Pakistan rejects Biden’s incorrect, misleading remarks
PM Shehbaz terms dialogue key to resolve prevailing political issues
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has rejected the statement attributed to the US President Joe Biden regarding Pakistan's nuclear assets, terming it contrary to facts and misleading. In a statement issued on Saturday, he said over the past decades, Pakistan has proven to be the most responsible nuclear state, wherein its nuclear programme is managed through a technically sound and fool-proof command and control system. The Prime Minister said Pakistan has also consistently demonstrated responsible stewardship of its nuclear-weapons capability, marked by a very strong commitment to global standards, including those of IAEA on non-proliferation, safety, and security. He said real threat to international peace and security is posed by ultra-nationalism, violation of human rights in regions that are struggling against illegal occupation, violation of global norms by some states, repeated nuclear security incidents and arms race among leading nuclear weapon states and introduction of new security constructs that disturb regional balance. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan and the United States have a long history of friendly and mutually beneficial relationship. He said at a time, when the world is confronted by huge global challenges, it is critically important that genuine and durable efforts are made to recognize the real potential of Pakistan-US relationship, while avoiding unnecessary comments. The Prime Minister said it is our sincere desire to cooperate with the US to promote regional peace and security. Meanwhile, in a tweet, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and is proud that its nuclear assets have the best safeguards as per International Atomic Energy Agency requirements. He said we take these safety measures with the utmost seriousness. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed that dialogue is the key to resolve prevailing political issues. Addressing Mufti Mahmood Conference in Islamabad on Saturday, he urged to promote politeness in politics instead of polarization. Chief of Jamiat Ulema Islam Maulana Fazlur Rehman organized the conference here in memory of his father and former chief minister of North West Frontier Province Mufti Mehmood. He said Mufti Mahmood was a great researcher and a leader who lived a simple and exemplary life. He said promotion of education was the aim of his life which he accomplished successfully. The PM said Mufti Mahmood in his political career always believed in dialogue to resolve issues and set guiding principles for others. However, he regretted that politics has changed from politeness to polarization. He paid tribute to Mufti Mehmood saying he was an eminent religious scholar, researcher, and political leader. “I have great admiration for religious scholars.”
Pakistan seeks rescheduling of $27b bilateral debt: Dar
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan would seek rescheduling of some $27 billion worth of non-Paris Club debt largely owed to China, but will not pursue haircuts as part of any restructuring. In an interview with British News Agency, Reuters, the minister ruled out the possibility of a default on Pakistan's debt, an extension of the maturity date on bonds due in December or a renegotiation of Pakistan's current International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. He said multilateral development banks and international donors have been "quite flexible" with ways to meet Pakistan's external financing needs estimated at about $32 billion after devastating floods. Some of this may come from reallocating funds from previously approved, slower-disbursing development loans, he added. Dar, who is participating in the IMF and World Bank (WB) annual meetings, said that Pakistan will seek restructuring on equal terms for all bilateral creditors. On currency, the finance minister said Pakistan has not engaged in physical intervention in the currency, which has been battered this year by a strong U.S. dollar, but which has rallied some 10% since his appointment. Dar said that he views the "true value" of the rupee at a level under 200 to the dollar. It last traded at 219. "I am for a stable currency, I am for a realistic rate. I am for market-based, but not subject to a currency being taken hostage" and making speculators billions of dollars, he added. To a question on whether he discussed with IMF officials the possibility of borrowing from the Fund's new Resilience and Sustainability Trust for middle-income countries, Dar said "We have discussed all options." He said IMF's new emergency "food shock" borrowing window may also be a good fit for the country, which has lost crops due to devastating floods and may need to import up to half million of tons of wheat in the next year. "In this scenario, we have the possibility to approaching and accessing this facility," he said.
US Ambassador Donald Blome summoned to FO for an official demarche: FM Bilawal
By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that US President Joe Biden has given statement about many other countries during an unofficial function and one statement was given about Pakistan. Bilawal Bhutto said that as far as the statement of US President Joe Biden is concered I have discussed it with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and we have summoned the Ambassador of United States to Pakistan Donald Blome to the Foreing Office of Pakistan for an official demarche. This was stated by FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while addressing a press conference along with Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah and Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Saturday in Karachi. He said that as far as the question of safety and security of Pakistan’s assets are concerned we meet all, each and every international standard in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as safety and security of our nuclear assets. “As far as I am concerned in our neighborhood if there is any question to nuclear safety and security then those questions should be directed to our neighbor India, who very recently accidentally fired a missile into Pakistani territory that is not only irresponsible, that is not only unsafe but raises genuine and serious concerns about the safety of nuclear capable country” Bilawal Bhutto said. Bilawal Bhutto said “I am surprised by the remarks of President Biden, I believe this is exactly the sort of misunderstanding that is created when there is a lack of engagement, luckily we have embarked on a journey of engagement, we have just marked the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relations in a very engaging manner at the State Department, in the level of Secretary of State and the foreign minister of Pakistan, if this was such a concern I imagined that it would have been raised in that meeting with me”.
Our nuclear program is in no way a threat to any country: Nawaz
Desk Report
LONDON: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Quaid and former prime minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state that is perfectly capable of safeguarding its national interest whilst respecting international law and practices. In a statement issued on twitter on Saturday, Nawaz Sharif said that our nuclear program is in no way a threat to any country. Like all independent states, Pakistan reserves the right to protect its autonomy, sovereign statehood and territorial integrity.
Govt reduces electricity price by Rs 4.25: Marriyum
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Saturday said electricity price had been reduced by Rs 4.25 in October on the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “The prices have been reduced in terms of fuel charges adjustment,” she said in a news statement. The minister said it was a “big relief” for the public from PM Shehbaz Sharif. She said it had been decided to continue the same quarterly adjustment which was charged in the electricity bills for September. The initiative was taken keeping in view the burden of rising prices of electricity on public, she added. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority announced the decision regarding fourth quarterly adjustment for the fiscal year 2021-22 on October 14, 2022.
Pakistan has one of most secure nuclear command, control systems: Imran
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that Pakistan has one of the most secure nuclear command and control systems. While reacting to a statement of US President Joe Biden about Pakistan’s nuclear program, Imran Khan asked Biden that on what information he has reached this unwarranted conclusion on Pakistan’s nuclear capability. Unlike the US which has been involved in wars across the world, when has Pakistan shown aggression especially post-nuclearisation, he asked. Criticizing the coalition government, PTI Chairman said that Biden’s statement shows total failure of govt s foreign policy and its claims of resetting ties with the US. This govt has broken all records for incompetence, he added. “My greatest worry is that apart from leading us to economic ruin and, with NRO2 for themselves, giving a license to white collar criminals to plunder the country, this govt will also end up completely compromising our national security” It merits mention that United States President Joe Biden expressed the belief that Pakistan may be one of the "most dangerous nations in the world" during an address in California while speaking about the changing global geopolitical situation. The US president reasoned that he thought so as Pakistan has "nuclear weapons without cohesion". Biden’s allegations against Pakistan’s nuclear program came as he spoke about the aggressive attitudes of China and Russia. "Did anybody think we would be in a situation where China is trying to figure out its role relative to Russia and relative to India and relative to Pakistan," Biden asked. The US president said that he has spent more time with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping than any other head of state in the world, 68 hours of which was in person. Referring to Jinping, Biden said that he "understands what he wants but has an enormous array of problems".
The PDM government is under pressure
By Sardar Khan Niazi
Unfortunately, the storm of political ambiguity is ruling the country. Stories are once again widespread that the PTI Islamabad long march because of skyrocketing prices of essential commodities is going to pressurize the government to announce instant and impartial general elections as the only solution to crises confronted by the country. It is the democratic and legal right of the PTI to protest against the PDM government policies, on the other hand, stopping the long marchers may have grave consequences for the country, particularly on the economy. It is surprising the interior ministry in a petition on behalf of the federal government has moved Supreme Court (SC) against Imran Khan, contending that the former premier was making announcements of the long march that was a violation of a court order, which directed him to stage a peaceful protest. The PTI government had less than three years in power and the PDM political parties did not allow it to complete its term of governance. The citizens of this country are the best judge and let them decide PTI's fate in the next general elections based on their performance. For the PDM government, it is important to check the inflationary storm that is engulfing the country making life more difficult for the people. People are now openly criticizing the government for price-hikes and these cries are becoming unbearable. The plans thus far announced and being pursued alone will not be enough to bring ease in their life. Instead of upping the political ante, the government must entirely focus on how to provide relief to the masses. In order to check inflation, checking the rupee's fall against the dollar is necessary. Photos of the anti-government rallies routinely show an intimidating sea of people furiously demanding elections. It is likely that these crowds will achieve what they want. The fervent political energy on the ground is not hugely disproportionate to the practical results of these demonstrations. The PDM rulers have fears. They know that the protests may contribute to the overthrow of the government if it fails to create significant changes in public-related policies. Nobody can predict what will happen after Imran Khan’s intended long march in the federal capital, Islamabad. The hodgepodge groups of people that participate in the rallies have formal affiliations with the goals their leaders desire to realize, a clear vision, and an obvious plan. In fact, the PDM government's official responses usually amount to little more than rhetorical statements and certainly, the current rulers will have to make major reforms. Long marches sometimes end in a violent confrontation with the police, and more often than not, it simply fizzles out. For PTI street rallies, there is a well-oiled and more-permanent leader’s determination capable of following up on marchers’ demands and undertaking the complex political work that produces real change. There is a powerful political engine running in the streets of many cities. It is turning at high speed and producing a lot of political energy. The engine is connected to the wheels, so the PTI rallies have been fruitful. Achieving the desired results requires permanent political work that can leverage street rallies into political change and policy reforms. In most cases, that means organized political work. What we have witnessed in recent years is the popularization of street marches with a plan for what happens next and how to keep protesters engaged and integrated into the political process. The PTI Islamabad long march will be the latest manifestation of the idea that it is possible to bring about a change in society with organized work and street protests backed by social media campaigns and sustained political speeches at public rallies.
CM inaugurated the 'go punjab app, moonis elahi
Qaumi Sehat Card is a flagship program of imran khan and the citizens will be provided information about the sehat card and the hospitals through the 'go punjab' app: Pervaiz Elahi
By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi formally inaugurated the 'Go Punjab' App at the Punjab Information Technology Board. Former Federal Minister Moonis Elahi, Provincial Minister for Information Technology Dr Arsalan Khalid, Adviser to CM on Home Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, Secretaries of concerned departments and the senior officials of PITB were also present on the occasion.CM while addressing the launching ceremony of 'Go Punjab' app said that the Punjab Information Technology Board has served different departments in a short span of time and has achieved a big milestone by making an app. He said that when he had assumed the office of the Chief Minister then the province had no department of Information Technology. He disclosed that he had established the Information Technology department in 2005 and laid the foundation stone of IT Tower on 3rd July 2006. The place where we are now had a vegetable market situated earlier. We shifted the poor people working at this place to some other place and provided them with livelihood. He apprised that we will make a 600 bedded hospital and an emergency on the adjacent land of IT Tower. We have also chalked out a plan to make a helipad to shift the injured in case of any accident occurring at the Motorway or at the Ring Road. Our projects are for the future and their benefits will reach the common man. He stated that he had also started the number plate projects of the vehicles in 2005 and sent for the number plate’s model from California. Unfortunately Shehbaz Sharif after coming into power soon stopped the work on IT Project like my other projects. The Chairman P&D of that time Salman Ghani apprised Shehbaz Sharif that the building of this project had been given to the Chinese government on a contract. The Chinese government had filed a case against the Punjab government at that time and due to the incompetence of Shehbaz Sharif the Punjab government had to give rupees 41 crore and then that project started. He said that he tried to get back rupees 41 crore through the court. It was a great misfortune that the project had to incur a loss of rupees 41 crore due to Shehbaz Sharif. CM said that the common man will be greatly benefitted with the facility of 'Go Punjab' app and will eliminate bribery with the provision of online services. The women present in the houses can also benefit from the 'Go Punjab' app. Our government has provided facilities to every citizen and to every house through the 'Go Punjab' app. Employment opportunities will also be generated with the inclusion of the services of a private sector in the 'Go Punjab' app. 'Go Punjab' app is a magnificent step of our government to provide facilities to the people. He maintained that the Qaumi Sehat Card is a flagship program of the Chairman PTI Imran Khan and through this app the information relating to Qaumi Sehat Card and the hospitals will also be provided to the citizens. The copy of FIR, lost report and the payment of E Challan can also be made through the 'Go Punjab' app.
CJ PHC inaugurated Tehsil Bar building at Drosh
By Gul Hamaad Farooqi
CHITRAL: Chief Justice Peshawar High Court Mr Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan inaugurated the Tehsil Bar building in Drosh. Lawyers of the Tehsil Bar Association also organized a brief ceremony in his honor to welcome him. The ceremony started with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Sher Habib John Advocate. Welcome address presented by Naveed Chughtati Advocate besides him Farid Jan, Naveedur Rehman Chaghatai and Tehsil Bar President Ikram Hussain Advocate also expressed their views in the event. They welcomed the Chief Justice and termed his arrival as a good omen for Chitral. Chief Justice PHC Mr Justice Qaiser Rashid Khan on this occasion also expressed his views to the lawyers' community. He said that he was very saddened to see the dilapidated condition of the roads of Chitral and immediately sent a notice to the Chairman of the National Highway Authority and summoned him to the High Court. He said that Chairman NHA was directed to immediately arrange fund for construction and maintenance of the roads of Chitral Now the condition of these roads is getting better than before. He said that necessary steps was taken to protect the forests of Chitral and that the brutality cutting of the forests of Chitral will be stopped now. He also took necessary action to make the local people benefit from the minerals of Chitral and now these minerals will not be sold at exorbitant prices to non locals. Taking immediate action on the long-standing demand of the lawyers' community, the Chief Justice directed the Secretary and Director General of Health Department to immediately send a lady doctor to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Droosh so that female patients can be treated easily.
Public Private Partnership deemed necessary for sustainable development, CSOs
Civil Society asked Government for Their Meaningful Participation at Policy Level
By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: For sustainable development and achieving SDGs by 2030, experts termed collaboration between Government and non-government stakeholders and effective role of CSOs in advancing localization, implementation and achievement of SDGs as the real game changers towards success. These thoughts were expressed by development practitioners, civil society members and education champions in a Post HLPF consultation session on Pakistan’ VNR Report 2022, presented by the Government in UN’s High Level Political Forum in July 2022. The session was organized was Awaz CDS – Pakistan and Education Champions Network. Awaz CDS-Pakistan engaged with education champions/ECN member organizations and other CSOs of the country to prepare an analysis of Government reporting and CSOs perspective on that and the same was presented in the consultation session. Highlighting priority SDGs especially SDG 4 and 5 on Gender Equality and Quality Education, Civil society members expressed their dissatisfaction on Government’s focus on these SDGs in the VNR report. Chief Executive, Awaz CDS, Zia ur Rehman briefed the audience on the background and process of development of the Voluntary National Review report. He appreciated the incumbent government’s presentation of official VNR at the UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF). He said that several concerns still exist on critical sustainable development goals (SDG) priorities in the absence of policy coherence, efficient implementation and review mechanisms. According to him the report failed to capture and highlight the Citizens’ Voices on VNR process and progress on SDGs collected through stakeholders’ consultations. He stressed on the need of inclusion and participation of civil society representatives in the report making process for depiction of real on ground situation. The Parliamentarians from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Saira Raza, Fauzia Abbas and Saira Jabeen participated in the event and appreciated the efforts and expressed need to put education and gender equality on priority and their plan to bring about a legislation and its implementation in this regard.
Correct name
"My correct name spelling is Shamil Ahmad whereas in personal record it is mentioned Shamil Ahmed which is incorrect. Required correction in name spelling Shamil Ahmad s/o Malik Shakeel Ahmed , H#817, St#13, Sec G-11/1, Islamabad"
CHANGE/CORRECTION IN FATHER'S NAME
I Ahmed Ali Awan have been passed secondary school certificate annual examination 2022 under roll number 554666 from B.I.S.E., Sargodha. My father’s name is Malik Haytum Khan Awan whereas on certificate has been mentioned as Hytum Khan Awan which is incorrect. I want to get changed my father’s name from Hytum Khan Awan to Malik Haytum Khan Awan. If any person/organization/agency have any objection, than the same may be intimated in writing within 15 days to the secretary, Board of intermediate & Secondary Education, near 49-tail Faisalabad road, Sargodha.
ECP hands over election materials to staff for by election in three NA constituencies
By Staff Reporter
PESHAWAR: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Saturday handed over election materials to relevant staff and finalized arrangements for the by-election scheduled on October 16 (Sunday) on three vacant National Assembly seats from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The election materials were handed over to staff concerned for NA-31 at Nishter Hall Peshawar and also dispatched to district returning officers of Charsadda and Mardan. Provincial Election Commissioner (PEC), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Muhammad Farid Khattak visited the material distribution places and issued instructions to District Returning Officers (DRO) and Returning Officers (ROs) for fair and transparent elections.
Services of NGOs are importance in social sector: Governor Sindh
By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Well-known social activist Saram Burney met Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori at the Governor's House. In the importance of NGOs in the social sector, further cooperation with the government and other issues of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting. On this occasion, Governor Sindh said that the services of Saram Burney Trust in various fields are worthy of appreciation. In this regard, the trust's shelter homes for the old age person’s destitute boys and girls are important as they are being provided peaceful and quality accommodation. He further said that I am very happy to know that the provision of legal aid by the trust to the people is solving their legal problems, while handing over abandoned children to childless couples is also a commendable step. Governor Sindh assured Saram Burney that he will provide all possible support and assistance in the initiatives of the trust. Saram Burney said that it is our mission to reduce the problems of the people. He further said that legal assistance is being provided to specially women in various issues by trust.
Licenses of flour mills to be canceled on sale of government flour: Nader Chatta
By Staff Reporter
MULTAN: The district administration and the food department have achieved another big success against the mafia involved in wheat smuggling. District Food Controller Ahmad Javed seized more than 16 hundred sacks of wheat imported from Sindh and started action by registering 3 cases against the wheat traders. Secretary Food Punjab Nadir Chatha said in a statement in this regard that Punjab a strict blockade is in place to stop smuggling in all the districts to crack down on the mafia who are creating artificial scarcity of wheat. He said that the wheat seized during the crackdown was provided to the public at official rates. Nader Chatta said that the licenses of flour mills will be canceled on the sale of government flour. Secretary Food said that on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Pervez Elahi, wholesale points have been established across the province including Multan to provide relief to the citizens, where uninterrupted supply of cheap flour continues on the instructions of Chief Minister Punjab.
SIALKOT: Group photo with Chairman Sialkot Development Authority Chaudhary Asif Ali Bajwa, Usman Dar, Saeed Ahmed Bhali, Tahir Sultan, and Saeed Ahmed Butt after meeting Deputy Commissioner Abdullah Khurram Niazi.
Late Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed made history in tennis, Chief Justice of Pakistan
By District Reporter
CHAKWAL: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Attabandial said on Saturday that the services of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed and his family in the game of tennis are unforgettable and indeed Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed was a legendary tennis star of the subcontinent who dominated the tennis courts in the entire subcontinent from 1940 to 1960. I ruled and he was the number one tennis player of United India and then Pakistan. Gaddafi was speaking at the opening ceremony of the tennis court and pool in the name of the great tennis player Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed in Lahore. Khwaja Khurram Iftikhar, the son of late Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed, presented the letter of thanks and thanked the Chief Justice of Pakistan for coming here with his valuable time and encouraging us. Khwaja Sohail Iftikhar, the son of Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed, shed light on the life of Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed and said that Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmed started his tennis at Chakwal as a teenager. From where later his uncle Khawaja Abdul Hameed Irfani coached him in tennis, Justice Umar Attabandyal later talking to Chakwal Press Club said that my father FK Bandyal was a close friend of late Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed Fateh Khan Bandyal in Chakwal. Also posted. Justice Umar Attabandial was given a visit to the Chakwal tennis court where Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed learned his early tennis, which he accepted. Justice Umar Attabandial said that it is a matter of pride that the second and third generations of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed are also shining the name of the country and the nation in the field of tennis and he said that Ahsamul Haque Qureshi is the grandson of tennis star Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed. While Khawaja Iftikhar said that his granddaughter Ishna Sohail is the women's national champion. While Khawaja Faizan Khurram and Khawaja Samer Iftikhar, who are from the third generation of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmed, are also great players in the field of tennis. Later, the Chief Justice of Pakistan distributed the shields to those who served in the field of tennis and other fields.
Balochistan to hire 61 doctors to curb infections accumulation
By Staff Reporter
QUETTA: The Balochistan government has announced hiring 61 medical practitioners to curb the high-rising infections in the province. The hiring process will be completed by next week. The doctors will be hired on a six-month contract, sources told. At least 25 men and 36 women doctors would be hired to control the rising rates of infections in the province. The doctors would be provided with the wages and privileges of BPS-17 officers. The doctors would be posted in Suhbatpur, Sibbi, Naseerbabad, Jhal Magsi, Kachhi, and Jafferabad. Nine female and six male doctors would be posted in medical camps in Jafferabad, while four male and nine female doctors in Kachhi. Naseeabad would get five female and three male officers, and Suhbatpur would get five female and three male medical practitioners. Another eight female and three male doctors would be posted in Sibbi, and two male officers would be posted in Balochistan’s Jhal Magsi district. Balochistan has been ravaged by viral infections after a devastating flood wreaked havoc in the province. Infections like Malaria, Dengue, Typhoid and others have gripped multiple districts of the province. Malaria has gripped flood-affected areas of Balochistan as the province reported at least 54,489 malaria cases in the last 23 days, health ministry sources told on October 10. In total, 28,193 men, 26,231 women, and 9,575 children under five years of age have reported positive for the mosquito-borne disease, while 45,153 children over the age of 5 have tested positive. Moreover, on Friday, Balochistan reports another 75 new dengue cases, while the provincial capital Quetta did not report any new cases.
Entrepreneurs demand single digit interest rate to promote business activities
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said that the State Bank of Pakistan has made significant hike in the policy interest rate due to which business activities are shrinking and if this situation continues, our economy will weaken more more in the coming days while the investment will also be discouraged, so he demanded the government to bring the interest rate into single digit so that business can be promoted with ease and the economy can come out of current difficulties. He expressed these views while addressing a delegation of Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which visited ICCI led by its President Malik Khawar Shehzad to congratulate the new Office Bearers of ICCI. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that currently the interest rate in Thailand is 1%, Taiwan 1.63%, Malaysia 2.5%, South Korea 3%, China 3.65%, Vietnam 5%, Bangladesh 5.75% and India 5.9%, but the interest rate in Pakistan is 15% which is the highest in the region, which is a major obstacle in the way of promoting business activities. He said that the best way to bring Pakistan's economy out of trouble is to significantly increase exports, but this is very difficult to do in an environment of high interest rate. Therefore, he strongly demanded that the government should bring down the interest rate to single digit which will increase business and investment activities and help improve the economy. Malik Khawar Shehzad, President, Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) said in his address that due to high interest rate, high prices of POL & utility tariffs and other factors, business and industrial activities are facing great difficulties due to which about 1600 textile factories have been closed. Therefore, he demanded the government to take concrete steps to promote ease of doing business and reduces the interest rate significantly; otherwise more businesses would close down. He said that due to the increase in the interest rate, the country's debt also increases many times. He said that Pakistan's debt, which was 48 billion dollars in 2008, has now increased to 116 billion dollars, which is alarming. ICCI Group Leader Khalid Iqbal Malik, JCCI Group Leader Raja Anwar, FPCCI Vice President Qazi Akbar, Zafar Bakhtawari, Zubair Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Ijaz Abbasi, Malik Sohail Hussain and others also spoke at the occasion. They stressed that the government should make a future strategy in consultation with the business community to promote business and economic activities so that Pakistan can be put on the path of better development and growth.
IGP Islamabad restructures Islamabad Capital Police on new lines
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: On the special instructions of Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah Khan, Inspector General of Police Islamabad Dr Akbar Nasir Khan has restructured the Islamabad Capital Police on new lines to make the Operations Division more efficient in view of the law and order situation, a police public relations officer said. He said that, IGP Islamabad has developed the Islamabad Capital Police on new lines in view of the crime prevention and law and order situation in the federal capital. In view of the facilities to the citizens at the police station level, two officers will be deployed along with the SHOs and 50 more motorcycles and 150 officers will be assigned to the patrolling staff for more effective patrolling and better response. The IGP said Patrolling duties will be monitored by an officer of SP rank, safe city cameras will be used for traffic management, which will work under the supervision of the Chief Traffic Officer. The Nomenclature of all DIG rank officers was changed into Capital Police Officer, SSP traffic into Chief Traffic Officer, while zonal SP's will be called as Divisional Police Officers, he maintained.
Islamabad Capital Police conducted search and combing operation Blind murder traced, accused arrested
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Capital police conducted a search and combing operation in the jurisdiction of Shahzad Town police station, a police public relations officer said. He said that, following the special directives of IGP Islamabad Dr. Akbar Nasir Khan, search and combing operations are being conducted in different areas of the city, to ensure the safety and security of the Islamabad citizens. Following these orders, a search and combing operation was conducted in the PS Shahzad Town areas by local police, CTD and Quick reaction teams under the supervision of DSP CTD. During the search operation one suspect was shifted to the police station for verification, While 22 houses and 22 suspects were checked. Moreover, one illegal motorcycle was also recovered. IGP Islamabad said that the purpose of the search and combing operations was to heighten the security in the Federal capital. All divisional police officers were directed to continue these operations in their respective areas. Citizens are also requested to cooperate with police during checking. While, capital police PS Noon and investigation wing police teams have traced a blind murder case committed by unknown person, a police public relations officer said.
Prohibited funding case: IHC approves Akbar S Babar’s appeal to become party
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court approved on Saturday Akbar S. Babar’s request to become party to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) appeal against the verdict of the Election Commission of Pakistan in prohibited funding case. Early in the August, a three-member bench of the ECP declared that the PTI ‘knowingly and willfully’ received funding from prohibited sources, including foreign nationals. The ECP bench in its ruling said that funding from Wootton Cricket, owned by Abraaj Group founder Arif Naqvi, was from a prohibited source. It declared that funding received from over 350 foreign companies and 34 foreign nationals — many of them of Indian origin — were also from prohibited sources. The funds were raised in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The commission declared the funding received from Romitta Shetty from Singapore also comes under funding from prohibited sources. A week later, the PTI challenged the verdict in the IHC. The party requested the court to “suspend the operation of the Impugned Fact Finding Report dated 02.08.2022 of the ECP” as they alleged that the report “is perverse, incorrect and in excess of authority and jurisdiction.” The party also asked to the court to suspend the show cause notice issued by the commission. In its application, the PTI also prayed to the court to declare that any action suggested by the ECP is beyond authority. It also wants the court to announce that no action can be taken on the basis of the ECP’s fact finding report. When founding PTI member Babar, who was the original petitioner in the ECP against PTI’s foreign funding case, the PTI opposed it.
PRGMEA worried as sales tax refunds start to get delayed again
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: PRGMEA on Saturday expressed its disappointment over the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue’s refunds system, voicing the fear that it has not been able to release the sales tax refund claims timely because amount of exporters’ liquidity has started to stuck up due to irresponsible and uncaring approach of the authorities concerned. PRGMEA Central Chairman Mubashar Naseer Butt, while addressing a hurriedly called meeting of the association held here today in view of inordinate delays in exporters’ sales tax refunds, urged the government to immediately release refunds claims of the textile industry, as the government had committed that the exporters’ refunds payment orders (RPOs) would be issued in 24 hours while refunds would be cleared within 72 hours of the issuance of the RPOs, but practically this commitment is not being fulfilled, as the 72 hours are being extended to several weeks. Mubashar Butt said the government needs to take immediate measures to arrest the slowdown in textile exports, as these policies would bring Pakistan’s most valuable sector on the verge of collapse. He recalled that the government had created a culture of trust among the business community by paying refunds timely, which was appreciable, but the situation has now changed. “We are presently facing gaps and the authorities are not ready to give us reason of delay; even they don’t attend our phone calls, creating a trust deficit and sending a wrong message to the exporters of the value-added textile industry, which is the backbone of the economy.” PRGMEA vice chairman Wasim Akhtar, on this occasion, said that the value-added industry is suffering with low productivity due to shortage of cotton. He said that regional comparison of cost of doing business shows that Pakistan’s wages, interest rates are much higher. Wasim Akhtar asked the government to work on a fast track plan to address refunds issue along with other problems of the industry. Priority should be given to the export-oriented garments sector, which was the highest value-added link in the entire textile value chain.
Over 70,000 candidates expected to compete for 2,075 seats in MDCAT
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) will simultaneously hold its MDCAT across the country and overseas in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates for admission in MBBS/BDS programmes on October 16 (Sunday). MDCAT for NUMS is being held for admission in 13 medical and Dental colleges. The students seeking admission in these colleges this year are no longer required to sit any other test as per the decision of Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) last month. The nomenclature of NUMS Entry Test (NET) has been changed to MDCAT for NUMS 2022. All the candidates for MBBS and BDS will have to secure 55% and 45 % passing marks respectively to be successful in the test, said the University Registrar Brig Muhammed Azhar (Retd) here on Saturday. Over 70,000 candidates having Pakistani nationality will be taking the test at their respective Exam Centers to compete for 2075 (two thousand seventy-five) seats. Of all the contesting candidates, 46,582 girls and 23,641 boys have applied for admission. The result of MDCAT for NUMS is expected to be announced within two to three weeks, said the Registrar. MDCAT for NUMS MBBS/BDS Session 2022 will take place at the Examination Centers, set up in 20 different cities including the Federal Capital Islamabad, in four provincial capitals, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and NUMS centers in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
RDA’s Governing Body allows WASA for agreement with SWIT
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: The Governing Body Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) has approved an agreement with a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Saylani Welfare International Trust for the operation and maintenance of WASA filtration plants. The spokesperson RDA has informed that the Director General RDA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa has said that WASA is facing financial problems in operation and maintenance of filtration plants as well as other infrastructure. A contract with M/s Saylani Welfare International Trust for operations and maintenance of 128 filtration plants across the city has been therefore sanctioned. He said that initially Saylani Welfare International Trust will now undertake the upgradation and operation of 30 filtration plants in WASA Rawalpindi city. He further said that it will be sponsored initially for 5 years, which will be extendable on the basis of mutual understanding in the interest of the people.
Entrepreneurs demand single digit interest rate to promote business activities
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) said that the State Bank of Pakistan has made significant hike in the policy interest rate due to which business activities are shrinking and if this situation continues, our economy will weaken more more in the coming days while the investment will also be discouraged, so he demanded the government to bring the interest rate into single digit so that business can be promoted with ease and the economy can come out of current difficulties. He expressed these views while addressing a delegation of Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which visited ICCI led by its President Malik Khawar Shehzad to congratulate the new Office Bearers of ICCI. Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that currently the interest rate in Thailand is 1%, Taiwan 1.63%, Malaysia 2.5%, South Korea 3%, China 3.65%, Vietnam 5%, Bangladesh 5.75% and India 5.9%, but the interest rate in Pakistan is 15% which is the highest in the region, which is a major obstacle in the way of promoting business activities. He said that the best way to bring Pakistan's economy out of trouble is to significantly increase exports, but this is very difficult to do in an environment of high interest rate. Therefore, he strongly demanded that the government should bring down the interest rate to single digit which will increase business and investment activities and help improve the economy. Malik Khawar Shehzad, President, Jhelum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) said in his address that due to high interest rate, high prices of POL & utility tariffs and other factors, business and industrial activities are facing great difficulties due to which about 1600 textile factories have been closed. Therefore, he demanded the government to take concrete steps to promote ease of doing business and reduces the interest rate significantly; otherwise more businesses would close down. He said that due to the increase in the interest rate, the country's debt also increases many times. He said that Pakistan's debt, which was 48 billion dollars in 2008, has now increased to 116 billion dollars, which is alarming. ICCI Group Leader Khalid Iqbal Malik, JCCI Group Leader Raja Anwar, FPCCI Vice President Qazi Akbar, Zafar Bakhtawari, Zubair Ahmad Malik, Mohammad Ijaz Abbasi, Malik Sohail Hussain and others also spoke at the occasion. They stressed that the government should make a future strategy in consultation with the business community to promote business and economic activities so that Pakistan can be put on the path of better development and growth.
CDA extends tender date for electric buses project in capital
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is expecting over Rs6 billion in investments from private companies into the buying and availability of electric buses in Islamabad. The project will be completed on the basis of a Public Private Partnership (PPP). So far, over 15 private companies including—Turkey’s Al Barak and Chinese companies—have expressed their interest in the mega transport project as part of the joint venture. The CDA has extended the date of the tender on company’s request. Sources said that companies face challenges to buy and availability of 150 buses on six routes. Pertinent to note that CDA authorities also have the option to go for diesel buses if electric buses would be expensive. The CDA officials said that PIMS Hospital will be the center point among six routes of proposed transport routes. They said CDA will not buy any vehicles and only hire a company to buy and availability of these buses.
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan People's Party Rawalpindi division General Secretary Sameera Gull, Hasan Shirazi, Sheikh Ramzan Nawaz Kohistani, Magna Raba, and other participants in the Milad celebration at the city office.
Economic stability is necessary to give country a dignified place in ranks of nations: Baligh ur Rehman
By Staff Reporter
Lahore: Governor Punjab and Chancellor Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that economic stability is necessary to give the country a dignified place in the ranks of nations. In this era of globalization, the role of higher education institutions is of utmost importance for the development of knowledge-based economy. He expressed these views while addressing the 18th convocation of Islamia University Bahawalpur today. In the convocation, degrees and medals were given to 1857 male and female students of 2016-20 batches. As many as 8 PhD, 71 MPhil, 67 Gold and 54 Silver medalists were awarded BS, BSc, MS and MSc degrees. Speaking on this occasion, Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rahman said that our educational institutions should produce graduates who have full competence in their studies and who have high moral values. He said that Islamia University Bahawalpur is a great asset of the region which was established by Nawabs of Bahawalpur for the continuation of the knowledge legacy of this region. Governor Punjab said that in the establishment of Pakistan, Nawab of Bahawalpur's role and contribution to stability will always be remembered. He said that in the industrial development of Japan, principle of kaizen has an important role and we should also take steps towards continuous improvement. He said that the role of Islamia University Bahawalpur in Consortium for Climate Change is very important. He said that it was decided in the Vice-Chancellors' Conference recently held in Murree this consortium will be led by Islamia University Bahawalpur. Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman said that it is a matter of satisfaction that Islamia University Bahawalpur is making significant progress in all fields under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Athar Mehboob and has been included in the Times Higher Education 2023 ranking among 801 and 1000 universities in the world. Is. He said that the high quality of research and teaching in the university, extraordinary increase in the number of male and female students, measures for self-sufficiency, establishment of new departments and faculties, promotions and appointments of teachers are commendable measures. He said that the provision of bus service of Islamia University Bahawalpur within a radius of 100 kilometers is a commendable initiative. Governor Punjab said that Islamia University Bahawalpur has become the first hepatitis free university in the country. The flood relief campaign and donation by University Bahawalpur is a very commendable initiative he added.
QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Abdul Quddus Bizenjo is meeting the CEO of Barrick Gold Company Mr. Mark Brito.
NAB summons Shahzad Akbar for possessing assets beyond means
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned former special assistant to the prime minister on accountability, Mirza Shahzad Akbar, on October 21. NAB Lahore sent a questionnaire containing 22 questions to Shahzad. In the questionnaire, he was asked about his length of service as a Special Assistant and his responsibilities. Other questions were including his role in sugar case’s inquiry, how many meetings were held regarding the inquiry, and what were official instructions given to him regarding the sugar scandal. Akbar has been called on by NAB in the case pertaining to possessing assets beyond means. It has been alleged that Akbar had formed a group and bought properties worth "billions of rupees" under the garb of making the accountability process better.
Sheikh Rashid says PDM’s politics is finished
By Staff Reporter
RAWALPINDI: Awami Muslim League Pakistan (AMLP) leader Sheikh Rashid on Saturday said that the politics of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has finished and whoever will support it will get themselves dirty. Taking to Twitter, former Interior Minister Rashid said that PDM cannot stop people from coming out. He added that the masses are already crushed by the burden of prices of electricity, flour and petrol and questioned "who are they going to crush now?" Rashid also said after the arrival of Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, the foreign exchange reserves have decreased by one billion dollars, the money of the IMF is running out and there is no help from anywhere, the situation is becoming more serious. He went on to say that the Finance Minister is missing from his own country, no one his buying his proposals. While also claimed that people from Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) are raising questions and everything will be changed by November.
ACE drops corruption inquiry against Farah Gogi’s husband
By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: As the list of people getting clean chit from the Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment is growing day by day, the ACE has now cleared husband of Farah Gogi, a friend of former first lady and wife of PTI Chairman and ex-prime minister Imran Khan, and dropped an inquiry against him. The ACE set aside the inquiry related to accepting bribes over transfers and postings during former Chief Minister Usman Buzdar’s government against Ahsan Jameel Gujjar. The ACE started the inquiry against Farah Gogi and Ahsan Jameel Gujjar on the basis of a source report. Ahsan Gujjar was accused of taking money for getting officers transferred on key posts like commissioners, deputy commissioners and police posts through frontmen. According to the report, heavy bribes were accepted through frontmen for getting posts of officers’ choice. The ACE, however, went against its report and dropped the inquiry. Only two days ago, the Vigilance Wing of the Punjab’s Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) had dropped corruption inquiry against Tahir Khurshid aka “TK”, principal secretary to former chief minister Sardar Usman Buzdar. Sources had said Tahir Khurshid who was facing the corruption inquiry involving millions of rupees was summoned by the ACE a number of times but he never showed up. Last time he was summoned by the ACE was on July 6 last but he did not bother, the sources added. Tahir Khurshid was accused of receiving bribes through frontmen in C&W Department. He was also alleged to have received money for transferring and posting officers. Tahir Khurshid was laso accused of receiving bribes while extending approval to government tenders for building roads. Tahir Khurshid and C&W Chief Engineer Wasim Tariq were also blamed for receiving heavy bribes for getting approved additional funds for projects. The ACE had arrested C&W Chief Engineer Wasim Tariq. According to sources, Tahir Khurshid was the fourth person to get clean chit from ACE after Usman Buzdar, Farah Gogi and Shireen Mazari ever since the new provincial government took office.
Rupee continues strong recovery against USD
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Rupee continued upward trend against US dollar during the week ending on October 14 as it gained Rs 1.96 or 0.89% to close at Rs 217.96 on Friday compared to the close of Rs 219.92 on the last working day of previous week. After hitting the all-time high of Rs 239.71 against the greenback on September 22, 2022, the Pak rupee has showed strong recovery of around 9% and has so far gained Rs 21.75. The analysts say that the robust gain was due to the sentiments ignited by the return of Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Ishaq Dar, who, after taking over the charge of the ministry, had repeatedly expressed the hope that the rupee value against dollar would come down under Rs 200. The analysts also pointed out that the retreat of dollar index against the major international currencies also contributed to the strength of Pak rupee. While comparing with other major international currencies, the Pak rupee also appreciated by 1.02% against Euro and gained Rs 2.2 to close at Rs 213.27 on Friday against the last week's close of Rs 215.47. Similarly, Pak Rupee also recovered 2.44% or 4 paisa against the Japanese Yen to close at Rs 1.4807 compared to the last Friday's close of Rs 1.5178. The Pak rupee, however, lost its value by Rs 1.2 or 0.48% to close at Rs 246.76 when compare to the last week's close of Rs 245.56.
PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao addressing a press conference at Qaumi Watan Party office.
Punjab’s committee on Kashmir reconstituted
By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi has reconstituted a special committee on Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Basharat Raja has been appointed as the convener of the committee, while MPAs Abdullah Warraich, Nadeem Qureshi, Mahendr Pal Singh, Neelam Hayat Malik and the chief secretary will be its members, says a notification. One member from PML-Q and two opposition members will also be nominated as members. As per notification, the Punjab Information Secretary has been appointed as secretary and member of committee. The committee would monitor human rights violations being perpetrated by Indian troops in IIOJK. The notification says that the efforts of the government of Pakistan to achieve the right of self-determination of Kashmiris will be strengthened and supported.
UN urged to stop India from listing its nationals as Kashmiri voters
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Former Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, has urged the UN Security Council to stop government of India from registering millions of Indian nationals as voters in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan in a statement in Islamabad said no one can keep silence over this horrendous demographic crime the Indian fascist government is committing in IIOJK right these days. He appealed to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to call an immediate meeting of the Security Council to pass a resolution to force India from effecting a demographic change in the occupied territory. He maintained that no unilateral action can be taken under relevant UN charter by any occupying country in any UN-listed disputed region like Jammu and Kashmir. He said, Indian government's disregard to the UN laws and rulings constitutes institutional rebellion against UN peace body. Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan pleaded to the world community to help release thousands of Kashmiris including senior Hurriyat leaders languishing in Indian jails for past several years.
Thousands throng Hazratbal shrine to have glimpse of relic of holy Prophet (SAW)
Desk Report
SRINAGAR: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, thousands of people from across the territory visited the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on the occasion of Friday following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). According to Kashmir Media Service, people including women and children came from all across IIOJK to attend the congregational Friday prayers following Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) at Hazratbal shrine that houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Hundreds of devotees also participated in night-long prayers on Thursday. The devotees also had the glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) which was displayed after every prayer. While the birth anniversary of Holy Prophet (SAW) was observed last Sunday, the devotees in IIOJK also observed Friday following Eid-e-Milad with religious fervor and zeal. People in large numbers also offered prayers at Jenab Sahab Soura and Kalashpora in Srinagar where 'Moi-e-Muqadas' of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were displayed after the Friday prayers. Meanwhile, several seminars and Seerat Conferences were held across the territory while the Islamic clerics shed light on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during the Friday sermons.
Mehbooba Mufti condemns IIOJK authorities for allowing open sale of alcohol
Desk Report
SRINAGAR: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, has condemned the authorities for allowing open sale of liquor in departmental stores in the territory. According to Kashmir Media Service, Mehbooba Mufti talking to reporters in Srinagar said the Narendra Modi-led Indian government wants to give the Kashmiri youth a bottle of alcohol instead of a job. She said that opening of liquor stores will not be allowed in IIOJK and voices will be raised against the move. She said the people should unite and resist it strongly. Mehbooba Mufti further said horticulture in IIOJK is being destroyed under a conspiracy, and called upon masses to fight it.
