad High Court declaring delimitation of four constituencies as void.

Yesterday, Islamabad High Court had declared the delimitations of eight districts including six from Punjab and two from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa void.

Justice Umar Farooq, while announcing the verdict on a petition against the delimitations, declared void delimitations of districts Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Jhang, Chakwal, Toba Tek Singh, Lower Dir, and Battagram.The population proportion must be considered for the new delimitations, the court ordered.

The court announced verdicts on 40 petitions of the 108 complaints lodged against delimitations.

Justice Amir Farooq pronounced the judgement on more than 40 identical petitions declaring the delimitations of Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Jhang, Jhelum, Chakwal, Toba Tek Singh, Lower Dir and Batgram void.

The judgement further ordered the ECP to follow the rules for the proportion of the population that have been followed in the delimitation of other constituencies.The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had faced severe criticism from political circles. A committee of the National Assembly (NA) had previously expressed its displeasure at the non-transparency of the exercise.

The ECP follows a set formula for the number of provincial and NA seats that a district is allotted. However, the final mapping within the districts remains unclear and open to controversy.



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Hearing of NAB Reference Against Dar Adjourned Until June 6

Hearing of NAB Reference Against Dar Adjourned Until June 6

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Ishaq Dar
Hearing of assets beyond means reference against former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has been adjourned until June 6.

Today’s hearing resumed in the court of Judge Muhammad Bashir, in which all three accused, who were named in the reference along with Ishaq Dar appeared before the court.

Qazi Misbah completed his cross-examination from the defense witness, Masood Al Ghani, who is associated with a private bank.Ghani said in his statement that Rs. 25lacs were transferred from Ishaq Dar’s account of Bank Alfalah Gulberg Branch.

During the hearing, counsel of Saeed Ahmed appealed the court to adjourn the hearing, as he wants to go performing Umrah.“How can you leave at this point, when the trial is underway” Judge Muhammad Bashir replied, already senior counsel of Saeed Ahmed, Hashmat Habib is not appearing before the court.

According to a local media report, NAB’s allegations contradict its own forensic report that states that forged signatures had been used to access the bank accounts.

The forensic examination of the documents was submitted to the NAB Headquarters in 2017 by the NAB Deputy Director Muhammad Naseem.Earlier, NAB Special Prosecutor Imran Shafeeq stated that Dar and Ahmed were working together in Hajveri Modaraba Management (Pvt) Ltd Company and suggested that Ahmed, along with the other co-accused might have assisted and abetted the accused in mounting illegal assets. It further alleged that seven bank accounts were opened in the name of Saeed Ahmad in the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 which were closed in 1999, 2000 and 2002 respectively.

The prosecutor claimed that millions of rupees were transacted into the foreign currency accounts, which were operated from 1997 to 2006.It needs to be observed that the alleged fake accounts were opened in 1997 and 1998, at least two years after his end of directorship when Saeed was living abroad and was having no say or influence in the company as the director. Also, the NAB’s allegations are in contradiction with its own forensic report that says that signatures of applicant do not tally and forged signatures were used to open these bank accounts.



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Statement regarding CJP was just a complaint: Ahsan Iqbal

Statement regarding CJP was just a complaint: Ahsan Iqbal

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal
Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday appeared in Lahore High Court (LHC) and said that his statement regarding Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) was a complaint.

A three-member bench conducted hearing of the issue pertaining to anti-judiciary speeches during which, Ahsan Iqbal said that he has never thought of insulting court. I am a political worker and believe in democracy and judiciary, he added.

The court said that it only talks about the supremacy of law.

Subsequently, the minister has been directed to submit written reply in the court.

Earlier, advocate Azhar Siddique, the petitioner’s counsel had stated that the federal minister delivered an anti-judiciary speech which was aired by different channels.

After the decision of Panama Leaks case, Sharif family and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders are openly criticizing the judiciary, he added.

The claimant said that Ahsan’s speech is equal to contempt of court, therefore, he should be disqualified under article 63, 64.

He also demanded to take back all the salary and other incentives from him that he received from 2008 to 2018.



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PM Abbasi expresses hope to conduct free, fair elections

PM Abbasi expresses hope to conduct free, fair elections

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Wednesday that the achievements Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) accomplished in the last five years were not even done in past 65 years.

He was speaking as chief guest at the awards distribution ceremony of All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) in Islamabad.

The premier expressed hope to conduct free and fair elections in the country. “Democracy cannot afford whatever happened in Balochistan and Senate,” he added.

He maintained that the government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has lived up to its commitment not to interfere in freedom of expression or working of media.

The Prime Minister asserted that PML-N made a firm pledge not to resort to coercion or pressure tactics against media and it pursued the policy religiously during the last five years.

He maintained that in the past IB secret funds billions of rupees were spent annually but the present government has not spent even a rupee from the secret fund for any purpose.

Prime Minister Abbasi said criticism apart; it is also responsibility of media to project achievements of the government and measures aimed at welfare of the masses. He stressed that such policies and steps should also get projection through positive and objective news reports besides advertisements.

The premier went on to say that Pakistan is perhaps the only country of the world where ministers work in the day and defend their actions during talk shows in the evening.

The Prime Minister maintained that censorship has become useless in the age of social media and other sources of dissemination of information but there is definitely need for self-regulation by media.

He desired formation of a Committee to analyze media related issues and come out with recommendations for reforms in media. The Prime Minister urged that free and fair media is as important as free and fair elections.

He declared that the Government is leaving Pakistan in much better condition in every respect as compared to what it inherited in 2013. He said despite constitutional and other challenges and hurdles, the journey of progress continued.

The Prime Minister referred to completion of Lowari tunnel by the present government at a cost of 28 billion despite the fact that the project was initiated by late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto forty years ago.



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Israel strikes dozens of targets in Gaza Strip, Palestinians respond

Israel strikes dozens of targets in Gaza Strip, Palestinians respond

on May 31, 2018 0 Comment
Israel strikes dozens of targets in Gaza Strip
The Israeli military has targeted dozens of bases belonging to Palestinian resistance movements, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, inside the Gaza Strip.

As the Tel Aviv regime continued its aggression, Palestinians also said they were responding to the attacks by shelling Israeli-occupied towns.

Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters on Tuesday that its military "just concluded a significant aerial strike where we struck more than 30 different military targets.”

"Amongst those a tunnel and different components of military infrastructure belonging to Hamas and to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad," he added.

Conricus said the attacks came in response to a barrage of rockets and mortar shells against southern Israel from Gaza earlier on Tuesday, describing the confrontation between the two sides as the most extensive since the 2014 war on Gaza.

The mortar attacks from Gaza came a day after Israeli tank fire killed a young Palestinian man and injured another in the southern part of the Gaza Strip as the Tel Aviv regime presses ahead with its acts of aggression against the coastal sliver.

Hamas defended mortar attacks on Israel, saying, "What the resistance carried out this morning comes within the framework of the natural right to defend our people."

Tensions have been running high along the Gaza fence since March 30, which marked the start of a series of protests, dubbed “The Great March of Return,” demanding the right to return for those driven out of their homeland.

The Gaza clashes reached their peak on May 14, the eve of the 70th anniversary of the Nakba Day (the Day of Catastrophe), which coincided this year with the US embassy relocation from Tel Aviv to the occupied Jerusalem al-Quds. Apart from enforcing its blockade, Israel has launched several wars on the Gaza Strip, the last of which began in early July 2014.

The military aggression, which ended on August 26, 2014, killed nearly 2,200 Palestinians. Over 11,100 others were wounded.



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