Sindh: Female vaccinators to get electric bikes

In a first, the Sindh government in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to provide electric bikes to female vaccinators to enhance the efficiency of vaccine distribution in the province.

According to the details, 55 female vaccinators will get electric bikes. The decision to provide electric bikes to women involved in vaccine supply is a strategic move aimed at overcoming logistical challenges and ensuring timely and widespread vaccination coverage.

Female vaccinators will be given training about how to operate electric scooters and will also be provided with special uniforms.

Read more: Pakistan to honour health workers with Civil Awards

Providing specific uniforms for these women will foster a sense of identity and contribute to a more professional and organized approach to vaccine distribution.

As the distribution of electric bikes is scheduled for next week, this initiative is poised to have an immediate and positive impact on the vaccination process in Sindh.

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US Supports Democratic Process Amidst Controversy Over PTI founder’s Rejected Nomination

In response to the rejection of former Prime Minister and PTI founder nomination papers by the Election Commission of Pakistan, the United States refrains from commenting directly but underscores its commitment to the democratic process.

State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller addressed the situation, emphasizing, “Pakistan’s future leadership is for the Pakistani people to decide. Our interest lies in ensuring free and fair elections conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s laws. We don’t support one candidate or party over another in Pakistan or anywhere else in the world.”

The Election Commission’s decision to bar Imran Khan from contesting upcoming elections has sparked debates on the integrity of the electoral process and the dedication to free and fair elections in Pakistan.

Related: United States Calls for Free and Fair Elections in Pakistan

In response to the rejection, Imran Khan penned an article accusing the United States of seeking military bases in Pakistan, a claim dismissed by Miller: “The former Prime Minister’s accusations are baseless.”

During Secretary Blinken’s visit, questions arose about talks with the Pakistani army chief and the ISSG concerning military involvement in politics. Miller avoided specifics but reiterated the U.S. position, stating, “We have always made clear it is for the Pakistani people to choose their government.”

Responding to another question, Miller clarified that the United States cannot dictate how Pakistan conducts elections but emphasizes the desire to see free and fair elections with freedom of speech.

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Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attack in Kerman, Iran

Pakistan has strongly condemned the dastardly terrorist attack that took place earlier today in the Martyrs Cemetery of the provincial capital of Kerman, Iran, resulting in large number of deaths and injuries.

In a statement on Wednesday, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said we extend heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and pray for the swift recovery of the injured.

She said Pakistan stands in full solidarity with the Government and brotherly people of Iran in this hour of grief and tragedy.

The spokesperson said Pakistan believes that terrorism is a menace and threat to regional and global peace and security. It needs to be confronted through bilateral and regional cooperation.

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Islamabad police denies Baloch protestors’ allegations

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad police have denied the allegations leveled by the Baloch protestors against them, ARY News reported. 

According to federal capital police spokesperson, there is no truth in the allegations made by the Baloch protestors in the press conference against the Islamabad police.

He said that false allegations are constantly being made against the police however the Islamabad police reserves the right to take legal action on the allegation and any illegal action will not be ignored.

The spokesperson maintained that peaceful and law-abiding protest is the right of every citizen but, no one will be allowed to enter the high-security zone and take the law into their hands.

Furthermore, he urged that the protestors should register their protest while staying within the law and Islamabad Police is providing full support and security to the protestors.

Read more: Do not harass Baloch protesters; court tells authorities

Earlier today, Islamabad High Court (IHC) barred the authorities in the federal capital from removing the Baloch protestors sitting outside the National Press Club,

The Baloch protestors filed a petition in the IHC against the ‘harassing’ of Islamabad police with the protesters.

The IHC, responding to the plea, issued an order and barred the police from removing Baloch Family members who were sitting outside the National Press Club.

The court emphasized the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals engaged in peaceful protests and directed the police authorities not to ‘harass’ the people sitting outside the National Press Club.

It is pertinent to mention here that Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar had said that the issue of Baloch families from Balochistan was being projected in negative and in sharp contrast to realities as Balochs were standing with the state of Pakistan.

Responding to different media queries during his visit to the Business Facilitation Center, the prime minister said that terrorists and armed militants had been involved in the killing of people of Balochistan.

“They were killing doctors, lawyers, and teachers, “Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar stated. He reassured them that the state would fight with them with all force as they could not be given license to kill people.

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Ban on political advertisement on KMC properties sought

KARACHI: The Municipal Commissioner has sought a ban on political advertisement, including hoisting flags and banners, on properties belonging to Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) ahead of general elections, scheduled for Feb 8, ARY News reported

In a letter to Commissioner Karachi, Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi observed that various political parties were using municipal infrastructure for “political purposes/ advertisement” by installing party flags and banners.

He also pointed out that an increase in political wall chalking was witnessed ahead of general elections, which according to him “gives an untidy look to the city but also adds to operational expenses of the council”.

Zaidi urged the Commissioner to instruct all political parties “not to use municipal infrastructure for political purposes and refrain from hoisting flags and banners on street light poles, pedestrian bridges, bridges & underpasses, gantries and other infrastructure”.

Read more: Election 2024: Over 3,000 aspiring candidates face rejection

A day earlier, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) released official data, showing 3,240 candidates aspiring to contest elections at national and provincial levels had their nomination papers rejected by returning officers (ROs).

As per data released by the ECP,  1,024 candidates were denied eligibility to contest National Assembly elections. Additionally, 2,216 individuals, failed to secure approval for the provincial assembly race.

Out of 25,951 submissions, the ROs green-lighted 22,711 candidates. For the National Assembly, 6,449 candidates received approval, while 1,024 faced rejection.

The ROs accepted 16,262 nominations for various provincial assembly seats. Punjab witnessed the highest number of rejections (521) for National Assembly nominations, followed by Sindh (166), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (152), Balochistan (92), and Islamabad Capital Territory (93).

 

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Former finance minister Sartaj Aziz passes away

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former finance minister Sartaj Aziz passed away, ARY News reported.

Confirming the demise of former finance minister Sartaj Aziz, PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said in his Tweet “Mr Sartaj Aziz has passed away. He was a veteran of Pakistan movement & great asset for the nation. He will be missed very much. His services for the nation will always be remembered. I had honour of working with him very closely and will never forget his affection and guidance. May Allah Bless his soul and Grant patience to the family Ameen!”

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
Mr Sartaj Aziz has passed away. He was a veteran of Pakistan movement & great asset for the nation. He will be missed very much. His services for the nation will always be remembered. I had honour of working with him very closely and… pic.twitter.com/am70fOP5KK

— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) January 2, 2024

President Dr Arif Alvi also expressed his grief over the demise of former Finance Minister and Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. He prayed to the Almighty for peace of the departed soul.

The president conveyed his condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for strength for them to bear the loss.

In his message, the Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said Sartaj Aziz was an extremely intelligent and seasoned politician. He said the late Sartaj Aziz was an active worker of the Pakistan Movement and a significant asset to the nation. Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said the services of the late Sartaj Aziz for Pakistan will always be remembered.

In his message, the Information Minister Murtaza Solangi said Sartaj Aziz was a political stalwart and an economist, who played a crucial role in the progress of Pakistan. Murtaza Solangi said Sartaj Aziz’s services for the resolution of the country’s economic issues are unforgettable.

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani also expressed sadness over the death of former Foreign Advisor Sartaj Aziz, remembering him as a “thorough gentleman” and an “iconic figure” who served Pakistan selflessly.

“Deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Sartaj Aziz Sb. A thorough gentleman, he was an iconic figure who served Pakistan selflessly and with exemplary dedication,” the foreign minister wrote on X.

انا للہ وانا الیہ راجعون۔
Deeply grieved to learn of the sad demise of Sartaj Aziz Sb. A thorough gentleman, he was an iconic figure who served Pakistan selflessly and with exemplary dedication. He will always be remembered for his intellectual prowess, integrity, and kindness.

— Jalil Abbas Jilani (@JalilJilani) January 2, 2024

He said late Sartaj Aziz would always be remembered for his intellectual prowess, integrity, and kindness.

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LHC orders to release PTI leader Latif Khosa’s son

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) has ordered to release Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Latif Khosa’s son Khurram Latif Khosa, ARY News reported.

As per details, LHC Justice Ali Baqir Najafi announced the reserved verdict and ordered to release of Khurram Latif Khosa.

The court also accepted the plea seeking the release of Khurram Latif Khosa in police assault case and disposed of the FIR registered against him.

The verdict stated that the police failed to present evidence against the PTI leader’s son in the assault case.

Yesterday, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Latif Khosa’s son Khurram Latif Khosa was arrested in Lahore.

As per details, the police officials stated that an FIR was registered against Khurram Khosa in Mozang police station Lahore yesterday at 02:50 pm.

The FIR also includes terrorism acts, interfering in state affairs and robbery whereas unknown lawyers were also nominated in the FIR.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) disgruntled leader Sardar Latif Khosa officially announced to joining the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), stating that he took the step “on the wish” of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan.

In a press conference held in Lahore, Khosa emphasized that his move was driven by the “interest of the country and democracy,” expressing his commitment to raising his voice for the truth.

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