Daily Archives: December 30, 2021

Islamabad

Opposition stages protest in Senate

ISLAMABAD : The Opposition members in Senate have staged protest during a session on Wednesday.

The opposition leaders surrounded the dais of Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and chanted slogans against the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The Senate chairman directed the opposition members to go back to their seats and peacefully record their protest.

Addressing the House, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said that the incumbent government of PTI has not sent the money of the nation to Panama or Swiss Banks. Imran Khan neither commits corruption nor allows anyone else, he added.

The state minister said that those who raised the slogan of ‘Roti, Kapra or Makaan’ have done nothing for the people of Pakistan.

He said that traffic police in Islamabad is taking strict measures against the violators. He said safe city cameras are also active in this regard and E-Challans are issued to violators.

To another question, Ali Muhammad Khan said the government has introduced a fifteen hundred billion rupees project, Kamyab Pakistan Program, to uplift the poor segment of the society.

Ali Muhammad Khan said that the incumbent government of PTI has not sent the money of the nation to Panama or Swiss Banks. The state minister said Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan neither commits corruption nor allows anyone else to do so. Those who raised the slogan of ‘Roti, Kapra or Makaan’ have done nothing for the people of Pakistan, he added.

Ali Muhammad Khan further said that traffic police in Islamabad is taking strict measures against the violators. Safe city cameras are also active in this regard and E-Challans are issued to violators.

To another question, the state minister said the government has introduced a fifteen hundred billion rupees project, Kamyab Pakistan Program, to uplift the poor segment of the society. On the other hand, opposition members staged protest during a session in upper house of the Parliament, Senate.

The opposition leaders surrounded the dais of Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and chanted slogans against the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The Senate chairman directed the opposition members to go back to their seats and peacefully record their protest.

Islamabad

Corporate sector yielding positive result due to PM’s business friendly policies: Farrukh

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib says the corporate sector made a profit of 929 billion rupees during the last year as a result of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s business friendly policies.

In a tweet on Wednesday, he said during the PML-N government in 2018, the profit was 587 billion rupees.

The Minister of State said seventy thousand new companies were registered with 44 percent increase during the PTI government; whereas 25,856 companies got registered in the PML-N’s five year term.

In the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, these companies have registered a profit of 258 billion rupees.

Farrukh Habib said new records have been set during the three years of the PTI government.

He said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, 494 percent growth was witnessed in real estate sector, 194 percent in information technology and 136 percent in tourism sector.

Rawalpindi

It is decision of establishment it will support every elected party

RAWALPINDI: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has said every party wants establishment should support it but it is decision of the establishment it will be with every elected government

“We will contest next general election under the leadership of Imran Khan. If mni budget is passed then no heaven will fall. It makes no difference if Nawaz Sharif comes or otherwise. Despite being Sheikh I give the ticket to Nawaz Sharif. He should tell his return date. It has passed 50 years since I started politics but I never allowed any mafia to strengthen. Imran Khan agenda is eradication of inflation and he will contain price hike in the fifth year of his tenure”, he said this while addressing a ceremony here Wednesday.

“If Nawaz Sharif comes then he should come and if he does not come then he should not come. Storm is being raised that he is coming and he is going. It makes no difference to us”, he remarked.

“Despite being Sheikh I will provide ticket to Nawaz Sharif out of my pocket. Nawaz Sharif should tell the date when he wants to return. I will provide him visa and passport, he remarried.

He went on to say every party wants establishment should patronize it. But it is the decision of the establishment that it will support elected government. Governments come and go and it is good thing of the establishment that it stands with elected government.

He observed nothing is going to happen., Imran Khan will complete his five years tenure. We will contest next election under Imran Khan with full force, Government will too complete its constitutional term. Opposition is free to launch any march. What pain is in the stomach of the opposition I can not tell it on TV.

He underlined that election is name of victory and defeat. I don’t know what has happened in local bodies polls in KP.

He observed Imran Khan agenda is curbing the inflation. I hope Imran Khan will contain price hike in the fifth year .

Responding to a question he said no dooms day will come due to passage of mini budget. It will be passed.

It is the time for allied parties to become annoyed.

I request the opposition parties that they should do launch March but they should change March 23 to March 30 , he said adding they should review their decision.

If they don’t take law into their hands we will say nothing to them. Leading guests are coming on March, 23. First time JS-10 will conduct flying parade. The armed forces are great. They are fully alive to the defence of the country.

We want dollar price is controlled. IMF provides financial assistance.

Health is the major problem of the poor man, he stated. Launching Sehat card is the biggest step of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

No one will be embarrassed during construction of Nullah Leh, he announced.

Rawalpindi

Physical remand of husband, father in law of murdered US national Wajiha Farooq extended for 3 days

Rawalpindi: Civil Judge Judicial Magistrate Rawalpindi Tariq Khan while extending the physical remand for three days in respect of 3 accused including husband and father and in law named in kidnapping and murdering Pakistani-Americal woman Wajiha Farooq Swati has handed over them to the custody of investigation team again.

Rizwam Habib husband of Wajiha Farooq, her father in law Hurriyat Ullah and domestic servant Sultan Khan were produced in the court of duty magistrate Wednesday on completion of 3 days physical remand.

The court was told earlier the main accused was arrested in kidnapping case but the nature of the case has been changed as he has confessed to murder his ex wife after his arrest. Following confession by the main accused, his father and domestic servant have also been arrested. They have to be investigated into murder case.

The investigation officer requested the court murder weapon and the vehicle used in shifting the body to Hangu have to be recovered and information about their facilitators have to be ascertained from the accused. These three accused persons have to be investigated about the persons who had dug the grave.

The investigation officer told the court more things have surfaced during the remand, therefore , more remand is needed to reach any conclusion.

He prayed the court to extend physical remand of the suspects.

The court while extending physical remand for 3 days more directed that the accused persons be presented in the court on January 01 and further progress in investigation be informed to the court.

Shabnam Nawaz, counsel for Wajiha Tariq while talking to media men in the court precinct after hearing said the teams investigating into Wajih Farooq murder case have sent the DNA samples of the accused persons to laboratory. The body of Wajiha Tariq has been taken US embassy into its custody

She went on to say the elder sister of the victim and her husband in person went to Lahore with investigation team for providing DNA samples to laboratory. The family members of the victim will take her body to US for burial.; However we are waiting laboratory test report at present.

The good thing which was noted today that earlier police brought the accused persons to court with full protocol. But today the accused were brought to the court like accused persons.

Islamabad

New local bodies system in Islamabad challenged in IHC

ISLAMABAD : The new local bodies ordinance promulgated for federal capital Islamabad has been challenged in Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday.

Chief Justice Athar Minallah heared the case, during the hearing, the court has issued notice to President of Pakistan, Interior Secretary and Law Secretary. The plaintiff said that it is unlawful to hire mayor directly and dissolve the post of deputy mayor.

Subsequently, the court has sought replies from Interior Secretary and Law Secretary till January 11.

Politics

FM calls for shifting Pakistan’s foreign policy to changing global trends

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has emphasized the need for shifting Pakistan’s foreign policy to respond to changing global trends and sovereignty, territorial integrity and development of the country.

He was addressing passing out ceremony of 41st diplomatic course for Foreign Service Probationers at Foreign Service Academy, Islamabad on Wednesday.

The Foreign Minister said we have re-oriented the thrust of our diplomatic efforts towards economic benefit and prosperity by putting forward a ‘Strategic Engagement Plan’ with the European Union and the ‘Strategic Economic Framework’ with Turkey.

He said we have also launched ‘Engage Africa’ initiative to explore untapped markets and opportunities.

The Foreign Minister said the government is committed to give esteem to overseas Pakistanis and serve them wholeheartedly.

He urged the probationers to be mindful of the opportunities and challenges presented by the digital age.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the world has entered the era of battles of narratives and information warfare.

He added that a huge shift in the role of media, its impact on all spheres of life and modern technology is being used to influence opinions and push agendas.

Politics

Deprivation of tribal districts will be removed: Kamran Bangah

Peshawar: Provincial Minister for Higher Education Kamran Khan Bangash has said that Chief Minister Mahmood Khan is determined to end the deprivation of tribal districts.

He said due to the sacrifices of Pakistan Army and the tribal people, peace has been restored in the tribal districts today therefore development of tribal districts is one of the top priorities of the present government. Bangash expressed these views to a delegation of Colleges from North Waziristan.

Kamran Khan Bangash said that besides improving the quality of education, colleges and universities are being given the best development work. Government Post Graduate College Miranshah, Government Degree College Mir ali and Government Girls Degree College Miranshah in North Waziristan have been allotted 225 million development work which is underway.

The provincial minister said that besides providing the best education, we are also providing the best physical development facilities, library, IT lab and other facilities to the students so that our students do not lag behind the students of developed countries in the world race.

The provincial minister said that Rs 75 million have been allocated for the construction of facilities for students with disabilities in Government Post Graduate College Miranshah as well as BS block is also being constructed for Students.

Government Degree College Mir Ali has an allocation of Rs 30 million for administration block, science lab and provision of best facilities to students with disabilities.

He said that Government Girls Degree College Miranshah has been allocated Rs 120 million for repair work, cafe, day care center, accommodation, guard room, water facilities, student hostel and other development works including playground and library. Buses will soon be provided in these colleges for the convenience of students.

The provincial minister directed that these development works should be completed as soon as possible.

Islamabad

6 lost lives, 348 tested positive due to corona virus in 24 hours

ISLAMABAD: As many as 6 people succumbed to COVID-19 and 348 tested positive during the last 24 hours in the country.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 39739 tests were conducted during the last 24 hours of which 348 returned positive.

Tally of positive cases has surged to 1,294,379. Positivity ratio stands at 0.69 percent.

As per province wise details 481,096 coronavirus cases have been reported in Sindh, 444,752 in Punjab 181,285 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 108,534 in Islamabad, 34,657 in Azad Kashmir 33,626 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

With six current casualties no of fatalities has reached level of 28918.

As per NCOC data, 13,066 fatalities have taken place due to the epidemic in Punjab, 7,666 in Sindh 5,924 in KP, 967 in Islamabad, 746 in Azad Kashmir, 363 in Balochistan, and 186 in GB so far.

As per NCOC statistics 1,255,396 patients have recovered while 636 patients are stated to be in critical condition

Politics

PML-N leader discusses current political situation with Ch Shujat

Lahore: PML-N KP-chapter President Ameer Muqam on Wednesday discussed current political situation in the country with PML President Chaudhry Shujat Hussain.

He met him at their residence in Lahore and inquired about the well-being of Ch Shujat Hussain.

Rana Khalid was also present on the occasion. The current political situation in the country, including issues of mutual interest, was discussed during the meeting.

Ch Shujat Hussain said, “Alhamdulillah, my health is improving day by day. I am grateful to all the friends and party workers who expressed their prayers and good wishes for me.”

Engineer Ameer Muqam said that Ch Shujat Hussain is a senior politician of Pakistan, he has always pursued politics of national interest which is why all political parties and eminent personalities of the country respect him.

Politics

Dr. Sania appreciates proactive approach of GB govt towards Ehsaas

ISLAMABAD : Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation keynoted a high-level consultative workshop on “Youth Employability and Poverty Alleviation” for the members of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly. The two-day workshop was held by Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP).

Dr. Sania appreciated the proactive approach of the government of GB towards Ehsaas. “In addition to monthly stipends of Rs. 2,000 a month, families eligible in Ehsaas Kafaalat are also benefitting from Ehsaas School Stipends across all Tehsils of GB. The program gives stipends from primary to the higher secondary levels. Girls get a higher stipend across all age groups. Ehsaas Nashonuma, Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship and Ehsaas Interest Free Loan programmes are also running in GB”, said Dr. Sania.

A strategic plan was also discussed with members of GB Assembly to open Ehsaas Nashonuma and Ehsaas One Window Centers in all Tehsils of GB. Dr. Sania also encouraged members of GB Assembly to create awareness among the people of GB on a multitude of Ehsaas programmes particularly, the ongoing Ehsaas Rashan registration drive with Kiryana retailers and families.

The inaugural session was graced by the Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Khalid Khurshid Khan. In the workshop, an array of expert shared their insights about the emerging issues related to youth employment and shed light on contextual strategies for poverty alleviation in Gilgit-Baltistan. Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid said that in Gilgit-Baltistan there is a strong tradition of making decisions locally. His government intends to incorporate this local tradition in the local government model to pave the way for the representation of grassroot level communities in governance structure.

The speakers in the workshop emphasized on contextualizing the development plans so that they are more in sync with the issues of Gilgit-Baltistan. They lauded the local communities of Gilgit-Baltistan for introducing a successful model of community participation for other regions of Pakistan.

Malik Amin Aslam, Federal Minister for Climate Change/SAPM, shared government initiatives in tackling climate change. He laid great emphasis on living in harmony with nature instead of fighting with nature. Amin Aslam said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan know better how to life amicably with nature. He said that since Gilgit-Baltistan is bearing the brunt of climate change, it is imperative to intervene at multiple fronts. Speaking about future of work, the speakers emphasized on digitization of economy and promoting entrepreneurship in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The themes covered in the workshop ranged from community participation, poverty alleviation and prosperity, safety nets, climate change, digitalization, promoting entrepreneurship and responsible tourism to renewable energy. The speakers and participants agreed to gear insights of the workshop into their policies and planning for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Islamabad – Dec 29, 2021: Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, SAPM keynotes poverty alleviation consultation hosted by AKRSP for the members of GB Assembly.