Friday, 31 May 2019

Aerial firing

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PESHAWAR: The capital city police have warned the people against aerial firing on Chand Raat and said all those involved would have to spend the Eid behind bars. All the sub-divisional police officers and station house officers have been directed to mobilise the public, community elders and elected representatives to discourage aerial firing on Chand Raat and other festive occasions. “All the SDPOs and SHOs have been clearly told that they will be responsible if any aerial firing was reported in their areas. The people have been warned that whoever violated the ban will have to spend the Eid behind bars,” Capital City Police Officer Qazi Jamilur Rehman told The News.

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Polio programme remains right on track

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ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Polio Eradication Babar Bin Atta believes that Pakistan’s polio programme has been put right back on track by a revamp of its communications and operation strategies. However, the number of polio cases in the country will cross 50 this year, declining next year onwards so that Pakistan interrupts poliovirus transmission by 2022.“We are cognizant of the concerns of the international community,” Babar said while talking to this scribe here on Friday. He was responding to the critical appraisal of Pakistan’s polio programme by the 21st International Health Regulations (IHR) Emergency Committee in its recent meeting regarding the international spread of poliovirus. The IHR Committee of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended the government of Pakistan to renew its efforts because its polio eradication programme “is no longer on track.”“Considering the ripple effects that a single well-orchestrated incident in Peshawar had on the polio programme, we knew that there would be more polio cases at the end of the low transmission season because of massive refusals of polio vaccination as a result of rumors and misconceptions,” Babar said, promising massive changes in the polio programme, which he himself will shortly announce.“I know what it will take to achieve eradication. There is a global anti-vaxxers movement,” Babar said, referring to the worst-ever measles outbreak in New York in the last two decades caused by anti-vaccination campaign led by a specific community.Babar said, one of the biggest problems faced by our polio programme as per survey results, is the risk perception in the masses. “While 95% of the 40 million children are vaccinated, the remaining 5% which make up to a million children are the cause of spreading the virus. Community mistrust lies at the heart of the problem; if it can happen in New York, it can happen in Pakistan as well,” he said, wondering why Pakistan should be singled out.Since poliovirus circulation is at its peak in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Babar said special efforts are being made to battle the disease on ground zero despite security and communications challenges in the central corridor that includes Bannu Division—the hub of the problem. “However, drainage samples from two sites in Peshawar have tested negative for poliovirus which means somebody at some level is doing the right thing despite all odds,” he explained.Babar believes polio eradication requires an integrated approach. “We are trying to build alliances to counter whatever hardships remain,” he said, adding “we will soon gain the trust of the community by adopting a multi-pronged strategy, the results of which will be visible sooner than later.”In April 2019 the polio eradication programme faced multiple challenges during the national polio immunization campaign when children in Peshawar were falsely reported ill following vaccination with the oral polio vaccine. The incident had a notable impact on the April campaign in KPK, as well as across the country.

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Hectic preparations for Eidul Fitr on

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Eidul Fitr is still eight days away, but the tempo of shopping is picking up. The crowded bazaars and shopping centres with decorations lend a festive air to the Rawalpindi environment. Shopping centres get crowded in the evening after the soaring temperatures cool down. At night the neon blazed shop fronts and the hectic dealings inside radiate a joyous Eid mood."People start buying clothes, shoes, children's garments and jewellery well ahead of the Eid celebrations. Demand for unstitched fabrics, perfumes and cosmetics remain high before the Eid festivity," says Mazhar Zaidi, a sales assistant."Shopping by women for the occasion has started in a big way. The time for keeping the shops open has also been extended. Women are busy buying fancy suits and dresses for the day. A large variety of embroidered suits has been put on display," says Sameera Syed, running a garments store."Artificial crystal jewellery sets and alluring dupattas and shoes dazzling under the cheerful spotlights, besides summer garments displayed on hand-carts and inside the shops, are luring the Eid shoppers. A large variety of bangles, including metal, glass and velvet ones are on display. However, hair bands coated with glitter and stars and moon are the hot favourites among the young girls," says Aleena Hussain, a buyer at a Westridge store."The clothing shops, shoe shops and tailoring shops are drawing the biggest crowd. Both branded outfits and local handloom products seem to be gaining popularity. This is the up-market feature," says Najam Ali, a shopkeeper at Chaklala Scheme-III.Giving reason for the rush of the shoppers in the markets, owner of a cosmetic shop in Commercial Centre, Satellite Town, Tahir Mehdi says: "The shopping fever among women for Eid starts fifteen days before the occasion. It ends hours before the Eid. The sale of bangles and hair bands is at its peak in the last week before the festival."Traders at Saddar, Murree Road, Saidpur Road, Sadiqabad, Raja Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Eidgah Road, Jamia Masjid Road, Sarafa Bazaar, Qila Mohallah, Saidpur Road, Tench Bhatta say: "Sale of Eid items, especially for children and young girls, is good in spite of higher prices and downward trend in the economic conditions of common people. Children and youths in particular look forward to wearing new clothes, shoes and accessories during the festival.""Some Eid items are available in the price range not affordable for middle and the poor class. Many local charities, philanthropists and humanitarian organisations have stepped forward to provide financial assistance to thousands of poor, making it possible for them to participate in Eid festivities," says Shumaila Naqvi, a customer at Moti Bazaar.

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Another would-be chief justice in the eye of storm

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ISLAMABAD: After Justice Qazi Faez Isa, another would-be chief justice is in the eye of storm with anti-judiciary elements are on the lookout for a “dossier” to use in the reference that they plan to file against him, The News has learnt on good authority.Undeterred by public outcry triggered after renewed efforts to silence the bold voices in the judiciary, efforts are in progress to target judges who either hand critical verdicts or even pass remarks generating resonance on the issues rarely discussed in public domain due to fear of reprisal.Remarks of the senior judge during the hearings of cases were not liked.A couple of lawyers has been consulted for the purpose, The News has learnt. Since the judge under question commands financial integrity, the scope of investigation has been widened to look for procedural irregularities or anything else that can be used to make a point in the reference.A source privy to developments claims that allegedly certain omissions in date of birth of the judge is one of the reasons under discussion that can be challenged to thwart his elevation to the top position. How much credible is the omission remains to be seen as such attempts in the past backfired due to lack of evidence.A report on judges’ background prepared in the past describes him “generally regarded hardworking and honest judge.” It, however, mentions his penchant for harsh observations and also the freedom he exercises in decision-making. “He is soft spoken but harsh in observations on any legality coming to his notice…He is independent minded, believer of independence of judiciary and rule of law,” according to that report.There are seven judges in the present lot who will become chief justices in coming years. Justice Gulzar Ahmed tops in the list. He will succeed Justice Asif Saeed Khosa in December 2019 remaining chief justice until February 2, 2022. Justice Umar Ata Bandial will replace him to serve at the top position for the duration of nineteen month retiring on August 16, 2023.Justice Qazi Faez Isa will be the next. His stint will coincide with the general elections of 2023. There is a general impression that attempts of his premature removal have been launched to ensure that elections are not held under his watch. Justice Ijazul Hassan’s term starts afterward. He will replace Justice Isa and serve as chief justice for ten months.After that, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah will be the senior most judge who will come in. He will hold the position for over two years retiring on November 26, 2027. Justice Munib Akhtar will be the next to elevate. He will hold the slot for more than one year till December 13, 2028. The last and seventh chief justice from the present lot will be Justice Yahya Afridi who will preside over the Supreme Court for more than one year and retire on January 22, 2030.

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KP Assembly polls in tribal districts 297 to contest for 16 general seats

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PESHAWAR: Amid uncertainty surrounding the July 2 provincial assembly elections in the erstwhile Fata due to pending legislation, a total of 297 people are in the field to contest 16 general seats.The Election Commission of Pakistan on Friday issued final list of 297 candidates for 16 general seats in erstwhile Fata. A total of 122 candidates have withdrawn their nomination papers.According to the final list, 12 candidates are in the run for the general seat in PK-100 Bajaur-I, 15 for PK-101 Bajaur-II, 12 for PK-102 Bajaur-III constituencies, 14 for PK-103 Mohmand-I, 18 for PK-104 Mohmand-II, 22 for PK-105 Khyber-1, 19 for PK-106 Khyber-II, 31 for PK-108 Kurram-I, 22 for PK-109 Kurram-II, 24 for PK-110 Orakzai, 19 for PK-111 North Waziristan-I, 20 for PK-112 North Waziristan-II, 20 for PK-113 South Waziristan-I, 21 for PK-114 South Waziristan-II and 10 are in the run for PK-115 for ex-frontier regions.Under the Constitution (Twenty Fifth Amendment) Act, 2018, the provincial assembly’s elections in the merged tribal districts have to be held within a year of the holding of the 2018 general elections.On May 13, the National Assembly passed the Constitution (Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019, which provided for increasing the provincial assembly seats for former Fata, including 24 general seats and six seats reserved for women and one for non-Muslims.The bill now awaits passage by the Senate. If it is passed, then the Election Commission of Pakistan will be bound to hold the provincial assembly polls in the former Fata within 18 months of the 2018 general elections.Meanwhile, the ECP has announced that the last date for receiving applications for postal ballots for government servants and people with disability is June 20 and for that of polling staff June 24.The first ever election for 16 general seats of provincial assembly would be held on July 2.

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Emerging crisis for IK

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Former president Pervez Musharraf could have stayed much longer in power if in March 2007 he had not forced the then Supreme Court chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry to resign. He was shocked when the ex-CJ said ‘no’.Are we going to see a similar kind of political-cum-judicial crisis for Prime Minister Imran Khan after Eidul Fitr or this time some better sense would prevail within the government to avert it?One thing is certain that the political temperature will go high in summer as no one from either side is ready to cool it down but the emerging judicial crisis could get serious if not handled properly and with political maturity.The government which has already confronted with serious economic and political crises cannot afford yet another crisis after NAB chairman’s controversy. So whosoever is behind the opening of ‘judicial front’ is not a friend of Prime Minister Imran Khan.President Arif Alvi who has been trying to make himself relevant with back-to-back events at the presidency created sensation when he sent references against Supreme Court Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who enjoys good reputation and strong enough to show dissent. The other is from Sindh High Court Justice KK Agha.Opposition parties have geared up for post-Eid movement and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has convened an All Parties Conference in the second week of June, which has now coincided with the first hearing of the SJC.The PPP which has tested the government in the first round in Islamabad when police used force to disperse party workers through baton charge and tear gas already decided to go all out with Maulana.The PML-N’s high command too have now directed its cadre to go head on with the government, both inside and outside the Parliament and stand with the lawyers in the case of three judges, who will be facing references.Under the present circumstances it will not be easy for a technocrat like Abdul Hafeez Shaikh to present the national budget on June 10 despite his experience under the previous PPP government. There could be pandemonium in the National Assembly on that day, Opposition sources said.One fails to understand why government has chosen this time to move references when the country is passing through serious economic crisis and rising price hike already raising questions about its one after another finance team.Sources said PM Imran Khan and Interior Minister Ijaz Shah’s silence over the PTM issue and attack on army’s check post did not go well within the Establishment.It was only after 48 hours of the attack that PM’s special assistant on information and broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan was asked to give her reaction on the incident. Earlier, the vocal minister Murad Saeed was the only one who spoke on the issue and that too without any policy guideline.Therefore, one fails to understand that under the present crisis who actually was interested in such a judicial reference and that too against the Judge, who is known for his repute and integrity. Opposition parties believe the move was politically motivated to bring judiciary under pressure and get rid of Justice Isa in particular.Pakistan Bar Council and Supreme Court Bar Association have reportedly showed their solidarity with the judges including Justice Qazi Isa of the Supreme Court and its appears that we may see lot of happenings before the first hearing of the Supreme Judicial Council on June 14 for which notices have already been issued to the Attorney General, who will appear as the public prosecutor.One has to wait and see what exact charges would be levelled against them but legal and political circles believe that some people within the government and certain quarters are not happy with some bold decisions of Justice Isa, who if survives the present crisis would be the chief justice of Pakistan, in the next few years.The move has already been criticised by the legal and political circles and the government faced embarrassment when the Additional Attorney General Zahid F. Ebrahim son of former judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Fakhruddin G. Ebrahim resigned under protest and thus created history. Never before, father and son had resigned on certain principles. FG Ebrahim was among the judges who did not take oath under Gen Zia’s PCO. He had even resigned as attorney general during Benazir Bhutto’s government as well.Zahid Ebrahim in his resignation clearly stated that the reference has nothing to do with any accountability but to tarnish the reputation of independent judiciary and judges.Sources said the government has moved the reference against the three judges at a time when it was already facing criticism for the alleged ‘video leak’ of NAB Chairman Justice Javed Iqbal (retd) through a private TV channel, owned by the person who was serving as a special assistant at the PM House and part of its ‘media team’.It is still premature to say the actual motive behind the ‘audio and video’ leak allegedly of NAB chairman with a woman, but apparently it could be an answer or warning to him for his reported ‘on the record and off the record’ talk with country’s leading columnist Javed Chaudhry.As situation stands today, NAB had denied the interview while the columnist stand by his column and was ready to face the consequences.Some believed that ‘media had been used’ in the controversy. The chairman leaked the information and the journalist picked it as his ‘scoop’. In a counter attack too the ‘video’ allegedly reached the channel and was aired.Political observers believe that it will be quite a challenge for the government in particular whether they will try to ease the tension or go ahead without giving any space to the Opposition and would go all out against former president Asif Ali Zardari and former premier Nawaz Sharif and their team and will not take any U-turn this time.Former president Pervez Musharraf badly misread the situation in 2007. One wonders whether ‘Kaptaan’ has read the wicket well before taking the risk of opening new fronts.The writer is a senior columnist and analyst of Geo, The News and JangTwitter: @MazharAbbasGEO

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PHC sets aside life imprisonment

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PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has set aside life imprisonment of a terror suspect due to lack of evidence.A division bench comprising Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth and Justice Abdul Shakoor set aside conviction of Jan Badshah. The sentence was awarded to him under Section 121, 121 A PPC read with section 27 of Action (in Aid of Civil Power) Regulation, 2011 by erstwhile APA Bara on October 2, 2010.Shabbir Hussain Gigyani, counsel for the convict, said that it was the appeal decided by the high court against conviction under Action (in Aid of Civil Power) Regulation, 2011. The lawyer argued that the sentence was awarded to the convict by the erstwhile APA Bara on allegations of his complicity with Lashkar-e-Islam, a banned militant organisation, for waging war against the state and participation in attack on armed forces. The lawyer said that the court acquitted the terror convict on grounds of lack of evidence and prior illegal detention by security forces.Dozens of such-like appeals have been filed in the PHC against conviction by erstwhile political agent and assistant political agent in terrorism charges on the reports of joint investigation teams.

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Two KP advisers, special assistants made ministers

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PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has granted the status of ministers to two advisors and as many special assistants.An official communiqué said those upgraded to ministers include Ziaullah Khan Bangash, the member provincial assembly who was an advisor to the chief minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, and Himayatullah Khan, advisor for Energy and Power.Abdul Karim Khan, MPA who was special assistant to the CM for Industries and Commerce, and Kamran Khan Bangash, MPA special assistant for Science and Technology and Information Technology were given the ministers status as well.

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Three new judges of PHC sworn in

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PESHAWAR: The three recently confirmed judges of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) took oath on Friday. Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth administered oath to the judges at a ceremony in Court Room No 1. The judges included Justice Muhammad Nasir Mehfooz, Justice Shakeel Ahmad and Justice Arshad Ali, appointed as additional judges of the high court.PHC judges, law officers from the office of the deputy attorney general and Advocate General Office, office-bearers of the PHC Bar Association and a number of lawyers attended the oath-taking ceremony.The total number of confirmed judges in the PHC has now reached 16. Currently, all the sitting judges are confirmed judges and the high court is short of four judges against the 20 sanctioned posts. The high court has also demanded five more judges after merger of erstwhile Fata due to high increase in number of cases.

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Jumatul Wida observed countrywide

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LAHORE: Jumatul Wida, the last Friday of Ramazan, was observed with traditional religious fervour and solemnity across the country. Millions of fast observing faithful thronged the mosques and other open places to offer Friday prayers in congregations.All large and small mosques across the provincial metropolis were specially decorated for the occasion and were crowded with believers to the capacity.Many religious organisations also observed Friday as Al-Quds Day to highlight the illegal occupation of Palestine by Israel for the last 71 years, taking out rallies and holding protests to divert media attention towards one of the oldest burning issues of the Muslim world. Many religious leaders appealed to the masses for observing Friday as Al-Quds Day and Kashmir Day to invite world attention towards the occupation of Muslim states by non-Muslim armies against the will of the masses and blatant violation of international laws. Clerics delivered Friday sermons condemning brutal killings of Palestinian and Kashmiri Muslims, and also the shifting of US embassy to Jerusalem.During the Friday prayers, people thronged to mosques in large numbers causing paucity of space which forced a number of people to offer prayers in the open areas outside the mosques under blazing May Sun. The managements of mosques had erected tents outside the main mosque buildings to create additional space for offering prayers. Despite that, people offered prayers on roads at many places.Imams and Khateeb, in their sermons called upon the Muslim Ummah to purify their souls in the holy month through greater dedication to prayer, seek forgiveness of Almighty Allah and be kind to fellow beings. They stressed for Muslim unity and called for making joint struggle for emancipation of Muslim world from the subjugation of colonial powers and Baitul Muqaddas from the clutches of Israel.They laid emphasis on maintaining harmony and asked the people to beware of the miscreants and anti-state elements who wanted to create hatred among the followers of various schools of thought. They called for greater unity among the Muslims to counter the challenges. They made special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, and unity of Muslims of the world.Prayers were also offered for independence of Kashmir, Palestine and other parts of the world where Muslims are engaged in struggle for their rights of self-determination.Shia Ulema Council (SUC) took out a rally on Mall Road after Friday prayers in connection with the Al-Quds Day which was observed by the organisation on the appeal of its patron Allama Sajid Ali Naqvi. Large number of women and children were also among the participants and were raising slogans for the cause of Al-Quds.The leaders while speaking to the participants, emphasised that Muslim renaissance organisations like Hamas, Akhwanul Muslimoon and Hizbullah were not terrorist but were striving for the rights of Muslims, ensuring their independence from the Zionists yoke and for the re-establishment of independent state of Palestine in the areas it had before 1948 and with the Al-Aqsa mosque restored to its historic status.They stressed for the need of greater unity among Muslim schools of thought to foil the enemy conspiracies. Another rally was taken out by Majlis Wahdat Muslemin from Islampura to the Faisal Chowk.The MWM leaders demanded immediate liberation of Palestine, Kashmir, and other Muslim lands from the occupation of non-Muslim powers through the same formula applied on East Timor and South Sudan. Badshahi Masjid chief Khateeb Dr Abdul Khabeer Azad delivered Friday sermon on the issue of illegal occupation of Palestine and Kashmir, and later staged a demonstration outside the masjid for the liberation Al-Quds.Our correspondent from Hafizabad adds: The faithful observed the Jumatul Wida amid tight security here.The Ulema during their Juma sermons asked the people to get united on one platform to foil the nefarious designs of the anti-Islamic forces. They appealed to the people to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. They demanded the government introduce the Islamic system in the country.OKARA: Activists of the MWM and other Shia organisations on Friday took out various rallies to observe the Al-Quds Day across the country.In Okara, the participants carrying banners and placards chanted slogans against the Israel and the US. In Depalpur, a rally started from outside the Imambargah Sajadia which later culminated at Madina Chowk. Syed Anwarul Haq Zaidi led the rally. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the Israel’s aggression was a great danger for the world peace, particularly for the Muslim World.The Israeli forces were killing the innocent Palestinians, he added. He demanded the government play true and effective role for the Muslim world’s complete unity.

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Over 13pc Pakistani teenagers use tobacco

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Islamabad: As world observed World No Tobacco Day Friday, Pakistan bears a huge burden of tobacco with as many as 19.1 per cent adults using tobacco in any form, men 31.8 per cent and women 5.8 per cent.According to World Health Organisation (WHO), among the youth (13-15 years of age), the prevalence is 13.3 and 6.6 per cent among boys and girls respectively.As per Global Adult Tobacco Survey that was conducted in Pakistan in 2014, the current adult tobacco smokers and smokeless tobacco users were 12.4 per cent and 7.7 per cent respectively and exposure to second hand smoke was 48.3 per cent. On the conservative estimates keeping in view the increase in population, tobacco attributable deaths may amount to 227,000 per year.On this occasion, the Human Development Foundation (HDF) organised a march to commemorate World No Tobacco Day. HDF also put up streamers on main A.K. Fazal-e-Haq road, Blue Area to raise awareness about tobacco consumption and associated diseases. Representatives from Pakistan National Association for Heart (PANAH) also joined HDF in this march.The World No-Tobacco Day is marked annually on May 31 to raise awareness on the negative health impact of tobacco and to advocate for effective tobacco control policies and laws. On this occasion, Chief Executive Officer HDF Azhar Saleem emphasized that countries throughout the world have been taking measures with regards to policies and laws to tackle the problem of tobacco consumption. He stated that Pakistan can also adopt and learn from the successful measures taken by other countries.

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Pervez Khattak continues to show political clout in KP

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PESHAWAR: Federal Defence Minister Pervez Khattak may be in some trouble as the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) is investigating him for misuse of power, but he showed his political clout recently by getting his younger brother Liaqat Khattak appointed as a provincial minister ahead of other potential candidates in their native Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.There has been talk of inducting more ministers in the provincial cabinet for months or reshuffling the cabinet and changing portfolios. The several candidates for the cabinet berths were hopeful that they would be inducted in the cabinet in one go but that didn't happen and only Liaqat Khattak was administered oath as minister.Liaqat Khattak, who won the provincial assembly seat, PK-64 Nowshera, vacated by Pervez Khattak in the by-election held in October last year, was being mentioned as a top contender for a berth in the cabinet. He not only became a minister but also got the prized irrigation portfolio. In fact, it appears as if this portfolio was kept for him even though the wait got a bit longer than anticipated.Pervez Khattak too had remained irrigation minister in the province before he rose in the ranks to become the chief minister.Pervez Khattak had won three seats - one in the National Assembly and two in the KP Assembly - in the July 2018 general election. He vacated the two provincial assembly seats. The second seat, PK-61 Nowshera, was won by his son Ibrahim Khattak.Pervez Khattak, who has been in politics for nearly 35 years, has been promote his family members in politics. Apart from his brother Liaqat Khattak and son Ibrahim Khattak, other members of his family include lawmakers Nafeesa Khattak and Sajida Begum, who are his sister-in-law and niece, respectively. Among them is also his son-in-law Dr Imran Khattak, who is also the elected MNA from Nowshera.

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Wapda chief visits Mohmand Dam project site

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PESHAWAR: Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Chairman Lt Gen (Retd) Muzammil Hussain and a jirga of local elders headed by local MNA Sajid Khan on Friday visited Mohmand Dam project site to witness construction work on the access roads on banks of River Swat.The 15.5-kilometre road starting from Munda headworks would provide access for construction of the dam’s spillway and irrigation tunnels. The project authorities and representatives of the contractor and consultants were also present on the occasion.Wapda has already accomplished several activities relating to construction of the project, including setting up of a weather station in the project area, installation of gauging instruments at the river to measure the discharge of water and carrying out initial geo-tech boring for construction of the structures.

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LHC orders action against false testimony

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LAHORE: The Lahore High Court Friday ordered the district & sessions judge Layyah to initiate action against a man for giving a “false testimony” in a gang-rape case.Justice Asjad Javed Ghural was hearing an appeal of a prime convict in the gang-rape case when it transpired that testimony of one of the prosecution witnesses namely Muhammad Sharif had been found false. The judge observed that the people guilty of giving false witnesses in courts did not deserve any leniency. The judge directed the sessions judge of Layyah to initiate action against the prosecution witness for giving false testimony under perjury charges and submit a compliance report.A trial court of Layyah had handed down 25-year imprisonment to Mudassir Manzoor and other suspects. The appellant had pleaded that the trial court announced the verdict contrary to the facts of the case and on the basis of false testimonies presented by the complainant woman. He stated that the trial court acquitted other suspects but convicted him without any cogent evidence against him.Hearing a murder appeal during February last, Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa had taken exception to false statements in the courts. He had observed that the false witnesses would soon be behind the bars and the entire system would be back on right track as soon as a couple of perjurers were imprisoned for life. The chief justice had also stated that the judges handing down sentences on the basis of false testimonies should also be held accountable.

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Punjab CS orders restoring non-functional water supply schemes

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LAHORE: Punjab Chief Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar on Friday directed all the deputy commissioners in the province to ensure foolproof security arrangements on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.Addressing a video link meeting of the deputy commissioners (DCs) here, the chief secretary directed the DCs that security plan for Eid be finalised in consultation with the district vigilance committees and stakeholders. He said that special attention should be paid to the security of mosques, imambargahs, Eid congregations.He also issued instructions to the officers concerned regarding the cleanliness arrangements on the occasion of Eid. He mentioned that Pakistanis expatriates were an asset to the country. The Overseas Pakistanis Commission, Punjab, should extend full cooperation to them in resolving their problems and their pending cases should be disposed of on priority. He ordered the DCs to ensure early resolution of complaints received through Pakistan Citizen Portal. He said that Pakistan Citizen Portal would go a long way in improving governance. He added that he would regularly review the progress in this regard.Another direction issued by the CS to the DCs was about achieving targets of water tax collection. Implementation and Coordination Secretary Masood Mukhtar briefed the meeting that focal persons had been appointed in all the provincial departments as well as in the offices of DCs regarding Pakistan Citizen Portal.He said progress on the complaints was monitored on a daily basis and a special cell had been established in the CS’s office for the purpose. The meeting was attended by the administrative secretaries of different departments, Lahore division commissioner and other officers concerned.Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Secretary Yousaf Naseem Khokhar directed the Housing and Urban Development Department to prepare a comprehensive plan for restoration of non-functional water supply schemes in the province and their conversion to solar energy.He said this while chairing a meeting at Civil Secretariat. It was decided in the meeting to allocate Rs 200 million for conversion of the existing water supply schemes to solar energy.The CS said that provision of clean drinking to people was top priority of the government, adding that like cities steps were being taken to ensure supply of clean drinking water to the rural areas as well. He directed the housing secretary that proper planning be done for the success of such projects of public importance in future.He said that Water and Power Division should be approached for restoration of water supply schemes which were non-functional only due to unavailability of electricity or faulty transformers.

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Community policing enhancing service delivery: IGP Punjab

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LAHORE: Punjab Inspector General of Police Cap (retd) Arif Nawaz Khan has said that Punjab police is working to maintain law and order along with the speedy solution of the problems of public according to the principles of community policing which is also enhancing the service delivery and trust between public and police.He expressed these views during a meeting with provincial ministers Nauman Ahmad Langrial and Sardar Asif Nakai. During the meeting law and order situation and issues of mutual interest were discussed.The IG Punjab said SP complaints in all districts were working to resolve the public complaints with ensuring timely registration of FIR. He also informed the meeting about new projects and reforms in policing system. He said Punjab police has established Police Khidmat Marakaz in all districts where citizens are availing 14 different services about police under one roof. Provincial ministers praised the security arrangements during Ramazan and said due to the effective actions by Punjab police the incidents of terrorism had declined significantly where as research on 8,787 IGP complaint cell and Khidmat Marakaz by renowned educational institutes was evidence of its success. They said Punjab police was equal to developed forces of the world in terms of IT usage and the IT projects of Punjab police were worth adoption and replication by police forces of other provinces.

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Heatwave intensifies as Lahore sizzles at 46°C

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LAHORE: Heat wave intensified forcing majority of citizens to stay indoor as mercury reached 46°C here Friday while Met office predicted similar weather conditions during the next 24 hours.Met officials said that maximum temperature in Lahore reached 46°C at airport while in city area it was 44.8°C whereas minimum temperature also reached 29.5°C. Following the intensity of the heat wave, majority of the citizens preferred to stay indoor resulting in a deserted look in city markets and on major city roads.A large number of people mostly youngsters reached city canal to beat the heat, which resulted in disruption of traffic at several points, including Thokar Niaz Baig, Punjab University, FC College, Dharampura, Mughalpura, Taj Bagh and Jalo More.Met officials said that continental air is prevailing over most parts of the country. A shallow westerly wave is present over upper parts of the country. They predicted that mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country today (Saturday). However, dust-thunderstorm/ rain is expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Kohat, Peshawar, Bannu and Kashmir.No rainfall was witnessed at any part of the country. Friday’s maximum temperature was recorded at Jacobabad and Larkana where mercury reached 50°C while it was 49°C at Dadu and 48°C at Sukkur, Mohen-Jo-Daro, Noorpur Thal, RY Khan and Bahawalnagar.

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Peshawar city

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PESHAWAR: Provincial Minister for Local Government, Elections and Rural Development Shahram Khan Tarakai has said that the Peshawar city is gaining its beauty again after the completion of civil work on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. "Flowers and plants are being planted again which will enhance the beauty of the city," Shahram Khan said in a video message. The video shows the main roads with green belts where new plants, flowers and grass have been planted.

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Stunning photo of Suhana Khan from a wedding

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Shah Rukh Khan's daughter Suhana Khan has a huge fan following even though she has entered the film industry yet. Her pictures and videos take the internet by storm in no time.

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Vivek accidentally promotes Salman's 'Bharat'

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed a number of bigwigs of Bollywood. And amongst them was Vivek Oberoi who also played the titular in Modi biopic.

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Kangana, KJo, Rajini at PM Modi's swearing-in

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An array of celebrities from the world of entertainment is present at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony today. The event is currently taking place in Delhi this evening.

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Salman fan apologises to Sona Mohapatra

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Singer Sona Mohapatra had yesterday took to Twitter to reveal that she received a death threat from a fan of Bollywood actor Salman Khan after the singer criticized him for repeatedly taking digs at actress Priyanka Chopra .

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Salman, Big B, Bebo at Veeru's prayer meet

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Ajay and wife Kajol arrived first along with daughter Nysa. They were joined in by Bollywood personalities like Chunky Panday and wife Bhavana, Kabir Bedi and wife Parveen Dusanj, Ritesh Sidhwani, Vipul Shah and Shefali Shah.

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PC's unseen videos at Jonas Bros concert

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Global sensation Priyanka Chopra and singer Nick Jonas are one of the most adored couples in Bollywood. The lovebirds shell major couple goals ever since they made their first public appearance together. Proud wife PeeCee cheers for her hubby Nick and shells out some major relationship goals. Recently, some unseen videos of Priyanka have surfaced on the Internet from one of the Jonas Brother's concert and it is unmissable!

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Jackie advised Tiger to listen more& talk less

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Though Jackie has given him a few life lessons, the father-son don’t discuss work

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Ayushmann starrer ‘Article 15’ trailer released

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After intriguing the viewers with the poster and teaser, the makers unveiled the trailer of ‘Article 15’ and apart from sending a chill running down your spine, it is sure to make you sit right up and think.

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
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Janhvi & Ishaan's hilarious social media banter

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Janhvi Kapoor made her Bollywood debut last year with Shashank Khaitan's 'Dhadak' alongside Ishaan Khatter. The duo not only won over the audience with their stellar performances but their sizzling chemistry on the silver screen too became the talk of the town.

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Ishita's post hinting at Siddharth Chopra?

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Ishita was soon seen moving on in her life by taking up a job in London. She recently shared a cryptic post on her Instagram handle and although it has been directed towards nobody, netizens have been speculating that it might be hinting at her Siddharth.

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Katrina talks about her equation with Salman

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In an interview, Katrina talked about her equation with Salman and said, "Salman is receptive towards what you bring to table as an actor. When I came on the set, I was 1000 per cent prepared. Salman accorded me respect for that. We share a respectful equation. Honestly, I don’t cross the line with him. People may not understand this. Ours is a healthy equation."

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Kangana, Karan attend PM Modi’s swearing-in

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If all goes as planned, an array of celebrities from the world of entertainment will be present at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony today. The event is scheduled to take place in Delhi this evening. The list that BT has received from well-informed industry sources includes names like Rajinikanth, Rajkumar Hirani, Aanand L Rai, Karan Johar, Mahaveer Jain, Shahid

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Thursday, 30 May 2019

Tanuja hospitalised due to abdominal pain

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Veteran Bollywood actress Tanuja is undergoing treatment for abdominal pain at a hospital here.

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
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Saif, Bhushan visit Ajay Devgn's residence

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Ajay's co-star in his upcoming film 'Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior', Saif Ali Khan and the film's producer Bhushan Kumar paid a visit to his house today.

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
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Veeru arrived with fighters to save Ajay

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The B-town recently mourned the death of the popular action director and Ajay Devgn's father Veeru Devgan. Veeru Devgan breathed his last on May 27.

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This is why Sushmita joined Instagram

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The dazzling diva Sushmita Sen who recently marked the silver jubilee of her Miss Universe crown revealed the story behind joining the Instagram.

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
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Salman confesses he needs to learn dancing

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Salman Khan was promoting his upcoming film ‘Bharat’ at a dance reality show and watching the talented kids perform the actor was indeed left dumbstruck. The actor reportedly declared that he needs to start dancing too.

from Latest Entertainment News, Movies News, Celebrity News, Breaking News | Entertainment - Times of India
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PM Khan to represent Pakistan in OIC Summit

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The 14th Summit of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will be held in the Saudi holy city of Makkah on Friday.   The title of the conference is “Mecca Summit: Together for the Future.” The summit to be chaired by King Salman aims to develop a unified stance on current issues and events in the Islamic world. Prime ...

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Fund to prop up stock market in 7-10 days likely: SECP chairman

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KARACHI: The government is putting together a fund with contributions from banks and insurance firms to buy stocks through a state-owned asset management company, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).The fund, proposed by brokers this month, will be similar to the one that helped stabilise the Karachi Stocks Exchange after the 2008 financial crisis, international media reported.The regulator has eased norms to allow companies to buy back more of their shares and is drawing up rules for allowing smaller firms and fintech startups to list with less stringent reporting standards. The measures aim to arrest a two-year slide in the stock market.“The fund is under serious consideration to be launched hopefully by next week to 10 days,’’ SECP Chairman Farrukh Sabzwari said in an interview. “You’ll get more color in the next few days” on the fund’s composition and size, he said.Pakistan’s return to emerging-market status at MSCI in June 2017 proved to be a nightmare for investors, as it sparked outflows instead of the expected foreign inflows. The benchmark index has since slumped 31%, and trades at one of the lowest valuations for any market at just over six times projected earnings.Traders in Karachi are no strangers to government support measures. A similar fund by the National Investment Trust in early 2009 put the market on a recovery path. Between the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008 and the nation’s upgrade to an emerging market, Karachi’s benchmark index surged 300% in dollar terms, the best stock-market performance in the world.The market cheered the proposal, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index surging 2.6% at 10:46 a.m. local time, set for the highest level in almost a month. “Investors are upbeat after the chairman commits a timeline for the fund,’ said Gohar Rasool, head of international sales at Intermarket Securities Ltd.

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Mepco detects 101 power thieves

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MULTAN: The Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) detected 101 power thieves who stole 325,000 electricity units from southern Punjab districts. According to Mepco officials, the company has imposed Rs 4,692,000 fine on the power thieves and also registered criminal cases against six people. The power thieves were found stealing electricity by tempering meters, slowing down meters’ speed and getting electricity from direct sources.

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Young, educated boys part of criminal gangs in KP: experts

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PESHAWAR: A number of young and educated locals were part of various gangs busted by the police in the last few years for involvement in criminal activities and terrorism, it has been learnt.A source said that a large number of those held by the police in recent months for involvement in street crimes were young boys in their 20s, mostly from poor families. The source said that a gang of robbers and snatchers busted by the Peshawar Police recently was so ruthless that its members fired at anyone offering resistance. The three members of the gang were hardly 20, the source added. They were arrested when they opened fire on policeman after shooting and injuring a doctor.A large number of members of around 45 gangs that we have busted in the last almost three months are young boys, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Peshawar, Zahoor Babar Afridi told The News. He added that joblessness, poverty and addiction to various drugs made them commit crimes.The street crimes had recorded an increase in recent months as a large number of gangs of young men were operating in different parts of Peshawar. Many gangs were busted and several of its members rounded up.Most of those held were young men aged 18 to 30 years. They used to commit a crime riding an unregistered motorbike and run away, said a junior police officer. Those held are mostly released from jail after a few months due to lack of evidence, poor investigation or other reasons. Once released, they become a cause of trouble for the public and police.A source said that apart from street criminals, the majority of militants held by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the KP Police during the past years were young men. According to data of the CTD from September 2014 till end of 2017, many of those held were between the ages of 20 and 30.Around 378 of the held militants were from the age group of 20 to 25 while another 330 were from aged 26 to 30, the source said. It added that 140 of them were even less than 20, mostly teenagers.Apart from young boys, many of those held by the police and CTD in the last few years for involvement in acts of terrorism and crime included graduates and even postgraduates, a source said.The source said that a young man held in connection with terrorism a few weeks back told the court that he had done engineering. Around 1,650 militants were held from September 2014 to December 2017. Among them 36 were graduates while 36 had obtained postgraduate degrees, the source added.The militants were held for various offenses including terrorist attacks, target killings, extortion, kidnappings, etc during the last over three years. Apart from the graduates or postgraduates, there were around 100 others who had passed their intermediate examination. Around 274 had done their matriculation, said the source.

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500 cops deployed for security at capital’s shopping centres, main markets

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Islamabad: The Islamabad Police have deployed 500 policemen at important places, shopping centres, main markets from this week till Chand Rat for the maximum safety and convenience to public.Eid shopping will be at peak in Capital during the on-going week following which IGP Islamabad Muhammad Aamir Zulfiqar and DIG (Operations) Waqar Uddin Syed have directed to beef up security arrangements and ensure effective patrolling as well as vigilance in the city.On their special instructions, police spokesman said that Additional SP Hassam bin Iqbal has devised security deputing police contingents at all important places, shopping centres, main markets for the safety of public.Police Commandos have been deployed at different places apart from patrolling by ASPs, DSPs, Inspectors and provision of more strength to police stations. All the Police Stations have been directed to ensure fool proof security arrangements in their respective areas.More than 500 policemen in form of various teams headed by Zonal DSPs, Inspectors, beat officers will be deployed in the whole districts. In main markets and shopping centres, policemen would perform security duties from 4 pm to 12 am. DSPs will overall supervise security arrangements in their respective areas and report to Zonal SPs.

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KP govt asked to cancel contract of plaza construction

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MANSEHRA: Tehsil council Mansehra through a unanimous resolution has demanded the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to cancel contract agreement of Jinnah Plaza being constructed at a cost of Rs220 million to enhance the revenue of the tehsil municipal administration.We have detected some ambiguities in the award of Rs220 million construction contract of Jinnah Plaza and provincial government should immediately cancel it and adopt a fresh procedure to avoid any corruption and mismanagement, Raja Ayaz, the tehsil councillor, told the council before tabling his resolution in the council on Wednesday.Tehsil Nazim Umar Farooq also addressed the council, which met with acting convener Khalid Qureshi in the chair. Ayaz said that Jinnah Plaza was being built at the land, which was previously used as a terminal for government transport.Speaking on the occasion, Farooq said that land had been acquired for dumping ground with an amount of Rs1 million where garbage collected from across the city was disposed of. I have an amount of Rs8.5 million surplus, which would equally be distributed among councillors for the development schemes, he added.

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Japanese envoy hands over four ambulances to PRCS

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Islamabad: The Government of Japan formalised the donation of four state-of-the-art high-roof ambulances to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) at a handing over ceremony here at the PRCS Headquarters.Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan and Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda were the special guests at the iftar dinner-cum-handover ceremony.Speaking on the occasion, Firdous said, service to humanity is the supreme service and in this realm, PRCS had made its name at the national and international levels. She thanked Japan for always standing by Pakistan, for extending humanitarian assistance, and for launching woman empowerment programmes in the country.The Japanese Ambassador appreciated the humanitarian services of PRCS and assured that the Government of Japan would continue to cooperate with the organization in the future as well.The Chairman of PRCS Dr. Saeed Elahi thanked the Government of Japan for donating ambulances to PRCS and bearing expenses on their upgradation, re-fabrication, and transportation. He said, a proposal had also been forwarded to the Japanese government for provision of four more such ambulances and hoped that PRCS would soon get them to increase its fleet of ambulances.The ceremony was attended by PRCS officers and members of PRCS Governing Body and Chairman of NDMA, among others. The guests also visited the Regional Blood Donor Centre (RBDC).

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Swabi varsity VC awarded RES fellowship

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PESHAWAR: University of Swabi Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr Imtiaz Ali Khan, has been awarded the prestigious fellowship of the Royal Entomological Society (RES) of London. The fellows are entitled to make use of the title Fellows of the Royal Entomological Society and the suffix FRES is regarded as an academic qualification.

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Youth shot dead in Mansehra

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MANSEHRA: A man killed his young cousin over unknown reasons in Pulrah area of the district on Wednesday. Mohammad Umar following exchange of harsh words allegedly fired at Ahsan Ali, 12, leaving him seriously injured. He was rushed to the King Abdullah Teaching Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

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Anti-dengue walk held in Lakki Marwat

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LAKKI MARWAT: The district administration with the support of the health department held anti-dengue walk at district headquarters complex, Tajazai, to raise awareness among people about the dangers of the disease. Deputy Commissioner Jehangir Azam Wazir led the walk which started from his office and culminated at the same point after passing on the road in front of government departments buildings.

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Federal govt promises all assistance to merged districts

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PESHAWAR: A high-level meeting to review the social and economic needs of the merged districts of erstwhile Federally Administrated Tribal Areas (Fata) was held Wednesday under the chairmanship of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh.KP Minister for Finance Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra, Adviser to Prime Minister for Establishment Mohammad Shehzad Arbab, Federal Secretary Finance Naveed Kamran Baloch and other relevant senior officials attended the meeting.Giving a presentation, Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra, briefed the meeting about the financial requirements of the merged districts. He said the Fata Development Funds would be utilized for the development of the social sector, particularly, health and education of the former tribal agencies, besides improving road and electricity infrastructure in the area.The prime minister s adviser on finance informed the meeting that the federal government would extend all possible assistance to erstwhile Fata to fulfil its needs and support Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in its endeavours to work for the social and economic development of the merged districts of Fata. He assured the meeting that the Ministry of Finance would timely process releasing of funds for the merged districts.The meeting was informed that the federal government had disbursed sufficient funds on the rehabilitation of temporarily displaced persons (TDPs) of the former tribal agencies. After considerable deliberation, the meeting agreed on allocating funds for merged districts in upcoming federal and provincial budgets for the fiscal year, 2019-20 to fulfil the social and economic needs of erstwhile Fata on priority basis until the finalization of National Finance Commission Award.

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PBM releases funds for bringing back Pakistanis stranded in Malaysia

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Islamabad: Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) has released Rs40 million in order to bring back the stranded Pakistanis in Malaysia.MD, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, Aon Abbas Buppi highlighted the media along with Special Assistant to PM on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari and Minister for Aviation Division Ghulam Sarwar in PBM Head Office, Islamabad. Special Assistant to Prime Minister told the media that the initiative has been taken in compliance of Prime Minister’s order issued last day. “This is first ever government in the history of the country which is very concerned to address the snags of overseas Pakistanis.” he said.Minister for Aviation Division Ghulam Sarwar termed this step a source of happiness for the detainees Pakistanis and their families. While expressing his pleasure on the act of kindness, MD PBM Aon Abbas Buppi said that the individuals would be able to celebrate Eidul Fitr with their families due to timely action of Prime Minister Imran khan and this initiative reflects the ‘Ehsas’ of present Government for the vulnerable Pakistani citizens. On the occasion,Aon Abbas Buppi presented a cheque of Rs.40 million to Special Assistant to Prime Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bukhari and Minister for Aviation Division Ghulam Sarwar Khan on account of Flight’s partial payment to Pakistan International Airlines for bringing the stranded Pakistanis back from Malaysia.

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KP Food Authority seals six sweet production units

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PESHAWAR: The KP Food Authority in two different operations sealed six sweets production units and discarded 500 litres of adulterated milk on Wednesday.Director Operations Khalid Khan Khattak said the night squad raids on the Phandu Road, sealed six sweets production units over using non-food graded colours and unhygienic conditions. All the produced items were discarded.Assistant Director Food Safety Saira Nisar, while checking milk carrying vehicles at Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway Toll plaza, discarded over 500 litres of adulterated milk. She said that 17 samples were taken from vehicles entering Peshawar for chemical analysis.The official said no sample was found positive for chemical adulteration but water mixing test was found positive and the team discarded the supply. It may be mentioned here that KP Food Authority Director General Riaz Khan Mahsud issued special directives to launch a crackdown against bakers involved in sweet storage for Eid Festival. He directed night squad to conduct special raids to check sweet production units, godowns and cold storages for to curb storage of sweet and bakery items before Eid.

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Three bakeries selling unhygienic food sealed in Kohat

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KOHAT: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety Authority sealed three bakeries for selling sweets prepared from harmful ingredients and expired products, officials said on Wednesday.A special team, comprising Assistant Director Rukhsar Ali and Food Safety Officer Salman Ahmad and formed on directives of Deputy Director Operations Kamran Khan, inspected 27 outlets mostly bakeries on Pindi Road in Kohat late Tuesday night.Talking to media persons, Kamran Khan said three production units of bakeries were sealed for using nonfood colours in manufacturing, selling rotten breads and cold drinks and having severe unhygienic conditions.He said about 250kg sweets prepared by use of harmful colours along with expired and rotten breads were discarded during the inspection. The official added the operations against fake, substandard and expired products in Kohat region was in full swing and no-one would be allowed to play with the lives of innocent people.

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Senior journalist Idrees Bakhtiar passes away

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KARACHI: Senior journalist Idrees Bakhtiar, who embodied an institution for training for budding journalists, passed away after a brief illness here on Wednesday. He was 75.Bakhtiar was not keeping well for some time. His health once again deteriorated after he was returning home after Iftar reception hosted by the Karachi Union of Journalists (Dastoor) at the Karachi Press Club on Saturday.He was shifted to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Karachi, where he was put on ventilator after angioplasty on Tuesday. He breathed his last at the NICVD on Wednesday. He leaves behind a widow, three sons, and five daughters among the bereaved family.Born on Feb 24, 1945, Idrees Bakhtiar enjoyed the stature of a teacher for newcomers in journalism. He obtained his Master’s Degree from the Sindh University, Jamshoro, in 1971. He entered the field of journalism by joining the Daily Indus Times, Hyderabad. Later he moved to Karachi where he remained associated with the news agency Pakistan Press International from 1969 to 1973.Later, he switched to the renowned monthly news magazine Herald as its chief reporter and later as its associate editor from August 1980 to November 2012. From May 1992 to February 2007, he also worked for the British Broadcasting Corporation which earned him fame among the listeners of radio news in Pakistan at that time.He also worked as the correspondent of British newspaper Daily Telegraph in Pakistan. Bakhtiar also worked as In-charge Editor of Urdu News, Jeddah. His last journalistic assignment was the head of the editorial committee of the Geo News. He also contributed a regular column for Daily Jang. The federal government in recognition of his journalistic services also honoured him with the Pride of Performance. He was also active for the cause of journalists welfare. Idrees remained the President of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (Dastoor) from 2011 to 2014. He was an integral part of the effort to unite all factions of PFUJ for the unity of the journalistic fraternity. Funeral prayers of Idrees Bakhtiar will be offered at Masjid Faheem Wasim Bagh, Block 13-D, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, on Thursday after Zuhr prayers. He will be laid to rest at the Yaseenabad graveyard.Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail expressed deep sorrow and grief over the death of the senior journalist. He prayed for the departed soul. Ismail also condoled with the bereaved family. He said the journalistic services of late Idrees Bakhtiar would always be remembered.In his condolence message, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while expressing deep sorrow over his demise, said the deceased was a top journalist as well as a superb human being. The Sindh chief minister said the journalistic services of late Bakhtiar would always be remembered. Murad also prayed for the departed soul. Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Idrees Bakhtiar. Bilawal said Bakhtiar’s journalistic career spanning over five decades was like an unforgettable history of journalism in Pakistan. While condoling with the bereaved family members, the PPP chairman also prayed for the departed soul. The President of Karachi Union of Journalists (Dastoor) Tariq Abdul Hassan, KUJ (Dastoor) General Secretary Muhammad Arif Khan, and its other office-bearers also expressed profound grief and sorrow over demise of Idrees Bakhtiar.Meanwhile, the office-bearers and the executive committee of the Karachi Union of Journalists expressed their condolence over the demise of Idrees Bakhtiar. Ashraf Khan and Ahmed Malik Khan, the president and general secretary of the KUJ respectively, offered their condolences with the bereaved family. President of the other faction of KUJ Hassan Abbas and Secretary Aijaz Jamali, PFUJ President GM Jamali also expressed deep sorrow and grief over his demise.

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UK agency unearths three properties bought through Rs15.21 bn unexplained wealth

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LONDON: The National Crime Agency (NCA) has secured three Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWO) as part of a major investigation into London property linked to a politically exposed person believed to be involved in serious crime in a foreign country.A spokesman of the NCA told The News that the UWOs, which were obtained at the High Court last week, are for three residential properties in prime locations – originally bought for more than £80m (approx Rs15.21 billion) and held by offshore companies.The NCA investigators are looking into the funds used to purchase the properties by a PEP and who is from the Non-European Economic Area (NEEA) and not a British national. The court has also granted Interim Freezing Orders to the NCA which means that the properties cannot be sold, transferred or dissipated while the investigation continues.Andy Lewis, Head of Asset Denial at the NCA, said: “This is the second time the NCA has successfully secured UWOs since the new legislation was enacted. They are a powerful tool in being able to investigate illicit finance flowing into the UK and discourage it happening in the first place. The individuals behind these offshore companies now have to explain how the three properties were obtained. The NCA will not shy away from complex and detailed investigations against high profile individuals and professional enablers.”Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Economic Crime Centre said: “The purchase of prime property in London is a tactic used to launder money and we will use all the powers available to us to target those who try to do this.“A priority for the NECC is to ensure we explore every opportunity to deny assets linked to illicit finance. Our aim is to prevent misuse of the UK’s financial structures which undermines the integrity of the UK’s economy and institutions.”As part of a separate case in February 2018, the National Crime Agency obtained UWOs against two London properties believed to belong to jailed Azerbaijani banker Jahangir Hajiyev and his wife Zamira Hajiyeva.The NCA secured UNWO’s against three properties as details of the properties and the spending spree of an Ajerbaijani family were laid bare in public on Tuesday after a tranche of documents was released to media by a London High Court judge.It emerged that Mrs Hajiyeva, the wife of jailed Azerbaijani banker Jahangir Hajiyev, 57, blew £600,000 in a single day during a decade-long spending spree as she splashed out on some of the world’s most expensive brands at the Harrod’s shopping centre.She spent £5.75 million at jewellers Boucheron and Cartier, and paid six-figure sums shopping for fashion brands including Dennis Basso, Celine, Fendi and Christian Dior.The NCA wants to know whether the couple could afford to buy an £11.5 million Knightsbridge house a few minutes’ walk from Harrods and a £10.5 million golf club in Ascot, Berkshire.Two Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) were granted against mother-of-three Mrs Hajiyeva a few months ago while a judge found she spent more than £16 million in the luxury department store between September 2006 and June 2016.The court released 107 pages of receipts from Harrods. The receipts show that Zamira Hajiyeva made payments of £16,309,077.87 from 2006 to 2016. Among other things, she bought £24,000 worth of tea and coffee spending £10,000 on fruit and veg, and £32,000 on Godiva chocolates. She splashed out £4.9m on Boucheron and Cartier jewellery and £300,000 on French couture label Celine. A further £251,000 was spent in the famous toy department and tens of thousands on Disney princess experiences at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Zamira Hajiyeva spent £3.5m on Boucheron jewellery and £1.4m on Cartier in Harrods.

from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EFqrq4
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‘1,200 children start smoking daily in Pakistan’

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s population consists of 60% youth below the age of 25 while around 1200 children start smoking every day due to affordable prices of cigarettes.This data has been revealed in a knowledge and fact sharing session on tobacco, organized by Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC).Babar bin Atta, Prime Minister’s focal person for polio eradication and tobacco control, issued a statement mentioning that Pakistan is one of the fifteen countries in the world with heavy burden of tobacco related health issues.Around 1000 to 1200 Pakistani children between ages of 6-15 years start smoking every day, reported Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2015. It said the healthcare burden of smoking stands at Rs143 billion compared to Rs83 billion revenue generation.Sajjad Ahmad Cheema, SPARC executive director, said cultural and social habits fascinating minors. Tobacco companies are targeting the markets of minors and women to expand their future markets by expanding business. He said there are laws to control tobacco sales for minors to promote the healthy lifestyles. Reduce smoking results in better health and budgetary profit. He said the companies promoting e-cigarettes are less harmful as compared to traditional smoking.Colonel (r) Azhar Saleem, CEO of HDF, presented a report titled “Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smokers Health Ordinance, 2002”. He pressed on stopping people from smoking in public, near educational institutes and restriction on sale of cigarettes to under 18 people.Dr Ziauddin Islam, of Tobacco Control Cell, said the volume of illicit trade is very low as claimed by the tobacco industry and the data presented to the government by the industry is also challengeable.

from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2XgHhCL
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‘PTI govt to allocate 70pc of education budget for girls’

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PESHAWAR: Advisor to Chief Minister on Elementary and Secondary Education Ziaullah Bangash has said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government would allocate 70 percent budget of the total education budget for girls education.He was speaking at a pre-budget seminar on State of Education Budget 2019-2020 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organised by Blue Veins. The adviser said no nation can progress without educating women and the PTI government was committed to promoting girls education.He claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government has allocated 70 percent of the education budget for girls education in the upcoming budget 2019-2020.Unveiling the upcoming education budget in the province, the advisor said that in every three new schools being established in KP, two were being set up for girls.For the first time, he said, the KP government was going to introduce 10,000 model classrooms in the government primary schools to be well equipped.In the upcoming budget, he said, the KP government would also recruit 9500 teachers. He said the PTI government had so far recruited 40,000 teachers through transparent NTS.To overcome the out of schools children issue, the advisor claimed that a public-private partnership scheme would be introduced and poor children would be admitted in private schools on government expenses where there were no government schools.For the promotion of female education, he said the government was introducing a scheme to provide pick and drop facility to female students.He said the government provided 98 percent missing facilities to the government schools.Lawmakers including Deputy Speaker Mehmood Jan, Information Minister Shaukat Yousafzai, women MPAs, government officials, academia, human rights organisations, media, students, religious scholars and others attended the seminar.The seminar called for the change of approach in economic matters and making education a priority.It was highlighted that free and compulsory education for all children without any discrimination from age 5 to 16 is a constitutional right of every child in Pakistan and special legislation in provinces and federal capital further emphasizes the needs and makes it a priority for provincial and federal governments.According to the budget documents, KP earmarked Rs 127.9 billion for the education sector, which is 21.2 per cent of its total budget of Rs 603 billion.The Punjab government has earmarked Rs 345 billion for education which is 17.5 per cent of the total budget outlay of Rs 1.970 trillion; Sindh has earmarked Rs 202 billion for education which is about 19.4 per cent of the budget outlay of Rs 1.04 trillion.We must approach the Sustainable Development Goals, with a clear direction, a sense of purpose, and strong resolve as not only has the expansion of primary and secondary education been linked to accelerated economic growth, poverty eradication, and improved income equality but education also appears to be closely associated with social enrichment and inclusion, said KP information Minister Shaukat Yousafzai.Qamar Naseem, Programme Coordinator, Blue Veins and Gul Makai Champion, appreciated the landmark move by the KP government for allocating a large sum of the budget towards girls education especially girl s secondary education.Member Provincial Assembly Shagufta Malik from Awami National Party (ANP) said that it was high time to bridge the gap between the government and the public education system.Mairaj Humayun, former education minister, said that the federal and provincial governments must remain accountable and firm in their commitment to securing the right to high-quality education for every child in Pakistan especially for girls, who have long faced high barriers to education, but there remain considerable obstacles to fulfilling that commitment.Deputy Speaker, Mehmood Jan and Minority MPA Ravi Kumar also spoke on the occasion.The civil society organisations demanded the sustainability of efforts and stronger political will both by the federal and provincial government and demanded to allocate 6 percent of the total GDP of Pakistan for education.

from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2EJdz1Z
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Pakistani climber scales peak without oxygen

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Islamabad: Doing the country proud, Sirbaz Khan has become the first Pakistani to successfully climb the world’s fourth highest mountain, Mount Lhotse (8,516 meters) on the Nepal-Tibet border, without using supplemental oxygen.The expedition was sponsored by the Serena Hotels under its Adventure Diplomacy Initiative meant to encourage human engagement with nature, especially through mountain activities. Sirbaz Khan told reporters at the Serena Hotels here that he had completed the expedition at 9:47 am on May 14. "For the first time, a Pakistani climber has been able to do this," he said.The climber said his team comprised 12 members and it was the first to summit Lhotse in the current year. "By fixing ropes on the mountain, we opened it for all other climbers," he said. CEO of the Serena Hotels Aziz Boolani said the Adventure Diplomacy Initiative was launched when the Serena founded the Adventure Diplomacy Group consisting of seven diplomatic missions to support Pakistani mountaineer siblings, Samina Baig and Mirza Ali Baig.He said Samina Baig was the first Pakistani and the first Muslim woman to summit the highest peaks in all seven continents.“It is a great privilege for us to support Sirbaz Khan on his expedition. We, the Serena Hotels, have been supporting talents to promote adventure tourism and try to bring diverse experiences to our community through various initiatives,” he said.

from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2XgGNfV
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Mahmood Shaam’s open letter to BJP’s Tarun Vijay

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Respected Mr. Tarun VijayEx-member Rajya SabhaCurrent member BJP, National Executive SalutationsFirst and foremost, many congratulations to you that the people of India have again elected your party for five years giving it the right and authority to make decisions that affect their destiny. The decision of the masses is never without reason. The performance of the past five years may have appeared successful to them and hence they reposed their trust in the leadership of Mr. Narender Modi for the next five years also. But because of the events of the past concerns over the next five years have alleviated on this side of the border in Pakistan,. This success is being viewed as dangerous for the peace and stability in Pakistan. The learned class here say that secularism has been bid a permanent goodbye and our religious class thinks that Hindu supremacy will be encouraged to thrive and grow even more.I would like to convey all these concerns through you to the BJP leadership. You are a member of the National Executive and among the 111 leaders who legislate the policies of the BJP. In this office, you sit across the party leadership comprising of Mr. Narender Modi and Mr. Amit Shah.Pakistan is also surrounded by a specific extremist religious class. But the masses in Pakistan have not handed over the reins of the country to a religious extremist party, nor have they given the mandate to political extremists.You are desirous of peace, harmony and friendship between India and Pakistan and this is why I address you. You may remember that before the trip of President Musharraf in July 2001, the Daily Jang and weekly Panchajanya, we spearheaded a historic initiative to let the masses of both our countries determine the agenda of the meeting of the leadership of the two countries. The people from both the countries participated with great enthusiasm but the Agra talks failed and this is why the ceremony for the prize-winners of this initiative has not been conducted to date.It is so terribly unfortunate that the conditions and state of affairs of South Asia deteriorate so rapidly. I now write this letter because my generation is entering its eighth decade. We are anxious for we don’t know if we will ever be able to see permanent peace and improvement in the lives of the people of Pakistan, India and other countries in this region in our lifetime.The third decade of the 21st century is about to start. There is peace all over the world. Progress is being made. People are finding comforts through research, innovation and education. It is only South Asia where there is conflict. Relatives and friends cannot sit together even in events of great sorrow and happiness. It is very difficult to get a visa and if at all, that too for a few cities. Conditions in the last five years have specifically deteriorated and have been worse than other times.News of acts of violence against Muslims and other lower-caste Hindus have come to light every now and then. These viral videos have splashed the electronic and social media. After this the common analysis was that BJP would not get the mandate this time around. But the reality is that Mr. Narendar Modi has been given an even bigger mandate than before. This is the decision of the largest democracy on earth and this is why it is worthy of respect. What are the reasons for this? Is this a mandate for the BJP or is it for Mr. Narendar Modi as an individual? This cannot be analysedfrom across the border. It is said Mr. Modi is a leader who is much bigger than the party itself.Without doubt India’s new generation is weary of the conventional politics of the Congress. It is for this reason, prince and princesses could therefore not win even their ancestral seats. The young-blooded, Rahul Gandi, wistfully yearned for the position occupied by his great-grandfather Jawaharlal Nehru, his grandmother, Indhra Gandi, and his father Rajiv Gandhi.Maybe the middle class in India consider Mr. Modi, who has paved his own path, as their ideal; he is someone who through his struggles has ascended from a tea-maker to the highest position of Prime Minister in India. This is a positive thought, but what is not clear is that why Hindutva or Hindu nationalism was thought to be higher resource to achieve this and why it was necessary to fan religious extremism. Have we deliberately ignored the grave consequences of taking this route? Instead of unifying all the different inhabitants of India, and believers of different religions, why was the unity of only the Hindu aristocracy given more importance? The famous weekly Time magazine has labelled Mr. Modi as the ‘Divider-in-Chief’. In certain circles, it was felt that in this manner, India is being split into pieces, but politically this policy and effort to unify the Hindu majority bore fruit and assigned the BJP a large mandate. But the even larger majority, comprising of millions of Muslims, Sikhs, Jain and other lower-caste hindus are now feeling insecure and threatened. The fundamental meaning of a democracy is that all individuals are equal. From this divisive positioning, India’s image as a large democracy with a secular society has been injured.Instead of redressing the grievance of the Kashmiri youth to gain their rights, there is a perception that the section 35/A of article 370 of the Indian constitution is being abolished which will cause even further unrest in Kashmir. The world demands that the Kashmiris be allowed to ascertain and decide their own identity. These steps are detrimental to the establishment of peace not only in India but across the world.Now if history has given your party another chance, this is yet another opportunity to serve humanity not only in India but establish peace at a global level. For someone who aspires and dreams to be a world leader should express affection for humanity across the board and for this the first important step will be to take a step towards settling disputes with your neighbouring states. This is your opportunity to prove that your party is truly worthy of the mandate of a reckonable economy and a populous democracy.I urge you to use this heavy mandate not only for the stability of the Hindu aristocracy but for the betterment and prosperity of all the people of this region and give peace a chance to spread the message of love and unity. For thousands of years, South Asia has been the cradle of cultures, civilizations and higher human values. This region has an abundance of natural resources. The larger portion of the demographics are made up by young, talented, hardworking people.Both Pakistan and India possess nuclear power and they should be economic powers as well. No country can become powerful by keeping its neighbours weak.You and the esteemed members of the National Executive need to hand-on-heart think of how long blood will continue to spill and for how long will humanity be ignored on the borders of South Asian and other parts of the country. How long will millions of people live below the poverty line.You and other members of the party also need to realize that Pakistan is a reality. Its borders have been reinforced by the blood of countless selfless civilians and brave soldiers. Pakistan has a strong defence and the armed forces are prepared thwart any act of aggression. But why should one even have to resort to or think of aggression in the 21st century? More than 1.8 billion people inhabit both the countries and the South Asian region. Their destiny is not a saga of ongoing tragedies and conspiracies. If we can resolve the basic issues and resort to establishing relationships based on facts instead of emotions, the whole world will pay tribute to us.Pakistan desires peace and prosperity in the region. Let us get together once again to unify the masses for peace and love. Let us knock on the conscience of the people to awaken higher values of humanity and once again ask the masses and the people of South Asia what roadmap they propose for the next five years. Your venerated thoughts on all of these ideas will be keenly awaited.

from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2KbJls8
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Leaked audio-video tapes: Principal political forces’ changing stance vis-a-vis NAB chairman

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ISLAMABAD: The longstanding stands of three principal political forces vis-à-vis National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairman Justice (R) Javed Iqbal underwent a quick change after the surfacing of leaked audio-video tapes involving him.But neither the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) nor the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) or the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) concedes that it has taken a U-Turn, altering its respective stand concerning the NAB chief. However, their new policies clearly feature the adjustments for political expediency.The PML-N has been a harsh critic of Javed Iqbal and has been calling for his ouster, accusing him of discrimination and bias against it. It has been citing a number of its top leaders who have suffered at the hands of the NAB or are still facing grilling, fearing arrests anytime. Hardly a day passes when it has not been haranguing the NAB for its treatment of the Sharif family.However, when the present controversy exploded, the PML-N apparently amended its strategy and consciously avoided calls for Javed Iqbal’s stepping down. It rather promptly snubbed and disowned a statement issued by its prominent Punjab leader Malik Muhammad Khan, who asked for NAB chairman’s resignation and announced that he would go to the Supreme Court against him. The PML-N’s “soft” policy towards Javed Iqbal became immensely clear when its president Shahbaz Sharif had asked his party colleagues to stay away from the row over the tapes immediately after its eruption.All of a sudden, the PML-N stand towards the NAB head somehow softened. It has been focusing more on seeking a probe, instead of harping on Javed Iqbal’s resignation, into the controversy by a parliamentary committee, a demand that it knew was not going to lead it anywhere and its creation would be impossible because of its opposition by the ruling coalition.However, Hamza Shahbaz was an apparent exception as he criticised Javed Iqbal on Tuesday for his announcements at his presser that he (Hamza) has been hiding behind bail granted by a Lahore High Court (LHC) bench, which has now been broken, and he will soon be arrested after his bail will be cancelled [by the new bench], and “I personally prepared the questionnaire for Hamza.”When the PML-N and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) assert that the prime objective behind the leak of the audio-video tapes is to blackmail the NAB chairman and coerce him into submission by the government, they in fact sympathised with the NAB chairman and poured more scorn on the regime.The PPP did call for Javed Iqbal’s resignation in a low voice in the wake of the emergence of the dubious tapes, but sharpened its attack on the government instead of the NAB chief. It stood with the PML-N in stressing that the matter must be probed by the parliamentary panel so that everything becomes clear.The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stand on the development has been interesting. It opposed the involvement of the parliament to look into the matter and paid no heed to the opposition’s demand to invoke Rule 244(B) of the Rules of Procedure & Conduct of Business in the National Assembly to set up a special committee for the purpose.However, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has stated that the matter should be investigated thoroughly while other PTI leaders have disapproved any such inquest.Contradictions have been conspicuous in the statements of different government leaders whether the owner of the TV channel that aired the leaked tape was an officially notified adviser of the prime minister. Strangely, those who say he was not notified by the government stated that he was asked not to attend the official meetings after the questionable episode. Others said he had been present in official sessions despite having no official notification.The PTI’s main thrust has been to discard the onslaught of the PML-N and PPP that accused it of being the sponsor of the leak of the audio-video tapes to put the NAB chief under pressure so that he forgets about taking actions against its certain leaders and ministers.It is felt by all and sundry that the three major parliamentary parties are equally sick and tired of NAB actions but are shy of voicing this view in unison and then taking practical steps to suitably amend the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) to expunge its draconian clauses.Their talks held in the past much before the present situation came up remained fruitless because of lack of sincerity and seriousness. The government side wanted to bring about only those amendments that the Supreme Court recommended in different judgments. The opposition side wanted to remove the unnecessary harshness of the NAO.

from The News International - National http://bit.ly/2JL8vOX
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