Daily Archives: April 30, 2022

Lahore

Squad formed to stop illegal sale of encaged wild birds

LAHORE: Director General (DG) wild life and parks Malik Sana Ullah Khan has formed squad to stop illegal sale of encaged wild bird across Punjab.

The squad formed under the supervision of Deputy Director General Zahid Iqbal.

Squad will stop illegal bussiness by raids and checking of various wild birds.

Squad comprised of three or four watchers and OPS wild life Inspector Karamat Hussain.

Chalans, recovered birds and arrested people will be hand-over to District Assistance wild life.

Squad will conduct sudden raids and checking across the province under act-2007 wild-life.

Islamabad

Election Commission dismisses PTI pleas seeking Makhdoom Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani’s disqualification

ISLAMABAD : The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday dismissed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmakers’ petitions to disqualify former prime minister Senator Makhdoom Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani over “corrupt practices”, saying he had no link to the case.

However, the ECP ordered the district election commissioner Islamabad to start a criminal case under Sections 167 (corrupt practices) and 168 (bribery) of the Elections Act, 2017 against Gilani’s son Punjab Assembly lawmaker Ali Haider Gilani, as well as PTI MNAs Faheem Khan and Captain (retired) Jamil Ahmed Khan.

In its order, the Election Commission stated that it had been “proved” that Ali, Faheem and Jamil had indulged in corrupt practices, adding the punishment under Sections 167 and 168 could be up to three years in jail or a fine of Rs100,000 or both.

While reading out the reserved verdict on Friday, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr. Sikandar Sultan Raja said the facts of the case were not presented properly. He noted that 20 hearings had been conducted and applications for adjournment were filed 12 times.

Following the Senate elections on March 3 last year, PTI lawmakers Farrukh Habib, Maleeka Ali Bokhari, Kanwal Shauzab and Alia Hamza Malik had filed a petition in the ECP, asking it to not issue the notification for Gilani’s victory.

However, the ECP had rejected the plea to stop the issuance of the notification.

The petitions were filed on the basis of a leaked audio clip, purportedly of Sindh Minister Nasir Hussain Shah bargaining with four PTI lawmakers for their votes in the Senate elections and a video of Ali in which he appears to be showing some PTI MNAs techniques on how to waste their votes.

“Ali kept bribing members of the National Assembly,” the petitioners had claimed. They also alleged that PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif, in her speeches, made promises of giving lawmakers PML-N tickets in the next general elections if they voted for Yousuf Raza Gilani in the Senate polls.

The PPP senator, in a shocking development, defeated the PTI candidate Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, triggering a debate in political circles about the cracks in the then ruling coalition which had a majority in the National Assembly.

Later, the then prime minister Imran Khan also took a vote of confidence from the assembly to show that he still enjoys the support of the majority.

Karachi

Economic Advisory Council formed without Trade & Industry

Karachi: Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, President FPCCI, has expressed his shock over the formation of Economic Advisory Council under the leadership of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif without consulting the business, industry and trade community of Pakistan. We have also not given a representation in the council; and, it is counterproductive – to say the least, he added.

Mr. Irfan Iqbal Sheikh maintained that FPCCI is the apex chamber of the country and its representation would provide the able and timely assistance to the Prime Minister and his economic team in the matters of budget-making; taxation & tariffs; governance & administrative reforms; rapid industrialization; textiles & allied industries; promotion of information & communication technologies; EPZs & SEZs; export growth & import substitution; rupee-dollar parity and SMEs.

FPCCI President noted with concern that current account deficit (CAD) will be close to $20 billion, which is well above 5 percent of GDP; inflation has crossed 12 percent and heading towards 15 percent by the year end; trade deficit has crossed $35 billion in the nine months of July – March; KIBOR is 14.10 percent after 13 years and 6-month treasury bills at 14.99 percent after 22 years. Interestingly, this is happening in spite of record proceeds from exports, remittances and taxes, he added.

Islamabad

Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD : Pakistan has strongly condemned terrorist attacks in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan on 28 April 2022 causing loss of precious Afghan lives and injuring many others.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad in a statement issued on Friday said that the Government and people of Pakistan extend their sympathies, support and solidarity to the people of Afghanistan and particularly with the bereaved families.

“We believe these heinous acts of terrorism against innocent Afghans are aimed at weakening the resolve of the Afghan nation in pursuit of peace, stability and progress” FO spokesperson said.

He said that the targeting of Hazara and Shia community in Afghanistan through these acts of terrorism is also a matter of serious concern.

“We urge the international community to extend all possible support and assistance to Afghanistan in combating terrorism and overcoming these challenges” Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said.

Karachi

KU students protest against suicide blast

KARACHI: Students of Confucius Centre Karachi University staged protest in demand of justice against suicide attack on their three teachers on Friday.

The students carried placards and Pakistan and China’s flags, with slogans of “Pak-China friendship”, “terrorism is unacceptable” and photographs of the deceased on their posters.

Director of Confucius Institute Professor Dr Nasir Khan and security adviser Muhammad Zubair were also present at the protest.

The students strongly condemned the suicide attack on their teachers and the Pakistani driver inside the university campus, and demanded immediate punishment for the perpetrators.

They asked the university administration to make arrangements to restore their classes and ensure the safety of their teachers as soon as possible, adding that they wanted to continue learning the Chinese language.

Talking to the media, a student said that there are differences between the people of one nation and another, but that does not give anyone the right to hurt the other.

Another student, Isha, said that people talk about CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) and raise the slogan of Pak-China friendship, this friendship should go beyond learning languages and cultures but is obstructed by terrorism.

“This obstruction will actually be an obstacle in the way of development of Pakistan,” she added.

Another student of the Confucius Institute, Fatima, stated that it was unthinkable that such an abhorrent attack could be conducted in a place of learning, against innocent facilitators of education. She maintained that everyone should be guaranteed safety in a university, regardless of what they were coming to learn.

Syeda Farwa, a protestor, claimed that it was now the responsibility of the Pakistani government to ensure that the Chinese government were aware that the terrorists were a different, separate entity.

Professor Nasir Khan, strongly condemning the act, said that the terrorism against the Chinese teachers was not acceptable under any circumstances.

Several students were seen embracing each other, teary-eyed over the loss of their teachers.

Earlier this week, four people three Chinese nationals and a Pakistani man – were killed in an attack by a female suicide bomber outside the Chinese language centre inside the Karachi University on Tuesday.

Four others, including a Chinese national and Rangers personnel, were also injured in the blast that ripped through a van carrying the university teachers, Karachi police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon told the media at the scene of the attack.

Raja Umar Khattab, the head of the Counter-terrorism Department, confirmed that it was a suicide attack carried out by a woman outside the Confucius Institute.

Islamabad

Al-Quds Day observed across Pakistan

Islamabad: International day of Al-Quds was observed across Pakistan on Friday with mass rallies held to condemn Zionists’ atrocities against innocent people of Palestine.

On the occasion of International Al Quds day, peoples have warmly expressed their solidarity with the oppressed peoples of Palestine, Kashmir and Yemen.

The mass rallies held in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir attended by the people from different walks of life and raised their voice against Zionist atrocities.

In the rallies the protesters also strongly condemned recent spate of killings of Palestinians by the Zionist Regime.

The late Imam Khomeini initiated the International Quds Day as an integral part of the holy fasting month of Ramazan so that Muslims would never forget their responsibility and duty towards Palestine and all oppressed people in the world. The day is held each year on the last Friday of Ramazan.

Charged protestors denounced the Zionist aggression against Palestine during the rallies, they also torched US and Zionist regime flags and chanted slogans against them. Special prayers were offered at mosques for liberation of Palestine.

The Central and Provincial MWM leaders addressing on the occasion said that Bait-ul-Muqaddas is common heritage of the Muslims which has been under illegal occupation of the Zionist forces. They also condemned Zionists’?brutality against Palestinians and praised Hizbullah’s struggle against the Zionist forces. The religious scholars in special meetings passed resolutions against Zionists’ illegal occupation of the holy Muslim land and holy mosque, Al Quds. They said that the struggle of Muslims will continue till the abolition of the discriminatory policies towards Muslims. They demanded that Muslims of Palestine should be given equal rights.

They urged upon Muslim countries to resolve their differences through dialogue and not allow the enemy to weaken the Muslim world. Strict security measures were put in place around the rallies and mosques across Pakistan in view of the prevailing law and order situation. Special programs, seminars and conferences were also held across Pakistan to highlight the cause of Palestine.

Islamabad rally was led by Central Secretary General of Majlis Wahdat ul Muslimeen, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jaffari, huge protestors rally marched to D Chowk.

Addressing the rally, MWM Chief said Al Quds is a day of free peoples, the great philosopher and idol breaker Imam Khumeni initiated this great day against Zionist regime, now the whole world get aware of the atrocities and human violations against oppressed peoples.

Al Quds does not belong to any sect, it is observed across Pakistan and rallies held by both Shitte and Sunni peoples.

He said Imam Hussain AS is a great symbol of resistance against the cruel and arrogant powers, we are the followers of Imam Hussain AS, who preferred Martyrdom instead of accepting the sinful rulers.

US and Israel are the sinful and arrogant powers in this world, committing crimes against humanity, raising voice against these regimes is the duty of every Hussaini.

The muslim leaders who are accepting illegitimate regime of Israel, due to US pressure or for their vested interests, are committing against the values of Islam and they are traitors of freedom movements sacrificing their lives in Palestine.

Israel is a sinking ship, whoever accompany will drown in deep waters will Zionist regime. The fourteen years history is witness that Shitte has always stand with down trodden and deprived ones in the world.

Israel is in the weakest stage of the history, now using war as tool for its survival, we will never accept this illegitimate regime.

The directions of founder of this Homeland Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah about Palestine are great way forward for us, Pakistan founded by Muhammad Ali Jinnah and it will follow his direction not any ‘Ziaee’ doctrine can be implemented here.

Allama Abdul Khaliq Asadi in Lahore, Allama Syed Ahmad Iqbal in Karachi, Allama Waheed Kazmi in Peshawar, Dr Iftikhar Naqvi in Faisalabad, Allama Ali Rizvi in Gilgit, Allama Nayyar in Skardu and Syed Yasir Abbas lead the rallies in Muzzafarabad.

Islamabad

Juma-tul-Wida observed with religious solemnity

ISLAMABAD: Juma-tul-Wida (the last Friday of the holy month of Ramazan) was observed today with religious solemnity across the country.

Imams and Khateebs in their sermons highlighted the significance of the day.

On the occasion, prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of the country.

Juma-tul-Wida has a special significance since it is a preamble to the departure of holy month of Ramazan.

Meanwhile, the Friday was also observed ‘International day of Al-Quds’ to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine.

Islamabad

Global record breaking Blood Donation event soon

Islamabad: Under the auspices of Who is Hussain Foundation (a UK based charity) having representatives in over 60 locations globally, going to held Global Blood Donation record breaking event in August this year, announced on charity’s website.

“Break a world record and save lives, we are aiming to break a world record, and help save the lives of 150,000 people worldwide. Unite with us to honour Hussain-ibn-Ali legacy and be part of a powerful world record breaking attempt. A worldwide event is going to held on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Register on www. Blood.whoishussainpakistan.org And www.whoishussain.org” announced on website.

As the world recovers from COVID 19, donor blood is needed more than ever to save people’s lives as stocks continue to deplete. By donating blood making a personal, positive contribution to save lives.

The Who is Hussain Foundation (a UK based charity) has representatives in over 60 locations globally. These teams will be joining hands with national blood organisations, civil society groups, businesses and grassroots communities to rally together and donate blood for this incredible cause.

The impact of a global pandemic led to us witnessing an incredible and unparalleled community spirit in all corners of the world. Let’s build on that energy, and help positively change the lives of thousands more. Unite with other blood donors on August 27 and you can be part of an ambitious and powerful world record-breaking attempt.

Charity appealed to join for what promises to be a momentous and impactful event.

Islamabad

Facts of case against Senator Gillani not presented properly: ECP

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the saved verdict on the petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leaders on Friday.

PTI had filed the disqualification case against Senator Yousuf Raza Gillani and Member of Parliament Assembly (MPA) Ali Haider Gillani in which the ECP has rejected the PTI’s petitions.

The Chief Election Commissioner announced the verdict and stated that the facts about this case were not presented properly whereas there is no direct evidence against the PPP Senator Yousuf Raza Gillani.

Therefore Pakistan Peoples Party leader Yousuf Raza Gillani will remain Senator, the Election Commission declared.

On the other hand, ECP has ordered to conduct action against MPA Ali Haider Gillani and PTI Member of National Assembly (MNA) Faheem Khan on the grounds of corrupt practices.

Whereas the Election Commission has also ordered to register a case against Ali Haider Gillani on the grounds corrupt practices.

General

42 injured in Al-Aqsa mosque compound, Jerusalem: Palestinian Red Crescent

At least 42 people injured in Al-Aqsa mosque compound by the action taken by Israeli’s police against Palestinian Muslims on Friday.

According to Palestinian Red Crescent, unrest came out on final Friday of Ramazan.

None of the injuries were serious, the Red Crescent said, adding that 22 people had been taken to hospital.

Over the past two weeks, nearly 300 Palestinians have been injured in violence at the Al-Aqsa compound, Islam’s third-holiest site which is the most holy site for Jews, who call it the Temple Mount.

Israel’s police claimed forces entered the compound after “rioters” hurled stones and fireworks, including down towards the Western Wall, the sacred Jewish site below Al-Aqsa.

The statement said officers used “riot dispersal means” to contain the unrest. According to AFP, witnesses said police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Police said three people had been arrested, two for throwing stones and one for “inciting the mob”.

“For the past hour, the site has been quiet and (Muslim) worshippers are safely entering (the compound)” police said.

But tensions remain high at the site in the heart of Jerusalem’s old, walled city, part of Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

Israel’s incursions into the site during Ramazan have raised global concern, but the Jewish state has insisted it was compelled to act against operatives from the groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad who were seeking to spark widespread unrest across Jerusalem.

In an apparent attempt to ease tensions, Israel’s Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has stressed that the government was committed to the status quo at the compound, meaning an adherence to long-standing convention that only Muslims are allowed to pray there.

Jews are allowed to visit the Temple Mount. Muslim leaders have, however, been angered by a recent uptick in such visits. Some voiced fears that Israel was seeking to divide the compound and create a space where Jews may worship. Lapid told journalists that no such plan exists.

Violence in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem has raised fears of another armed conflict similar to an 11-day war last year between Israel and the group Hamas, triggered by similar unrest at Al-Aqsa.

Recent weeks have seen isolated rocket fire from Gaza towards Israel and Israeli reprisals, but no casualties reported on either side.

The Al-Aqsa tensions have come against a backdrop of violence since March 22 in Israel and the occupied West Bank.

Twelve Israelis, including an Arab-Israeli police officer, and two Ukrainians were killed in four separate attacks inside Israel. Two of the deadly attacks were carried out in the Tel Aviv area by Palestinians.

A total of 26 Palestinians and three Israeli Arabs have died during the same period, among them perpetrators of attacks and those killed by Israeli security forces in West Bank operations.

Meanwhile, former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan expressed solidarity with the Palestinians against the violence and oppression by Israeli forces.

In his message on Al Quds Day, marked as a protest against the creation of Israel and occupation of Jerusalem, Imran pointed out that every Ramazan, Muslims witnessed condemnable attacks by Israeli forces against worshippers in Al-Aqsa mosque.