ISLAMABAD: Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) Patron-In-Chief Jahangir Tareen raised objections on new delimitations ahead of general elections, ARY News reported on Tuesday.
Several political parties raised objections to new delimitations finalised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The IPP chief Jahangir Tareen has primarily raised objections on delimitations of two national and two provincial assembly constituencies, NA-154, NA-155, PP-226 and PP-227, in Lodhran.
The commission will hear Tareen’s objections on the delimitation on November 2. The ECP had received 1,324 including 672 complaints from Punjab against the new delimitations.
The special benches of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will begin reviewing 1,324 objections on delimitation of constituencies on November 1.
In a statement, the ECP spokesperson said that objectors have also been notified about their hearings on November 1 and 2.
After a thorough review of all objections, the official publication of constituency details is set for November 30.
In response to objections filed with the Election Commission for various provinces, including Islamabad, 672 were registered in Punjab, 228 in Sindh, 293 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 124 in Balochistan, and 7 in Islamabad.
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KARACHI: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has formally requested the municipal commissioner to summon ‘mandatory’ Karachi City Council session, ARY News reported on Tuesday.
Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leaders Saifuddin Advocate and Qazi Sadruddin submitted a formal request to the municipal commissioner to summon Karachi City Council.
Saifuddin Advocate stated in its plea that the local government (LG) is bound to hold City Council sessions on a monthly basis under Sindh Council Rules 2016.
He added that only one City Council session was held on June 15 after the mayor and deputy mayor’s elections with an ‘aimless agenda’.
The JI leader said that the representatives of the ruling party in the metropolitan corporation have seemingly no development programme for the metropolis.
Saifuddin said that JI has 130 members in the City Council despite alleged vote rigging in the LG elections. Additionally, more than 60 members belong to JI’s coalition parties.
ISLAMABAD: The caretaker federal government has decided to immediately deport illegal immigrants after their arrests and special instructions have been given to the local administrations and police forces of all provinces, ARY News reported on Monday.
Pakistan pulled up socks for deportation of illegal immigrants and decided direct deportation after their arrests. Following the cabinet’s approval, the interior ministry issued instructions to the police forces, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and local administrations across the country.
The authorities granted special powers to the local administrations, police forces and LEAs for completing the repatriation process across the country.
The concerned police departments will prosecute the illegal immigrant cases during trials. Additionally, the prosecution powers were also granted to the police through chief secretaries.
The law was taken into effect after the formal approval of the federal cabinet and the interior ministry.
Federal cabinet decisions
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar chaired the federal cabinet session today and took key decisions.
A briefing was given on the repatriation of illegally residing immigrants from across the country. It was told that the orders for repatriation of illegal immigrants were issued to all provinces under the Foreign Act 1947.
Sources said that all concerned institutions including police forces have been directed to arrest the illegal immigrants. It was learnt that all illegal immigrants who are facing trials in minor crimes and convicted will be deported.
However, those foreigners will not be deported who were found involved in serious crimes, sources added.
The caretaker government granted special powers to the district administration, police forces, prosecution and jail administrations.
Additionally, special detention centres have been established in all four provinces to keep the arrested immigrants and deportation.
Holding Camp in Karachi
In Karachi, Haji Camp has been given the status of a Holding Camp for illegal immigrants. The representatives of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), police and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) will provide assistance.
Commissioner Karachi will finalise arrangements for the return of illegal immigrants via trains.
The FIA staffers will compile data on illegally residing foreigners with the assistance of the NADRA.
Commissioner Karachi confirmed the establishment of a temporary camp for illegal immigrants in Karachi. He added that another camp could be established in the Civic Centre if needed.
Overall, three camps were established across Sindh, according to the district administration.
The caretaker federal government set a November 1 deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country or else face deportation.
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ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Monday said that the caretaker government strictly adhered to its constitutional role of holding free, fair and transparent elections in the country, ARY News reported.
“We are not a political government, and we do not have any political agenda. Political parties do not need us for establishing contacts with each other. The Election Commission is in contact with all the political parties,” the minister said while addressing a press conference after a meeting of the Federal Cabinet presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar.
Solangi was flanked by ministers for Interior, Culture & Heritage, and National Health Services.
Sharing the major decisions taken by the Federal Cabinet, the minister said the forum approved the Repatriation Order under sections 3 and 14B of the Foreigners Act of 1946 on the recommendations of the Ministry of Interior. It was aimed at sending back illegal immigrants to their countries, he added.
Solangi said the prime minister had issued special directives for ensuring repatriation of illegal immigrants in a dignified and respectful manner.
Women and children would also be provided special care during the repatriation process, he said, adding directives had been issued that no state agency would exceed its authority at any stage of the process.
The minister said the prime minister had directed to establish a special system for not only preparing the database of individuals being repatriated under the Repatriation Order, but also monitoring the entire process.
He said the PM also accorded approval for presenting a work plan before the cabinet regarding the matter so that it could be ensured that all illegal immigrants left the country in a phased-manner.
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Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Dr Shamshad Akhtar on Saturday visited the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) and Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) in Karachi and briefed their representatives on the measures the current government has undertaken to stabilize the economy and ensure optimum revenue collection.
The minister was accompanied by Chairman FBR Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana and all chief commissioners-IR and Chief Collectors Customs heading their respective field formations stationed in Karachi, the state news agency reported.
Representatives of OICCI and KATI acknowledged the efforts of FBR field formations in taxpayers’ facilitation and revenue mobilization, while also highlighting issues such as complicated tax compliance, over-regulation, the absence of documentation at the cottage industry level, narrow tax base, non-filers, transit trade, and IT glitches faced by exporters.
During the meeting, Chairman FBR discussed the issues raised by representatives of both bodies and assured them that their concerns would be addressed instantly. He also emphasized recent important initiatives taken by FBR such as designating 50% of RTOs workforce for Broadening of Tax Base, Track and Trace System, and crackdown on non-duty paid goods.
The minister and chairman FBR also visited LTO, Karachi, and held a meeting with the Chief Commissioner-IR, Chief Collectors Customs, and Commissioners-IR. During the meeting, the minister appreciated FBR field formations for exceeding the collection target during the first quarter of the current financial year and directed CCIRs to continue making endeavors to meet the budgetary target fixed for the year.
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Zaka Ashraf has unveiled future plans for cricketers and chief selectors after the team’s poor performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, ARY News reported on Sunday.
While talking to the ARY News, Zaka Ashraf urged for taking best decisions to ‘clean the dirt off the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’.
To a question, he replied that the prime minister has the power to retain him as the PCB chief or not. However, he added that he maintained the reputation of the Pakistani team earlier and can still do so.
“I don’t want to take the morale of the team management and coaches down. I wish the best for anyone including Najam Sethi if appointed as the PCB chairmanship by the prime minister.”
“However, the appointment and ouster should be made in an honourable way, otherwise, it would damage the reputation of the board. We should work for the betterment of the cricket by setting aside our differences.”
Ashraf gave details about his meeting with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah, Ashraf said that the BBCI secretary’s attitude was respectful towards him.
The PCB chief said that Jay Shah had also telephoned him a few days ago and recalled the meeting along with other chairmen of the cricket boards.
Asrah claimed that they would soon restore Pakistan and India cricket ties. Regarding the visa issue, the PCB chief said, “We had requested the Indian authorities to issue visas to the Pakistani fans and journalists, however, we cannot forcefully take visas from anyone except for making request.”
The PCB chairman hinted at questioning the business agreements signed by the cricketers and the chief selectors after surfacing of media reports about influences of the management company in the cricket team.
Zaka Ashraf said that the cricket board would devise legislation regarding the business agreements of the cricketers and the chief selectors. “Such business agreements could have become a reason for a clash in the team’s interests. The chief selectors will be questioned and legislation will be devised.”
He detailed that regulations will also be devised for the players’ agents. “There would a monopoly if a single agent has contracts of several players. Business agreements and agents are serious issues and the board would consider these issues on a serious note.”
Commenting on the poor performance in the ICC World Cup 2023, Zaka Ashraf said that people should support the Pakistani team instead of launching criticism on TV channels and social media that would take down the morale of the players.
“Several players had complained about severe criticism on television channels. The mistakes of the cricket teams must be discussed after the conclusion of the world cup.”
To a question, the PCB chief clarified that he does not even allow his children to sit in the official vehicle provided to him by the PCB. He added that his family went to India at their own expense.
The PCB chief was also questioned about Rashid Latif’s claims about not receiving telephone calls from Pakistani skipper Babar Azam.
Zaka Ashraf rejected Rashid Latif’s claims. “I think, it is also part of a game and I feel pity about his claims. I constituted a technical committee under the supervision of Misbah-ul-Haq and several former cricketers were invited there including Rashid Latif and Mohammad Hafeez.”
He continued, “Rashid Latif had also criticised the technical committee when it sought his recommendations. Instead of giving his advice, Rashid launched criticism on the committee and felt proud to walk out of the meeting. I think, it is inappropriate. When you are there in Pakistan, then you have to think like a Pakistani.”
Regarding Babar Azam’s alleged telephone call, Zaka Ashraf rejected Latif’s claims and said, “He has never telephoned me. A skipper cannot contact the PCB chairman as he can only contact the director international or COO of the PCB.”
Talking to the ARY News, Ashraf also opposed allowing cricketers to join different leagues before the World Cups.
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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Central General Secretary Nayyar Hussain Bokhari said Sunday that his political party opposed an extension in the caretaker government’s tenure, ARY News reported.
While talking to the ARY News programme ‘Sawal Yeh Hai’, Nayyar Bokhari said that the PPP Central Executive Committee (CEC) made all decisions. “The no-confidence motion was tabled due to PPP. We decided to join the coalition government only to complete the tenure of the assemblies.”
“There is no such agreement to retain an alliance after the dissolution of the government. PPP believes in the power of votes. We thought that elections would be held in nine months after the assemblies’ dissolution on August 9.”
Bokhari said that PPP leaders expressed reservations after witnessing the non-implementation of the decision. He added that PPP leaders believed that ‘the match is fixed and a political party is being given special treatment.”
The PPP criticised the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for not conducting the general polls despite the Supreme Court’s (SC) directives.
Regarding Khursheed Shah’s statement, Bokhari termed it ‘a personal opinion’ but not the PPP’s stance. A few days ago, Shah sought ‘pardon from the nation as the PPP made a mistake by joining the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government.”
Former Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah urged ECP to immediately announce the election date as it is the only solution to the country’s problems.
He said that ECP should not delay the announcement of the election date and the election schedule must be issued immediately. Shah said caretaker governments are given power for two or three months to hold fair and free elections. Prolonging the tenure of caretakers will create ‘problems’, he added.
The PPP leader said caretakers cannot make such decisions that cannot be continued by the upcoming elected government.
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KARACHI: The prices of construction materials have been increased massively despite the drop in petrol prices, ARY News reported.
As per details, the cement bag will now cost Rs1200 whereas the price of gravel has been increased to Rs 125 per square foot.
Additionally, the price of sand trolley has been hiked to Rs 18,000 per trolley and the price of steel has reached Rs 270 per kilogram meanwhile 1000 bricks will now cost Rs 15,000.
In the aftermath of the hike, people have started halting their construction work and the workers have also increased wages.
Earlier, the then former minister Ishaq Dar said that the construction sector drew the main focus of the government as the common man as well as builders were given a major relief in the Federal Budget 2023-24.
The minister said that keeping in view the importance of the construction sector in economic development, the government had decided to facilitate the common man and builders in the construction of houses and buildings.
“Around 40 industries are linked with this sector (construction). The construction enterprise will be given either a 10 per cent or five million rupees concession or which be less of the two for the next three years.
“And the individuals, constructing their own buildings will be provided 10 per cent tax credit or one million rupees concession, or which will be less of the two. The concession will applicable on the projects, commencing from July 1, 2023 and afterwards,” the minister added.
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An earthquake of 5.0 magnitude on the Richter Scale jolted Swat and its adjoining areas on Friday, ARY News reported.
The National Seismic Monitoring Centre (NSMC) confirmed that tremors were felt in Swat and the adjoining areas. No loss is reported as per initial reports.
According to NSMC Islamabad, the depth of the quake was recorded at 120 kilometres and the epicentre was Hindukush mountain range.
Last week, a mild earthquake jolted different parts of Karachi on Monday. No loss was reported as per initial reports.
A mild earthquake of 3.1 magnitude on the Richter Scale jolted different areas of Karachi – the capital of Sindh province – on Monday night.
According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre Islamabad, the depth of the quake was recorded at 15 kilometres and the epicentre was near the Quaidabad area of Karachi.
The areas where tremors were felt include Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Cattle Colony, different areas of Malir District, Quaidabad, Shah Latif Town, Sherpao Colony, Landhi, Muzaffarabad Colony, Muslimabad Colony, Steel Town and their adjoining areas.
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Pakistan captain Babar Azam on Friday opened up on his side’s heartbreaking loss to South Africa in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.
Pakistan, electing to bat first, scored 270 with the side being aided by captain Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel’s half-centuries. The latter stood out from the rest with his run-a-ball 52. His knock included seven fours.
His 84-run partnership with Shadab Khan (43 off 36) was the saving grace as Pakistan were 5-141 in 39 overs.
Moreover, Babar Azam scored his third half-century of the tournament as he chipped in with his 50 off 65 balls with the help of four deliveries.
Spinner Tabraiz Shamsi was the standout bowler with his figures of 4-60. Marco Jansen returned with figures of 3-43 in nine overs.
South Africa survived a late charge from Pakistan to pull off a thrilling one-wicket win and move closer to the semi-finals of the World Cup on Friday.
Aiden Markram hit a solid 91 and at 206-4 South Africa were well on course to comfortably chase down a 271-run target. However, it was left to the last pair of Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi to score 11 runs while surviving 11 balls.
Shamsi survived a leg-before appeal that went to umpire’s call off fast bowler Haris Rauf with eight needed before Keshav Maharaj hit spinner Mohammad Nawaz to the square-leg boundary to pull off the win in 47.2 overs, sparking wild celebrations in his team’s dressing room.
Babar Azam, in the post-match presentation, lamented on the side missing an opportunity to win the nail-biter.
“We had a very close fight and fought very well,” Babar Azam said. “We had an opportunity to win this match but we missed it. We will try our best in our next three matches.”
Pakistan, however, have lost four in succession after opening the tournament with back-to-back wins. The side have four points and will need results to fall in their favour if they are to sneak into the semi-finals.
South Africa, on the other hand, topped the table with 10 points from five wins in six matches.
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KARACHI: Customs intelligence has unearthed the tax fraud worth Rs3.5 billion allegedly committed by a private company, ARY News reported on Friday.
The Customs intelligence detected a Rs3.5 tax fraud in a company namely HSJI that cleared steel bars by deceiving Customs Collector Hyderabad without paying the taxes and duties.
The Customs spokesperson said that the company would have faced fines, duties and taxes worth Rs3.5 billion. A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged by Customs intelligence, however, no recovery has been made from the company so far.
It emerged that the fraud money was used in a construction project. The Customs spokesperson said that the accused was associated with the HSJI namely company. The construction company used steel products in a Karachi-based project.
The FIR was lodged on October 27 on a tip-off about money laundering. The nominated persons include Muhammad Hanif Jeewani, Ahmed Hanif Jeewani and others.
Last month, the Customs intelligence had unearthed a tax evasion scandal of Rs140 million through under-invoicing and fake documents in Karachi Airport’s Air Freight Unit (AFU).
The scandal of under-invoicing and fake documents for tax evasion has been unearthed in Jinnah International Airport Karachi’s AFU.
According to the Customs Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, corruption worth Rs140 million was allegedly committed in a consignment of a private company through under-invoicing and fake documentation.
Customs officials told the media that a private company was involved in tax evasion by submitting fake receipts of imported networking equipment. The tax evasion was caught by the Customs intelligence directorate during an inspection.
According to the Customs, the declared value of the equipment was Rs14.4 million instead of its actual value, Rs437.1 million. The private was also involved in under-invoicing in its previous consignments and hid an overall Rs140 million tax.
A First Information Report (FIR) was lodged over the tax evasion in which several persons were nominated including Shamim Akhtar Alam, Muhammad Saeed Alam and other business partners.
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LAHORE: In a horrific incident, at least five people belonging to one family were killed in Lahore firing, ARY News reported.
As per detail, the firing incident occurred in Lahore which resulted in the killing of three brothers, a cousin and their house servant.
The police officials said that unknown assailants opened the firing. it was not a case of personal enmity.
On October 20, Punjab Police and Safe City Authority conducted a joint operation and successfully apprehended a five-member dacoit gang from Lahore.
According to the reports, the Safe City monitoring team noticed five suspicious individuals roaming in Lahore’s Defense area and instructed the ‘Defense A police’ to check these five suspects.
During the check, the police officials recovered Rs 8 million of cash and 14 iPhones from the possession of the bandits.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Arsalan Zahid stated that the police immediately took all five individuals in custody and started interrogation from the suspects.
The arrested suspects confessed to several incidents including snatching and robberies, however, a case has been registered against all five bandits, while the case has been processed for further investigation.
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Pakistan has foiled India’s infiltration and ceasefire violation attempt by taking timely action at Zafarwal sector.
According to the details, Indian forces violated the ceasefire and attempted to launch a quad-copter drone in Zafarwal sector that was timely thwarted by the Pakistani forces.
To cover the failure of the quad-copter infiltration, Indian forces started unprovoked firing on Pakistani posts. Pakistani forces responded promptly to the Indian aggression.
According to ISPR, Indian troops initiated a ceasefire violation in Nakyal Sector along LOC deliberately targeting civil population.
“A 60 years old man identified as Ghayas who belonged to Kotli got martyred due to unprovoked Indian firing.” the ISPR said. Three women who were working in the fields got terrified by the firing.
The Indian forces have continuously violated the ceasefire agreement at the Line of Control and martyred Pakistan Army personnel and civilians during their unprovoked firing at the border.
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Australia’s University of Wollongong (UOW) has extended its most prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship for Pakistan.
The Pakistan High Commission said in a statement that for the first time, an Australian university has offered such scholarships for Pakistan.
The programme is aimed at inspiring a new generation of young, passionate leaders and providing them with the knowledge, skills, and worldviews to be future leaders. Two Pakistani students will be awarded the scholarship every year, according to a press release issued by the Pakistan High Commission – Canberra.
The Scholarship was launched at a momentous ceremony by the High Commissioner for Pakistan to Australia, H.E. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri together with the Vice-Chancellor and President of the UOW, Professor Patricia M. Davidson and former Captain of the Australian Cricket team and Global Brand Ambassador of the UOW, Adam Gilchrist.
Speaking at the occasion, the High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri thanked the University of Wollongong Vice-Chancellor for extending the Leadership Scholarship to Pakistan.
Commending the initiative, he stated, “I am sure these scholarships will provide a tremendous opportunity for outstanding emerging leaders from Pakistan to study at one of Australia’s top universities.”
Highlighting the significance of the programme, Chaudhri observed, “This initiative will not only enable our future leaders to develop academically and professionally but also experience diverse Australian culture and build lasting positive relationships with Australia”.
Emphasizing the robust education sector cooperation between Pakistan and Australia, he stated, “Pakistan and Australia enjoy excellent bilateral relations with strong education sector cooperation. Currently, more than 27,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in various Australian universities, with approximately 1,000 of them studying at the UOW”.
Describing the youth as Pakistan’s greatest national asset, the high commissioner thanked the renowned Australian university for being an invaluable partner in its human resource development efforts.
Speaking at the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Patricia Davidson, said, “We are proud to extend the reach of our Vice-Chancellor’s Leadership Scholarship program to Pakistan. This initiative aligns with our vision of creating a brighter future through education.”
In his remarks, Adam Gilchrist said, “I’m excited to be a part of this expansion. These scholarships will empower talented students from Pakistan to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.”
The High Commission will continue its engagement with major Australian universities to create more opportunities for Pakistani students and further strengthen education sector cooperation between Pakistan and Australia.
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ISLAMABAD: The interior ministry has expanded the scope of the investigation into the travelling of Afghan citizens to Saudi Arabia on fake Pakistani passports and CNICs and constituted a joint task force, ARY News reported on Wednesday.
The interior ministry constituted a 9-member joint task force led by the joint director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to probe into the issuance of fake Pakistani passports to Afghan citizens.
Representatives of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Military Intelligence (MI), Interior Ministry, Law Division and Passport Office were included in the joint task force.
The task force will conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the issuance of fake Pakistani passports, ascertain the responsible persons and recommend further actions.
The nine-member force will also devise a strategy to curb such incidents.
In another development today, the Ministry of Interior directed to initiate legal proceedings against the Afghan nationals who were caught in Saudi Arabia for possessing fake Pakistani passports and identity cards.
According to the Federal Investigation Bureau (FIA) sources, in light of Ministry of Interior directives, the relevant authorities decided to issue the notices to 12,500 Afghan nationals under section 18 of the NADRA Ordinance.
Sources within the FIA revealed that the fake Pakistani identity cards to the 593 Afghan nationals were issued from Islamabad, while a total of 5,500 Pakistani identity cards were issued from Quetta and Peshawar.
NADRA authorities have initiated official legal action against Afghan nationals possessing fake Pakistani passports and national identity cards.
Sources further stated that NADRA officially issued special instructions to the relevant authorities of all centers including Karachi, Quetta, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.
Meanwhile, the Afghan nationals caught in Saudi Arabia with counterfeit Pakistani passports and identity cards will face immediate cancellation and confiscation of the fraudulent documents.
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ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Tuesday said peace was linked with Pakistan and Afghanistan and effective border management and security was in the interest of the peoples of both countries.
The caretaker minister made these remarks during a meeting with Afghan media delegation. The meeting discussed problems of Afghan journalists, visa issues and other important issues.
Speaking during the meeting, Murtaza Solangi said that it was the responsibility of the media to identify the enemies of peace so that the state could defeat them.
Solangi held out the assurance that the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be contacted on the visa issues of Afghan journalists.
As a responsible state, Pakistan will ensure that all foreigners enter the country through legal channels, he added.
The delegation of Afghan journalists thanked the Federal Minister of Information for the assurance to redress their issues.
Pakistan has set a November 1 deadline for all illegal immigrants, including hundreds of thousands of Afghans, to leave the country or face forcible expulsion.
Pakistan has hosted the largest number of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979. Islamabad says the number of Afghan refugees in Pakistan totalled 4.4 million.
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Former wicketkeeper batter Kamran Akmal on Monday opened up on Pakistan’s historic defeat to Afghanistan in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.
Pakistan suffered its first ODI defeat against Afghanistan as they lost their ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 fixture by eight wickets.
Green Shirts scored 282-7 in their half-century courtesy of captain Babar Azam and opener Abdullah Shafique’s fifties. The former led from the front by top-scoring with 74 off 92 deliveries with four boundaries and a six.
Abdullah Shafique struck five boundaries and two maximums on his way to 75-ball 58. They put on a 54-run partnership on the second wicket.
Shadab Khan (40) and Iftikhar Ahmed (40) chipped in with a 74-run stand at the death stage.
Afghanistan registered a historic win as they successfully chased the 283-run target in the 49th over, courtesy of half-centuries by Rahmanullah Gurbaz (65), Ibrahim Zadran (87), and Rahmat Shah (77).
Pakistan’s poor bowling and fielding also helped Afghanistan’s cause.
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, speaking about the team’s performance in the ARY News show ‘Har Lamha Purjosh’, said Pakistan did not make the necessary changes in its playing 11. He added that the side have been playing with the same players, with some being out of form, for the past three years.
Kamran Akmal said that Pakistan batters, especially Iftikhar Ahmed and Imad Wasim, batted well but couldn’t score ample runs in at the start. He said that captain Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan gifted their wickets by playing bad shots.
He lauded Afghanistan for its performance, cruising at the run rate and keeping wickets in hand.
Speaking about the side’s bowling performance, the former cricketer added that the star pacer Naseem Shah’s injury has harmed the side. He said a bowler can never be a good performer unless they play in the longer formats.
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HYDERABAD: The Atta Chakki Owners Welfare Association has called for fixing the Rs34 per kilogram cost of processing flour instead of the government-assessed rate of Rs 24 per kg, ARY News reported.
During a press conference at the Hyderabad press club on Sunday, the association’s President Haji Muhammad Memon said the local authorities had fixed the rate of Rs 24 per kg as the processing cost of flour. However, he added, the actual cost was Rs 34 per kg which was Rs10 higher than the official rate.
According to him, due to the cost of wheat procurement and procession, the Chakkis could not sell flour below Rs140 per kg.
He demanded that the official notification concerning the cost should be revised after considering their stance. The association also called for announcing the procurement price for wheat crops for the year 2024.
Farooq Ahmed, Haji Najamuddin Chohan, Muhammad Haroon, Farooq Qamar and other office bearers of the association were present on the occasion.
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LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, who returned to Pakistan today (Saturday) after spending four years in self-imposed exile, presented his nine-point agenda to pull the country out of crises, Marriyum Aurangzeb said.
In a statement, the PML-N spokesperson said that the former prime minister presented his nine-point agenda in his speech at Minar-e-Pakistan, where PML-N orchestrated a massive rally to celebrate the return of their leader.
Marriyum Aurangzeb noted that the nine-point agenda focused on pulling out the country from crises.
The agenda included:
Reduction in government and administrative expenses
Increasing revenue and taxes and introducing reforms in tax system
Emergency measures to increase exports
Revolution in information technology
Reducing prices of electricity and gas
Management of loss-making institutions
Employment opportunities for youth and women
Revolution through modern technology in agriculture
Reforms in judicial system
PML-N supremo reaches Islamabad
PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif reached Islamabad from Dubai via a chartered flight.
After landing at Islamabad airport, Sharif proceeded to the airport’s VIP lounge alongside party leader Ishaq Dar, to sign legal documents and complete biometric formalities.
The PML-N supremo stayed at Islamabad International Airport for over one hour where he signed documents and held consultation with his lawyers.
Notable leaders, including Maryam Nawaz, have already joined the rally, and Nawaz Sharif himself has arrived in Lahore from Islamabad, where he was warmly received by his brother, Shahbaz Sharif. A helicopter transported him to the historic Shahi Fort.
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Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh shared his views on the comparison between Pakistan’s all-format skipper Babar Azam and India batter Virat Kohli amid the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
The batting styles and approach of Babar Azam and Virat Kohli are frequently compared by former cricketers and fans. However, the star cricketers have often shown respect and praised each other’s skills on several occasions.
Earlier, Virat Kohli had spoken highly of Babar Azam. The India batter said his Pakistan counterpart has shown regard and respect towards him from the start.
“I have enjoyed watching him play. He is coming into his own. I haven’t seen his attitude change towards me. This kind of characters go a long way and they inspire people,” Virat the India cricketer added.
Pakistan captain, reacting to the comments, said he felt really happy to hear the comments.
“Feels really good, when somebody passes comments like this. The way Virat Kohli has given comments, for me it is a proud moment. I felt really good. When you get praised like this, you get confidence. He said that in 2019 (World Cup) I went up to him. He was at his peak, he is at his peak now too,” the Pakistan captain said.
Babar Azam had thanked Virat Kohli for sharing his expertise, which helped him in his career.
Beyond rivalries and runs, lies a foundation of respect! @babarazam258‘s touching encounter with @imVkohli echoes the sentiment of mutual regard that cricket fosters. pic.twitter.com/YStrJsGDYU
Harbhajan Singh shared his views about the duo’s comparison in a tweet. He believes Virat Kohli is a better player than Babar Azam due to his knack of helping his country win with his match-winning performances in different situations.
” [Virat Kohli] is a modern-day legend without a question,” he said. ” [He] scored runs in every situation and conditions and won game for India. Babar and many others should learn from ‘King Kohli’.”
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which has the primary responsibility to promote world peace, has failed to “stop the slaughter in Gaza”, as it also failed in Kashmir, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram said.
“Like Israel in occupied Palestine, India’s massive occupation Army of 900,000 troops has sought to brutally suppress the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people and to impose what its extremist leaders ominously call a ‘Final Solution’ for Kashmir,” he told the 15-member Council.
On Wednesday, the United States vetoed a Russian-led Security Council resolution that would have called for “humanitarian pauses” to deliver life-saving aid to millions of traumatized Gazans living under the relentless Israeli bombing.
Speaking in a debate, Ambassador Akram said he hopes that after the Security Council’s failure, the General Assembly will take action and demand an immediate ceasefire; full, unhindered, and sustainable humanitarian access to suffering people in Gaza; and ensure that they are not displaced within or outside Gaza.
“Thereafter,” he added, “We should seek to resuscitate the two-State solution, the only option for a durable peace in the Holy Land.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Akram said the Security Council’s failures could be addressed by making it more representative of the UN’s membership; more democratic, by enlarging the voice of the majority of small and medium sized States, and more accountable, through the democratic method of periodic elections
The Pakistani envoy said regional and sub-regional organizations can play a role in promoting peace and security and resolving disputes. However, their role remains subsidiary to that of the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretary-General and other relevant UN organs. Moreover, their actions must remain consistent with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and UN resolutions.
The bloodshed began on October 7 when Palestinian group Hamas launched an attack in Israel in the deadliest attack on Israeli soil since the state was founded in 1948.
Israel hit back with a relentless bombing campaign, killing more than 4,300 Palestinians, mainly civilians according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://ift.tt/JP3oL0d
ISLAMABAD: Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Friday resurfaced after a month-long disappearance and condemned the May 9 riots while calling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan a ‘stubborn’, ARY News reported.
Talking to a private news channel, the former interior minister said that he had been on a ‘Chilla’ (apparently spending time underground) for the last 40 days.
Sheikh Rasheed – an ally of PTI chief Imran Khan – said that he had the opportunity to reflect on many things during the chilla in this age. “No one caused any harm during this period”, he added.
The AML president further said that he always stood by Pakistan Army, noting that he had also suggested PTI chief that “one should keep good terms with the army”. “I am proud to call myself the spokesperson of Pakistan Army”, Rasheed insisted.
He further said that no politician should take the names of any Pakistan army officer, adding that all the three people who were holding talks with the army for the PTI chief had made their own party.
The former federal minister said that he requested Imran Khan to include him in the committee – which was holding talks with army – but the latter refused, adding that the politicians and the institutions should work together.
Talking about the May 9 riots, Rasheed said that he was outside the country during the incidents of violence that followed Imran Khan’s arrest. He added that he had suggested to the PTI that they should not engage in a dispute with the establishment.
Calling PTI Chief Imran Khan “a stubborn politician”, Sheikh Rasheed said that messing with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir was their mistake.
Rasheed added that he had already condemned the May 9 riots, saying that the incidents of violence should be condemned in every Friday sermons.
He said that followers of the PTI chairman believe that they have supporters inside the army. “I had told Imran Khan that they would betray us and we should mind our own business,” he added.
“No doubt the events of May 9, including the attack on Core Commander House Lahore, were planned”, Sheikh Rasheed said. However, he sought ‘forgiveness’ for the people ‘who committed this mistake”.
Responding to a question, Sheikh Rasheed said that Twitter drowned him, adding that he was shown the Tweets. He added that he didn’t run the account on the microblogging site but all of the statements were his own.
Rasheed resurfaced a day after the Lahore High Court (LHC) gave the police a deadline till October 26 to recover the senior politician.
He was arrested from Rawalpindi on September 17, his counsel Sardar Abdul Razaq revealed on the same day.
from Latest Pakistan News and Breaking News from All over Pakistan https://arynews.tv/sheikh-rasheed-condemns-may-9-riots-calls-pti-chief-stubborn/
Pakistan suffered its second consecutive defeat in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as they were beaten by five-time winners Australia at Bangalore M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday and captain Babar Azam has revealed the reason for the defeat.
Pakistan won the toss and put Australia into bat under batting-friendly conditions. The decision came back to haunt him as openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh went all guns blazing to put on a record 259-run stand.
They bested former cricketers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin’s 183-run stand against Canada in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
David Warner, who scored his fourth consecutive century against Pakistan, top scored with 163 off 124 balls with 14 boundaries and nine sixes to his name. Mitchell Marsh, on the other hand, struck 10 fours and nine maximums on his way to 108-ball 121.
Thanks to blistering their blistering batting display and poor fielding by Pakistan, the side finished at 367-9 in their 50 overs.
In response, Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique (64) and Imam-ul-Haq (70) laid the platform for the chase with a 134-run opening partnership but the rest of the top order failed to build on promising starts as they were bundled out for 305.
Spinner Adam Zampa was the pick of the Australia bowlers as he cleaned up the middle order to finish with figures of 4-53 to move Australia up to fourth — level with fifth-placed Pakistan on four points but with a better net run rate.
Babar Azam, in the post-match presentation, blamed the side’s fielding woes for the defeat. He admitted that dropping David Warner twice and dismal bowling performance were mistakes on their behalf.
“The first 34 overs in the bowling and fielding cost us,” Babar Azam said. “We dropped [David] Warner and such batters don’t spare you. This is a big-scoring ground and we missed our mark.”
Pakistan’s fielding was all over the place as newcomer Usama Mir dropped opener batter David Waner off pacer Shaheen Afridi’s bowling in the first over of the match. The opening batter survived again as he was dropped for the second time in the 33rd over, this time by Abdullah Shafique.
Then, Pakistan captain Babar Azam joined the side’s drop catch club as he put down Steve Smith in the 35th over.
Pakistan will now take on Afghanistan at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium on October 23rd (Monday).
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