Misbah fails to mention high-achieving batsman Abid in year-ending statement

Becoming the first ever batsman to score a century, both on One-day International and Test debuts, was not enough for Pakistan opener Abid Ali to be recognised by the team’s head coach-cum-chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq in his year-ender statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday.

Abid, after toiling hard and performing consistently in the domestic cricket circuit for the past seven years, finally made it to the national side this year, kicking off his international career with a century against Australia in the United Arab Emirates in March.

The right-hander, who idolises Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, opened his Test career with a hundred as well, which came against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Rawalpindi early last month. Abid went on to score another century in the second Test in Karachi.

With the PCB not yet having awarded Abid for his unique achievement, Misbah too missed out on mentioning his name while he talked about happenings in Pakistan cricket in 2019.

Misbah, however, expressed concern over the injury and form issues of opener Fakhar Zaman, pacer Hasan Ali and leg-spinner Shadab Khan, the trio which played a key role in Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph in 2019.

According to Misbah, who was a part of the PCB’s cricket committee during the 2019 ICC World Cup, said the absence of Fakhar, Hasan and Shadab was one of the major reasons of Pakistan’s failure to qualify for the semi-finals of the mega event.

Misbah also hailed the emergence of middle-order batsman Babar Azam as a mega star across all formats, as he retained No.1 position in the world T20 ranking and he is also ranked in top ten batsmen of the ODI format.

The emergence of fast bowlers Nasim Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi was also an encouraging prospect for Misbah, who, earlier into his tenure as the head coach and chief selector had admitted that Pakistan was struggling to find good pacers.

Nasim, after a tough debut against Australia in November’s first Test in Brisbane, was rested in the second, but bagged five wickets in a match-winning bowling performance in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Karachi. Shaheen took five in the first innings of the match as well.

“Nasim got five wickets in the last Test against Sri Lanka. Shaheen bowled well in the World Cup and he showed glimpses of being a Test bowler in South Africa, and bowled really well in Australia and here in Pakistan against Sri Lanka,” said Misbah.

“We will hopefully bank on these two promising fast-bowlers in the future.”

Misbah also praised the performance of wicket-keeper/batsman Mohammad Rizwan, who is finally looking to consolidate his place in the national side after former skipper and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed was dropped. It also indicates that Sarfraz will have to wait to make a come back in international cricket.

“Mohammad Rizwan performed very well for us in Australia, which was very good for us. Iftikhar Ahmed joined the team in the latter part of the year and the way he has put up performances in the T20I performances was certainly a plus for us,” Misbah said.

Meanwhile, Misbah did not express satisfaction over the overall performance of Pakistan in all the three formats.

”Overall, we are on the right track. The more we play the longer format, the more we will improve. We need to do a lot of work in white-ball cricket ahead of the all-important ICC T20 World Cup next year,” said the former Pakistan captain.

“Retaining number one position in T20Is was a big positive for us. No doubt, we did not perform up to the set standards, but this is something we look to build on.

“Pakistan ended 2019 on a high note with victory against Sri Lanka, but, overall, it was a tough year for Pakistan in Test cricket.”

PM Imran makes surprise visit to PIMS, Polyclinic

Prime Minister Imran Khan paid a surprise visit to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Polyclinic in Islamabad tonight and reviewed medical services offered to the patients.

He inquired about health of patients and inspected the treatment facilities being provided to them. He also directed hospitals' administration that standard health facilities and treatment should be provided to them.

Justice Mamoon Rashid takes oath as new chief justice of LHC

Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh took oath as the 51st Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday.

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar administered the oath to the chief justice-designate at a ceremony at the Governor House.

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, high court judges, government officials and representatives of lawyers’ bodies were present on the occasion.

Justice Mamoon Rashid Sehikh was named the new LHC chief justice after Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan reached the age of superannuation on Dec 31. His tenure as the top LHC judge will span just two months and 18 days.

Justice Qasim Khan, senior pusine judge of the high court, will succeed Justice Mamnoon Sheikh as LHC CJ on March 18, 2020 and will serve in the office for about one year and four months.

Addressing a full court reference on the high court premises held in his honour on Dec 31, Justice Shamim Khan had said, “I am honoured to head the Lahore High Court, which is providing best justice to the people.”

“After taking oath I took steps for prompt decisions on the cases pending in the high court,” Justice Shamim said. “Providing best infrastructure to the judiciary was my next priority,” the chief justice said.

New Year’s celebrations kick off across Pakistan

New Year’s celebrations kick off in Pakistan as hustle and bustle, celebrations and spectacular feats of fireworks stole the show at different cities of the country.

The moment when the clock struck 12, everybody was on their feet as celebrations started and fireworks show across most of the cities made the atmosphere lively everywhere.

Enthusiasts took to different roads across the country to celebrate the new year. Most of the Karachiites took to the seashore to celebrate the New Year in style.

The moment when the clock struck 12, everybody was on their feet as celebrations started and fireworks show across most of the cities made the atmosphere lively everywhere.

Enthusiasts took to different roads across the country to celebrate the new year. Most of the Karachiites took to the seashore to celebrate the New Year in style.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Rangers, Sindh and Karachi Police held a collaborative meeting on Tuesday to discuss and finalise security preparations for New Year’s Eve tonight.

Law enforcement officials will not put up security checkpoints in the city to avoid undue nuisance to those willing to celebrate.

Motorbikes without silencer and one-wheeling are strictly prohibited and will be taken action against by law enforcers.

Those indulging in over speeding will also be stopped and dealt with in accordance with the law, aerial firing is also strictly prohibited and can lead to jail time.

Those willing to bathe in the sea on the occasion of New Year’s Eve will also be stopped and if found doing so, they will be charged a fine.

New Delhi trying to change demography of occupied Kashmir: Mishal Malik

Mishal Malik, wife of Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, has termed 2019 the worst year for Kashmiris.

Talking to journalists, Mishal Malik said that the lockdown imposed in occupied Kashmir on August 5 by the Indian occupation forces crossed 150 days.

She said that the New Delhi’s government was trying to change the demography of occupied Kashmir and added that India planned to build townships for hundreds of thousands of Hindus in the Muslim-majority territory.

Mishal Malik said that the Indian forces were committing grave human rights violations in the occupied valley, adding that all the Kashmiri leadership, including Yasin Malik, has been placed under house arrest.

She said that Indian government kept Yasin Malik in death cell.

 

Will Try Hard to Further Stable Economy in 2020: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the legislators of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and allied parties to fully focus on highlighting the issues of public interest and their resolution through legislation during the year 2020.

He was talking to members of Senate belonging to the PTI and its allied parties, who called on him in Islamabad.

The Prime Minister said the cancer of corruption has hollowed the country's economy and its elimination is the basic component of the manifesto of PTI government.

He also renewed his pledge to bring the corrupt elements to book with continuation of efforts against the evil.

During the meeting, the overall situation in the country, government-led reforms, relevant legislation over the public issues and strategy for carrying the benefits of government's achievements to the public were discussed in detail.

Declaring 2020 as the year for the public relief, the Prime Minister said in the upcoming year, the government would strive to further bring stability in the economic system so that its fruits could be reaped by the common man, thus bringing betterment in their lives.

Tezi Mandi 31 December 2019

Shahid Afridi confesses he once smashed his TV out of anger

A throwback video of former Pakistani skipper Shahid Khan Afridi is making rounds on social media, where the cricketer is confessing about smashing his TV out of anger.

In the video, when Boom Boom was asked about his short-tempered nature, he said, “Once I had smashed a TV set out of anger.”

Giving details about the incident, Afridi said once he saw his daughter trying to imitate ‘arti’ after watching an Indian drama. “This act of my daughter angered me and I smashed the TV,” he said.

Afridi said, “I asked my wife to watch Indian drama unaccompanied and not with the daughters.”

Government will not bulldoze new NAB law through parliament: Firdous Ashiq

Government's chief spokesperson Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Tuesday said that the government will not bypass the due process to implement the newly promulgated National Accountability (second amendment) Ordinance 2019, saying the legislation will be subject to debate.

Addressing a press conference after a meeting of the federal cabinet, Awan criticised the opposition's "hypocrisy" for wanting to amend the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) laws for 11 years and now objecting to the PTI government's introduction of the new NAB law.

Leaders of the main opposition PML-N and PPP have alleged that the government introduced the ordinance to stop NAB from probing mega corruption cases involving the PTI government.

"They (opposition) are internally overjoyed but publicly they are criticising a government move done in goodwill," said Awan, the special assistant to the prime minister on information and broadcasting.

She said although it is the opposition's right to criticise, the attitude adopted by it over the law is "inappropriate".

According to Awan, the new NAB law, which the government amended through a presidential ordinance promulgated last week, will be placed before the parliament where debate will be held on it.

"For the law to be passed through the Senate, it is important for the opposition to come on board. But the government will not bulldoze this entire process to forcefully implement the law," she said.

The government spokesperson revealed that prior to the cabinet meeting, an in-camera briefing was held during which detailed discussions took place on the accountability laws.

She said Prime Minister Imran Khan while addressing the business community reiterated that he had "picked the thorns out of their way" through the NAB ordinance. The ordinance is aimed at facilitating investors because investment in the country will lead to job creation, Awan added.

On Monday, Prime Minister Imran had vowed not to retreat or succumb to any pressure over the issue of the NAB ordinance and said that the amendments — which benefit legislators, bureaucrats and the business community — were made keeping in view the opposition’s longstanding demand.

Goya With Arsalan Khalid 31 December 2019

India prepares for New Year's Eve with fresh protests against citizenship law

Thousands of Indians are set to ring in the New Year by holding protests against a citizenship law, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attempts to dampen demonstrations that have run for nearly three weeks.

India has been rocked by the protests since December 12, when the government passed legislation easing the way for non-Muslim minorities from the neighbouring Muslim-majority nations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan to gain Indian citizenship.

Combined with opposition to a proposed national register of citizens, many Indians fear the move will discriminate against the minority Muslim community and chip away at the country's secular constitution.

Protesters plan at least three demonstrations in New Delhi, the capital, including the area of Shaheen Bagh, where hundreds of residents have blocked a major highway for 18 days.

Poetry recitals and speeches are planned by organisers at a protest outside New Delhi's Jamia Millia University, which was stormed by police this month.

“New Year's resolution to defend the constitution,” read the schedule for another protest planned in New Delhi, now in the grip of its second coldest winter in more than a century.

Police said they planned to deploy additional forces in New Delhi on New Year's Eve, with traffic curbs imposed in some parts of the capital.

“All precautionary measures are in place,” said police official Chinmoy Biswal, who oversees the southeastern part of the city that includes Shaheen Bagh and Jamia Millia University.

“Recently, there have been no incidents. So we hope things will remain fine,” he told Reuters.

In the southern city of Hyderabad, at least two small groups of demonstrators have been organising flash protests, to skirt police restrictions on larger gatherings.

Typically, half a dozen demonstrators pop up in public places, such as malls and coffee shops, holding up placards and encouraging passersby to join in, a member of one of the groups, which has held 11 protests, told Reuters.

“Every day, we are doing something, somewhere,” said the person, who sought anonymity for reasons of security, adding that another protest is planned to be staged on Tuesday night.

Street-side poetry recitals, stand-up comedy, and music performances are also planned in the financial capital of Mumbai and the eastern city of Kolkata.

All three cities have seen large, peaceful protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Citizens' Register (NRC), which were part of the election manifesto of Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist party.

But some protests have turned violent, particularly in the populous northern state of Uttar Pradesh, and at least 25 people have been killed in clashes with police since early December.

Initially caught off guard by the scale of the protests, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has scrambled to douse public anger, with Modi declaring that there had been no discussions on the NRC, contradicting party colleagues.

The BJP has also launched an effort, backed by a social media campaign, to explain that the CAA is not discriminatory and is needed to help non-Muslim minorities persecuted in the three neighbouring countries.

Such Savera 31 December 2019

NAB summons PML-N leader Javed Latif on Wednesday

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has summoned PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif tomorrow (Wednesday) again in an inquiry about assets beyond his means of income.

According to NAB Lahore sources, Javed Latif has been summoned again due to providing an incomplete record in the inquiry.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Mian Javed Latif on Thursday had challenged the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) inquiry against him in Lahore High Court (LHC).

The PML-N leader adopted the stance that he is being subjected to political revenge for holding a seat in National Assembly (NA) and also requested the court to stop the anti-corruption watchdog from carrying out investigation against him.

Moreover, Mian Javed Latif further submitted plea seeking interim bail in assets beyond income case.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) senior leader stands accused of making billions of rupees’ assets in the name of his family members under section 9 (a) of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO 1999).

In this regard, the record from concerned departments including, Revenue, LDA, DCs and Banks have has been sought, sources said.

The assets of MNA Javed Latif rapidly increased after coming into politics, the sources within NAB said and added that Javed Latif, before coming into politics owned a 12-marla inherited house in Habib Colony, Sheikhupura, which has now had been extended up to 1.5 acres.

Sehat Zindagi 31 December 2019

Aaj Kay Akhbar 31 December 2019

Irfan-e-Quran 31 December 2019

Australia kicks off New Year's celebration with fireworks

Smoke-choked Sydney on Tuesday kicked off a global wave of New Year celebrations with a huge fireworks display for billions around the world, ringing in the new decade.

Australia's largest city usually puts on a dazzling display of pyrotechnics over the glittering harbour but this year's celebrations have been overshadowed by calls to cancel the fireworks as devastating bushfires rage across the country.

Toxic smoke haze has shrouded Sydney for weeks and a petition to cancel the event out of respect for fire victims attracted more than 280,000 signatures.

Fireworks displays were scrapped in Australia's capital, Canberra, and Sydney's western suburbs due to elevated fire danger and extreme weather conditions but fire authorities said it was safe to go ahead over the water.

More than 100,000 fireworks were scheduled to light up the skyline for 12 minutes to about one million spectators crowding foreshores and parks.

Critics wanted Sydney to use the $6.5 million ($4.5 million) spent on the display to fight bush-fires ringing the city, but officials say the event is worth 130 million Australian dollars to the economy and cancelling it would not help those impacted by the fires.

"We have committed to harnessing the enormous power of the event to raise more money for drought — and fire — affected communities," Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

Crowds have been warned to take care as strong winds gusted in the harbour, forcing the cancellation of a boat display that would have blasted water into the sky — just hours before the fireworks were due to start.

 

PM Imran directs govt committee to meet MQM-P leadership

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday directed a government committee to meet the Muttahida Quami Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leadership to resolve their grievances after the Karachi-based party received an offer from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to join Sindh Government.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday offered the MQM-P an equal number of seats in Sindh Government on the condition that the party will leave the coalition government and help the PPP oust it from power.

Sources told Geo News a government committee headed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) former secretary general Jahangir Tareen will meet the MQM-P leadership this week on the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan. It is still not clear who the members of the committee, which will be led by Tareen, are.

The government will review the MQM-P's demands, hear its grievances on the issue of missing persons and take stock of the party's demands for Karachi's funds.

MQM-P leader Khawaja Izhar said his party was ready to accept Bilawal's offer and join forces with the PPP if it improved the local government system in Sindh.

"Our hopes from the federal government are dying as they did not honour their promises," he said.

In response to Bilawal's offer, Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar, who is also an important leader of the MQM-P, had said the party will take the final decision on whether it should quit the coalition government or not.

He said while the MQM-P and the PPP could "sit together" to solve Karachi's problems, the mayor said his party had not joined the coalition government for seats but to resolve Karachi's outstanding issues.

“MQM-P has never indulged in the politics of ministries. We supported the PTI so that Karachi's issues could be resolved,” Akhtar had said.

He said the Karachi's problems were discussed with senior PTI leader Jahangir Tareen but the party did not take responsibility.

The MQM-P also issued a statement on Monday, in which it said that while the party was not satisfied with the PTI-led government's performance, it will continue to support it.

SC orders scrutiny of educational degrees of PIA employees

The Supreme Court (SC) has issued directives to initiate scrutiny of educational degrees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) employees and ordered the authorities to submit a report after completing the verification process.

The top court’s two-member bench headed by the Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed also issued notices to summon Attorney General, PIA managing director and chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC) in the next hearing.

During the hearing related to the case filed against possession of fake degrees by the PIA workers, the lawyer told the apex court that the employees have received educational degrees from a private university of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) without attending a single class.

The lawyer added the employees had also received departmental promotions on the basis of such degrees.

The top court’s judge remarked that [AJK’s] Al-Khair University is just an exhibitory varsity as degrees were sold out without completing educational procedures.

It seems the degrees were illegally possessed [by the PIA employees], whereas, the airline has also accepted the degrees from the private university [without carrying out verification process], the judge added.

The administration of the national flag-carrier has been directed to ensure verification of educational degrees of its employees from the recognised institutions.

Later, the hearing was adjourned until one month after ordering the concerned authorities to complete scrutiny of the educational degrees of PIA employees.

Australia bush-fires: death toll rises to Twelve

In Australia, death toll has risen to twelve after three more people have been killed in fresh incidents of huge bushfire in the towns of Cobargo and Belowra.

Thousands of people in Australia have fled to the seafront to seek shelter from bushfires racing to the coast. Several holiday spots along the coast between Sydney and Melbourne are currently cut off by fire fronts.

The blazes have destroyed more than ten million acres. Scores of homes and properties have been destroyed, and power cut to several towns that are still in the fires’ path.

Hearing of ECP members appointment adjourned till January 15

Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) Justice Athar Minallah has given time to the federal government to build consensus with the opposition over the appointments of the two members in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), on Tuesday.

The high court resumed the hearing of the case related to the appointments of ECP members on two seats as the secretary of the National Assembly (NA) sought 10 days for submitting its reply in the previous hearing.

During the hearing, CJ IHC Justice Athar Minallah remarked every committee has powers to legislate own rulers. The lawyer representing the Speaker NA argued that the government has made mistake in the parliament, To this, Justice Minallah remarked parliament cannot make any mistake as it the institution representing 220 million nationals.

The lawyer sought more time for the parliamentary committee to legislate rules. The IHC chief justice ordered the government and the opposition to make a joint decision regarding the ECP appointments.

Later, the hearing was adjourned till January 15.

Federal Cabinet meets today to discuss 8-point agenda

Federal Cabinet meets in Islamabad today with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair.

The cabinet members will meet under the chair of PM Imran Khan to discuss 8-point agenda. The overall political and economic situation of the country will be reviewed.

The draft bill of the National College of Arts Institute is expected to be presented in the meeting. Matters related to handing over of Sohail Ahmed to UK authorities is also on the agenda of today’s meeting.

The appointment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SEMs) CEO is also on the cards, while the cabinet would be briefed on financial statistics.

Earthquake of 5.6 magnitude hits Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan

The 5.6 intensity earthquake has been felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan which caused panic among people who rushed out of their homes and other buildings.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the epicentre of the quake was 260 kilometres away from Mingora at a depth of 42 kilometres.

The jolts created fear among the locals and many came out of their residences and office buildings.

Aaj Ka Such 30 December 2019

Talk @ 7 30 December 2019

PTI govt strongly believes in making Pakistan welfare state: Asad Umer

Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar says the benefits of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will start to trickle into the productive sectors of the economy including industry and agriculture during the year 2020.

In an article, he said the PTI government strongly believed in making Pakistan a welfare state and in financial year 2020 budget, the government substantially increased pro-poor spending under PM Ehsas program.

He said the big projects under CPEC targeted to be completed in 2020 include the trade and transport connectivity projects of KKH Phase-II Havelian-Thakot (118km) road and Sukkur-Multan (392km) highway.

The minister said these projects will significantly reduce the transit time and encourage greater trade of goods and services. He said 40 billion rupees in Chinese grants is being invested in Gwadar for upgrading the airport and roads infrastructure.

He said the big project under CPEC to be launched in 2020, is the up-gradation of Railways Main Line (ML-1) at a cost of nine billion US dollar which will significantly enhance the railway infrastructure for trade in goods and services.

Govt pays full attention on infrastructure development, economic prosperity: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan has declared that the ongoing battle against corruption and corrupt elements would help secure future of Pakistan and its upcoming generations.

Talking to a delegation of National Security Workshop from Balochistan in Islamabad, he said the elements who nurtured fears that their corruption would be exposed, and that they would be nabbed, have been crying hoarse. 

The prime minister said a country could not progress when criminals held the high offices. He said a leader did not instill fear in the nation to secure their votes but a real leader always give hope.

About government’s reforms, the prime minister said they faced fiscal and trade deficit challenges but due to the government’s efforts on the economic front, stability was achieved as manifested in the economic indicators of the country.

Imran Khan said the economic stability is a vital component of the national security and the nations facing the burden of debts had to face numerous national security issues.

The prime minister said a long term future planning is essential to utilize the human resource and counter the national challenges.

He said the national economy could be stabilized to a great extent only if the country enhanced its agriculture produce by taking advantage of the latest technology.

To other questions, he said the government is paying full attention to the infrastructure development and economic prosperity of Balochistan province.

OGRA recommends hike in petroleum prices for January 2020

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) on Monday proposed Rs2.61 rupees per litre hike in petrol price from January 1, 2020.

The OGRA has proposed raising Rs2.25 per litre on high-speed diesel, while Rs3.10 on kerosene oil.

It recommended an increase in the price of light diesel oil by Rs2.08 per litre. The OGRA has submitted a summary in this regard to the government.

The OGRA summary proposing new rates will take effect from January 1st after approval by the prime minister, said petroleum division.

If the recommended changes are approved, then the new petroleum prices from January 1, 2020, will be as follows:

Petrol: Rs116.60

Diesel: Rs127.26

Kerosene oil: Rs99.45

Light diesel oil: Rs84.51

Last month, the federal government slashed the price of petrol by Rs0.255 per litre for the month of December.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, prices of light and high-speed diesel have been slashed by Rs2.9 and Rs2.40 per litre respectively. Meanwhile, the prices of kerosene oil has been slashed by Rs0.83 per litre.

President Arif Alvi meets Governor Sindh Imran Ismail in Karachi

Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail called upon the President of Pakistan Arif Alvi on Monday at the Governor House in the metropolis.

According to details, the two dignitaries discussed matters pertaining to the province of Sindh.

The meeting underscored development projects being undertaken in the province with emphasis to the projects being undertaken in Karachi.

The president and governor both expressed resolve to work for the betterment of the people in the province.

President Arif Alvi lauded the efforts being made by the federal government to develop the province in accordance with the vision of ‘Naya Pakistan’.

On the occasion Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail assured the president that the development and revamping initiatives that have already been undertaken by the federal government in the province were near completion.

Saudi Arabia arrests 200 over ‘indecency’, harassment

Saudi Arabia has arrested more than 200 people for violating “public decency” — including by wearing immodest clothing — and “harassment”, police said, in the first such crackdown since the conservative kingdom began easing social norms.

Some 120 men and women were arrested over the past week for offending public morals, including wearing “inappropriate clothes”, Riyadh police said in a series of statements on Twitter since Tuesday.

It added that unspecified penalties were imposed on the violators.

Another 88 people were arrested in various harassment cases, police added in separate statements, after several women complained on social media that they were harassed at the MDL Beast music festival in Riyadh earlier this month.

The electronic music festival, which drew tens of thousands of fans, was billed by organisers as the biggest to be hosted in the kingdom.

Police did not offer any details, including the duration of the detentions.

This marked the first such crackdown since de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman began easing social restrictions in the conservative kingdom, lifting decades-long bans on cinemas and women drivers while allowing gender-mixed concerts and sporting extravaganzas.

The relaxed social norms have been welcomed by many Saudis, two-thirds of whom are under 30. But in September, Saudi Arabia said it would penalise violations of “public decency”, including wearing “immodest clothing” and public displays of affection, after the austere kingdom began issuing tourist visas for the first time.

Men and women must avoid “tight-fitting clothing” or clothes with “profane language or images”, read an instruction on an English language website laun­ched by the tourism authority.

“Women should cover shoulders and knees in public,” it added.

The public decency guidelines, first approved by cabinet in April, are widely perceived to be vague and have sparked public concern that they would be open to interpretation.

They have also stoked fears of a revival of “morality policing”.

South Africa's du Plessis criticises cricket's 'Big Three' move

South African cricket captain Faf du Plessis believes cricket needs more, not fewer, elite nations.

Speaking after South Africa's 107-run win in the first Test against England on Sunday, Du Plessis was asked his opinion about plans for an annual 'Super Series' of one-day games, involving the so-called 'Big Three' of India, Australia and England, with one other country to be invited on a revolving basis.

"The last year or so you can see what's going on in terms of the big three countries," he said.

"There's a lot of movement going towards that, a lot more matches being played against the top three, or big three. It's probably better if you include more teams, better to grow the game as much as you can."

Du Plessis pointed out that there was inequality of fixtures, especially in Test cricket, with new Test nations such as Ireland and Afghanistan struggling to get fixtures.

"There's a lot of smaller nations not playing a lot of Test cricket, they're actually playing less," he said.

My international career cannot be decided on one ball: Umar Akmal

Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal has said that his international career cannot be decided on just one delivery and he will be more satisfied if he gets to face more balls.

In the presser after the stumps on Day 3 of the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam trophy 2019-20 final at National Stadium Karachi where he struck a double-century (218) against Northern.

“My career cannot be decided on one ball, if I will get another chance and will play more balls, I will be satisfied and will also not complain about my selection in the side.

Umar Akmal in the T20 series against Sri Lanka in October played two matches and got out on the first delivery both the times.

Umar also added that Test Cricket is getting advanced and the batsman who plays run-a-ball adds depth to the side.

“Getting selected in the team is on the chief selector, I know my style of play and the Test format has also changed. As per my performances, I am pretty sure that soon I will make a comeback,” He added.

On the question of whichever teams he plays, the team ends up winning the tournament he thanked Almighty and added that still there is hope after these stellar performances in domestic cricket, he will be able to make a comeback.

Umar, as a part of this year Quaid-e-Azam trophy the competition has been really good.

“This year, cricket is being played really good. In all the six teams there are competitive players. Yes, some players were not selected due to so much competition but I pray that they will soon be part of any of these sides.” Umar concluded.

Collapsed Karachi building was illegal, only first floor approved in 1987 plan'

A six-storey building in the metropolis' Ranchore Lane area that collapsed suddenly on Monday was reportedly illegal as only its first floor had been approved in the original 1987 architectural plan.

The building, which was constructed 12 years ago and housed 25 flats as well as a couple of warehouses, was evacuated by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in the wee hours of the morning, so no loss of life was reported. It had started to lean sideways before crumbling to dust.

The utility connections to it had already been disconnected by the authorities.

According to the building's residents, cracks in its pillars and foundation had appeared earlier and there were creaks and noises around the time of Fajr prayers. They were aware of risk, they said.

Back in 1987, the original plan of a ground-plus-one floor structure near Timber Market in Ranchore Lane's Soomra Gali had been passed but the top five storeys, as well as the penthouse were illegal. The substandard construction and chasing higher profits left more than 24 families homeless, with residents managing to save only a small number of household items.

Officials present at the site opined that substandard material was used in the construction, which led to the building's decrepit state and eventual collapse. The building, which was constructed 12 years ago, had also experienced a fire in the past, as per its residents, and repair work had been done prior to that.

Sources informed Geo News that a completion plan and no-objection certificate (NOC) is usually provided after the building is constructed legally.

Sindh CM takes notice

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and summoned a report from relevant officials, including Commissioner Karachi and the SBCA.

The director-general of the SBCA, Zafar Ahsan, confirmed that a three-member investigative committee had been set up to probe the matter. The team would also conduct a survey of the downed building as well as those in its surroundings.

Bilawal offers MQM-P provincial ministries 'if it helps topple PTI govt'

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto on Monday urged the MQM-P to quit the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) coalition government and join the Sindh government, "for Karachi's sake".

The PPP leader made the offer while delivering a speech at the inauguration ceremony of multiple development projects in Karachi. In his speech, Bilawal blamed the federal government for depriving Sindh of its due rights.

“We are ready to give you the same number of ministries in Sindh,” Bilawal said, addressing the MQM. He said that, "the PPP will support the toppling of PTI rule".

“The economic situation is dangerous and the PTI government is making policies that go against the [interests of] poverty-stricken people,” he said.

He lambasted the PTI over the removal of over 800,000 names from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), terming it a “cruel” step.

It is pertinent to mention here that Dr Sania Nishtar had recently struck off the names from the list of BISP beneficiaries after finding patterns of lifestyle and expenditures that did not fit the profile of deserving beneficiaries.

Talking about Karachi, Bilawal said that the city "is very important” and acknowledged that, “we need to give basic rights to the Karachiites”.

He also blamed the PTI for the ongoing gas crisis in Sindh and accused it of "stealing gas".

"The gas policy of the government is unconstitutional. Sindh’s right is being taken away,” he said.

Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar, who was present for the event, said that it was the party that would decide on Bilawal's offer.

“MQM-P has never indulged in the politics of ministries and our support for PTI is based on Karachi's issues,” Akhtar said.

“However, we [the MQM and PPP] can sit together for the resolution of Karachi's problems.”

Akhtar did, however, express his dismay at the federal government's performance in Sindh.

He said that the city's problems were discussed with senior PTI leader Jahangir Tareen but the party did not take responsibility.

PM launches healthcare program for transgender folks, promises equal opportunities

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday launched a healthcare programme for the transgender community of Pakistan, stressing on the "need to correct the toxic views we hold" about trans people.

Addressing a ceremony here in the federal capital, the prime minister said: "We will take responsibility and extend this health card and insurance facility to the entire transgender community.

"This government is accepting the transgender community — something that the previous governments had not done unfortunately."

The PM said his government found it difficult to fulfil the promises they had made to the public earlier due to the difficulties the administration inherited from former regimes.

"We have not been able to provide the promised welfare system yet but, despite the difficult economic situations, we have decided to extend the health card facility to the weak and poor sectors of our society," he said.

PM Imran highlighted the importance of the health card scheme, saying it provided a security blanket to the poverty-ridden households and that they would be able to "seek medical treatment at any hospital in their time of need".

The premier said he was well aware of what life-threatening diseases such as cancer could do to poor families, who sometimes had to resort to even selling off their belongings to seek basic healthcare.

"This is why this health card is important because it gives confidence to the poor," he added.

The PM assailed former governments for "pretending that the transgender communities do not even exist" and treating them like "non-persons".

"We will give you complete protection in the society and abolish the unfortunate practices even," he added.

Goya With Arsalan Khalid 30 December 2019

Tezi Mandi 30 December 2019

Such Savera 30 December 2019

Irfan e Quran 30 December 2019

Sehat Zindagi 30 December 2019

Maryam Aurangzaib Demands Release of All Political Prisoners

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday demanded the government to set free all innocent prisoners immediately after issuing the NAB amended ordinance.

In a statement, Marriyum said that innocent members of opposition parties are bearing jail terms for 15 months without any solid proof. The only crime of PML-N General Secretary Ahsan Iqbal was that he exposed ineligible leaders of PTI, she added.
She said that Norowal Sports complex benefited the youth and people of Norowal.

The spokesperson said that that incompetent government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has presented National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) plus to protect its leaders.

She asked the Chairman will he respond that “Did Ahsan Iqbal misuse his powers?”

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 29 December 2019

Asal Baat 29 December 2019

Government decides to induct transgender community into Sehat Insaf Card Program

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on Monday decided to induct transgender community into Sehat Insaf Card Program, reported, citing sources.

Prime Minister PM Khan will distribute Sehat Insaf card among the transgender persons, today.

In this regard, a special ceremony will be held in PM House to hand over the cards to the members of transgender community, the sources said.

On December 27, following the directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the federal government had made progress on expanding the health insurance scheme, health Cards to other parts of the country.

PM Khan had ordered concerned authorities to provide details regarding the issuance and outcomes of the health Cards.

In September, Special Assistant to the PM on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan had said Sehat Insaf Card and Ehsaas programme are the government’s practical steps to help the deprived, poor and needy and bring them onto the path of economic and social prosperity.

Under the scheme, the treatment for angioplasty, brain surgery, cancer and other diseases will be done free of cost.

At least 15 million people will benefit from this policy. The card holders could receive medical facilities up to Rs 720,000. The medical facilities would be available in more than 150 private and government hospitals.

NAB ordinance to be brought to Parliament for approval: FM Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said the NAB Amendment Ordinance, 2019 will be brought to Parliament for approval, asking parliamentarians to put forth “workable and positive” suggestions for further improving the ordinance.

In a statement, he said reforms in the NAB ordinance were long overdue as a special parliamentary committee was also set up during the previous PML-N tenure for the purpose.

The body did a lot of work on the reforms but unfortunately, couldn’t finish the assigned task, he added.

FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi stressed the incumbent government has floated a proposal in the shape of the ordinance.

This draft law will be brought to Parliament for legislation, the foreign minister said, asking parliamentarians to give suggestions, if they wish, in this regard.

About loopholes in the NAB ordinance, Shah Mahmood said evidence gathered by the anti-graft watchdog in many cases appeared incomplete while the prosecution’s arguments were weak in other cases, which benefitted the people who looted the national exchequer.

He said NAB could be revamped with loopholes addressed adequately to make it more effective.

FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi rejected the impression that NAB is being used for arm-twisting of political opponents.

Skardu continues to remain coldest place in country with minus 21°C

Pakistan facing severe cold weather across the country and as low as minus 21°Celsius temperature recorded in Skardu,News reported on Monday.

Gilgit Baltistan  remained under the shadow of blood curdling weather with Gupis -11°Celsius, Astore and Bagrote -10°C, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said in its weather report.

Dense fog prevailing in most plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh while in few districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during morning and night hours. Cold and dry weather reported elsewhere in the country while very cold in upper areas.

PM Imran Calls Media Strategy Committee Meeting Today

Prime Minister Imran Khan has called huddle of its media strategy committee meeting today.

According to sources the meeting has been called to inform the government spokespersons about the government narrative on the NAB ordinance.

The government legal team and leaders will attend the sitting while it will also consider country’s political and economical situation of the country.

On the other hand the premier will also distribute the sehat insaf cards among eunuchs

Fog affects flight operations at Islamabad airport

The flight operations at Islamabad International Airport affected due to heavy fog in adjoining areas of the airport, reported on Monday.

According to a PIA spokesman, the flight schedule was affected due to heavy fog and the flights schedule was affected due to low visibility.

The spokesman asked the passengers to register their numbers with the authorities in ticket booking section so that they could be informed regarding any delays.
On the other hand, the thick fog has badly affected the flow of road traffic in several cities of Punjab.

The Motorway section from Sher Shah Interchang to Sukkur (M5) has been closed as visibility was very low, said Motorway Police spokesperson.

Similarly, Motorway section from Peshawar to Swabi (M1) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also been closed due to dense fog.

According to the Pakistan Metrological Department, Dense fog is likely to prevail in Islamabad, most plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh while in few districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during morning and night hours on Monday.

Cold and dry weather is expected elsewhere in the country while very cold in upper areas, said the MET office in its forecast.

Sada e Kashmir 29 December 2019

News Hour 29 December 2019