Daily Archives: December 7, 2022

Sports

Pakistan regrets non-issuance of visa to its Blind Cricket Team by India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has deeply regretted non-issuance of visa to its blind cricket team by India for participation in the third T-20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind. The tournament is being played in India on 5-17 December 2022.

According to a statement issued by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Tuesday, as a result of the Indian decision, Pakistani players would be deprived of the opportunity to participate in an international sporting event of special significance. This reflects India’s insensitivity towards promotion of sports meant for differently-abled persons.

She said that the sports events must not be politicized. We have conveyed our disappointment to the Indian side, FO Spokesperson said.

Court, Court News

PM Shehbaz welcomes Supreme Court taking suo motu notice of murder of journalist Arshad Sharif

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has welcomed Supreme Court of Pakistan taking suo motu notice of the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif.

In a statement issued on twitter on Tuesday, PM Shehbaz Sharif said that he had already written a letter to Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial for setting up a Judicial Commission to probe the murder. He said that the government will extend full cooperation to the Court.

“I welcome Supreme Court taking suo motu notice of the murder of journalist Arshad Sharif. I had already written a letter to Honorable Chief Justice of Pakistan for setting up a Judicial Commission to probe the murder. The government will extend full cooperation to the Court” Shehbaz Sharif tweeted.

Court News

Supreme Court allows ECP to continue contempt proceedings against Imran Khan, Asad Umar & Fawad Chauhdry

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday directed high courts hearing petitions filed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf pertaining to the alleged contempt of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to quickly decide on the matter.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Ayesha A. Malik and Justice Athar Minallah issued these directives while hearing the case.

The ECP had during August and September issued contempt notices, in exercise of its powers of contempt, against PTI Chairman Imran Khan and party leaders Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Mian Shabbir Ismail and Danial Khalid Khokhar for allegedly using “intemperate” language against the chief election commissioner and ECP and asked them to appear in person or through their counsels before the commission to explain their position.

However, instead of appearing before the ECP, the PTI leaders challenged in various high courts the ECP notices and contempt proceedings on the grounds that Section 10 of the Elections Act 2017, which is the statutory provision regarding the commission’s power to punish for contempt, was against the Constitution.

According to the Election Act 2017, Section 10 titled “Power to punish for contempt” states that the “election commission may exercise the same power as the high court to punish any person for contempt of court and the Contempt of Court Ordinance, 2003 (V of 2003), or any other law pertaining to contempt of court shall have effect accordingly[…]”

The PTI leaders had also sought from the high courts a declaratory relief from the charges.

Later, a petition was moved through Advocate Sajeel Sheryar Swati on behalf of the ECP with a request to order consolidation of all six petitions before one high court instead of defending the commission’s stance over the issuance of contempt notices against PTI leaders in different high courts.

At the onset of the hearing on Tuesday, the ECP requested the apex court to consolidate all petitions filed by the PTI leaders against the election commission.

PTI lawyer Anwar Mansoor Khan said the petitions could not be merged just for the facilitation of respondents.

Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial asked whether subjudice matters in different courts could be clubbed together. “Explain this under the light of previous court orders,” he told the ECP. The ECP counsel sought time for reading court decisions.

The chief justice observed that the ECP claimed it had been barred by the Lahore High Court from issuing a verdict against the PTI chief.

However, the CJP clarified that the LHC had stopped the ECP from the final decision and not the contempt proceedings.

“The decision against the former PM could only be taken after the completion of the proceedings in the ECP contempt case against Imran,” the court remarked.

“The proceedings under the contempt charges will continue as per the law,” the court added.

The ECP counsel told the court that the LHC had stopped the commission from proceedings against PTI leaders — Imran Khan, Fawad Chaudhry and Asad Umar.

Justice Ayesha Malik remarked that the disciplinary action could only be initiated once the contempt proceedings were wrapped.

“The Section 10 of the Election Act permits action for the contempt,” the ECP counsel told the court.

He lamented that the PTI leaders were not turning up before the commission.

Justice Malik interjected that no high court had barred the ECP from action.

“The commission has not been holding proceedings in the contempt case since October,” she added.

While wrapping the ECP’s pleas, the apex court directed high courts to decide on the PTI’s petitions against the election commission soon.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court disposed of the case and instructed the ECP to continue with its proceedings as per the law.

The SC maintained that the Lahore and Sindh high courts did not stop the ECP from holding a hearing. However, it said the commission should not take any decision in the case until the verdict of the Lahore and Sindh high courts are announced.

It furthered that the hearing on these applications pending in the high courts should be completed soon.

Quetta

Balochistan police summon Shahbaz Gill

QUETTA: Police have summoned PTI leader Shahbaz Gill in connection with the case registered against him in Balochistan.

FIR is registered against Shahbaz Gill in district Qilla Abdullah wherein 7 clauses have been included under PECA act

Police said in the light of the case Shahbaz Gill has been summoned besides informing him about the case. However if he does not come he will be arrested.

According to authorities Shahbaz Gill has agreed to come to Quetta. If he does not come to Quetta then Balochistan police team will go to arrest him.

Peshawar

PDMA KP Prepares Winter Contingency Plan 2022-23

Peshawar: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority under the guidance of Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has prepared the winter contingency plan 2022-23 in order to cope with various natural hazards which the provinces faces during the winter season. The natural hazards mentioned in the plan include winter hazards of extreme low temperature, fog/smog, snowfall, rainfall, landslides flashfloods and seismic activity along the mountainous north and west.

Director General PDMA Mr. Sharif Hussain said that the process of Winter Contingency Plan was started in mid-October 2022 by involving all stakeholders of the Federal Government, Provincial line Departments, District Administration and development partners. Digital tools for data collection were developed and shared with all stakeholders including information regarding district/sector specific hazards and vulnerability profile, hazard impact, damages, compensation paid, resource mapping, need assessment and coordination.

He added that The Winter Contingency Plan 2022-23 provides a detailed overview of district profile of winter hazards for the entire province. The document also covers details about the Composite Risk Score of every district based on the different types of hazards the districts is prone to. It also explains the corresponding risks that are associated with it along with the approximate vulnerable population in the event of any untoward situation. Keeping the risks that these hazards might pose, all the districts map out such vulnerable sites and prepare a Winter Contingency Plan of their respective districts wherein all the available resources are mapped and the corresponding response is chalked out, identifying clearly defined roles and responsibilities of various departments in the event of any unfavorable scenario.

The different winter hazards that this province is prone to, include heavy snowfall, extremely low temperatures and cold wave, avalanches, land sliding, heavy rainfall, fog and smog. Every hazard has its own challenges. For instance, the heavy snowfall in the upper regions of Malakand and Hazara divisions disrupt daily lives in different ways ranging from road closures, collapse of buildings / houses and the subsequent shortage of supplies /commodities. Similarly, low temperatures and cold waves result in the increase of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) diseases.

In this current Winter Contingency Plan very specific challenges, hazards and risks of each district based on composite risk index have been mapped. This year, the flood affected population has been counted as one of the indicator for vulnerability assessment of each district. Based on the historical data of events and damages flood affected population and the scientific interpolation of weather parameters, The district has been categorized as very high, high and medium, low risk districts. The plan is stakeholders’ inclusive exercise that takes stock of what exists in terms of plans and resources, hazard’s analysis to determine the likely relief caseload as a planning assumption.

The resources and estimated caseload with clear roles and responsibilities of different departments for dealing untoward emergency situation in the province has also been included. The sole objective is a unified response for minimizing the impacts of various winter hazards on the masses.

The process, contingency planning for major hazards, shall enable initiation of requisite mitigation measures and to undertake a coordinated response to minimize the loss of life and property in the events of disasters. It is stakeholders’ inclusive exercise that takes stock of what exists in terms of plans and resources, hazards analysis to determine the likely relief caseloads as a planning assumption.

Rawalpindi

Defence of the motherland to be ensured at all costs & there won’t be any space for peace’s spoilers: COAS Syed Asim Munir

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited Tirah Valley, Khyber District on Tuesday.

According to the statement issued by ISPR, COAS Syed Asim Munir spent day with forward troops deployed along Pakistan - Afghanistan Border. He was brief by field commander about operational preparedness and border control measures in place as part of Western Borders Management Regime.

While interacting with officers and men, COAS Syed Asim Munir praised them for their high morale and operational readiness in the line of duty. COAS said that State’s writ has been established due to innumerable sacrifices by tribal people and security forces. Our fight against terrorism will continue with the support of the nation till we achieve enduring peace and stability, COAS reiterated.

COAS Syed Asim Munir said that defence of the motherland will be ensured at all costs and there won’t be any space for peace’s spoilers. No one will be allowed to disrupt the hard earned gains of war against terror made thus far, COAS concluded.

Later, COAS visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar and laid floral wreath to pay homage to Shahuada. COAS was also briefed about operational, training and other matters of the formation including efforts to create secure environment for socio- economic development projects to uplift the newly merged districts.

Earlier, on arrival, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Hassan Azhar Hayat, Commander Peshawar Corps.

Rawalpindi

Major Shabbir Sharif’s 51st martyrdom anniversary observed

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Army paid homage to Major Shabbir Sharif Shaheed on his 51st martyrdom anniversary in Lahore, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated on Tuesday.

General Officer Commanding Major General Malik Amir Muhammad Khan laid a floral wreath at the martyr’s mausoleum.

According to the military's media wing, a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army presented the guard of honour.

Various people from different walks of life including civil and military officials as well as Major Sharif's relatives attended the wreath-laying ceremony, reported the ISPR.

Major Sharif was a valiant warrior who displayed unparalleled courage while defending the motherland and was awarded the Nishan-e-Haider, the highest gallantry award, for his supreme sacrifices.

During the Pak-India war of 1971, Major Sharif was ordered to capture high ground near the Sulemanki Headworks. The position was defended by Indian infantry, supported by a squadron of tanks.

He captured the area, killing 43 Indian soldiers and destroying four tanks. He and his men also repulsed counter-attacks by two enemy battalions.

On December 6, 1971, he embraced martyrdom after being hit by a tank shell.

Born on April 28, 1943 in Kunjah, Gujrat District, Major Sharif was commissioned in the Frontier Force Regiment on April 19, 1964.

The battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment, in which the valiant officer was commissioned, observes “Shabbir Day” annually with great solemnity and gratitude.

Major Sharif also participated in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 as a captain and led several successful military operations against the Indian military attacks.

He received his early education from Lahore’s St Anthony High School. He was intellectually an exceptional student, and was considered among the best in hockey and cricket.

Major Sharif's younger brother General Raheel Sharif has served as the chief of the army staff (COAS), the highest rank in the Pakistan Army.

He is also a relative of another holder of Nishan-e-Haider, Major Raja Aziz Bhatti Shaheed.

Rawalpindi

COAS Syed Asim Munir visits Tirah valley

Rawalpindi: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited Tirah Valley, Khyber District today.

COAS spent day with forward troops deployed along Pakistan - Afghanistan Border. He was brief by field commander about operational preparedness and border control measures in place as part of Western Borders Management Regime . While interacting with officers and men, COAS praised them for their high morale and operational readiness in the line of duty. COAS said that State’s writ has been established due to innumerable sacrifices by tribal people and security forces. Our fight against terrorism will continue with the support of the nation till we achieve enduring peace and stability, COAS reiterated . COAS said that defence of the motherland will be ensured at all costs and there won’t be any space for peace’s spoilers. No one will be allowed to disrupt the hard earned gains of war against terror made thus far, COAS concluded .

Later, COAS visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar and laid floral wreath to pay homage to Shahuada. COAS was also briefed about operational, training and other matters of the formation including efforts to create secure environment for socio- economic development projects to uplift the newly merged districts.

Earlier, on arrival, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Hassan Azhar Hayat, Commander Peshawar Corps.

Government, Govt

Govt of China stands with people of Pakistan & is willing to provide every possible assistance: Nong Rong

ISLAMABAD: Nong Rong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at Finance Division on Tuesday.

The Finance Minister welcomed the Ambassador of Republic of China and highlighted about the long-standing and deep-rooted relations between both countries. It was shared that China and Pakistan have strong bilateral ties in a number of economic avenues.

Both sides discussed about further deepening these ties in economic as well as financial sectors. The Finance Minister expressed grief on the sad demise of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin and said that it is a great loss for China as well as Pakistan as Jiang Zemin was a great friend of Pakistan.

Ishaq Dar highlighted about the ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation program being undertaken by the current government. The Finance Minister commended the support of Chinese government in these hard times and shared that present government is taking various measures to protect the vulnerable segment of the society. It was also shared that government of Pakistan has realistic plan for dealing with any upcoming expenditures regarding reconstruction and rehabilitation program in of flood affected areas. The Finance Minister further apprised the Chinese Ambassador that the Government remains committed to completing the IMF program while meeting all external debt repayments on time.

The Chinese Ambassador appreciated the policy initiatives being taken by the government for sustaining and boosting the fiscal and monetary stability. He shared goodwill gestures and assured the continuous support of Chinese Government to Pakistan and added that government of China stands with people of Pakistan and is willing to provide every possible assistance.

In concluding remarks, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar thanked the Chinese Ambassador for continuous support and assistance.

Government

Govt decides to curtail powers of HEC

ISLAMABAD: Government has decided to curtail the powers of Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Sources said cabinet committee legislation has approved the amendment. Now the status of federal minister will be withdrawn from HEC chairman. Education ministry will accord approval to HEC rules after amendment while the executive director will be appointed by the government.

Prime Minister office has decided to review amendments bill. Following the approval from PM office the amendments will be placed before cabinet.