Thursday, 28 February 2019
#Airstrike: Veena Malik Slammed For Gross Insensitive Tweet About Captured Pilot
Stars like Swara Bhasker and TV actress Saumya Tandon gave Veena a lesson in civility and humanism
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Pics: Shahid and Mira sweat it out at the gym
Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput are one of the power couples we have in Bollywood. Apart from being madly in love with each others, the duo is also doting parents to their two adorable munchkins, Misha and Zain.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Was Taimur Ali Khan’s Nanny Being Too Harsh With Him?
Taimur’s nanny trolled for doing this to Taimur Ali Khan
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Mahesh Bhatt slams Indian media's gross coverage amid Pak-India tensions
Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt has called out the highly condemnable coverage by Indian media channels replete of sabre-rattling, in light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Criticising Indian television channels for inciting a war-like situation and provoking bloodshed, Bhatt in a tweet published on Thursday, said: "Cruelty has always fascinated man. The gladiators used to fill the entire colosseum with crazy people baying for blood. Our TV channels pander to that savage side of man.The producer's statement has come after a number of prominent Indian celebrities were seen cheering for and glorifying war.
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Bruno Mars pokes fun at Ed Sheeran and Indonesia in cheeky tweet
Bruno Mars has launched a cheeky Twitter protest over Indonesia´s most populous province slapping restrictions on some of his biggest hits -- and poked fun at fellow music megastar Ed Sheeran in the process.The West Java broadcasting commission ruled this month that some 17 foreign songs could only be played on the airwaves between 10pm and 3am, citing morality concerns.Restricted titles include Grammy award winner Mars´ "That´s what I like" and "Versace on the Floor", Ed Sheeran´s megahit "Shape of You" and Ariana Grande´s "Love Me Harder"."WTF! I was poppin in Indonesia! Then here comes @edsheeran with his sick, perverted lyrics, gettin us all pinched! Thanks Ed. Thanks a lot," the funk revivalist said to his 42 million Twitter followers this week. Separately, Indonesia is drafting a national law that seeks to ban blasphemous and "pornographic" music content, sparking concerns about freedom of expression in the world´s biggest Muslim majority nation. Responding to the American singer´s tweet, broadcast commission chief Dedeh Fardiah said Mars "maybe didn´t understand the context" of the new rules.The commission, she said, responded to complaints from local residents in West Java, which has some 48 million people and is one of Indonesia´s most conservative provinces."After a review, we think the (restricted) songs´ lyrics indeed violate the rules which say programmes cannot air material (between 3am and 10pm) which has sexual and obscene content, or implies sexual activity," Fardiah told AFP.Foreign artists have occasionally found themselves in the cross-hairs of religious conservatives or fallen afoul of Indonesia´s censors.Last year, a TV ad featuring members of K-pop supergroup Blackpink dressed in miniskirts was banned because the national Broadcasting Commission deemed it indecent.
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Ed Sheeran secretly marries fiance Cherry Seaborn in an intimate wedding ceremony: report
Widely-adored singer songwriter Ed Sheeran left plenty hearts broken and many taken aback as reports of him getting hitched in a hush and discreet ceremony started making rounds online.According to a report by The Sun, the 28-year-old Shape of You hit maker tied the knot to his fiancé Cherry Seaborn in a secretive and intimate winter wedding that was attended by a handful of close friends and family and no prominent figures that could attract eyeballs towards the discreet event. The report citing a source revealed: “It was very quiet – just Ed's oldest school pals, limited family and the priest," a source told the outlet. "He wanted no fuss and he wanted it to be something entirely for them – just a tiny winter wedding. Neither of them were that fussed about making a big deal about it.”The duo had announced their betrothal in December of 2017 as he shared a picture of the two with the caption: “Got myself a fiancee just before new year. We are very happy and in love, and our cats are chuffed as well.”
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Here's who plays young Janhvi in her next
After sharing the screen with the late legendary actress Sridevi in her last film ‘Mom’, child actor Riva Arora is now all set to work with her real life daughter Janhvi Kapoor in her upcoming film Gunjan Saxena biopic.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
PC flaunts her sindoor with all-denim look
Here's who plays young Janhvi in her next
After sharing the screen with the late legendary actress Sridevi in her last film ‘Mom’, child actor Riva Arora is now all set to work with her real life daughter Janhvi Kapoor in her upcoming film Gunjan Saxena biopic.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Mahira Khan lauds PM Imran Khan for pacifying war frenzy
The frenzy unfolded between India and Pakistan in the wake of the recent events has led to a variety of voices emerging on either sides of the border –some pacifying while some boosting aggression.Lauded Pakistani star Mahira Khan came forth as a sane voice from the country, singing praises for Prime Minister Imran Khan for his restrained and peacemaking response in the time of escalating border tensions.Turning to Instagram the actor stated: “Proud of the words spoken by my PM Imran Khan. Thank you for countering war hysteria with sensibility. We stand united behind you! Let us not lose more children of our countries, on either side. Hoping and praying for peace. Pakistan Zindabad”.Earlier, the actor had also expressed her anti-war views, calling out those from both sides who were rooting for war.“Nothing uglier. Nothing more ignorant than cheering for war. May sense prevail.. Pakistan zindabad,” she tweeted.
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PC flaunts her sindoor with all-denim look
Look Who Will Be Playing Ravi Shastri in Ranveer Singh’s Film!
Dhairya Karwa, who played a Sardar soldier from Uri will now play Ravi Shastri in the film ’83 starring Ranveer Singh
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Shocking! Shah Rukh, Khan, Anil Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi Among Others Get Police Notices in QNet Scam
The celebrities have been asked to appear before the police interrogation team within 10 days
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Veena Malik on Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman
With Pakistan army sweeping praises from all around for the treatment given to arrested Indian Air Force’s Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Pakistani actor Veena Malik has a message for the guest from across the border.The 35-year-old star who has made her mark not just here, but also on the other side of the border, turned to Twitter to laud the Pakistan Air Force officials who shot down two Indian fighter jets and arrested one of the pilots -Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.“Abhi Abhi Tu Ayo Ho…Achi Mehmaan Nawazi Ho GI Aaap Ki [You have arrived just now…You will be receiving great hospitality]”, she tweeted sarcastically, along with a picture of the detained pilot blindfolded. Subsequent to the Pulwama attack, strains between the borders have been heightened with some individuals rooting for war between the countries while others acting as pacifying voices to end the hostility.
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Indians slam Sonam Kapoor for talking peace
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor found herself brutally trolled by internet users from Indian after her anti-war stance was slammed.Sonam in a tweet expressed her stance amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Cheering for peace, the 'Ek Ladki ko Dekha' starlet said: "The average Indian has more in common with the average Pakistan than he does with a Hindu fundamentalist who wants to bomb in the name of Ram and lynch minorities and rally in support of child rapists." She added, "Ordinary citizens everywhere just want to have a normal life and go to world and raise their children well and save up for a decent home. The 33 years old actress, condemning war, said, "The cost of this extraordinary hatred between fundamentalists in both countries is eventually going to be paid by the ordinary citizens of both countries and the soldiers who are always first in line of a fire they did not ignite."Following her statement, Sonam received severe backlash from Twitter users in war-mad India.
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Akshay donates 15 lakh to the family of jawan
SRK shakes a leg to Coldplay's music
Swara slams Veena Malik for mocking IAF pilot
Amidst all this chaos Veena Malik took to Twitter to mock the IAF Pilot by writing "Abhi abhi tu ayo ho...achi mehmaan nawazi ho gi aap ki." Swara Bhaskar took to her Twitter handle to slam Veena as she wrote "Veena ji.. Shame on you & ur sick mindset. Your glee is just gross! Our officer is a hero- brave, gracious & dignified in the face of capture.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Sara Ali Khan gets a new hairdo and just we love it!
Thursday Releases: Luka Chuppi Vs Sonchiriya – Which One Should You Watch?
It’s Kartik Aaryan battling Sushant Singh Rajput at the box office this week
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Pakistanis buoyed, Indians down
ISLAMABAD: Unlike his war-mongering Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated his offer for dialogue even at this extremely heightened tension between the two South Asian neighbours and was not swayed away by the Indian bellicosity.Imran Khan’s speech reflected the well-thought out, mature policy of Pakistan that was delivered after a critical huddle of the National Command Authority (NCA) which was attended by the top civil and military leaders. It was aptly devoid of jingoism and stressed peace in the region.Even after a huge provocation--violation of Line of Control (LoC) by Indian jets --on Tuesday, Pakistan had not given a kneejerk reaction and had announced that it would respond at the time and place of its choosing. There was a feeling among certain circles over this violation that Pakistan should have downed at least one intruding Indian fighter.The Indian action had created a sense of anger among Pakistanis, but the military spokesman had announced that the armed forces would react in an appropriate manner. “I had a hunch that India would escalate, and that is why in my earlier speech I said that if India continues on this path, we will retaliate. We waited and today we took action. It was our plan to not cause any collateral damage and not to cause any casualties,” the prime minister said.Unlike the day before, on Wednesday there was tremendous satisfaction among Pakistanis over the shooting down of the two Indian jets and capture of two pilots. But this brought immense humiliation to India, which has been cheerleading, making unbelievable claims about its superiority.The disgrace suffered by Indian was demonstrated in several posts on the social media. Two tweets written by one Indian, Ram Parkash, who said he was a veteran Indian Air Force [IAF] pilot, stated: “We lost 2 MiG 21 and 3 pilots. It’s a major setback for IAF. I just talked to a wing commander who is there in Kashmir, Moral is down after this heavy loss. For the people of India I want to tell you guys that our media will never show that 2 jets are downed and 2 pilots are captured by Pakistan and 1 martyred.”As a whole, the Indians using the social media were on the defensive after the losses India sustained while they were very upbeat after Tuesday’s violation of the LoC. New Delhi had claimed to have dismantled a structure used by “terrorists” in Balakot.Imran Khan kept his cool and in a separate presser Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief Maj-Gen Asif Ghafoor also talked about peace and de-escalation. “We are ready to talk. Let better sense prevail. Let’s think sensibly. I ask India with our weapons capability on both sides, can we afford a miscalculation? If this escalation continues, matters will neither be in my control nor Modi’s. The hurt that has been caused due to the Pulwama attack, we want to come to the table and talk about terrorism that affects us both,” Imran Khan said in his brief televised address.He thus also gave an unambiguous message to the world that Pakistan stands for peace and not war despite massive provocations from India. Since Tuesday episode, this was the first time that he commented on the situation.It was generally argued and believed in Pakistan and India that Prime Minister Modi’s misadventure was meant to buoy up his prospects in the upcoming general elections. He has also previously used the “Pakistan card” in the polls. Long time ago, it was stated that he would embark upon such trajectory again and he did so.However, the disgrace facing him due to Wednesday’s downing of the Indian jets and seizure of Indian pilots is going to be counterproductive and will damage his election campaign. The move has boomeranged.Imran Khan repeated that Pakistan was prepared for investigation about the Pulwama incident if India provided something worthwhile but New Delhi never paid any heed to this offer. He particularly talked about miscalculations in wars. “All major wars have been a miscalculation.When they started, no one realised where they were headed. World War I was supposed to end in six months, but it went on for six years. Similarly, when it was launching the War on Terror, did the United States ever think it would remain in Afghanistan for 17 years? We know what war means. Since the beginning, we have asked India to share actionable evidence with us. It is nowhere in the interest of Pakistan for our soil to be used as a base for militancy.
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3.4m gas consumers get inflated bills, PM told
ISLAMABAD: As many as 3.4 million consumers of Sui Northern Gas have received inflated gas bills on account of pressure factor 2 to 10 percent, out of which 200,000 consumers alone exposed to 10 percent pressure factor which is why they got excessive billing.However, as many as 48,683 gas consumers falling in slab category 4 and 5, while just touching the next slab in the wake of pressure factor and 7-slab formula with 10-143 percent increase in gas price with no slab benefit, have been subjected to the excessive billing by 100-200 percent.This has been disclosed in the meeting held with the prime minister on Tuesday in the chair by the fact finding committee for probe into the excessive gas billing. The committee headed by Additional Secretary Sher Afgan which was earlier notified on February 4 with members consisting DG Gas, DG LG, General Manager Billing (Sui Northern) but later on, it expanded with seven members comprising Additional Secretary Sher Afgan, DG Gas, DG LG, General Manager Billing (Sui Northern), General Manager Audit (SN), CFO Inter State Gas System and CFO Sui Northern is set to submit today (Wednesday) its report to the secretary petroleum which will forward it to the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCOE).The committee had the mandate to look into excessive billing in view of the increased gas price introduced by the government and must seek to findings about the reason and justification of the excessive domestic gas bills. The committee was also to look at the new slabs and suggest any rationalisation in view of the unprecedented increase in domestic gas bills. The committee was also to look into the billing mechanism, including observation of 30 days billing period, timely reading of the distribution of the bills to consumers in addition to other aspects of the billing system and procedure and suggest improvements.According to the report of the fact finding committee, the Sui Northern has 6.4 million consumers out of which 3.8 million face the application of the pressure factor but out of them, 3.4 million sustained enhancement in the gas bills on account of pressure factor.The Sui Northern carried out the sampling in 16 regions in two weeks’ time under which the 10,000 consumers gas meters were examined if they got inflated bills in the wake of pressure factor, the 3,000 (30%) consumers out of 10,000 have been identified that they fell victim to excessive billing just on account of pressure factor.Prime Minister in the meeting held on Tuesday asked the authorities to keep on investigating based on sampling and credit the monetary compensation to the victims of inflated bills in next monthly billing in phases. In the meeting, it has been decided that Ogra will also carry out the exercise based on sampling under which 10,000 gas consumers will be checked just to cross check the sampling carried out of Sui Northern. After that this gas companies will keep on the checking gas meters if the pressure factor is justified or not and this will be ongoing exercise.The official said that gas consumers use two types of gas meters; one is domestic meter whose cost is $15-20 and other is commercial cost of $30.In the domestic meter, it is not possible to check the pressure factor with monometer on manual basis every month, so the pressure factor of 15 cubic meter was imposed on usage of 100 cubic meters causing more surge in gas bills. However, in commercial meter of wroth $30 has the capacity to read the gas price with pressure factor. So reading the commercial meters is very easy, but on domestic meter, the gas pressure factor is imposed equal to cost of 15 cubic meter on usage of 100 cubic meter gas. The official said that if pressure factor were not imposed, then volume of UFG (unaccounted for gas) would increase and the losses of the company would further increase. To a question, the official said that pressure factor is applied to the gas meters when the gas consumption increases beyond the 8 inch water column pressure.In the meeting headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan, it was disclosed that Sui Northern imposed pressure factor in the gas bills since 2008 and Sui Southern since 2016. The pressure factor should be 0.0193 percent but it went up to 1.1 percent meaning by that pressure factor was illegally increased on some gas meters. Prime Minister took the cognizance on this issue and asked to fix those who are responsible. Managing Director of Sui Southern told the participants of the meeting that if pressure factor is not applied then it will be having the impact on unaccounted for gas by just 0.2 percent.However, there is no decision taken in the meeting to limit the 7 slabs pricing formula to 5 slabs. The official said that the 7 slabs pricing formula with 10-143 percent will continue to take place with no slab benefit till June 30, 2019. The government will decide to review the gas prices keeping in view the revenue requirement of the gas companies and demand of IMF. The official said next budget will be prepared with consent of IMF. The IMF is currently exerting the pressure to erase the subsidy to the domestic sector.Additional Secretary Sher Afgan, who is also chairman of the fact finding committee and is also spokesman of the Petroleum Division, confirmed to The News that 3.4 million got inflated gas bills on account of pressure factor and out of them, 48,683 gas consumers have been subjected to the excessive billing by 100-200 percent in the wake of pressure factor and 7-slab formula with 10-143 percent increase in gas price.He explained that 35,824 gas consumers of 4 slab category when touched the figure of 301 cubic meter on account of increase in gas price and pressure factor fell into slab five category and their bill escalated from Rs275 per MMBTU to Rs780 per MMBTU, and they sustained the 200 percent escalation in their bills.Likewise 12, 829 gas consumers of slab 5 category of gas price of Rs780 per MMBTU went into the slab 6 category of price of Rs1,460 per MMBTU, and they were subjected to the 100 percent increase in gas bills. Mr Afgan also confirmed saying that the decision about 7 slab gas pricing formula will continue with increase up to 143 percent in the gas price till June 2019 and the decision to review the slabs and gas price will be taken after knowing the revenue requirement of gas utilities for remaining months of the ongoing fiscal 2018-19 and next financial year 2019-20. He also said that new gas prices with new order of slabs will be notified from July 1, 2019.
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Priyanka Chopra to team up with Mindy Kaling?
Priyanka Chopra has been all over the news lately for her personal life and it has been for all the right reasons. Now, on the work front, she is all set to get together with Hollywood actress Mindy Kaling for her next project.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
DP reveals the secret of Ranveer's energy
One of Bollywood's most cherished couple, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, who tied the knot last year in November, have been giving us couple goals with their adorable PDA and crackling chemistry.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Watch: How Vidyut prepped for 'Junglee'
Celebs at the screening of 'Sonchiriya'
Sushant Singh Rajput and Bhumi Pednekar's 'Sonchiriya' has been in news since the announcement of the film. Based on the life of dacoits of Chambal, Madhya Pradesh, the film also stars Manoj Bajpayee, Ashutosh Rana and Ranvir Shorey in pivotal roles.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
'Panga': Kangana wraps the second schedule
After the success of the period drama 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi', Kangana Ranaut is all set for her next 'Panga'. And now, the 'Panga' team has wrapped up the second schedule of the film.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Nick Jonas goes all desi at Siddharth's roka
Pictures of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas from their various outings together always make us fall in love with the couple. The couple recently attended the PeeCee's brother Siddharth Chopra with his longtime girlfriend, Ishita Kumar.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Ankita's on SSR's reaction to 'Manikarnika'
Luka Chuppi gets U/A certificate with 4 cuts
Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon's 'Luka Chuppi' has been in news since the announcement of the film and also for its unique storyline. Ahead of the film's release, it has got the clearance from the Central Board of Film Certification. The Censor Board has granted the film a U/A certificate and has asked for four cuts in the film.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Kartik shows off his dapper looks in a suit
Celebs pray for a safe release of IAF pilot
The entire nation is saddened by the news and is praying for the brave pilot to return to his nation. Our Bollywood celebs are also wishing and praying for the safe return of the IAF pilot and had shared several posts on their social media handles.from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Read: Salman has no time for Barjatya's film?
Behind enemy lines: Bollywood's many surgical strikes
When 12 Mirage 2000 jets of the Indian Air Force flew across the LoC in the early hours of February 26 to target terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad’s training camps in Balakot, Chakothi, and Muzaffarabad, it marked a seminal moment for India.
from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
Merchandise leak reveals new facts about ‘Avengers: Endgame’
#Airstrike: Bollywood Celebrities Appeal to Pakistan to Release Captured Indian Pilot
From Farhan Akhtar to Arjun Kapoor, several celebs made an emotional appeal for the release of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman
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Akash Ambani’s Pre-Wedding Bash: More Pictures Surface From the Grand Celebrations!
Alia Bhatt looks stunning at Akash Ambani and his love Shloka Mehta pre-wedding bash. More celebrities spotted at the star-studded affair!
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Taylor Swift Teams Up With Fujifilm to Bring More Fun and Spontaneity to Her Fans!
This is how you can win Taylor Swift Edition SQ6 Instax Camera + TWO Pack Film
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Pak-India tensions: Ahsan Khan calls out Indian artists for spewing hate
Amid intense turmoil provoked by Indian aircraft's violation of the Line of Control in an airstrike in Pakistan on Tuesday, eminent actors and public figures from the other side of the border have unleashed a plethora of sabre-rattling discourse while spewing hate and cheering for war. In response, famed Pakistani celebrities have advocated an anti-war stance, advocating peace while also calling out Indian actors and actresses for glorifying for war. Shedding light on the matter and presenting his opinion in light of the current scenario, renowned TV and film actor Ahsan Khan, speaking on Geo News morning show Geo Pakistan said that it is highly shameful how celebrities from the Indian film industry have fueled the crisis. "Actors all around the world promote peace and advocate for humanitarian causes! It is highly shameful how Bollywood celebrities have cheered for war," the 37-year-old actor said. "Indian actors are pathetic!" he continued. Calling out celebrities like Kangana Ranaut, Ajay Devgn and Adnan Sami, the Udaari actor said that artists from both the countries should mutually collaborate towards working on common grounds, like furthering education and eliminating poverty, something that would benefit the region largely. "Taking a cue from Hollywood celebrities who influence masses, Indian actors should call for peace," Ahsan reiterated. Renowned singer Jawad Ahmed also weighed in his opinion, stating how war is never profitable for those who engage in it. Jawad also commended Prime Minister Imran Khan's stance on propagating peace, lauding his address that came a day earlier.
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Armeena calls out Priyanka for rooting for war while being a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
As frenzy unfolds on the border of Pakistan and India, Bollywood celebrities have been sharing their two cents on the matter exalting the Indian armed forces for their breach of Pakistan’s air space. However, artists on this side of the border aren’t shying away from calling them out on their hypocrisy. Pakistani star Armeena Rana Khan called out Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra for cheering for the Indian Armed Forces as they breached the Pakistani air space and rooted for war, reminding her that she had been a Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).“Jai Hind #IndianArmedForces” the Quantico actor had stated to which Armeena replied: “WHAT?!!! But aren’t you supposed to be a Good Will ambassador for @UNICEF? Screen shot this everyone and next time she speaks up for peace and goodwill. Let’s remind her of this hypocrisy.”Priyanka had been the global Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF since the past 12 years having visited places like Zimbabwe, Rohingya as well as slums in India.
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Strategy to ensure smooth fuel supply to armed forces prepared
ISLAMABAD: Keeping in view the war-like situation with India, Petroleum Division has carved out a strategy to keep oil depots across the country topped up to cater to needs of armed forces (Pak Army, Air Force and Navy) and to this effect it has been decided to keep fuel supply chain, ships carrying POL products and crude oil will be preferred in getting them berthed and those vessels having less important commercial or trading items will be put back in the queue.The Petroleum Division has decided to maintain diesel reserves for 45 days and refineries will keep intact the supply chain of jet fuels other than the strategic reserves and more importantly, top management of the PSO has put their commercial oil reserves at the disposal of the forces. Other private oil marketing companies (OMCs) will also put their stocks at forces disposal.Minister for Petroleum Ghulam Sarwar Khan has asked PARCO (Pak-Arab Refinery Company) to put off its shut down scheduled for March and April in the wake of increased tension between the two nuclear states. Last year, it was decided that PARCO will go for shut down in March and April for maintenance purpose, but keeping in view the given situation, PARCO’s top management has decided to defer its scheduled shut down on the request of Petroleum Minister.These vital decisions have been made in a crucial meeting held here on Wednesday in Petroleum Division. Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Secretary Petroleum Division, other top officials of the ministry such as DG Oil, DGPC, and representatives of refineries, oil marketing companies and OCAC (oil companies’ advisory council) attended the meeting and devised effective modus operandi to top up oil reserves to well maintain the supply of fuel to armed forces.According to the senior official who attended the meeting, the OMCs have also been asked to immediately withdraw their finished products from white oil pipeline that goes from Karachi to mid country refinery — PARCO so that the finished products that country will import in war-like situation can be smoothly transported to mid country. Likewise, other pipeline that carries the crude oil from Karachi to PARCO will also be kept updated.Spokesman for the Petroleum Division, Additional Secretary Sher Afgan confirmed saying the meeting has been held to review the existing fuel stocks and share the data about stocks with armed forces and seeks the demand from forces keeping in view their own analysis. He said that diesel is enough for more than one month consumption. However, he refused to share the data about the reserves of jet fuel. But he said that the country has plenty of jet fuel. Mr Afgan also told that a liaison committee headed by DG Oil has also been constituted to continue to coordinate with stakeholders on fuel situation.In the meeting, the senior official said, the authorities have been asked to get the fuel requirement from forces during the normal days and the demand during the war-like situation. Director General Oil has been given the task to keep liaison on daily basis with Pak Army, Air Force and Naval Force on fuel situation.It has also been decided that all oil marketing companies will closely coordinate with provincial chief secretaries, home secretaries, rangers for beefing up the security of oil depots and other sensitive oil related installations across the country.
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Umar briefs PTI MPs Caucus on steps to stabilise economy
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar chaired the first meeting of PTI Parliamentary Caucus on Economy here on Wednesday.The minister briefed the lawmakers about steps taken by the government in the first six months to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence. Parliamentary Secretary, Finance, Zain Qureshi briefed participants on incentives given to farmers, including subsidy on urea and reduction in tariffs for tube wells. The finance minister requested the participants to actively share proposals for public welfare ahead of the FY 2019-20 budget.
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Dir council lauds PAF for quick response to India
DIR: The tehsil council of Dir on Wednesday paid rich tributes to the Pakistan Air Force for its tit-for-tat response to India and shooting down two jets of the arch rival. The council also passed a unanimous resolution extending full support to the armed forces in case of a war with India.After the council meeting, the councillors, employees of Tehsil Municipal Administration and people held a rally from TMA office to DSP Chowk. Addressing the rally, Tehsil Nazim Mir Makhzanuddin and others said that they gathered to send a clear message that the people of Upper Dir would fight shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces against India.They said that the people of Upper Dir had rendered sacrifices for the country in 1948 and 1965 wars and would not hesitate to do so again. Earlier in the council meeting, the nazim said that there would be no compromise on quality of work in the ongoing developmental projects.Tehsil Naib Nazim Maulana Badshah Muhammad chaired the meeting. Malik Habibul Haq, Shakirullah, Bakhtiar Khan, and others complained about closure of link roads in Usherai Dara, Gawaldi, Doog Dara and other areas of the district due to recent snowfall. They complained that a week had passed but the Communication and Works Department was yet to reopen links roads. Other councillors also complained about the doctors absence at the basic health units in Usherai Dara and frequent electricity cuts in the district.
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Girl dies in Mohmand roof collapse
GHALLANAI: A girl died while her sister and father sustained injuries when the roof of a house collapsed in Safi tehsil in Mohmand district.Reports said that the roof of one Javed s house collapsed in which his daughter Yasmin died. The recent rains had weakened the roof. Javed and his other daughter Nazia were injured in the incident. They were taken to a hospital in Mamagat. The local people appealed to the government to compensate the family.
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Campuses for street children a unique model: KP CM
PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has approved the opening of campuses for the street children s institute, Zamung Kor in Abbottabad, Swat and Dera Ismail Khan districts while a campus would be set up in Peshawar for female children.He was presiding over a meeting about the extension of Zamung Kor institutes to other districts of the province. Mahmood Khan talked to a delegation from Azad Foundation, United Kingdom, at Chief Minister s House, said an official statement.The chief minister said that Zamung Kor was a unique model for street children and the government was planning to expand it to Abbottabad, Swat and Mardan. He said Zamung Kor project would be extended to more areas of the province in future. The Foundation representatives gave a detailed presentation about the street children and their rehabilitation including their look after, education and thereafter making them productive citizens of the society. One of the street children recently participated in the Pakistan Premier Football League of Karachi, said the head of the delegation. The participants of the meeting focused on the previous decisions of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government for social protection to the street children, legislation in this regard and the proposed guidelines prepared by the Foundation for the vulnerable, beggars, child labourers and collecting data through geo-mapping. They suggested the socio-and psychoanalysis of such children exploring their talent to integrate them in the overall societal frame.The participants also talked about the protection of children and appreciated the provincial government s efforts through Zamung Kor and other such plans for such children in the province.The Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Social Welfare Department, which would be brought to the forum of provincial assembly for legislation. Minister Information Shaukat Yousafzai and secretary social welfare attended the meeting.Talking to the delegation, the chief minister assured to expand the model of Zamung Kor for the better future of coming generations. He asked the foundation to sit with the Social Welfare Department for a complete plan to be approved and necessary legislation would be made for the protection and welfare of street children.Agreeing to a multi-pronged strategy for rehabilitation of state children, he stressed the need for behavioural study of the runaway children, beggars and child labourers so that the government can plan a realistic strategy for their rehabilitation.Mahmood Khan assured to work on the integration of street children through quality education and training exploring their strength and talent so that the state children could become an asset to society.The government would also mull over plans to enhance the earning of parents of at-risk children, which would be preventive sides of the problem. The chief minister called upon the community to come forward and support the innovative approach for supporting the families of vulnerable children.Mahmood Khan assured a protected future for the state children. He also welcomed the Pakistanis living abroad for their sincerity and commitment to supplement the government efforts for the welfare of the street children. We are thankful to the overseas Pakistanis for their trust in the PTI-led government, which would come up to the expectations of the people, he said.
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PHC seeks report from govt for banning women cycle rally
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday sought a report from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Peshawar district governments in a petition against the ban on the women cycle rally in the provincial capital.A division bench headed by Justice Roohul Amin Khan sought the report from the chief secretary, secretary Home and Peshawar deputy commissioner within three days. It fixed March 5 for the next hearing into the case.After Additional Advocate General, Syed Sikandar Shah, put forth arguments to defend the government for the ban, Justice Roohul Amin Khan observed that the government may ban the people from hospitals and other public places in future on the call of those who had warned of banning the women cycle rally if government surrendered its writ to them.He remarked that the government should first amend the Constitution that guaranteed equal rights to every citizen including women and then impose a ban on such fundamental rights of women in the name of culture and traditions.The bench was hearing the writ petition, filed by a non-governmental organisation, Pak Development Mission. It had challenged the decision of Peshawar district s administration to bar it from holding a bicycle rally for women, last month. The NGO requested the court to help hold the event. The organisation had filed a petition in the high court, requesting the court to declare illegal and unconstitutional the act of the district administration.It prayed the court to direct the government and district administration to facilitate and provide adequate security to organise the Cycle Rally for Females as per terms of permission previously granted by the administration on January 11, 2019, on a date mutually agreed between the petitioner and the administration.The petitioner prayed the court to direct the government and administration to take strict action against those threatening organisers and participants for a lawful activity. During arguments, Barrister Masroor Shah submitted before the court to order the government to allow and provide security to the women rally.The bicycle rally was scheduled for January 19 but it was cancelled after the Majlis Ulema-i-Hayatabad, a body of clerics and prayer leaders of all mosques in the area, and other religious groups, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl and Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, had termed the event promotion of vulgarity and obscenity in the society and announced to stage a protest near the venue for the event to force the administration to ban it.The petitioner organisation is duly registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, and is engaged in endeavours for the women s emancipation and transgender persons mainstreaming.It said it contemplated to organise the Cycle Rally for Females on January 19 in Hayatabad, Peshawar, for which formal permission was sought from the Peshawar deputy commissioner. The petitioner said after thorough scrutiny and taking into account all aspects connected therewith, the deputy commissioner had duly granted it permission through a letter on January 11 which was later cancelled.
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PHC restrains govt from handing over Dr Shakil Afridi to US
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has restrained the government of Pakistan from handing over Dr Shakil Afridi to the United States (US).A division bench comprising Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and Justice Ayub Khan allowed a writ petition, in which the bench was requested to restrain the government from handing over the doctor to the US who had been convicted for having links with a militant organisation.The bench ruled that the government would not hand over the convicted prisoner to the US. The bench issued the order in a writ petition filed by a senior lawyer, Muhammad Khurshid Khan.He had sought the court s directions for both the federal and provincial governments not to shift Dr Shakil Afridi to another country or jail from Peshawar Central Prison, or inform the court before any such decision.The petition was filed in 2017 after reports surfaced that the doctor might be sent abroad and handed over to the US government. During the hearing, the petitioner informed the court that Dr Shakil Afridi had been shifted to Punjab province during the pendency of the case.He said he had requested the court to restrain the government from handing over Shakil Afridi to the US as not only his appeal against conviction was pending in the Fata Tribunal, but also he could be kept in the Peshawar jail legally. He believed his handover to the US would be a violation of law of the land.The petitioner submitted that Shakil Afridi was convicted of links with terrorists and is a Pakistani citizen. How was another country demanding a jailed prisoner of Pakistan? He questioned.Dr Shakil Afridi, a former agency surgeon of Khyber Agency, who was taken into custody on May 22, 2011, on suspicion of helping the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) trace Osama bin Laden through a fake vaccination campaign in Abbottabad.He was imprisoned in the Peshawar Central Prison since his conviction by an assistant political agent on charges of having links with a banned outfit in 2012 and has been shifted, reportedly, to the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi by the security forces.The law officers representing the provincial and federal governments submitted before the bench that the government had no intention to hand over Dr Shakil Afridi to the US.
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More rallies staged in support of armed forces
PESHAWAR: The residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday staged more rallies and vowed to fight alongside the armed forces to defend the country in the face of an Indian aggression.Traders staged a rally at Qissa Khwani. They chanted slogans to condemn India for violating the Pakistan airspace. They renewed the support to the armed forces.NOWSHERA: The Anjuman-e-Tajiran Nowshera cantonment paid rich tributes to the Pakistan Air Force for shooting down the warplanes of India. Chanting slogans against India for its aggression against Pakistan, the traders passed through various routes before holding a rally at the Shobra Chowk at the Nowshera cantonment.Meanwhile, the Tehsil Council in Pabbi unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Indian aggression against the country. The councillors vowed to support the armed forces and defend the country against Indian aggression. Sajidullah presided over the session.The resolution demanded India to stop subjecting the Kashmiris to inhuman treatment. It said the entire nation stood by the army and no effort would be spared to defend the country.MINGORA: A rally was held in the Swat district to express solidarity with the armed forces. The participants carried banners and placards which had slogans against the Indian aggression.DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Students, social workers and traders in Dera Ismail Khan staged a rally to pledge support to the armed forces. Holding Pakistan flags, they chanted slogans in favour of the armed forces and against India. They also torched an effigy of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.GHALLANAI: The traders at Ekkaghund Bazaar staged a rally in support of the armed forces. They pledged support to the security forces and vowed to fight alongside the soldiers against India if it attacked Pakistan.LANDIKOTAL: Scores of Afghan citizens and traders took out a rally to show solidarity with Pakistan. The participants holding banners and placards chanted slogans of Pakistan Zindabad. They lauded the Pakistan Air Force for giving a befitting response to India by downing its jet fighters.
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Tirah Valley traders demand compensation
BARA: Anjuman-e-Tajiran of the Maidan area in Tirah valley have demanded the government to announce compensation for the traders who had suffered during militancy.Speaking at a press conference in the Bara Press Club, Anjuman-e-Tajiran Tirah valley President Muhammad Sharif, Abdul Ghaffar, Fazal Rabi, Yar Muhammad, Bara traders union president Said Ayaz Wazir and others said the markets of the tribal people were destroyed during militancy in Tirah valley and Bara.Over 1650 shops in various bazaars were destroyed when militants attacked the Tirah valley in 2013, Muhammad Sharif said, adding of these 750 belonged to the Malikdinkhel tribe. He said 350 shops were destroyed in Bar Bagh, 250 in Kamarkhel, 25 in Shalobar and 25 in Bhutan and 50 in central Bagh. The elder said the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) did not provide assistance to the traders.The office-bearer said the government had promised to extend compensation package, especially to the Tirah traders but the promises were never honoured. Muhammad Sharif maintained that the homes, hujras and business centres were destroyed six years ago but the government and NGOs did not provide any financial help to the affected people.The government should conduct a survey to assess the damage to markets in Maidan area of the Tirah valley as soon as possible, he demanded. Meanwhile, President Anjuman-e-Tajiran Bara, Said Ayaz Wazir said the transporters were facing a host of problems during travel to Tirah. Several transporters complained that they were asked to unload vehicles for checking, he said adding, it created problems for the drivers.
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PTI candidates win Mansehra by-election
MANSEHRA: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Ahmad Hussain Shah has won by-election on PK-30 and secured 46,483 votes against 39,945 votes of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Mazhar Ali Qasim.This win is a confidence of the people in PTI s federal and provincial governments. The time is not far when we will launch mega development schemes for the people of Balakot who are still reeling from the effects of the October 8, 2005 earthquake, Member National Assembly (MNA) Saleh Mohammad Khan told a jubilant crowd after the returning officer issued unofficial results on Wednesday.As many as seven aspirants from various political parties and independents were in the run for the by-election in PK-30 constituency, which had fallen vacant after the apex court disqualified the PML-N s Mian Ziaur Rehman in a fake degree case, last year.The polling was held on Tuesday and results of all 186 polling stations were pouring in all the night and returning officer unofficially notified Shah as the MPA. Addressing the crowd, PTI MNA Saleh Mohammad Khan said that the federal government was following policies to improve the living standards of the masses.Ahmad Hussain Shah thanked the voters for reposing confidence in him. I assure you that mega development projects for the people of Balakot would be launched with the support of the federal government, he said. The crowd raised slogans in support of PTI and its lawmakers.
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Inquiry against Agha Siraj: NAB writes letter to Sindh government departments
KARACHI: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initiated inquiry against Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durani for alleged corruption, misusing of authority and illegal appointments as minister local government.Agha Siraj Durani is under NAB custody in a matter of having assets beyond means.According to the official correspondence of NAB with Sindh government’s different departments copies of which available with The News, Bureau not only initiated inquiry into over nine thousand alleged fake and illegal appointments in Sindh Local Government Department during his tenure as minister but also intensified inquiry into his assets.According to the contents of the letter written to Secretary Local Government by Bureau, the competent authority has taken the cognizance of officers under the subject investigation, wherein officers of department and others prima facie involved in the commission of offences of corruption and corrupt practices inter alia by misusing their authority and making fake and illegal appointments in Local Government Department in Grade 1 to 15 during the period of 2011 to 2014.National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the same letter asked the Sindh Local Government secretary to provide the details of hiring of some 9,500 employees of Grade 1 to 15 recruited in the department from 2011 to 2014 directly without fulfilling mandatory codal formalities; on the other hand Bureau approached different Revenue authorities and development authorities of province to provide the record of properties owned by Agha Siraj Durani, his sons, daughters, wives and other members of the family.In an official letter, Umair Ahmed, Assistant Director of Bureau asked Secretary Local Government to direct Deputy Secretary (administration) of Department to appear before officer of NAB Javed Ahmed Khan, head of the Combined Investigation Team (CIT) for recording of his statement regarding the issue of alleged fake and illegal appointments along with the comprehensive report and certified record of the department on the subject.Secretary Local Government was asked to bring the record of advertisement pertaining to recruitments, comprehensive report of salaries paid to the said nine thousand plus employees, rules of appointment in department along with relevant provisions of law and regulation, report regarding the approvals of appointment sought by minister local government or Sindh chief minister, record of interviews and examination process for the appointments, report regarding the role of minister local government, secretary, additional secretary, special secretary, deputy secretary and section officer with regard to the process of said appointments.Agha Siraj Durani remained minister local government from 2008 to 2013, then in second tenure Awais Muzaffar was holding this portfolio and finally in 2014 charge of the department was handed over to Sharjeel Memon who is also behind the bars on different charges.Apart from the investigation of NAB for alleged illegal and fake appointments in Sindh LG Department; Sindh Chief Minister’s Inspection Team (CMIT) in 2015 disclosed irregularities in appointing of these nine thousand plus employees in its report presented to Sindh chief minister.In 2015 after the media reports of illegal appointments in Sindh LG Department, Sindh government appointed Nazeer Dhoon, member of Chief Minister Inspection Team (CMIT) as inquiry officer.Mr Dhoon inquired into the matter and submitted a report to the Sindh chief minister and Secretary Local Government disclosing the scam of appointing nine thousand plus employees illegally in LG Department of Sindh government.According to the report of Mr Dhoon a copy available with ‘The News’ discloses that the illegal appointments made on the directions of then powerful politicians with the collaboration of department’s officers started from 2009 and it reached peak in 2012.Senior Pakistan People's Party leader Murtaza Wahab, Spokesman Sindh government told The News that recent correspondence of NAB for gathering evidence against Agha Siraj proved that NAB did not have any concrete evidence against him before arresting him. Mr Wahab added that this action of NAB proved mala fide intentions.Mr Wahab concluded by saying that Agha Siraj is a politician and is under allegations of corruption not of terrorism which compelled NAB to arrest him without having or gathering evidence against him.
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Spain to transfer modern textile technology to Pakistan: envoy
FAISALABAD: The Spanish ambassador will visit Faisalabad very soon to evaluate the opportunities in the wake of CPEC. Zia Alumdar Hussain, president Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), had a meeting with Spanish Ambassador Manuel Duran and discussed various issues regarding the bilateral trade.Spanish Ambassador Manuel Duran acknowledged the importance of Faisalabad in the economy of Pakistan, saying it could not be ignored because of its excellence in the textile field. “I shall personally visit Faisalabad to interact with the business community. Spain is ready to support Pakistan by transferring the latest technology for the up-gradation of its existing industrial units,” he added.The FCCI president said that predominantly Pakistan was an agro-industrial country. He said that despite its production edge, Pakistan was still exporting raw or semi-finished goods to other countries and it needs the latest technology to produce the fully-finished products to cater to the needs of developed countries. He also invited the Spanish ambassador to visit the FCCI to personally evaluate its export potential in addition to interacting with the local businessmen.He also floated a proposal of sending a trade delegation to Spain so that direct relations could be cultivated between the business communities of the two countries. Later, Jawad Asghar presented the FCCI shield to the Spanish envoy.
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Emergency declared in Malakand Division, Abbottabad ATH
MINGORA/ABBOTTABAD: Malakand Division Commissioner Zaheerul Islam on Wednesday declared an emergency in all seven districts of the division, including Bajaur due to the prevailing situation between Pakistan and India.The commissioner issued the directive to cancel the leaves of all employees within the division. He asked the heads of the facilities working under the Health Department to ensure all emergency services in the hospitals. Swat Deputy Commissioner Syed Saqib Raza also chaired a meeting in his office about the situation.Heads of various departments, including health, education and police, attended the meeting. He issued directives and cancelled leaves of all the employees within the district. Meanwhile civil society and traders federations announced to stage demonstrations and rallies in various parts of the district against Indian aggression and in support of the armed forces.A programme will be arranged at the Swat Press Club in Mingora today to express solidarity with the armed forces. Meanwhile, on the directive of Health Department, Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH) declared a state of emergency and high alert in the hospitals from Wednesday till further orders.The decision was made by the hospital management committee meeting due to the prevailing security situation in the country. A disaster management plan was evolved to tackle emergencies and a committee formed in this regard.Hospital Director Dr Umar Farooq and Medical Director Dr Ahsan Aurangzeb directed the committee to make special arrangements to deal with any situation. Special wards were being established, extra beds, medicines, surgical disposal, stretcher trolleys, and wheelchairs being arranged. Directives were issued to the blood bank to increase the storage capacity of blood and the collection of blood from different sources. The administration canceled the leave of its employees.
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Another false flag operation
Also called stage-managed, false flag operations are becoming a norm in the modern world. Author Richard Dolan in a conference 2015 talked about the “false flag era.” According to Dolan, because false flag operations require control over the global media narrative and the ability to intimidate other countries into not speaking out against inside jobs, only a few countries have the means and motives to pull them off. “The false flag phenomenon is distinctively modern and used as an ideological weapon to control populations with the fear of a manufactured enemy. They are used in ostensibly democratic systems where people believe they have inalienable rights. Such democratic systems must shock people into sociopolitical and geopolitical consent and, as such, require sophisticated modern propaganda systems and advanced covert operations teams with highly proficient skills.”India has a history of carrying out false flag operations to achieve its goals. The Uri attack, and before that the Pathankot incident, had all the hallmarks of false flag operations. The Ganga hijack in 1971 was also such an operation. In 2015, the Indian authorities had sunk a boat off the coast of the western Indian state of Gujarat, claiming that it was coming from Pakistan with explosives on board. A senior official of the Indian Coast Guard had claimed thatthe four people on board the fishing vessel had ignored repeated warnings and had deliberately set the boat on fire. The fabricated terrorist plot was exposed when the Indian Coast Guard DIG B K Loshali contradicted the government's version of events in connection with the interception of the boat and said the Indian Navy had itself blown up the boat, which had not been exploded by the alleged suicide attackers. He was removed as the Chief of Staff in Northwest region and attached to Indian Coast Guard's zonal headquarters. Loshali then faced court martial proceedings after being indicted by a Board of Inquiry.Also, in July 27, 2015, three gunmen allegedly opened fire on a bus in the Indian Punjab and then stormed a police station in a town called Dinanagar. The attack led to the death of three civilians and four policemen and injured 15 others. The shootout between the Indian armed forces and the attackers continued for about 12 hours. It was the first such attack in the Indian Punjab since the mid-1990s when an insurgency was running in the state for setting up the independent state of Khalistan. Again it was a crazy plot with no head and tail. Nevertheless, the Indian authorities were quick to blame Pakistan.Now Pulwama is another false flag operation, a part of Indian deep state/ Doval-Modi stratagem, carried out by India.Many questions bother one’s mind. The bomber Adil Dar was not seen active along with other Kashmiri youth fighting against Indian forces since last year. Suddenly, he appeared on social media with pictures in revolutionary attire. Moreover, the viral video indicates that the incident was done by him individually without the assistance of other colleagues, which creates doubts. It was also reported by the Indian media that the CRPF convoy was delayed by two days. Then how an individual had the info about the exact passage of the CRPF convoy?The incident came as the Saudi Crown Prince was about to visit Pakistan, the Kulbhushan case was to be heard at the ICJ, a presentation was to made by Pakistan at FATF while Islamabad was to hold US-Taliban talks among other developments.The Modi government with limited powers of comprehension and deduction has been unable to convince the world about Pakistan’s role in such operations. Nevertheless, Pakistan should be prepared and expect more such plots in the future.
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Moot seeks role of youth as agents of peace, tolerance, progress
KARACHI: Speakers at a youth conference here on Wednesday called for recognizing the invaluable role of the young people as agents of peace, tolerance and progress by providing them adequate opportunities to emerge as harbingers of positive change and development.The event titled ‘6th National Youth Summit’ was organized by the Iqra University Karachi in collaboration with Sir Syed University, Hamdard University, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, and Islamic Research Institute, Islamabad. Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Fehmida Mirza and Maj Gen (r) Fida Hussain Malik were guests of honour. A large number of faculty members, academicians, intellectuals, civil society activists and students attended the summit.In their speeches, the speakers stressed the need to provide the youth with platforms to voice their views and grievances and participate in the decision-making process to ensure that future development policies of the country do not exclude the potentially positive role that young people can play in ensuring peace, security and stability in Pakistan.They said Pakistan is poised to enter an era of progress and prosperity and if young people, who comprise more than 31% of the country’s population aged between 15-29 years, are provided with opportunities through positive engagement, they can help build a truly progressive and inclusive society. The also underscored the role of the young people in preventing violent extremism and securing peace in the country.As part of the series, another event titled ‘Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan: Role of Women in National Prosperity’ was organized by the Iqra University in collaboration with the Islamic Research Institute, Islamabad, on Tuesday.Sindh Minister for Women Development Shehla Raza was guest speaker on the occasion. In her address, she said closing gender gaps, treating women with dignity and respect and offering them equal opportunities and access are critical for Pakistan’s futuristic sustainable growth and development. She said women’s empowerment is a necessary condition for meaningful, inclusive and sustainable development of any country, adding that the current government is working out a plan to provide health, education and basic needs to the women so that they can actively participate in the national development and prosperity.Other speakers were of the view that empowerment of women is also vital to rein in the forces of terrorism and violent extremism, adding that the women often being the first teachers of their children can play a vital role in educating young people to value peace and not destruction.Another event titled ‘Training of Trainers on Countering Violent Extremism by Faculty of Universities and Madaris’ was organised by the university on Monday. IRI Director General DR Ziaul Haq, Qari Zubair Ahmed and Qari Abdur Rasheed were prominent among those who spoke on the occasion.Addressing the participants, the speakers said the role of teachers and ulema was of vital importance in character building of students at educational institutions and madaris to achieve lasting peace and tranquility through elimination of extremism, sectarianism and terrorism from the society. They also laid emphasis on the concept of inclusive citizenship as all citizens, whether Muslims or non-Muslims, enjoy equal rights in a true Islamic society as per the teachings of Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him). The workshop also sensitized the participants on countering violent extremism by highlighting various aspects of extremism, its stages and counter strategies, besides imparting training to the faculty members of universities and ulema belonging to different madaris to help promote peace, harmony and friendly relations between various segments of the society as well as different religious groups in the country.
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Forecast for rains
LAHORE: Met officials said that continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country. A strong rain bearing system is likely to approach Balochistan today (Thursday) and likely to grip southern parts of the country tomorrow (Friday) and may persist in upper parts till Monday morning. They predicted that mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country. However, rain/thunderstorm (with snowfall over hills) is expected at isolated places in Quetta, Zhob and Kohat Divisions during evening/night.
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Business community stands with armed forces: MCCI
MULTAN: Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president M Sarfraz has said that Pakistan has the right and is capable to defend its frontiers against Indian provocation. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his brief address to the nation, had drawn the attention of the whole world against Indian aggression. MCCI senior vice president Khawaja Badar Munir said that India had violated the Pakistani airspace and Pakistan had a right to defend itself.
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War is mad, isn’t Modi too?
Many in the world are portraying India and Pakistan at the moment as two nuclear antagonists perilously close to mutual assured destruction. On Tuesday morning, India violated Pakistani airspace for the first time since 1971. Their Russian-made MiGs penetrated deep enough to drop the payload near Balakot in Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa while in a retreat to avoid a dogfight with the Pakistani aviators. A few pine trees felled, a bit of dirt dug up but the Indian government, celebrities, public and media went into needless frenzy. Sweats were shared for a “reprobate” was effectively reprimanded. Well they thought that much.Pakistan protested strongly but warned sternly that the aggression would be revenged. “We’ll pick time, place to hit back,” read newspaper headlines. That moment came within 24 hours. On Wednesday morning, Pakistan struck back. Not only Pakistan Air Force jets thundered over the Line of Control in Kashmir, they shot down chasing Indian planes. “In response to PAF strikes IAF crossed [the] LOC. PAF shot down two Indian aircraft inside Pakistani airspace. One of the aircrafts fell AJ&K while [the] other fell inside IOK. One Indian pilot arrested by troops on ground while two in the area”, tweeted Pakistani Director General of the Inter Services Public Relations, Major General Asif Ghafoor.Millions upon millions of Pakistanis on social networking platforms sizzled the whole day rebuking their Indian counterparts, the Bollywood celebs, the Indian who’s who for prematurely jumping with joy on the fakery coined by the Modi administration to ramp up its dwindling electoral projections. India had claimed of destroying a terror camp and some 250 terrorists training therein. Some dreams turnout to be uglier than nightmares.Powerful capitals, who are now universally known for rewarding India despite its abysmally criminal record of human rights violations in Kashmir and against its own minorities, woke up to ask Pakistan and India to exercise restraint. Strange that they were admonishing Islamabad only a day earlier asking it “to put a stop to cross-border terrorism” or “to put an end to the activities of the terrorist groups established in its territory.”Probably Washington DC, Paris, Bonn and Canberra found it hard to see their “powerful” South Asian proxy being slapped across the face by a smaller but nuclear-armed adversary. Images of the captured Wing Commander Abhinandan were enough for the Indian government to come crashing down from the high pole of psychedelic elation it was unnecessarily feeling for achieving something phantasmagoric only a day earlier.Two substantial countries going to war has always been a dreamlike scenario for the runners of the western military industrial complex. Prospects of deals and contracts worth billions upon billion would make many a fool go mad. The spectre of a nuclear confrontation, however, is too serious a business to be left to New Delhi or Islamabad. So phones started ringing. Ministers began speaking to counterparts lecturing how wonderful is peace as an idea between two itchy neighbours.Pakistani prime minister took to television again. Imran Khan is no philosopher. But in what he tried to convey to Narendra Modi in his brief adlibbed address -- that was thankfully edited before broadcast -- he sounded like the Greek philosopher Plato, who once famously said wars do not decide who is right, they only decide who is left. Imran told the ultra-rightist and fanatical zealot Indian prime minister to employ sense and sagacity rather than anger and misplaced acrimony to solve the outstanding issues. Fighting a fourth war does not make sense if the earlier three confrontations failed to settle problems. Imran urged Modi to walk away from belligerence and sit down to talk about issues needing solution. He even promised to punish the perceived culprits if India provided actionable intelligence. But would Modi listen when he madly wants to win another electoral term whatever the cost?One may criticise PM Khan for being an administrative novice or a political upstart but his words – sense and sagacity -- reminded many of Jane Austin’s ‘Sense and Sensibility’. He may not be an astute politician or a statesman of note but he comes across as an honest human who earnestly desire peace and prosperity in the region. The difference between him and his Indian counterpart is stark. He is neither a killer of people nor has he allowed massacre of innocent humans. Modi had. During a court proceeding probing the Gujarat massacre of Indian Muslims in the summer of 2002, Sanjiv Bhatt, a senior Indian police officer told the Indian Supreme Court that he attended a meeting at which Modi allegedly said that Hindus should be allowed to vent their anger – after the Godhra train tragedy killing 58 that his government tried to plaster over ISI-backed elements within India. Those allegations have since proven false and fabricated though Modi has always denied any wrongdoing.But international websites are full of implicating evidence that Modi had spoken to his goons a night before the riots that saw around 2,000 Indians dead and told them “Muslims needed to be taught a lesson”. Government estimates put the number of dead at 1,000. Hundreds of girls and women were raped and killed. International rage was genuine against Modi to an extent that he was denied a diplomatic visa by the United States and his already granted visit visa was revoked as well.Writing for the Guardian newspaper in Britain, Aditya Chakrabortty said in 2014; “Narendra Modi, a man with a massacre on his hand is not the reasonable choice for India.” Similar voices are being heard in India today. While millions may be following him madly, many millions also believe that Modi is more dangerous than a declared terrorist, a hardcore fanatic or a frenzied fanatic.Only such a person would attempt to punish a state for the alleged felony of a group of individuals. Pakistani state or government did not attack India in Pulwama just like it was not involved in Uri or Mumbai. But madly wanting to emulate the post 9/11 United States, India thought it could cook up stories about Pakistan’s wrongdoing in Kashmir and elsewhere in India and attempt to punish it to please electoral audiences.Dreaming about punishing Pakistan is one thing. Carrying out foolish plans is another. Pakistan is painstakingly setting its direction right. Mistakes it made for others have returned to haunt it with deadly effect. The best India could do is to mind its own business and leave Pakistan alone to correct course. The best that Indians could do for themselves is to get rid of the madman of Indian politics – Narendra Modi, before he attempts to push South Asia and adjoining regions into a nuclear winter.
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Extraordinary coincidences
Indian Prime Minister Modi’s reported reminder of yesterday to the prime minister of Pakistan ‘to keep his words of fighting poverty and illiteracy together instead of fighting’ are music to the ears of the overwhelming majority of the peace loving people of both the countries who were having sleepless nights apprehending imminent armed conflict between the two countries since the Pulwama terrorist attack in Indian Held Kashmir. Pakistan may take the reiteration of the Indian leader at its face value but must not lower its guards because sometimes deception is also a part of war strategy formulated to catch the adversary napping. The state of high alertness therefore cannot be relegated to the back burner when enemy’s perniciousness is well known to the extent of notoriety.US President Trump’s expression of acute concern over the heightening tension between the two nuclear power countries is also source of some solace because his assertion that the US was deeply engaged to de-escalate the tension between the two countries may make qualitative difference to elude the armed clash. The international community’s concern along with measured response of Pakistan prime minister including Saudi Crown Prince’s advice to both countries, India and Pakistan, to avoid escalation might have served as the immediate cause of realisation on the part of Indian government about the negative fall out of its war mongering hysteria. Chinese government’s concern and the European Union anxiety over the human rights violations in Indian Held Kashmir might have also pushed India to see redemption in diplomacy than in brinkmanship. Hopefully, this assessment of the emerging is accurate otherwise the doom and gloom may not be far away.Pakistan, sadly, is in double jeopardy. Pakistan is in the thick of the shrillest criticism emanating from the neighbouring countries, India, Iran and Afghanistan; due to the two deadly terrorist attacks, one in IHK and the other in Iran. Both countries have pointed finger on Pakistan as the perpetrator. Prime facie, it looks very well planned and well executed sort of conspiracy against Pakistan when seen in the context of its timing and synchronization. Though, no inclusive evidence is available to substantiate the conspiracy narrative but extraordinary odd coincidences within span of one week are mind blowing that agitates the mind to mull over ‘to be or not to be that is the question’.The sequence of gruesome events like terrorist attack in Iran killing 22 security guards, followed by Pulwama terrorist attack in Indian Occupied Kashmir killing 42 Indian border security personal and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani’s heartless tirade against Pakistan in Germany, Kulbhushan Jadhav’s case proceedings in the International Court of Justice (Hague), FATF meeting in Paris, PSL mega cricket event orchestrated by Pakistan and above all Saudi Crown Prince Salman’s visit to Pakistan, may give reasonable doubt that all such high profile developments did not take place in vacuum entailing far reaching strategic implications. If so, a lot of homework might have been carried out behind the scene by the undertaker or undertakers to meet the parameters of recalibration to maximise dividends at the appalling expense of Pakistan. Pakistan leadership seems caught napping because the possibility of such extraordinary coincidences within a week or so could not possibly be anticipated even in the worst case scenario. The eavesdropping might presumably lead to the doorsteps of the country (India) determined to subdue and humiliate Pakistan in pursuance of its declared policy.The inference that could possibly be deduced suggested India as the beneficiary country that in collusion with other countries, having shared objectives, might have planned the simultaneous pummel against Pakistan to reap diplomatic, political and strategic dividends and leaving the targeted country high and dry licking its wounds. For Pakistan, it was very difficult situation when India had stated policy to push it into diplomatic oblivion and therefore would not spare any stone unturned to persuade other regional countries to settle scores as well. The country in the Middle East known as Indian strategic partner (Israel) might have extended requisite support to India to teach a bitter lesson to its immediate and strong neighbour.Indian wide ranging ties with the country of the Middle East are well known that also supplied state of the art weapons system of air to-air-defence. The two countries seemingly were hand-in gloves against Pakistan considering it their only hurdle in the way of their hegemony in the respective regions.The other hypothesis that sprouts out of the current scenario is the ignoble handiwork of the terrorist outfits and extremist lobbies of both countries those are swayed by their insatiable appetite to see India and Pakistan fighting to the terrible end. Their sick mentality is indeed limitless. They see the culmination of their toxic agenda in total destruction, bloodshed, poverty and ignorance to walk freely on a land representing the graveyard spectacle. The history of Pak-India relations bears witness to terrorist’s nasty myriad misadventures to derail peace and normalisation process even before these got started. The ‘Structured Dialogue Process’ between the two countries became the immediate casualty of Mumbai terrorist attack in which hundreds of people, both foreign and local, were shot dead by terrorists. ‘Lahore Declaration’ signed during former Indian PM Vajpayee’s historic visit to Lahore also became victim of Kargil debacle. The desire for good neighbourly relations was again sabotaged by terrorists when they attacked Pathankot Airbase in early 2016. Earlier, the Indian incumbent Prime Minister Modi made a stopover at Lahore to meet the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif clearly manifesting desire of Indian leadership to explore the possibilities of peace between the two countries. But terrorists shot the process down even before its humble commencement.Raising the false flags time and again by India had the long history of its strategy to embarrass Pakistan in its sinister attempt to get diplomatic and strategic mileage based on the narrative that Pakistan’s losses were their gains. DG (ISPR) last week in his press conference referred to the Indian current method in madness by quoting series of Indian- orchestrated events during the seventy years of history. The Pulwama terrorist attack might be of the same kind as pointed out by the Chairman of Standing Committee on Interior, Rehman Milk. The terrorist attack in Indian Held Kashmir seemingly planned by Indian RAW to spoil the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan. Indian leadership refused to listen to reason and had blamed Pakistan for the terrorist attack in haste with the threat to take revenge. The Indian media has taken lead to create war hysteria without knowing that once the beasts of war are unleashed it is not possible to control them for marching in the desired directions. It may be stated without an iota of apprehension of contradiction that the winning spree of the terrorist/extremist mindset has been continuing to the collective chagrin of the political leadership and the people of the two countries. They aborted numerous peace making initiatives in the past. Their success squarely reflected poorly on the political and the security leadership of the two countries those could not preempt hardliners mischief against normalisation. Ironically, they generally joined hands with the forces of anti-peace lobbies and kept the cauldron boiling. Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, a great leader and statesman, was one of the exceptions who manifested the vision of great leader when he signed Simla Agreement after the 1971 military debacle when the nation was demoralised to the hilt. Who would deny that he maximised the country’s position and standing under the extremely hostile circumstances. He retrieved thousands of square miles of territory from the occupation of the enemy country without firing a single shot.India and Pakistan need visionary and futuristic leadership to get the countries out of the vicious trap of the past mired in deep mistrust, and seek out the resolution of the issues through dialogue because war is no more an option after their nuclearisation. The people of two countries had suffered more than they deserved at the hands of hawks. Now is the time that people of two countries should be provided an enabling environment for peace, security and prosperity. The regional approach for peace, stability and progress as advocated by Pakistan Army Chief General Bajwa is worth considering.Iranian senior military official’s unacceptable public threat to opt for hot pursuit against Pakistan was shocking and unacceptable. It should have been withheld by the brotherly country when Pakistan was in hot waters due to Indian hostility. Pakistan condemned the gruesome terrorist attack and offered all sort of assistance to the Iranian government to nab the culprits. The foreign Minister of Pakistan also spoke to his counterpart underscoring the importance to keep the cool. He also shared the grief over the tragedy resulting in killing of security personnel of Iran. The reported arrests belonging to the proscribed terrorist sectarian organisation, operating on both sides of the border, was responsible for the shameful attack as it claimed responsibility. These sectarian outfits are out there to spoil the relations between the two countries as their ultimate victory. The two governments must not fall prey to their insidious narrative and ideology and defeat them through collective strategy with shared vision.muhammadshaheedi@yahoo.com
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Public depts in Multan put on high alert
MULTAN: The city district administration Wednesday issued a high alert to all the public departments after the Indian airstrike. It ordered the Rescue-1122, civil defence and district police to stand-by to combat any emergency. DC Riaz Malik said that the entire nation stands with the Pakistan armed forces. The Punjab govt has also ordered the district administrations in respective districts to hold the meetings of district emergency boards to deal with any untoward incident.
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Islamabad United beats Karachi Kings
DUBAI: Karachi Kings set Islamabad United a decent 169-run target in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.Islamabad United had won the toss and elected to bowl first. But things did not really go United's way as the Kings top order hit boundaries left, right and centre, reported Geo News. Opener Babar Azam top scored for Kings with 68 runs off 50 balls—40 off those coming off 10 boundaries. One-down Livingstone added a blistering knock of 56 off 31, with five fours and four sixes. Azam and Livingstone put together 78 runs for the second wicket partnership.Rumman Raees took three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, while Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan and Amad Butt took one wicket each for United. For Kings, the PSL campaign had been in a downward spiral with three back-to-back defeats before they came from behind to beat the so-far unbeaten Quetta Gladiators in a dramatic encounter on Sunday.With the previous win fresh in their minds, the Imad Wasim-led team is looking to register their third win in the ongoing season against Islamabad United tonight. Kings are currently at the bottom of the points table with two wins and three losses. Defending champions Islamabad United are placed third with three wins and three losses.
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Girl dies in Mohmand roof collapse
GHALLANAI: A girl died while her sister and father sustained injuries when the roof of a house collapsed in Safi tehsil in Mohmand district.Reports said that the roof of one Javed’s house collapsed in which his daughter Yasmin died. The recent rains had weakened the roof. Javed and his other daughter Nazia were injured in the incident. They were taken to a hospital in Mamagat.
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Promotion
PESHAWAR: Shahana Khalil, (PAS BS-17), who was earlier working in the Food Safety & Halal Food Authority on the post of deputy director (Operations & Inspection), was promoted to BS-18 on regular basis. Upon her promotion, she was transferred and posted as additional director general (Projects) in the merged areas in her own pay and scale in the public interest till further orders. It was notified by the Establishment Department, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Additional charge
PESHAWAR: The competent authority has authorised Aafaq Wazir (PAS BS-18), additional deputy commissioner, Kurram, to hold additional charge of the post of deputy commissioner of the district.
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Rescue 1122 officials put on alert
PESHAWAR: The officials of the Rescue 1122 have been put on alert across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to deal with any kind of emergency due to the prevailing tension between Pakistan and India.Bilal Faizi, the spokesman for the Rescue 1122, said on Wednesday a high alert has been declared and the leave of all the personnel cancelled.“The officials have been directed to remain in their stations to provide services as the first responder in case of an emergency,” said Bilal Faizi. He added the ambulances, firefighters and emergency ambulances of hospitals are always ready to provide services to the people of KP in 10 districts and surrounding areas in case of an emergency.
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PHC restrains govt from handing over Dr Shakil Afridi to US
PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has restrained the government of Pakistan from handing over Dr Shakil Afridi to the United States (US).A division bench comprising Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and Justice Ayub Khan allowed a writ petition, in which the bench was requested to restrain the government from handing over the doctor to the US who had been convicted for having links with a militant organisation. The bench ruled that the government would not hand over the convicted prisoner to the US.The bench issued the order in a writ petition filed by a senior lawyer, Muhammad Khurshid Khan.He had sought the court’s directions for both the federal and provincial governments not to shift Dr Shakil Afridi to another country or jail from Peshawar Central Prison, or inform the court before any such decision.The petition was filed in 2017 after reports surfaced that the doctor might be sent abroad and handed over to the US government. During the hearing, the petitioner informed the court that Dr Shakil Afridi had been shifted to Punjab province during the pendency of the case.He said he had requested the court to restrain the government from handing over Shakil Afridi to the US as not only his appeal against conviction was pending in the Fata Tribunal, but also he could be kept in the Peshawar jail legally. He believed his handover to the US would be a violation of law of the land.The petitioner submitted that Shakil Afridi was convicted of links with terrorists and is a Pakistani citizen.“How was another country demanding a jailed prisoner of Pakistan?” He questioned.Dr Shakil Afridi, a former agency surgeon of Khyber Agency, who was taken into custody on May 22, 2011, on suspicion of helping the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) trace Osama bin Laden through a fake vaccination campaign in Abbottabad. He was imprisoned in the Peshawar Central Prison since his conviction by an assistant political agent on charges of having links with a banned outfit in 2012 and has been shifted, reportedly, to the Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi by the security forces.The law officers representing the provincial and federal governments submitted before the bench that the government had no intention to hand over Dr Shakil Afridi to the US.
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