Islamabad: PML-N senior leader and Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has demanded government to publish tax returns of Army Generals and Judges, saying that only parliamentarians’ tax returns are public, and all others are exempted.

Participating in the budget debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Khaqan said that Pakistan’s problem is not that women wear shorter clothes, our problem is inflation, economic crisis and unemployment. Can the Finance Minister control inflation? Khaqan asked.

The former prime minister was of the view that those who own properties worth billions do not file taxes. This government may complete its five-year term but the foreign debts would be doubled at the end of these five years, Shahid Khaqan said.

Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan while addressing the session said the country’s exports are witnessing growth as a result of incentives given by the government to the export oriented industries.

Sarwar said our remittances are also touching twenty eight billion dollars. He said as the country is heading towards economic growth, its benefit will ultimately reach all the people.

The Minister for Aviation said the agriculture sector was neglected by the previous governments. He said we enhanced the wheat support price to eighteen hundred rupees per forty kilogram which will benefit the farmers.

Ghulam Sarwar Khan said the Ring Road project was the need of Rawalpindi but the previous governments did not pay any attention to its construction. He said the PTI government will complete this important project in its tenure.

Special Assistant on Political Affairs Amir Dogar said the budget will trigger growth and development in the country.

He said it is our success that all the segments of the society including the farmers, industrialists and the common man have accepted this budget. He said allocations have been made in the budget for construction of dams. He said record allocations have been made in the PSDP for the backward areas of Balochistan. Referring to the development schemes to be executed in South Punjab, he said an auditorium at Radio Pakistan’s Multan building is also being constructed.

Khawaja Saad Rafique said losses of Pakistan Railways have increased under the present government. He said there has been no progress on upgrading the railways network from Karachi to Peshawar.

Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan said the budget 2021-22 will take the economy towards growth and address the problems of the people. He said poor households will be given interest free loans for construction of houses. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan is working to strengthen the institutions. He said the government is serious for electoral reforms. He said the use of Electronic Voting Machines is important to ensure that the elections are acceptable to all.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib has said Prime Minister Imran Khan has set an example of austerity by significantly reducing the expenditures of his house and office.

Participating in the budget debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday, he said the Prime Minister saved one billion rupees from the total 2.75 billion rupees budget of the PM House and the PM office over the last three years. He said the Prime Minister has no camp office whilst the foreign visits undertaken by him cost far less when compared with the visits of the former Prime Ministers.

Farrukh Habib said allocation for Ehsaas program has been enhanced from 121 billion rupees to 260 billion rupees. He said the government feels the pain of the poor segments of the society and opened Panagahs and Langar Khanas for them.

Javed Ali Shah Jilani regretted delay in execution of Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway. He said it is an important section of the CPEC and quality must be ensured in its construction.

Nawab Sher said the farmers got better prices for their crops this year because of the policies of the government. He said the rural population should also be supported to build houses.

Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar said the PTI government has failed to fulfil the promises it made for the development of the country.

ISLAMABAD : A division bench of Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday has reserved its judgment on maintainability of appeals in Al-Azizia Steel Mills, Flagship Investment and Avenfiled Property references, after the accused Muhammad Nawaz Sharif declared absconder.

During the hearing bench consisting of Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, instructed the amicus curiae to assist the court on legal point instead of giving arguments on behalf of accused.

Giving arguments, Amicus Curiae, Azam Nazir Tarar said that the court had the authority to dismiss the case as there were such examples of many courts in the country.

Azam Nazir Tarar said that as the trial could not be conducted in absence of the accused in the same way the appeals also could not be heard. He said that he would give balanced arguments to assist the court.

Tarar said that the appeal was also the continuity of the proceedings of trial court. He, however, said that it was fact that one loses his legal rights after being declared absconder.

On the occasion, he also quoted the references of various court decisions in similar matter.

He argued that if a case was decided on merit in absentia then the accused would have no choice except to file an appeal against the decision. He has a forum and he can raise his points there.

Azam Tarar said that it was also important to save valuable time because all this practice would be of no use.

The court observed that the appeals of Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Captain Safdar would be heard together, adding that if the present accused get any relief then the former prime minister would get too.

Azam Nazir Tarar said that another appeal of NAB against the acquittal of Nawaz Sharif was also before the court. Justice Aamer Farooq said that no notice had been issued in the NAB appeal to Nawaz Sharif so far.

On this occasion, various judicial decisions were read out by another amicus curiae Makhdoom Hussain. Nazir Tarar said that if we look at all the decisions, then it were of pre-2010, there was only Ikramullah case in post 2010.

The Supreme Court had given a clear decision in Hayat Bakhsh case in which the top court had rejected the appeals of the accused that were not present.

Nazir Tarar, said that the Dhaka High Court had also decided to close the case of an accused in his absentee. He said that when an accused did not surrender, his case was not taken up.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani asked if the petitioner was a court absconder, then how he would surrender. Azam Nazir Tarar said in this situation, his appeal would also be rejected. The Supreme Court had rejected an appeal if an absconder did not surrender.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiani said that we had two appeals, one had three people and one had a single person. Whether we would not hear the case of those who were present in the court, he asked.

Tarar said that the court could hear the case of present appellant, adding that it was up to the courts, in some cases appeals were rejected while in others theses were sent to store rooms.

Tarar said that the appellant should have open way to file appeals against judgment. Justice Aamer Farooq asked Tarar to assist the bench on legal point as he was not a political activist rather he was a amicus curiae.

The bench asked to assist it that how the cases could be proceeded in accused absence. This was court of law and it would not care that who was appellant, Justice Farooq said.

Additional Prosecutor General Jehanzeb Bharwana gave references of difference courts’ decision. He said that the same court had granted opportunity to accused to surrender. The same court suspended the decision of trial court and accepted bail of former prime minister.

Justice Kiyani observed that the petitioner would have a choice whether to go to Supreme Court or High Court.

To a query, the NAB prosecutor said there were three appeals in Avenfiled property reference while two appeals were related to Al-Azizia Steel Mills reference.

He said that Nawaz Sharif had lost all legal rights after being declared absconder, adding that one could get relief only on appearance before court under Article 10A of the constitution. Bharwana said that the court could hear the appeals of those accused who were present before the court.

After hearing the arguments, the court reserved its judgment. A division bench comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani heard the appeals. Maryam Nawaz, Cap. (retd) Safdar and others also appeared on the occasion.

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Wednesday said the emerging geo-strategic paradigm in the region necessitated Pakistan and Azerbaijan to have close cooperation and collective response against common challenges.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made these remarks during his official visit of Republic of Azerbaijan where he called on Minister of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan Colonel General Eyvazov Vilayat Suleyman Oglu, Chief of State Border Service (SBS) of Azerbaijan Colonel General Elchin Guliyev and Chief of State Security Service Colonel General Ali Naghi Oglu Naghiyev at Baku.

The COAS also reiterated for increased mutually beneficial engagements at all levels and forums.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, bilateral defence and security cooperation, regional peace and stability and cooperation in energy, trade and connectivity projects between both brotherly countries were discussed.

The dignitaries also acknowledged high standards of professionalism of the Pakistan Army and contributions for conflict prevention in the region especially efforts for bringing peace in Afghanistan.

Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi has said transparency and scientific means should be adopted for recruitment process of all posts through Federal Public Service Commission.

Talking to Chairman FPSC Captain (retired) Zahid Saeed in Islamabad today (Wednesday), he stressed the need for creating awareness about the reserved seats of women and minorities in public jobs which will lead to encourage their participation in national development.

He said that increasing the portion of objective questions transparency in examination process could be ensured.

The Chairman FPSC presented the performance reports of 2018 and 2019.

He also briefed the president about FPSC with the focus on availability of vacant posts for minorities and said that 98 posts under FPSC reserved for minorities, are vacant at present.

The president emphasized on finding out the reasons for vacant posts in coordination with relevant departments.

He was informed that in 2018, the FPSC received around 741, 000 applications for 3, 200 posts, while in 2019, the number of applications was more than 800, 000 against 3, 600 posts.

It was told that the interviews of candidates from Gilgit Baltistan would be conducted at their local stations.

Islamabad: President of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and Opposition leader in National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday has showed concern over the expected gas and electricity shortage, and said that news are ‘disappointing’.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Opposition leader said that government is adding to nation’s problems each day because of its incompetency and mismanagement.

“Increased tax on RLNG will enhance cost, while provision of gas will be effected on the other hand. Shutdown of RLNG plants means production of electricity through diesel and furnace oil, which will be too costly. This in turn, will create a burden on masses, ” Shehbaz Sharif said.

PML-N head further said that facility of electricity production by cheaper means exists but government’s incompetency and miss-management is adding to the problems of people.

“Shortage of gas and electricity will have an adverse effect on industry and trade, which will be harmful for economy. Government is producing costly electricity despite additional power being part of the system”, Shehbaz Sharif said.

ISLAMABAD : Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri on Wednesday has remarked that initiation of private domestic airline service from Islamabad to Quetta would connect Baluchistan to other parts of the country.

He also remarked that easy access to Gwadar Port and CPEC related projects would capitalize the opportunities of growth and investment in province. He said that the successful operation of domestic AirSial Airline Services for Six cities especially for Quetta would bring ease and comfortable travelling to people of Baluchistan.

He expressed these views while addressing launching ceremony of AirSial Airline services from Islamabad to Quetta at Islamabad Airport.

While mentioning the problems faced by people of Baluchistan, he remarked that present government is making all out efforts to resolve the issues faced by people of Baluchistan. He said that the launching of AirSial Airline services would promote tourism and trade opportunities in Balochistan province besides providing comfortable travelling. He said that the license of Air Sial Services was renewed in 2018 by present government to promote domestic business and trade.

He also appreciated the role of Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry for making Sialkot Airport functional and for starting domestic airline. He also appreciated Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry for starting AirSial Services from Islamabad to Quetta.

While talking to Media representatives, Deputy Speaker said that Islam is a complete code of life and promoting our dressing code is in accordance with religious and cultural values. He said that our Prime Minister Imran Khan visited across the world in National dress to promote our culture.

Chief Executive Officer AirSial Airline expressed his gratitude to Deputy Speaker NA for gracing this event. He informed that AirSial Airline would take three flights a week from Islamabad to Quetta .He also expressed his hope that soon AirSial would extend its strength of Airbuses and would soon expand its operation internationally.

ISLAMABAD: 39 fatalities occurred and 930 people tested positive due to corona virus in the country during the last 24 hours.

According to the National Command and Operation Center’s (NCOC) statistics with the inclusion of 39 fatalities the death cases have soared to 22073 while number of positive cases has reached 950768.

Province-wise breakdown said the total active COVID-19 cases stand at 13, 243 in Sindh, 17, 709 in Punjab, 8, 482 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 4, 378 in Islamabad Capital Territory, 920 in Balochistan, 305 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 482 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Most deaths cases were reported in Sindh during the last 24 hours followed by Punjab. 19 people out of 39 fatalities are reported to have died on ventilators.

The rate of positive cases of COVID-19 currently stands at 2.04%

895, 690 people have recovered from the virus so far and the active number of cases stands at 33, 005

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on Wednesday has chaired “National Intelligence Coordination Committee” meeting at Inter Services Intelligence Secretariat (ISI) Islamabad.

Prime Minister’s Office, informed through social media that A special meeting of recently established “National Intelligence Coordination Committee” was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan at Inter Services Intelligence Secretariat (ISI) Islamabad.

Lt General Faiz Hamid, Director General ISI welcomed the PM and Federal Ministers. National Intelligence Coordination Committee, “a platform for Intelligence Coordination/ Cooperation for unified and wholesome National Intelligence Assessment was notified by Govt on 22 Jan 2021”.

Meeting was attended by Mr Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, Interior Minister, Mr Fawad Chaudhary, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Heads of Services’ Intelligence Agencies, Intelligence Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency.

A comprehensive briefing followed by discussion on enhanced intelligence cooperation was held. Prime Minister appreciated the ongoing efforts and expressed satisfaction over the performance of National Intelligence Coordination Committee.

ISLAMABAD: A special meeting of recently established National Intelligence Coordination Committee (NICC) took place under the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan at Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Secretariat Islamabad on Wednesday.

According to PM House spokesperson Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid, Director General Inter Services Intelligence welcomed the Prime Minister and Federal Ministers on their arrival at ISI Headquarters.

National Intelligence Coordination Committee was set up on June 22. It is aimed at ensuring cooperation between all the institutions related to national intelligence and framing a uniform policy. ,

The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhary and the Heads of Services’ Intelligence Agencies, Intelligence Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency.

PM lauded the ongoing efforts in this regard besides appreciating overall performance of NICC.

Sources said matters related to important national and internal security were reviewed in details in the meeting. They exchanged views on the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. In this regard approval was accorded to important decisions to ensure peace and security in the country.

Sources disclosed the participants of the meeting strongly condemned the bomb blast in Lahore reiterating the determination the terrorists will not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs and all the available resources will be utilized o ensure law and order situation in the country. The perpetrators of this incident will soon be brought in the dock.