Daily The Patriot edition of 15-09-22

Complete elimination of dengue is the first priority of the government, says Zulfiqar Ahmed

By Tahir Naqash

Attock: Additional Deputy Commissioner General Attock Zulfiqar Ahmed has said that complete elimination of dengue is the first priority of the government.He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting regarding the anti-dengue campaign in the DC office, Attock. Officers from the education department, health and other departments participated in the meeting. CEO Health Dr. Javadalhi and the health department. Officers of the Ministry of Health gave a detailed briefing to the participants regarding the anti-dengue campaign. While giving a briefing, it was told that steps are being taken to eradicate dengue along with corona virus throughout the district and all the departments are playing their special role in this regard. A campaign is being conducted. In the meeting, the performance of all the departments regarding the dengue campaign was reviewed in detail. ADCG Attock while addressing the meeting on this occasion said that the dengue mosquito is very dangerous and deadly in the current situation. There is a need for all government, semi-government and private institutions to play their full role to eradicate dengue and ensure all the necessary measures. Directed to further improve the performance. A meeting of District Advisory Committee of Attock Agriculture was held at Deputy Commissioner Office Attock. Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Attock Zulfiqar Ahmad presided over the meeting. Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Attock Muhammad Shakeel, Assistant Director Agriculture Muhammad Zafar and Assistant Directors (Extension) of all tehsils and other relevant officers participated in the meeting. It was decided to further improve the speed of implementation. The meeting was briefed by the Assistant Directors (Extension) of all the Tehsils on the ongoing work in their respective Tehsils and informed about their current position. ADCG directed all concerned officers to ensure immediate completion of these schemes. He said that the government is providing ample amount of funds for the welfare of the farmers and for the convenience of the farmers, apart from financial support, they are also providing all kinds of technical support to improve the economic condition of the farmers and The country can be made self-sufficient in terms of food. He said that agriculture is the most important component of our country's economy and the country's development is linked to its development, so it is important that we encourage the people associated with this sector. Encourage them so that the country becomes prosperous. He said that all the field officers should immediately redress the grievances of the farmers.

Imran Khan is expected to announce the long march date at a public meeting in Chakwal on September 19th

By District Reporter

CHAKWAL: Khawaja Babar Saleem Mahmood said on Wednesday that due to political instability in the country, the administration's grip on government departments has also been limited, resulting in increased hardships for the people, all the two major political parties in Chakwal district. While PPP has made Raja Rizwan Dandut the district president to mobilise the party in Chakwal district, nine representatives of PPP have been made advisers to the Prime Minister, including Sardar Saleem Haider from Pindi Division. Therefore, in the coming days, large activities will be seen to mobilise the People's Party in Chakwal district. While the PTI and the Muslim League-Q are not on the same page about making Talagang a district, the notification to create 400 districts is still in the works. He was speaking live from the Chakwal Press Club studio. The host of the program, Zulfikar Mir, said that Imran Khan is going to hold a public meeting in Kochchwal on September 19, and it is likely that he will call for his decisive long march at the same meeting. The meeting is taking place at Government Islamia Ground. This is the place where in 2011, Sardar Ghulam Abbas, along with thousands of his colleagues, held a big public meeting on the same ground and announced joining PTI. According to senior journalist Raja Iftikhar Ahmed, talk of change in the Punjab government is active in the media, and Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has not agreed with Imran Khan's statement regarding Pakistan forces, making the situation very interesting. He said that at this time, the rulers do not see any other work except for bureaucratic transfers.

Japan has offered $7 million in flood relief assistance, Envoy

KARACHI: Japan's ambassador to Pakistan, Mitsu Hirwada, has stated that Japan is unhappy with the damage triggered by the floods and the loss of human lives. He stated that the United States of America would play its function in rehabilitating the flood victims and infrastructure construction. Japan has given a provision of $7 million to Pakistan for the flood victims on the attraction of Pakistan and the United Nations. The Japanese ambassador told the media at the reception for the Pakistan-Japan Business Forum that Japan has stood by Pakistan in every difficult hour and is still with the Pakistani kingdom in flood. He stated that the bilateral members of the family between Japan and Pakistan have been bolstered over time and will be bolstered further in the future. He stated that Japan had introduced a useful resource of $7 million to Pakistan and worldwide organizations.

Punjab PA attack case: MPAs claim police refused to record statements 

By Staff Reporter

LAHORE: Three PML-N MPAs visited the Qila Gujjar Singh police station to join the investigation in the Punjab Assembly attack case. Rana Mashhood, Awais Leghari and Mirza Javed claimed that they visited the police station but the police refused to record their statements in the case. Talking to reporters, Rana Mashhood said the police refused to record their statements. He said it was a fake FIR [first information report] and they would face such cases. He claimed that soon the PML-N would form the government in Punjab. The Lahore police last month had initiated action against 13 PML-N MPAs including the prime minister’s special assistant Atta Tarar, in the Punjab Assembly attack case (registered by CM Parvez Elahi over hooliganism during the chief minister’s previous election on April 16).

The Chinese association contacted about restoring the Rohri-Karachi section 

By Desk Report

RAHIM YAR KHAN: As the current deficit of the Pakistan Railways (PR) stands at Rs. 13 billion, it will take 15 to 20 years more to make it a self-sufficient organisation, warned federal minister Khwaja Saad Rafique. Speaking with citizen representatives and the media, Mr. Rafique stated that a Chinese railway enterprise had been requested to restore the Rohri-Karachi railway area first. The rickety section is notorious for causing a number of train accidents, claiming the lives of passengers and causing frequent derailments. The minister, who is on a whirlwind five-day tour to inspect different railway stations in the backdrop of recent floods, said due to the current economic scenario, the PR had become a victim of a financial crisis because its infrastructure was badly damaged in Sindh and Balochistan by the calamity. He stated that he should no longer operate the passenger trains until the flood situation becomes clear. "We are making an attempt to get funding from global economic establishments for enhancing railway infrastructure," he said. He regretted that the ML-I (Main Line-I) venture had already been delayed for 4 years, and now its estimated value had swelled to around Rs4 billion. He said that the framework settlement signed by the PML-N authorities earlier in 2018 had expired now and he was making an attempt to revive it within a month. He alleged that former minister Sheikh Rashid dissolved the PMU, including that he would rearrange the unit by manning it with trustworthy officers within two weeks.

Court Notice

In the Court of Shaukat Abbas Ranjha Civil Judge Tehsil Sohawa Dist Jhelum Suit for Dissolution of Marriage on Basis of Khula, Case Title Kiran Iqbal vs Muhammad Usman To, Muhammad Usman son of Javiad Iqbal R/o Street Muhammad Ehsaan Butt House No.C-203 Mohallah Shumali Tehsil & Dist Jhelum. As there is not possible to call the Defendant through Summon in the instant Suit so through proclamation in Newspaper, You are directed to appear in the court on 29.09.2022 at 8:00AM, otherwise ex-parte proceedings will be initiated.

KP cabinet approved the climate change policy 

By Desk Report

PESHAWAR: The provincial cabinet on Tuesday accredited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Climate Change Policy and Action Plan-2022, which focuses on decreasing vulnerability of herbal and human structures as well as lessening greenhouse gas emissions via technological or nature-based solutions. The new coverage is in consonance with the targets of the Revised National Climate Change Policy 2021 and will tackle as many as nine agro-ecological zones in the province, which includes the merged districts. The profitable implementation of the coverage will create new avenues to appeal to global local weather financing in the adaptation and mitigation sectors, permitting the province to reap sustainable improvement and create resilience against natural disasters. The choice was once made at an assembly held right here and chaired by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan. The chief minister stated that K-P grew to be the first province that devised provincial local weather exchange coverage and motion plans. The assembly without the cabinet contributors was additionally attended by the chief secretary, extra chief secretary, senior member of the Board of Revenue, and administrative secretaries.

The CM presided over a meeting to review anti-dengue measures 

By Our Correspondent

LAHORE: Chaudhry Parvez Elahi has expressed deep concern over the increase in the number of dengue patients in Rawalpindi, Lahore and Gujranwala and asked the authorities why anti-dengue preventive measures were not taken at that time when abnormal rains were predicted. He said the situation should be realised in time and an emergency strategy should be formulated. He was presiding over a meeting at his office on Wednesday to review the situation and measures to control the disease. While approving the establishment of a centre of disease control for the timely prevention of epidemic diseases, the CM directed that rescue 1122, health and line departments should give final shape to the Act. The Punjab government will get the approval of the Act from the assembly for the establishment of a centre for disease control to prevent epidemics, he added, and directed the formation of a committee. This initiative will help in the prevention of dengue, corona, cholera, typhoid, and other epidemic diseases, he noted. The chief minister ordered anti-dengue measures on a war footing throughout the province, especially in high-risk districts. He gave in-principle approval to make permanent the temporary staff for anti-dengue and directed that a summary should be submitted as per the rules for permanentizing them. He also ordered the purchase of fogging machines and asked the secretary of the local government department to do the needful within seven days and submit a report to him. He said he would review anti-dengue steps regularly, and the deputy commissioners should hold meetings daily and reports should be sent to his office. He added that the work should be continued even on Sundays and other holidays. He stressed that dengue patients should be given full attention in hospitals and necessary medical facilities be ensured; he stressed and ordered effective indoor and outdoor surveillance throughout Punjab, especially in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Gujranwala. Dr Yasmin Rashid, former federal minister Moonis Elahi, Chief Secretary Kamran Afzal, Principal Secretary to CM Muhammad Khan Bhatti, administrative secretaries, commissioner and DC Lahore, DG LDA, DG Rescue 1122, DG Health Services Punjab, Prof Dr Waseem Akram, dean of the Institute of Public Health Lahore and others attended the meeting while commissioners, deputy commissioners, CEOs of DHAs, secretary housing (south Punjab), DG RDA and MD WASA Rawalpindi participated through video link.

In Quetta, typhoid vaccination campaign begins 

By Staff Report

QUETTA: A 12-day vaccination campaign to manage the spread of typhoid was kicked off in the city. According to Quetta District Health Officer Noor Bakhsh Bizenjo, 856,000 adolescents between the ages of 9 and 15 years will be vaccinated against typhoid in 39 city union councils in the first phase. This was printed by using Mr. Bizenjo in a session assembly organised through PHC Global, which was attended by National Stop Officer Farhana Naz, National Stop Officer EPI Division Task Force Dr. Farhan Anjum, PHC Global District Coordinator Fahad Ali Kayani, Town Coordinator Samia Tareen and social employee Sakina Abdullah. The session was once advised that the kind of typhoid in Pakistan should now not be cured with the aid of medicine, although it was once viable to forestall it with a vaccine. Initially, this vaccine will be administered in the city union councils of Balochistan. Later, its scope will be elevated to the whole province, for which the offerings of polio groups will be obtained. Along with the provincial government, PHC Global will carry out the marketing campaign in the districts of Lasbela, Kech, Jafferabad, and Quetta.

Women are most inclined following catastrophic floods, says US Ambassador 

By Our Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Just as the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the disproportionate influence on women’s participation in workforce, the catastrophic flooding in Pakistan was once a reminder that girls and women had been amongst the most inclined companies at some stage in the humanitarian crisis. This was stated by American Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome during his speech at the launch of the Pakistan Future of Women and Work Initiative on Tuesday. The tournament was once organised by the US embassy in partnership with Texas A&M University, S&P Global, the US-Pakistan Business Council as well as the US Pakistan Women’s Council (USPWC). Mr. Blome stated that while the US worked to provide direct assistance to affected communities in Pakistan and help mitigate the effects of future floods, it would carefully consider the unique effects of modern-day flooding and other natural disasters on girls and women. He highlighted that the US supplied $53.1 million in humanitarian aid to assist Pakistan in the wake of the current floods. The launch match brought to the fore a finding about the effect of COVID-19 on women’s group worker participation in the country. It aimed to catalyse research, public discourse, and non-public sector commitments to address gaps that emerged as a result of the pandemic. Speaking on the occasion, the State Department’s Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Elizabeth Horst, said: "Through the US-Pakistan Women’s Council, the US has been working for a decade to construct bridges between the peoples of the two international locations to help Pakistan’s sustained prosperity, benefiting lots of girls in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s significantly mitigated risks of money laundering, financing of terrorism: FO

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar says Pakistan's effectiveness in the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorist Financing regime has significantly reduced the risks and threats of money laundering and terrorism financing. He stated this in a statement on Wednesday, in response to media inquiries about recent news stories in domestic media about Pakistan's current engagement with the Financial Action Task Force and progress in the AML and CFT domains. According to the spokesperson, a FATF technical team recently visited Pakistan and held detailed discussions with relevant agencies in accordance with the authorization of an onsite visit by the FATF Plenary in June of this year. He reported that the visit went well. The purpose of the visit was to validate Pakistan's high-level commitment to and sustainability of reforms in our AML and CFT regime on the ground. Meetings with the FATF team, according to Asim Iftikhar, were held in a constructive and positive environment. The FATF onsite team's report will be discussed at the FATF's International Cooperation Review Group and Plenary meetings, which will be held in Paris in the third week of next month. He stated that Pakistan anticipates a logical conclusion to the ongoing evaluation process. In terms of Pakistan's progress, the FATF's most recent assessment supersedes previous years' findings. As a result, Pakistan has achieved not only a high level of technical compliance with FATF standards but also a high level of effectiveness through the implementation of two comprehensive FATF Action Plans, and it is committed to continuing its efforts in this regard. In terms of technical compliance with FATF standards, Pakistan has now been rated as "Compliant" and "Largely Compliant" in 38 out of 40 FATF Recommendations, placing us among the world's most compliant countries. According to the Spokesperson, Pakistan's completion of both Action Plans in June of this year is an acknowledgement by FATF of attaining a high level of effectiveness on FATF standards.

Rawalpindi: DC Rawalpindi Tahir Farooq is inspecting dengue ward in Benazir Bhutto Hospital.

IHC adjourns hearing of appeals in Noor Mukadam murder case

By Staff Report ISLAMABAD:The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of appeals against sentences and acquittals announced in Noor Mukadam murder case. Directing for filling the paper box, the court put off the hearing until October 5. A two-judge IHC bench led by Justice Amir Farooq heard the case regarding appeals including of murderer Zahir Jaffer. Justice Farooq asked whether the prime convict, Zahir Jaffer has appointed any lawyer for himself. “And if not, the court will provide him one,” he added. The court was informed that Zahir Jaffer has hired a lawyer for himself, after which the court adjourned the hearing until October 5. On July 20, 2021, Noor Mukadam, 27, was found murdered at Zahir Jaffer’s house in Islamabad. According to the FIR registered by her father, he discovered that his “daughter had been brutally murdered with a sharp-edged weapon and beheaded”. After a months-long trial, an Islamabad court sentenced Jaffer to death for the murder of Noor Mukadam on Feb 24 lat. The court also found him guilty of rape and handed him 25 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs200,000.

Pakistan is moving towards cheaper electricity: Energy Minister

By Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir on Wednesday said the government has decided to utilize indigenous resources for power generation. He was addressing a news conference in Islamabad. “We are moving towards solarization from today, which will be cheaper and provide relief to consumers,” he said. He said shifting the electricity generation on indigenous sources will lessen burden on the national exchequer and provide cheap electricity to consumers. The Minister for Power said the indigenous sources of energy in Pakistan are solar, wind, hydel, coal and nuclear which are not only cost effective but also environment friendly. He said bidding of a 600-megawatt pilot solar project is being completed today which will determine the cost of these projects and then through these sources, 11,000-megawatt electricity will be added to the national grid in the coming years. Federal Minister said the government has also planned to initiate solar power projects in rural areas and will install solar systems at buildings, while agricultural tube wells will also be solarized. He said currently the government is working on a number of power projects which will add two thousand megawatts electricity to the national grid by next year.

ISLAMABAD: CDA staffer trimming grass on green belt in capital city. 

Minister ensures level playing field for export-oriented sectors, including textiles 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce, Syed Naveed Qamar on Wednesday said that the government was committed to provide level playing field and reduce cost of doing business for export-oriented sectors including textiles to boost exports and reduce current account deficit. He expressed these views while addressing a virtual session organized by South Punjab Investment Forum in collaboration with USAID. “I am glad to inform that textile exports during FY 2021-22 reached historical high level of US$ 19.3 billion despite the fallout of COVID-19 and severe economic challenges”, said the minister. He said that it is time to promote the value-added products, “I assure you that our incentives would only be available to value added products”.

Floodwater reaches tail end of River Indus as another torrent from India to enter Pakistan

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) of Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded a high flood of 487,312 cusecs at the Kotri Barrage on Wednesday 12pm as the floodwaters have finally reached the tail end of the Indus River. The threat of a deluge, however, is far from over. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has said that a torrent originating from India is likely to enter Pakistan next week, inundating the already battered riverside areas of the country. In a warning issued on Tuesday night, the NDMA advised the authorities to evacuate people from low-lying areas on the banks of Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab Rivers. Destruction marring region The latest data shared by the NDMA highlighted that in the past 24 hours at least 54 more people were killed and six were injured in the flood-related incidents. Since mid-June, the death toll has 1,481. Around 4,000 houses have so far been destroyed by the deluge while 81 districts are still bearing the brunt of the ‘monsoon on steroids’. The recent visit of the United Nations Secretary-General has brought world attention to the greatest climate-induced calamity in Pakistan. Help is pouring in, but it is still not enough. The flood has left thousands homeless Qasim Bela area of Multan and at the mercy of donors. Dozens of settlements have also been razed to the ground by the incessant downpour and subsequent floods. Residents continue to appeal to the government to supply relief goods to prevent an aggravated humanitarian crisis as they try to survive in dire circumstances. In the south, Sindh too is marred by high floods and a plethora of waterborne diseases. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said around 600,000 cases of skin ailments have been registered in the province, whereas at least 12,229 cases of dengue are also creating an alarming situation. He said so far 172 deaths have been reported in the region but he claimed, “The situation is far worse.” The flood has endangered the lives of thousands of pregnant women in the country. In Punjab alone, thousands of births are expected under dangerous circumstances. More than 100,000 women will give birth in camps. The absence of adequate pre and post natal care has left thousands of babies and women vulnerable to health issues. In Dera Ghazi Khan 50,000 pregnant women are at risk, followed by at least 32,000 in Rajanpur district of Punjab. Health experts are lobbying for arranging mobile toilets for expectant mothers, as well as demanding psychological assistance to the flood-torn vulnerable sections of society. According to the report of the Population Council, over 330,000 women in the flood-affected areas of Punjab have more than five children.

FIA treated me like terrorist during raid: Senator Saif 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders strongly condemned the FIA Cyber Wing raid on party Senator Saif's home on Wednesday and announced that the issue would be raised in the Senate. At a press conference, SenatorSaifullah Niazi of the PTI, along with other senators and legal advisors including Babar Awan, Azam Swati, and Faisal Javed, held an urgent press conference to condemn the raid. Senator Saifullah Niazi told the media that FIA officials treated him like a terrorist during the raid on his home. The PTI senator also claimed that FIA agents broke into his home without regard to the children inside. Former senator and PTI legal expert Babar Awan believes there should be a distinction between a robbr and a law enforcement official entering a house. According to Article 55 of the Pakistani Constitution, women and children should be protected in every way at home, according to Babar Awan. He also stated that, according to the code of conduct, the magistrate should have been present during the raid on the senator's home. Senator Azam Swati stated that the government's tactics will never demoralise Imran Khan's supporters. He stated that insulting Senate members will not be tolerated under any circumstances, and that the matter will be brought up in the Senate as well. Senator Faisal Javed stated on this occasion that Imran Khan Spoke out against violence and for human rights, but the government accused him of terrorism in order to suppress him. On its official Twitter account, the PTI officially issued the party leaders' stance on the FIA raid at Senator Saifullah Niazi's house.

PTA announces restoration of telecom services in more flood-hit areas 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday announced that it has restored telecom services in more flood hit areas after reducing non-functional sites to 163. Taking to Twitter from its handle, PTA said that continued efforts by the authority and telecom operators to restore connectivity in flood affected areas has resulted in further reduction of non-functional sites count to 163. “Work is in progress for complete restoration of telecom services in flood affected areas on top priority,” it said. The PTA shared that currently, 129 cell sites in Sindh and 34 in Balochistan are affected and inaccessible due to flood water but other operational sites in the vicinity ensure that there is no communication blackout. “PTA is continuously monitoring the situation and will continue to update the public about the restoration of left over sites.” Previously, the PTA informed that basic infrastructure was damaged at multiple telecom sites across the country due to heavy rainfall and floods. Optical fibres were also damaged due to landslides in northern areas of the country, it added. On August 27, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority told that the internet and telecommunication services were suspended in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) after being hit by flash floods.

Sherry Rehman for collective approach to deal with impacts of climate change 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman on Wednesday stressed coordination among all stakeholders to cope with the repercussions of climate change and save the natural eco-system from hazardous impacts of pollution. Addressing a session on “Building resilience to preserve our common future moderated by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed she said, despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan was committed to improving air pollution and reducing emissions. “In the gigantic calamity of climate change the utmost issue is climate justice; there should be reparations given to countries that are suffering from the effects of climate change caused by excessive emissions of the Global North” she added. Explaining the situation in Pakistan, she said Sindh experienced seven times the average rainfall in August during the current year. She further elaborated that 2022 has been the year of multiple climate change catastrophes starting off with heat waves resultantly melting a great number of glaciers in Pakistan’s North to inflicting desertification in huge regions of River Indus delta. The minister more than 6000 roads and 200 bridges have been ripped apart and we still are evaluating the actual on-ground damage. Sherry said, “Pakistan is facing the brunt of overconsumption in the west and we want to raise this argument at not just the UN but also at COP 27. Many parts of Asia Pacific will face the same damages in the coming years especially those not adapting to climate resilience. We’re seeing a situation where all international platforms, including the UN, are perturbed. While reparations are difficult but compensation will be at the center of our climate agenda.” Senator Mushahid Hussain lamented that though Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global emissions still it is one of the top affected countries due to climate change. Ms. Georgina Lloyd, Regional Coordinator (Asia and the Pacific) of Environmental Law and Governance at UNEP, explained that we’re in a climate emergency that is affecting Pakistan and the globe. A resilient society needs to have equitable and sustainable development. Leave no one behind (LNOB) is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Environmental rule of law, Green approaches to climate change recovery (ending fossil fuel subsidies, enforcing the polluter pays principle, supporting green jobs, and including green conditionalities in fiscal recovery policies), socially inclusive development, Investment in green economy and Renewable sector are the key pillars to a sustainable future. The green economy can generate more than 2.4 million jobs by 2030. In this regard, parliaments need to take a 3-prong approach; Legislative, Budgetary, and Oversight Actions towards sustainable development. Ms. Sarah Wade-Apicella, Head of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Unit, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), gave recommendations for a risk-informed resilience pathway.

Shahzad Akbar wants IHC to remove his name from ECL 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Mirza Shahzad, former Advisor to Prime Minister on Interior and Accountability, has approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for the removal of his name from the Exit Control List (ECL). In his petition submitted on Wednesday, Akbar said that he is currently in London and working there. The former advisor, who has been summoned by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to record statement, has said he is ready to cooperate with the investigations. The NAB is investigating the civil settlement reached between the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and Bahria Town Karachi. Akbar said that the NAB had sent him a notice to which he has already conveyed that he is ready to record his statement via video link. I have not received any response from the graft body on this, the petitioner said. He also requested the court to order authorities to remove his name from ECL/No Fly List.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 14: Learder of the Opposition in Senate, Senator Dr. Shahzad Waseem and senaors of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf meeting with Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani on Wednesday.

Alvi pays respect to terrorists' martyred Afghani soldiers

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday paid tribute to the army soldiers for embracing martyrdom while thwarting the attack of terrorists from inside Afghanistan across the border. The event was strongly denounced by the president, who also sent his sympathies to the families of the martyrs. He prayed for their families to be given patience as well as for the martyrs' departed souls to rest in peace. Terrorists from within Afghanistan fired on Pakistani troops in the general region of Kharlachi of the Kurram district, according to a press release from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). According to reliable intelligence reports, the Pakistani Army troops replied appropriately, and as a result of their own troops' fire, the terrorists sustained significant fatalities. The three troops, Naik Muhammad Rehman (32 years old, from Karak), Naik Maweez Khan (34 years old, from Jamrud, Khyber), and Sepoy Irfan Ullah, chose suicide while valiantly battling the terrorists (27 years, resident of Dargai, Malakand). According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan "strongly condemns the exploitation of Afghan soil by terrorists for actions against Pakistan and anticipates that Afghan Government will not let the conduct of such activities in the future." According to the Pakistan Army, "the sacrifices of our gallant warriors further enhance our determination" to defend Pakistan's frontiers against the threat of terrorism.

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Higher Education Commission, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Called on President DR Arif Alvi at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Pasha is pushing for laws to increase the employment of women 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: State Minister for Finance and Revenue, Aisha Ghaus Pasha here on Wednesday highlighted the importance of developing a legal framework and creating enabling environment to encourage women strengthen their participation in labour force. Speaking at the “Regional Seminar for the Asia Pacific Region Parliaments on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the minister said no country could move forward unless women contribute in economic development. She regretted that there were many nations that practised wage discrimination based on gender, and she emphasised the significance of having effective legislation to uphold women's rights. She said, "We need to create the correct kind of legislation so that these types of discriminations are eliminated or made illegal and cannot be implemented.

Meeting of the Senate to examine the Merchant Marine Shipping Policy of Pakistan

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs was held Wednesday to examine the purchase details of two used tankers/vessels recently purchased by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation and to discuss the Pakistan Merchant Marine Shipping Policy 2001. Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of the Committee, and other Committee members expressed their displeasure at the Minister's absence and requested the Secretary of Maritime Affairs to let the Minister for Maritime Affairs know about their worries. The Board meetings are being held with the old members and the new members of the Board are not being invited to the Board meetings, according to information provided to the Committee. On August 5, 2022, the Prime Minister replaced four new members of the PNSC Board of Directors.

PTI will help flood-hit people in every possible way: Imran 

Imran Khan quizzed by JIT in threatening female judge case

By Our Correspondent

TAUNSA: Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf(PTI) supremo Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the PTI will help the flood-hit people in every possible way, after the relief they will build the houses of affectees. Speaking at a relief ceremony for flood victims in Taunsa Sharif, the former prime minister said that he had inspected the flood-affected areas from a helicopter and that more damage had been done to Pakistan than in 2010. He continued by saying that the entire country would need to band together to aid the flood victims. The PTI chairman added that he raised Rs. 10 billion during the telethon's five hours, saying that the country had never donated so much money in such a short period of time due to its widespread concern for the flood victims. Imran Khan also directed Chief Minister Punjab, Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, to announce the creation of Taunsa as a district. Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan on Wednesday appeared before a four-member joint investigation team (JIT) at the SSP Islamabad office amid tight security in a case relating to threatening female judge Zeba Chaudhary. The JIT of Islamabad Police is headed by SSP (Operations) Islamabad Farhat Abbas Kazmi. Imran Khan responded to questions from the police during a 20-minute interrogation by the JIT and was then given a written questionnaire with 21 questions by the police. Imran Khan repeated his desire for free and fair elections in a press conference following his appearance before the JIT. Imran Khan claimed that Pakistan was embarrassed by the terror case against him while speaking to reporters outside the SSP office. Imran Khan claimed that Sri Lanka-like circumstances were being foisted onto Pakistan. Shehbaz Gill was kidnapped, tortured, and our TV transmission was cut off when we were gathering money for flood victims, he claimed. “The more you push up against the wall, the more we are preparing [for it]. If I gave the call for Islamabad, you won’t be able to cope with it,” said Imran Khan.

RAWALPINDI: Doctor Samir bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Tabib, CEO Transformation Office of Ministry of Defence, KSA along with delegation held meeting with Lt. Gen. (Retd) Humayun Aziz, Secretry Ministry of Defence Production and other officials of MoDP.

Sh Rashid criticises the govt over the high cost of the flour and the dollar rate

By Staff Reporter

RAWALPINDI: Awami Muslim League Pakistan (AMLP) leader Sheikh Rashid on Wednesday slammed the incumbent government over a huge number of Ministers in the cabinet, US dollar’s rate and price of flour in Pakistan as the poor people will be facing more issues. Former interior minister Rashid claimed on Twitter that the cost of housing, children's tuition, and power bills prevents the poor from lighting their stoves. Speaking on the length of the National Assembly, he stated that it could not be prolonged without the President's permission. Rashid continued by stating that Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehereek-e-Insaf (PTI), is the target of everyone's attention and that September and October are crucial months.

Democracy is our soul, says Zardari 

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: Former President of Pakistan and President Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarians, Asif Ali Zardari in his message on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy being observed today (Thursday) said that democracy is our soul. According to Asif Ali Zardari, the PPP's leadership and members have given their lives to defend democracy whenever attempts to do so have been attempted. The PPP's workers and leadership have guided the populace by spilling their blood to light the democratic lamp. Asif Ali Zardari claimed that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the Quaid-e-Awam, was the symbol of democracy. He claimed that Begum Nusrat Bhutto, known as the "Mother of Democracy," gave her entire life to Pakistan's democracy. From Garhi Khuda Baksh, democracy has always had its morning sun. Asif Ali Zardari said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto endured imprisonment, oppression and violence for the sake of democracy. President Zardari said that the jiyalas were flogged and endured imprisonment for the sake of democracy. According to Asif Ali Zardari, the hallmark of democracy is a strong parliament. With the aid of its allies, the Pakistan People's Party gave the parliament more authority. He claimed that whenever attempts have been made to undermine democracy, the parliament, and the rule of law, the nation has faced challenges. He said it's critical to have a parliament that is chosen by and serves the people in order to address issues.

PTI Senator Saifullah Niazi's Islamabad home is raided by the FIA

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The FIA Cyber Crime Wing raided the house of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Senator Saifullah Niazi and confiscated his laptop, phone and other gadgets here on Tuesday night. According to sources, the FIR team searched the PTI senator's home yesterday night and grabbed his laptop, mobile phone, and other items. According to sources, Senator Saifullah's home was the base of operations for the "Na Manzoor" website. According to sources, the FIA obtained search warrants from the Islamabad judicial magistrate in advance of the raid. Imran Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), criticised the government's decision to raid Saifullah Niazi's home, claiming that the imported government and its handlers were driving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to the breaking point and that there will be repercussions.

Asad Umar says organized campaign being run against Imran

By Our Correspondent

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Asad Umar on Wednesday claimed that an organized campaign is being run against Imran Khan. The PTI leader claimed during a news conference in Lahore that a country's politics are influenced by a small group of wealthy individuals, and Imran Khan is trying to break their control over the nation. Senator Saifullah Niazi's home was searched by FIA officers, who took his laptop away, according to Asad Umar, who further stated that the raid was really carried out to harass the head of the PTI. The PTI representative said that the incumbent COAS should be given further time to handle the situation because the "illegal" administration does not have the authority to name the new Army Chief.Asad Umar also rebuffed rumors about Punjab government and claimed that PTI’s Punjab government was not in any danger as people are with Imran Khan.

AJ&K Forest Minister emphasizes Forests as National Wealth

By Our Correspondent

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Kashmir Forest Minister Chaudhry Muhammad Akmal Sargala has said that forests are national wealth and the forest department is using all its resources to protect forests from fire. For this, the department will take concrete steps to protect the forests from fire and for this, all officials should perform their duties in an efficient manner and save their precious wealth from loss. No negligence will be tolerated. Forests should not be damaged by fire. It is the responsibility of all the departments to cooperate in saving the fire. The plantation is being done on a priority basis in most cities. The cities will be greener and the plantation will be increased as much as there is empty area in all the major cities of Azad Kashmir, Mirpur Bagh, Muzaffarabad, Bhambar, Kotli and other cities will be made greener so that the temperature of the cities can be reduced. We will plant more plantations in these areas and punish those who harm the forests under the law. Forests are the people and it is our responsibility to protect them. He expressed these views while talking to journalists. In order to make the plantation campaign successful, all the institutions should play their key role so that this letter can be made green and green.

MUZAFFARABAD: Minister of Tourism and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Sardar Faheem Akhtar Rabbani, Minister of Communications and Public Works Chaudhry Azhar Sadiq met with Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan.

ECP directs MPs to provide yearly asset information by Dec 31

By Staff Reporter

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Wednesday ordered members of the parliament to submit their annual asset details by December 31. Any MP who fails to submit their annual asset information by December 31 may be suspended, according the ECP's directive. It stated that the list of non-declarers would be released on January 1, 2023. The legislators must also disclose any assets that belong to their close relatives. Every year, all legislators, including those in the Senate and provincial assemblies, are required to provide the ECP with information about their assets under the Election Rule of 2017. Earlier on July 5, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had asked all political parties to submit their statement of accounts for the financial year, 2021-2022. According to applicable election legislation, the electoral watchdog required the political parties to file their statements of accounts for the previous financial year by August 29, 2022. The Elections Act of 2017's Section 210 and other pertinent election law regulations require the political parties to submit their statements of account. 48 members of the National Assembly and three senators had their memberships suspended by the ECP last year for failing to provide the specifics of their holdings.