Ex-Afghan president says decision to flee Kabul made in 'minutes'

Former Afghan president Ashraf Ghani on Thursday described fleeing the Taliban's victory march on Kabul, saying the decision had been taken in "minutes" and that he did not know he was leaving the country until he was taking off.

Ghani told BBC's Radio 4 "Today" programme that on the morning of August 15, 2021, the day the Islamists took control of the capital and his own government fell apart, he had "no inkling" that it would be his last day in Afghanistan.

But by that afternoon security at the presidential palace had "collapsed," he said.

"If I take a stand they will all be killed, and they were not capable of defending me," Ghani said in the interview, conducted by former UK chief of defence staff, General Nick Carter.

His national security adviser, Hamdullah Mohib, was "literally terrified," Ghani said. "He did not give me more than two minutes."

He said his instructions had originally been to fly by helicopter to southeastern Khost city.

But Khost had fallen in the Islamists' lightning offensive which saw provincial capitals topple around the country in the days ahead of the withdrawal of international forces, set for the end of August.

The eastern city of Jalalabad, on the border with Pakistan, had also fallen, he said.

"I did not know where we will go," Ghani said.

"Only when we took off did it become clear that we were leaving."

Ghani has been in the United Arab Emirates ever since.

He has been highly criticised in Afghanistan for leaving, with Afghans now trapped under the Taliban's harsh rule accusing him of abandoning them -- and of taking millions of dollars in cash, a claim he "categorically" denied again on Thursday.

The former World Bank official has released several previous statements on his departure, admitting that he owed the Afghan people an explanation. Thursday was his first interview.

He said again that his first concern had been to prevent brutal street fighting in the capital, already packed with tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence elsewhere in the country.

And he said his decision to leave was "the hardest thing".

"I had to sacrifice myself in order to save Kabul and to expose the situation for what it is: a violent coup, not a political agreement."

But even if he'd stayed, he said, he could not have changed the outcome, which has seen the Taliban establish their new regime as the country faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in history.

"Unfortunately I was painted in total black," he said. "It became an American issue. Not an Afghan issue."

"My life work has been destroyed, my values have been trampled on and I've been made a scapegoat," he said.

Afghans had "rightly" blamed him, he said. "I completely understand that anger, because I share that anger."

 

Pakistan's economic position will be 'far better' by August: Fawad

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Friday insisted that Pakistan was heading in the "right direction" and that the country's economy will be "far better" by August 2022.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Chaudhry said a phase was being commenced in Pakistan in which the social protection programmes will take effect, paving the way for improvement of the overall economic situation of the country.

He informed that the PTI-led government had to return $55 billion in its next two years in debt payment, adding that a sum of $32bn had already been paid under debts in the last three years.

"We are paying the price for the legacy left by Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif," the minister said, in reference to the last two governments of the PPP and PML-N.

Dispelling the impression given by the opposition about the country failing at the economic front, Chaudhry said Shehbaz Sharif and other opposition leaders should not worry about the country as "it is heading in the right direction, and people are witnessing it".

'Our politics, defence and economy are all stable'
The minister stressed that Pakistan's politics, defence and economy were all quite stable.

He said the national economy was growing at five per cent and it will further stabilise in time to come.

"Also, take an example of the coronavirus pandemic as such calamities occur once in 100 years and Pakistan's strategy to tackle it is being praised worldwide," he added.

Chaudhry, while continuing with his criticism of rival parties, said the opposition leaders were all panicked after the government expressed its intent to bring Nawaz Sharif back to Pakistan.

"We want the Lahore High Court to move on his case and Nawaz should be brought back at the earliest," he said.

He added that the government also wanted that cases involving Shehbaz Sharif should be taken up on a day-to-day basis.

The minister stonewalled a query when asked about the political implications of the "most important" appointment the prime minister was set to make in 2022 and wrapped his answer by succinctly saying "for God's sake".

The minister, while highlighting the importance of the film and drama industry, rued that the country had not been able to utilise the potential of the vital industry for its image-building.

"Our stories have to be told through films and the way we ended our film industry was really unfortunate. We will now revive the medium to tell the story of Pakistan to the world."

Chaudhry said he was pleased that the dollar depreciated against the rupee after the introduction of the Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2021 in the National Assembly on Thursday.

"This inflation cycle will break in three to four months, while the prices of vegetables will also decline in a couple of months," he added.

The information minister said Pakistan would have gone bankrupt had Imran not been the prime minister of the country.

"If Pakistan is floating today, it's because of Imran Khan and the PTI's economic team," claimed the minister.

He said the system through which Pakistan had been governed for the past several years was no more in practice. "Now, for the first time, a people-centric government is working in Pakistan".

PM Imran Khan launches Naya Pakistan Sehat Card

Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched the Naya Pakistan Sehat Card for all citizens, stating that each family would be eligible for medical treatment up to one million rupees per year under the universal health coverage programme.

The premier stated that not everyone can take such revolutionary decisions as the PTI did, citing the example of the health card as one.

"Today, every family in Punjab will be eligible for a health card," he said, adding that a welfare state is one where all citizens have equal opportunity for growth and prosperity.

He said it was in the State of Madina that for the first time in history, the state accepted responsibility for society's underprivileged segment.

The PM stated that while the welfare state model can be seen in contemporary Europe, it is not seen in Muslim countries.

In a dig at the PML-N's mantra of transforming Pakistan into an Asian Tiger, the premier stated, "Asian Tiger is nothing in comparison to the State of Madinah; we are attempting to put Pakistan on a path of prosperity."

He stated that now that the government will not spend money on building hospitals because private individuals will build them instead.

"We want to ensure that everyone in rural areas has access to health care, and by March 2022, all families in Punjab will have health cards."

During his day-long visit to the provincial capital, the prime minister will also chair different meetings on administrative and political affairs, law and order, and development projects.

4 soldiers embrace martyrdom in Mir Ali operation: ISPR

Four Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) Friday in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, confirmed the ISPR.

One terrorist was apprehended along with weapons and ammunition," said the ISPR, adding that the four soldiers were martyred during an "intense exchange of fire."

The names of the martyred soldiers are:

Havaldar Munawar, 40, resident of Bahawalnagar, Sepoy Zaka Ullah, 31, resident of Laki Marwat, Sepoy Farhan, 34, resident of Kohat and Sepoy Sheraz, 30, resident of Abbottabad.

In another IBO, two militants were gunned down by security forces while weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants.

The two terrorists killed during the IBO have been identified as Shahzeb alias Zakir and Daniyal. "These terrorists were involved in terrorist activities against security forces, target killing and kidnapping for ransom," it added.

Govt unveils supplementary finance bill in line with IMF's demands

Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin presents the much-awaited supplementary finance bill — termed by the Opposition as a "mini-budget" — in the National Assembly, as a pre-requisite to resume the $6 billion External Fund Facility (EFF) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The opposition staged a vehement protest and chanted slogans to prevent Shaukat Tarin from introducing the Finance Bill 2021 and SBP Amendment Bill in the House.

According to the finance ministry's proposal, the government will impose a tax on approximately 150 goods at a rate of 17%. Therefore, goods that were currently either completely exempt from General Sales Tax (GST) or being taxed at 5% to 12% rates would now be taxed at 17%.

The income tax rate on mobile phone calls is expected to increase from 10% to 15%.

Meanwhile, the GST rate on cars above 850cc will go up to 17% and the tax on the import of electric vehicles in CBU conditions will increase from 5% to 17%. Business to business transactions will go up from 16.9% to 17%.

Zero-rating available on supplies of raw materials for imported milk would be withdrawn and be taxed at 17%.

The supplies to duty-free shops will be taxed at 17%. As they will be taxed for the first time, there are no revenue estimates.

The finance bill also proposes that bread prepared in bakeries, restaurants, food chains and shops be taxed at a 17% rate.

The bill increases the tax collection target from Rs5,829 billion to Rs6,100 billion for the remaining financial year. The government has also reduced the development programmes by Rs200 billion.

The "mini-budget" was one of the conditions of the IMF which was to be met before January 12, 2022, in order to recover more than $1 billion in instalments from the Fund.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan had summoned a federal cabinet meeting to approve the Finance Bill, which was later to be presented in the National Assembly.

Opposition lambasts govt over plan to table mini-budget in National Assembly

The opposition on Wednesday took the government to task over its plan to table the supplementary finance bill [mini-budget] in the National Assembly.

A day earlier, the federal cabinet had deferred the approval of the supplementary finance bill which was scheduled to be tabled in today's session.

Speaking on a point of order, PPP MNA Raja Pervez Ashraf said that everyone in the House as well as people from different walks of life were concerned over reports that the government was planning to introduce a money bill or a mini-budget.

"Inflation, unemployment and the shortage of gas and other commodities have already wreaked havoc on the people of the country. Now, if a mini-budget or money bill is in the offing, which would increase their difficulties, then everyone sitting in the House should resist the move," he said.

Taking the floor, PML-N's Khawaja Asif said that the country saw a "territorial surrender" on Dec 16, 1971 which it eventually recovered from.

"The country has come out of that disaster. [But] now we are going to surrender our economic sovereignty through the finance bill and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Amendment Bill 2021 which is much worse than what happened in 1971."

The PML-N leader claimed that the state bank had become a "local branch" of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He said that the SBP governor was disguised as a "viceroy", adding that Pakistan had become a "financial colony" of international institutions.

He vowed to oppose the SBP bill and the mini-budget, adding that there was a need to create a national consensus on both the issues. "Create national consensus on how we can get out of these issues. Things can't go on like this."

He said that today was the fourth day that the government was unable to complete quorum and claimed that it would again obtain votes through facilitators. He called on lawmakers to not surrender the country's economic sovereignty.

Concluding his speech, Asif said that the country's nuclear assets would be the next target. "After this, we will be stripped of our nuclear capabilities."

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, who chaired today's session, told the lawmakers that so far, no such bill had been presented in the house. "You can debate on the bill when it is presented," he said.

When the deputy speaker gave the floor to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, the opposition members pointed out the quorum and staged a walkout.

Suri then ordered a head count and declared that the quorum was complete. He gave the floor to the foreign minister for a second time, while members of the opposition returned to the house to participate in the proceedings.

During his speech, Qureshi assured the lawmakers that the government would protect the country's economic sovereignty.

He said that protecting the country's economic independence was the joint responsibility of the government and the parliament. However, the country's macro-economic indicators did not become alarming during the last three years, he said.

Commenting on the point raised by Asif about the country's nuclear assets, Qureshi said: "I want to say this on the floor of the house that there is, was and will remain a national consensus on credible minimum deterrence."

Talking about quorum, he accepted that it was the government's responsibility to fulfil it. He also urged the opposition to ensure the smooth functioning of the National Assembly, stating that pointing out quorum again and again was not in their benefit.

Nawaz Sharif won't return, govt will bring him back: Fawad

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Tuesday said that the government will bring PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif back after the finalisation of an agreement with the UK government, as he ruled out the possibility of Nawaz's voluntary return to the country, The News reported Wednesday.

"We will bring back the PML-N leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif because he himself will never return,” Fawad said during a media briefing on the federal cabinet meeting held Tuesday which was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier in the day.

The minister told the media that matters regarding Nawaz's return had been settled with Britain to "a great extent".

“We have been addressing the legal lacunas relating to the matter for the last two years. Rest assured, he will not return, but we will bring him back,” Fawad said emphatically.

About PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq's claim about Nawaz Sharif's return, he said that his statement caused a setback to Jati Umra [the residence of the Sharif family], wondering what he was talking about.

Fawad said the cabinet meeting approved formation of a joint investigation committee (JIT) to probe the murder of Nazim Jokhio.

He said the cabinet approved the National Security Policy (NSP) and the policy documents would be made public in 10 days. He pointed out that the economic strategy had also been included in the national security policy and that security could not be guaranteed if your economy was not strong.

The minister said that an important point of the policy was that if the common man was not protected, or he was not satisfied with his economic, social and legal status, then no policy would be successful; therefore it is economy-centric. He contended that the policy was started in 2014 and it was approved in 2021. In the past, the policy was not approved because there was no consensus.

He said that for the first time a government was in place which was capable of soliciting the views of all, and Imran Khan is a prime minister who is trusted by all.

The minister said that the policy also included the policies of internal security, food security and other ministries.

Fawad censures Fazl to give dates to topple PTI govt

He came down hard on the opposition and said Maulana Fazlur Rehman had been giving dates for three years against the government and recalled when the PTI came to power, the Maulana came to Islamabad in the first year of government with ‘leftovers’.

The minister said he thought he would overthrow the government, but had been giving a new date every three months; the media should bring out his statements of three years. He emphasised that the opposition was not capable of toppling the government, as it required leadership which they did not have.

“They are only issuing statements to appease their workers. Everybody knows that Imran Khan gave them [the] toughest time while in [the] Opposition,” he noted.

Fawad continued that there were daily-wage politicians in the Opposition and they earn their wages. He pointed out that after Rana Shamim's affidavit, it became clear how big a Sicilian mafia Nawaz Sharif & Company is.

“They want to get the cases decided in their favour by putting pressure on courts,” he added.

Regarding reports of a ‘mini budget’, the minister emphasised that it was not a mini budget but the government was making some financial adjustments.

“We have to go to IMF after what Nawaz Sharif and Zardari have done to Pakistan,” he added.

He advised the opposition to come up with an alternative to the “mini-budget” instead of merely issuing statements. He added that a bill in that regard would be passed in the current session and it had been initially discussed in the cabinet meeting.

There are reports the cabinet will meet again on Wednesday to further deliberate on the proposed ‘mini-budget’ and accord approval to it before being taken up in Parliament for consideration and adoption.

The minister said the cabinet meeting was briefed on urea production; agriculture has improved in the last two years, wheat, rice and sugarcane production has become historic, due to which purchase of vehicles, medicines and other items have increased.

He said that now there is a crisis of shortage of fertilizers, the price of fertilizers in the world market has increased by 12%, gas was supplied for urea production in Pakistan even in these two months when gas is not supplied to the urea plant.

Fawad claimed that Pakistan had the highest production of urea this year: At a time when the price of urea in the world market is more than 10,000, the price of urea in Pakistan is between Rs1,700 to 1,800. He added that urea was in short supply in many places due to hoarding and smuggling.

The cabinet, he noted, asked the Punjab government to stop stockpiling of urea, which would not reduce the price but would end the shortage.

The minister said that the appointment of Board of Directors of House Building Finance Company Limited has been approved on the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will include Shehzad Naqvi, Faiza Kapadia, Yasmeen Lari, Adnan Ali and Imran Ahad.

The forum has given in-principle approval to the draft for the Intermediate Board Coordination Commission to enhance the verification of documents, liaison and cooperation among all the boards of education. Likewise, an approval has been given to appoint Muhammad Asim as executive to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

He said that Citizen Building F-9 Park was being converted into Gandhara Heritage and Culture Centre and the committee would be headed by the prime minister. He said that Ms Nazia Shaheen and Shabar Abbas had been demanded by the Italian government to be taken into custody for their alleged involvement in a murder in Italy: They will be sent back to Italy.

Fawad said that similarly the UAE had demanded taking Muhammad Usman into custody and action was being taken to send him to the UAE.

He said that on the recommendation of Lahore High Court, approval has been given to shift Banking Court No. 1 from Multan to Dera Ghazi Khan.

Fawad said that approval has been given to set up a 200 million gallon water plant in Gwadar, this is a CPEC project and it will enable the citizens of Gwadar to get clean water.

He said that Dr Shaista Zeeshan has been approved to be appointed as Executive Member National Medical Authority for four years and on the recommendation of Drug Regulatory Authority has been approved to change the composition of three drugs but there will be no change in their selling price.

The minister said that approximately Rs23 million worth of goods, including N95, safety shoes, and dresses, had been approved for Cuba to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

He said that the cabinet has sent the draft of Pakistan Planning and Management Bill 2021 to the committee on the recommendation of the Ministry of Planning.

Opposition senators seek details of retired military officers' appointments in NADRA

Opposition leaders in the Senate on Wednesday sought details of retired military officials appointed at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

The senators' demand came after the Ministry of Interior submitted a detailed answer in the Upper House of the Parliament, where it stated that none of the 13,997 employees of NADRA belong to the military — whether on service or retired.

Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, during a session of the Senate, said the ministry's response was incomplete and asked for a complete record of the military personnel who were appointed by NADRA after they retired from the army.

"The youth of the country are searching for jobs [...] but they cannot find any," the senator said, as he reiterated his demand of making the data of retired army officers appointed in NADRA available.

PML-N Senator Azam Nazir Tarar said that he had received information that retired military officers were working as directors and deputy directors at the database authority.

Extending Ahmed's questions, Tarar demanded the reason behind their appointment, when and how many were appointed, and whether they were given employment on the basis of merit or quota.

"What were the additional qualifications of the retired military personnel? The details of their assignments should also be provided," he added.

Responding to the queries, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan asked the senators to submit the questions afresh, so the Ministry of Interior could reply accordingly.

Ruckus over NSP; token walkout

Meanwhile, there was ruckus in the upper house of Parliament, as senators lashed out at the government for not presenting the National Security Policy (NSP) in the Senate.

"What sort of a policy is this that the parliament did not get a chance to debate over? The parliament has not even seen this policy," Senator Sherry Rehman said, chiding the government.

Leader of the House for the Senate Dr Shahzad Waseem said the NSP was presented to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, but the Opposition decided to boycott the session.

However, he noted that when "the men in uniform come to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security meeting, then the Opposition rushed to attend it".

In response, the Opposition members protested in front of the senate chairman's dias and then staged a token walkout. Later, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani was able to restore order to the house.

The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday approved Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026, and on Tuesday, it received the federal cabinet's nod as well.

Nawaz Sharif’s return to country will have no effect on PM Imran Khan: Sheikh Rasheed

Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Wednesday said that Nawaz Sharif’s return to country will have no effect and Prime Minister Imran Khan will complete his term.

While talking to media persons, Sheikh Rashid said that every party wants establishment to support it but establishment says that it will only support elected government of the country.

The minister said that this is a year of local bodies elections and will also contest next general elections under the leadership of Imran Khan. He further said that reducing poverty is agenda of Imran Khan and expressed hope that the premier will be able to control inflation in last year of his term.

Talking about return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to country, Sheikh Rashid offered plane ticket to the PML-N supremo out of his own money.

IHC to indict Rana Shamim, co-accused in affidavit case on January 7

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) decided on Tuesday to indict on January 7 former Gilgi-Baltistan chief justice Rana Shamim and others accused in a contempt of court case, pertaining to the publication of an affidavit containing serious allegations against former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar.

Shamim had drafted the affidavit, accusing the former top judge of Pakistan of judicial manipulation.

The latest development in the case came during a hearing headed by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Monday. The court announced January 7, 2022, as the date for indictment of the accused.

"Why shouldn't the court decide to indict him in the contempt case?" IHC CJ Minallah asked during the hearing.

Shamim, Ansar Abbasi, and others appeared before the court.

At the outset of the hearing, the sealed envelope containing Shamim's affidavit, which was received by the IHC last week, was presented in court.

Attorney-General of Pakistan (AJP) Khalid Javed Khan said that Shamim has to inform the court before whom he notarised his affidavit and who leaked it.

"The one who drafted the affidavit should open it," the AJP said.

The court then directed Shamim's counsel, Lateef Afridi, to open the envelope.

"The court wants the envelope to be opened in your presence and for you to see what is inside yourself," the IHC CJ remarked.

Afridi said that he will not open the affidavit.

"It had been sought by the court, therefore, it must unseal it," Afridi said.

"We received this [envelope] through courier but we never knew what it contained," Justice Minallah said.

"Your client [Shamim] had it sent [from London] through a courier service so then why are you hesitating to open it," he asked.

The court directed Shamim to unseal the envelope after which the sealed envelope was handed over to the former GB judge.

Shamim said that he confirmed that it was his affidavit which he had personally sealed. However, he said, "the courier service didn't seal the affidavit but the envelope in which the sealed affidavit was put [to be sent]".

Justice Minallah said that Shamim's response that had been submitted in court earlier has placed the entire burden on journalist Ansar Abbasi.

"He [Shamim] also said that the document could have been leaked by the notary public," the IHC CJ said, adding that this matter is not limited just to former CJP Nisar.

"The affidavit has cast doubt on the court. It is a statement which everyone is considering the truth," Justice Minallah said.

He asked Abbasi if he wants to say anything, to which Abbasi replied that he had a talk with Shamim before the news story's publication.

"He [Shamim] may be unable to recall properly and is forgetting, but I have explained this in my story and I have his text message as well," Abbasi said.

While presenting his arguments, the AGP said that Shamim has committed contempt of court.

Without naming anyone, the AGP said: "It is being reported for the last three days that the affidavit was recorded in someone's office."

"Surprisingly, no statement of denial of [the reports] has been issued," he said, moving the court to indict all the accused in the case.

At this, the court decided to frame charges against the ex-judge of GB and others on January 7, 2022.

 

Solution to country's problems lies in fulfilment of Benazir's vision: Bilawal

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said on Monday that the only solution to the problems Pakistan was facing in present times was the fulfillment of former prime minister and slain PPP leader Benazir Bhutto's vision.

Bilawal, who was addressing a public rally held in Sindh's Garhi Khuda Baksh to observe Benazir's 14 death anniversary, began his speech with an ode to his late mother.

Benazir was assassinated in a gun-and-bomb attack after an election rally in Liaquat Bagh on Dec 27, 2007.

"It has been 14 years [since Benazir's assasination], and we still remember Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto. The people of Pakistan still remember Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto," he said.

"Shaheed BB your beloved Pakistan is facing a difficult time. In your beloved Pakistan, is [now] a democracy only in name."

Bilawal went on to say neither was there any "freedom to speak nor the freedom to live" in today's Pakistan. More so, he added, the country was also facing economic difficulties and the poor had been abandoned.

"There is only one solution to the problems of Pakistan," he said. "There is just one way, one party, one political philosophy and one manifesto that holds the solution to these problems ... And that is the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto."

'Govt selling out martyrs' blood'

The PPP chief also criticised the government for "selling out the blood of our martyrs" by "striking deals with terrorists".

He said when the PPP was in government, it had valiantly fought terrorism in the country and established the writ of the state.

"We, our soldiers and our people, defeated the same terrorists whom the entire world couldn't defeat in Afghanistan," Bilawal said, without naming any terrorist organisation.

"But the incumbent government is selling out the blood of our martyrs ... the prime minister and the president have bowed down to them (terrorists), they are begging for a deal. But the terrorists have turned them away," he said. "But the jiyalas of the PPP and BB are still standing firm to fight those terrorists."

The PPP, he said, didn't believe in deals, and added that Benazir was being wrongly accused of entering a deal on the eve of her assassination. Apparently making a reference to reports of a power-sharing deal between Benazir and then-president Pervez Musharraf, Bilawal said that the PPP did not practice "non-democratic politics".

"We do not need a deal. Our deal is with the people of Pakistan."

'Govt neither believes in democracy nor in provincial autonomy'

Referring to a slogan raised by the PPP with regards to punishing Benazir's killers, Bilawal recalled: "We said democracy is the best revenge."

"And we had restored democracy [in Pakistan] through the 18th Amendment and the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. We empowered parliament, and the PPP was the first party in the country that completed its five-year term in the government," he added.

The 18th Amendment and the NFC, he said, restored democracy and empowered provinces.

"And when you empower provinces, you solve people's problems."

He expressed regret, saying that the application of the 18th amendment and the NFC award was not seen after the PPP's tenure.

There were "attacks" on democracy after that, he said.

"At times through an RO (returning officer) election and other times through an RTS (Results Transmission System) election," he added, making references to allegations of rigging during elections.

He alleged that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf led government wanted to "snatch provinces' rights and end provincial autonomy".

"But we will not let them do so," he asserted. "When provinces are not given their rights, people suffer."

Bilawal further alleged that the mandate of the people had been stolen and now, "they [masses] have to endure puppets and selected rulers and bear the burden of an incompetent and inefficient prime minister."

"This government neither believes in democracy nor in provincial autonomy," he remarked.

Turning his attention to the economy, he said the country's people "are drowning in a tsunami of inflation and facing a storm of taxes".

He claimed that unemployment and poverty had risen to historic levels.

And this turmoil would continue to increase till "our economy remains enslaved to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and is managed by this inefficient government".

At the end of his address, Bilawal urged PPP workers and supporters to campaign for and revive the party.

"We have to take our message to every corner of the country," he said, announcing that the PPP central executive committee would establish its base in Lahore on January 5, on the birth anniversary of late party founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

"The story of this government's end will begin in the very city where the PPP's foundation was laid," he said.

After Bilawal, PPP Co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari assured said the PPP would form the next government in the country.

"Your fortunes and those of the poor will change. And Bilawal will change those fortunes," he said, adding that they were trying their best to fulfill the promises made to Benazir and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Karachi sees first spell of winter showers

Karachi experienced its first spell of winter showers on Monday, with various areas of the city receiving light to heavy rain.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had previously predicted that a strong westerly weather system was likely to grip most parts of the country on Sunday and would possibly persist till Tuesday. Under the influence of the system, rain (with isolated heavy falls) was expected in most parts of the country including Sindh and Balochistan.

According to a fresh forecast issued by the Met department today, Quaidabad and Gulshan-i-Hadeed received the highest rainfall at 5millimetres each. Surjani Town received the next highest level at 4.5mm, while 4mm rain was recorded at Kemari and PAF Masroor Base. University Road received 3.8mm rainfall, Jinnah Terminal 3.4mm, North Karachi 3.2mm.

The forecast said the weather today will be "cloudy with intermittent rain and chances of a thunderstorm", whereas it will be "partly cloudy with chances of light rain" on Tuesday. However, "fair" or clear weather is expected to be back on Wednesday.

According to the forecast, a maximum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 16°C is expected in Karachi today. Over the next two days, the metropolis will likely record a maximum temperature of 24°C and a minimum of 12°C.

'All power plants operational'

Meanwhile, the city's sole power utility Karachi Electric (KE) shared an update at 10:30am that all power plants were operational as per routine.

"Areas [where power supply has] been restored after rain include Gulshan-i-Askari, Rangers Headquarters, Scheme 33, Jiwani Heights, Sindhbad, PECHS Block 2 and 6, FB Area lock 7,12,15 and 18, Korangi Area among various others.

"Other areas that are also completely restored areas include Gulshan-i-Iqbal Block 10A, Gulistan-i-Johar Block 9 and 18, as well as some areas of Defence," the update said.

KE said restoration work was progressing swiftly in some parts of the city and the power supply will be restored shortly.

The power utility cautioned people to maintain a safe distance from electricity infrastructure and ensure taking safety precautions while using electronic appliances in case of rain.

 

SC takes back order to remove Murtaza Wahab as Karachi administrator after he apologises

In a strange turn of events, the Supreme Court took back its order for the removal of Murtaza Wahab from the post of Karachi administrator after he apologised following heated arguments in the courtroom during a hearing of the Gutter Baghicha case at the Karachi Registry on Monday.

During the proceedings, the court expressed displeasure over Murtaza Wahab for using harsh words.

The apex court initially ordered the removal of Karachi administrator Murtaza Wahab after heated arguments during the hearing of the Gutter Baghicha case.

During the hearing, an angry Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed instructed the Sindh chief minister to appoint an "impartial and competent" person in place of Murtaza Wahab.

Murtaza Wahab is not competent enough to serve on the post of Karachi administrator, the court observed.

"Get out," the CJP told Murtaza Wahab, asking him to leave the court room. "You are doing politics here," the CJP remarked as he expressed annoyance at Murtaza Wahab.

"Should we walk out and leave the government," Wahab harshly responded during the hearing.

He said that major observations are issued against the government in open courts.

Wahab's arguments got the court's ire, as the CJP told him to be quiet. "Shut up mister! What are you talking about? Don't do politics here," the CJP reprimanded Wahab.

"Get out of here. [We] are dismissing you now," the CJP ordered, asking Wahab if he is an administrator or a political leader.

Administrators are deputed for the service of citizens. They work in an unbiased manner, the court observed, adding that the administrator's post is not to play politics.

"In general, the administrator [Murtaza Wahab] failed to fulfill his duties," the CJP said, adding that Wahab's attitude was of a politician and not a public servant.

Murtaza Wahab's apology to SC

Karachi administrator Murtaza Wahab later apologised to the court for using harsh words.

"I apologize for my behavior," Wahab said.

Justice Qazi Amin remarked that they have removed him [Wahab] from office. "You are no longer an administrator. You are not part of the state but the government," he said.

Wahab, while speaking to media during a break in the hearing, said that he accepted whatever the court's decision would be.

He said that he has apologised to the court. "I was stating my opinion with great respect," said Wahab, adding that this court is his own court.

"[A person] should be heard before issuing a decision against them," Wahab said as he looked forward to the court's final decision after the break.

The court later accepted the apology of Murtaza Wahab after a short break in the proceedings and withdrew the order to remove him from office.

Extremism in Afghanistan a threat for Pakistan: Fawad

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Monday said retrogressive thinking was a "danger for Pakistan" in reference to the recent measures taken by the Taliban government in Afghanistan regarding women.

"You see that two extremist regimes have cropped up on right and left of Pakistan. On one side there is Afghanistan where the Taliban have arrived. We want to fully help the Afghan people.

"But saying that women can't travel alone or go to schools and colleges — this kind of retrogressive thinking is a danger for Pakistan," the information minister said, while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad.

He added that a similar Hindu extremist mindset was rising in India so the Pakistani state's "biggest" and "most important" fight was against these "two extremist thoughts".

"We have had failures and successes but till now Pakistan is that bright hope in this region which while remaining amid these extremes can emerge out from them."

The information minister's comments come after Afghanistan's Taliban authorities said on Sunday that women seeking to travel longer distances should not be offered transport unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

The guidance, issued by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, also called on all vehicle owners to offer rides only to those women wearing hijabs.

The guidance, circulated on social media networks, came weeks after the ministry asked Afghanistan's television channels to stop showing dramas and soap operas featuring women actors. The ministry had also called on women TV journalists to wear hijabs while presenting.

Since taking power in August, the Taliban have imposed various restrictions on women and girls, despite pledging a softer rule compared with their first stint in power in the 1990s.

In several provinces, local Taliban authorities have been persuaded to reopen schools — but many girls still remain cut off from secondary education.

During his address today, Chaudhry said that Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah and the leaders of the Pakistan movement had foreseen that the leadership of India's Hindu majority would be coopted by people who would "make life difficult for minorities".

Pointing to violence committed against minorities in India, he contrasted the response to what happened in the aftermath of the Sialkot lynching on December 3.

"You saw the whole of Pakistan was united and condemned that incident. This is happening every day in India with Muslims and no one is bothered."

He said the reason for making the nation-state of Pakistan was for a place where Muslims could have a majority where their rights would be preserved and they would not be hostage to a majority. Chaudhry stressed that Pakistan's purpose was "preserving minority rights and safeguarding them".

"Our real challenge is how to reclaim Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's Pakistan."

The information minister said that confusion about what the founder wanted for Pakistan was present in the state itself. Chaudhry said Jinnah had defined his vision in his three addresses to the Constituent Assembly, armed forces and the bureaucracy.

"This confusion should be completely dispelled that the Quaid-i-Azam wanted a religious state. He never saw Pakistan as a religious country and all these people who today on his name are fooling the people that the meaning of an Islamic country was a religious country — this was entirely not the case."

He said his lifestyle was at odds with people who used his name today and wanted to make "Pakistan a backward country".

Chaudhry said Jinnah had clarified the role of minorities and that the state would have no business to interfere in religious matters.

"After that, a great retrogressive [thinking] has come and we see Pakistan has declined."

He said the movement for Pakistan was not led by accomplished religious figures and scholars of the time. Instead, Jinnah and Allama Iqbal had talked about a political theory and politically interpreted Islam that there should be a country where Muslims and minorities could live where a "brutal majority" could not target them.

"This fight is very important for Pakistan's survival and only by winning it can we or any other country move forward."

The information minister once again pointed to the decline in India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government which he said was "spreading extremism in the name of a religious majority".

Chaudhry said a movement was needed to effectively propagate Jinnah's message and understanding of Pakistan to the common people.

'Historic moment': NSC approves first-ever National Security Policy

Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026 was approved Monday, with Prime Minister Imran Khan terming it a "historic moment" for the country.

The NSP was approved during the 36th meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), which was chaired by the prime minister, according to a statement from the PM Office.

The meeting was attended by Federal Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Information and Broadcasting, Interior, Finance, Human Rights, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, all Services Chiefs, National Security Advisor, and senior civil and military officers, the statement said.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Mooed Yusuf, presenting the NSP for approval, highlighted that Pakistan was shifting to a "Comprehensive National Security Framework".

Through the framework, the ultimate purpose of national security would be to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of the citizen of Pakistan, the NSA said.

"To ensure this citizen-centric approach to security, the NSP put economic security at the core. A stronger economy would create additional resources that would, in turn, be judiciously distributed to further bolster military and human security," the NSA said.

The NSA informed the participants that the NSP had been created through a "whole-of-government effort over the last seven years", and included extensive consultations among federal government institutions, with all provinces, and with the academia and private sector.

The NSA highlighted that a detailed implementation framework had been created through which the National Security Division would review progress in collaboration with relevant ministries and departments.

During the meeting, PM Imran Khan emphasised that the security of Pakistan rests in the security of its citizens and reposed confidence that Pakistan is well prepared to meet any internal and external threats.

Terming the NSP’s formulation and approval a historic moment, the prime minister noted that the Policy must guide all organs of the government to ensure that their efforts are synchronized with the overall direction of the NSP.

The prime minister instructed the national security adviser to present an implementation progress report to the NSC every month.

Revitalization of the planning committee and the expansion of NSC’s Advisory Board were also unanimously approved by the participants during the meeting.

"The NSP will now be presented to the Cabinet before being officially adopted. A public version of the document will be released in due course," the statement added.

Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was an ideal world leader: Bilawal

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid a rich tribute to the first elected Prime Minister of the Islamic world and party chairperson Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and said that Benazir Bhutto is a beacon of a movement.

According to a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the Chairman PPP in his message on the 14th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto further said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was an ideal world leader who showed great courage in her mission to achieve democracy in Pakistan.

The nation will never forget her national spirit, long struggle and strong leadership, he added.

Bilawal said her struggle to make the country a true welfare state in the light of the thoughts and vision of our founding ancestors is historical.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the assassination of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi was not just the murder of a dream to save the people from poverty, unemployment and injustice, but a conspiracy to kill the entire nation. He pointed out that the heinous conspiracy was foiled by former President Asif Ali Zardari with the slogan “Pakistan Khappay”.

The PPP Chairman said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a universal figure and a people’s leader who promoted unity, harmony and progressive thinking in Pakistan and protected the political and economic rights of the people. As the Prime Minister, she introduced people-friendly policies in the country despite fierce opposition and obstacles. She took innumerable steps for the service of the public, and also highlighted the true image of Pakistan on an international level. The gift of missile technology for the defense of our motherland by the first elected Prime Minister of the Islamic world, is also unforgettable.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that for democracy, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto lost her father, two brothers and even her mother. But she never feared the dictators. She kept fighting for democracy till the last hour of her life and in the end, achieved martyrdom.

Chairman PPP said that today is the day to make a pledge to eradicate terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, and to continue the struggle of strengthening democracy, supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament, and social equality. There can be no other way to pay homage to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

Shaukat Tarin takes oath as Federal Minister

President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday administered the oath of office to Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed Tarin who would be holding the portfolio of Minister for Finance.

After the oath, the president extended felicitation to the newly-sworn in member of the federal cabinet.

The ceremony was attended by the federal and provincial ministers, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir and other senior government officers.

Earlier, adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin took oath as senator which was administered by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani.

The seat fell vacant after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Muhammad Ayub Afridi resigned as member of the upper house last month.

It is to be mentioned here that Shaukat Tarin was elected senator from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Out of 145 members of the provincial assembly, 122 cast their votes during Senate by-elections. The finance adviser won the seat after securing 87 votes.

Corona virus: Pakistan reports 2 deaths in last 24 hrs

Pakistan has reported 2 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 1,293,715. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,909 on Monday.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 301 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

Punjab remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Till now 13,064 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab, 7,662 in Sindh 5,922 in KP, 966 in Islamabad, 746 in Azad Kashmir, 363 in Balochistan, and 186 in GB.
Furthermore 480,710 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 444,610 in Punjab 181,235 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 108,450 in Islamabad, 34,657 in Azad Kashmir 33,624 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Pakistan Army soldier martyred in terrorist attack on North Waziristan checkpost

A soldier was martyred in North Waziristan's Shewa area after terrorists targeted a checkpost, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Saturday.

The military's media wing, in a statement, said terrorists fired at a military post.

According to the ISPR, the troops responded promptly and "effectively engaged the terrorists' location". During an exchange of fire, Naik Noor Merjan, who was 32 years old, embraced shahadat (martyrdom).

"Clearance of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area," the statement read.

In October, a security forces personnel was martyred in North Waziristan's Ghariuom after terrorists targeted a check-post.

According to the ISPR, during an exchange of fire, sepoy Muhammad Amir Iqbal, who was 30 years old, embraced shahadat (martyrdom).

Limited operations of much-awaited Green Line bus kick off in Karachi

Governor Sindh Imran Ismail on Saturday took a ride on Karachi’s new Green Line bus, kicking off initial operations for a much-awaited project which was stalled for the last five years.

Following the inspection of his bus, he told the media that the elevators of the Green Line bus "aren’t malfunctioning". He said that all stations of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will be fully operational from January 10, 2022.

Ismail said that the minimum bus fare will be Rs15 and the maximum will amount to Rs55. Addressing the confusion regarding the card for the service, he clarified that the bus card is confusing people but this will be charged like any mobile phone card.

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had inaugurated the bus service project on December 10 during his one-day visit to Karachi.

The inauguration was held at the main station of the Green Line project at Numaish Chowrangi.

Travellers must note that 11 out of 22 stations will remain operational till January 10 with 25 out of the total 80 hybrid energy buses to operate for only four hours a day, from 8am to 12pm.

According to Sindh Infrastructure Development Company (SIDCL) officials, buses, stations, and working hours will be increased after January 10.

The buses will shuttle between Surjani town, Abdullah Chowk, and Numaish Chowrangi. These buses will arrive at the stations every five minutes.

The buses can accommodate more than 150 people at a time and special seats have been reserved for disabled people.

Those people who plan to travel on a daily basis can also have cards made that can be recharged just like mobile cards.

The bus service will be monitored by CCTV cameras and the name of the station where the bus will stop will appear on a screen inside the bus.

Christians Community celebrating Christmas across the country

Christians in Pakistan are celebrating the festive occasion of Christmas amid tight security across the country.

Special services are being held in illuminated churches throughout the country with the Christians also holding special prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Christmas is commemorated in Pakistan and across the world on December 25th each year to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

Strict security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the Christians and police officials have been deployed outside churches to thwart any untoward incident.

The day started with ceremonies and congregations in churches. Christians citizens decorated their homes and churches with colourful fairy lights and special Christmas trees were prepared to celebrate the occasion.

In their separate messages, President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan, while congratulating the Christians on Christmas, have assured that the government will continue to safeguard the rights and privileges of all minorities living in the country.

They also commended sincere and invaluable services rendered by Christians in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country.

They said that the government will empower minorities to use their abilities for national development.

PM announced new party structure for PTI

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also the chairman of the ruling PTI, has announced the new party structure a day after dissolving all the PTI bodies following a setback in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local bodies elections.

In the new party setup, Asad Umar has been given the post of secretary-general while Pervez Khattak, Ali Haider Zaidi, Qasim Suri, Shafqat Mahmood and Khusro Bakhtiar have been appointed as new provincial heads of the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Southern Punjab respectively.

Aamir Mehmood Kiani has been made the party's additional secretary-general, the minister added.

Commenting on his appointment, Asad Umar said that holding an important position in Pakistan's largest political party is a matter of honour and also a great responsibility.

"Inshallah, under the leadership of Imran Khan, the PTI will get stronger as per the expectations of party workers and voters. The workers of this party are its capital, which no other party has."

چئرمین تحریک انصاف جناب عمران خان نے عامر محمود کیانی کو پارٹی کا ایڈیشنل سیکرٹری جنرل نامزد کیا ہے https://t.co/MHsL3c1dSf

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) December 25, 2021

 

Pakistanis are celebrating 146th birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Pakistanis are celebrating the 146th birthday of Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, across the country with traditional zeal and fervour.

Quaid-e-Azam was born on Dec 25, 1876, in Karachi. The day is a public holiday and the national flag will be hoisted on principal government buildings throughout the country.

The day dawn with special prayers for the security, progress and prosperity of the country. A change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the Quaid.

A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Military Academy took over the guard duty. PMA commandant Major General Umar Ahmad Bukhari was the chief guest. He offered fateha and laid a floral wreath at the grave of the Quaid.

Special events will be held in government and private organisations to highlight the Quaid’s political struggle and his guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline.

The celebrations aimed at educating the youth about the Quaid’s vision and Pakistan’s ideology. Early in the morning, several people from all walks of life visited the tomb to pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam for the services he rendered for the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent.

A lawyer and politician, Jinnah served as leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan’s independence on 14 August 1947, then as Pakistan’s first Governor-General until his death on September 11, 1948.

PM Khan wishes “a very Happy Christmas” to all Pakistani Christian citizens

Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday wished all the Pakistani Christian citizens “a very Happy Christmas” and promised to safeguard the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities.

The premier took to Twitter to felicitate the Christians and said: “Wishing all our Christian citizens a very Happy Christmas.”

In a separate message on the occasion of Christmas, PM Imran Khan said, “On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I on my behalf of the government and people of Pakistan extend heartfelt congratulations to the Christian community around the world and especially in Pakistan for celebrating the festival of Christmas with devotion and respect."

“The festivities of Christmas teach us universal love, brotherhood, tolerance and self-sacrifice which plays a pivotal role in moving any society on the path of development.”

“The birth of Prophet Jesus is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and respect for the entire humanity throughout the world.

“He not only healed the ailing humanity, but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion.

“He guided people towards virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy. As a divine messenger, Prophet Jesus’ teachings are for adherents of all religions.”

The prime minister said the sincere and invaluable services rendered by the Christians in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country had always been commendable.

“Being equal citizens of the state, the Government will empower them to use their abilities for national development. Our policies are geared towards creating harmony and cohesion between people of all faiths.”

He said, “our government is doing its utmost duty to bring you into the national mainstream, so that you can play your role as active citizens in the society in a positive way and help this country move on the path of development.”

“Our constitution enshrined Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and safeguarded the legitimate interests of minorities,” he said adding the Quaid had assured religious freedom and security for all communities irrespective of their religion, profession and ethnic origin.

He said the government of Pakistan held sacrosanct the equality and freedom of conscience of all citizens irrespective of belief, creed or religion.

The present government will continue to safeguard the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities, he added.

“We are committed to building a society that respects difference and finds strength in diversity; a nation that is tolerant and cohesive; and a state that provides equal rights and opportunities to all citizens,” he concluded.

Wishing all our Christian citizens a very Happy Christmas.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 25, 2021

 

Corona claims 4 more lives in Pakistan within a day

Pakistan has reported 4 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of confirmed positive cases has surged to 1,292,728. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,898 on Friday.

According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 322 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
480,077 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 444,438 in Punjab, 181,121 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 108,392 in Islamabad, 34,654 in Azad Kashmir, 33,617 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Pakistan records 359 fresh corona cases in a day

Pakistan has reported 2 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 1,292,406. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,894 on Thursday.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 359 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
Punjab remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Till now 13,061 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab, 7,658 in Sindh 5,916 in KP, 964 in Islamabad, 746 in Azad Kashmir, 363 in Balochistan, and 186 in GB.

Tickets to not be awarded on basis of favouritism, bribery, PM says after KP polls' setback

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Wednesday tickets will not be awarded on the basis of favouritism and bribery in future as PTI faced a major setback in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local body polls due to "incompetent" people.

The prime minister's comments came during a meeting with Chief Minister KP Mahmood Khan, where the province's chief presented a report on why the party suffered losses in the local body polls, sources said.

The premier had summoned CM Khan to present a report on the PTI’s defeat during the elections in the province, highlighting the reasons that lead to the party's failure.

Sources said that the report mentioned the lawmakers who did not support the party during the polls, allocation of party tickets for the elections, and other issues.

The report attributed PTI’s defeat in the first phase of the elections to "mismanagement" and that "workers of the same party contested elections against each other."

Sources further added that the report cited "traditional politics and hereditary issues" as reasons behind the defeat in the local body elections, adding that the distribution of party tickets was also a reason behind PTI’s failure.

According to the report, the poor selection of candidates led to disagreements between party workers; hence the party wasn’t united during the first phase of the elections.

During the meeting, the premier expressed his dissatisfaction over the party's failure in the local body elections, saying that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was their [PTI] baseline and the party lost the election due to “internal incompetence.”

The premier said that in the second phase of the local body elections, he will personally decide candidates, adding that favouritism and bribery would not be tolerated.
According to sources, PM Imran Khan directed the chief minister to unite PTI workers.

The premier also reportedly stated that the party should learn lessons from the results of the first phase as this time indifferences among the party members benefitted the opposition.

Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office received a report citing reasons for the PTI’s loss in the local body polls in KP. According to the report, merit had been ignored while allocating tickets for the election.

The tickets had been issued to the relatives of the governor, ministers and the lawmakers of the PTI, read the report.

The report said that PTI MPA in Lakki Marwat Dr Hasham Inamullah had been ignored while allocating the tickets. Resultantly, Inamullah extended his support to the four candidates fielded by the Saifullah brothers who went on to win the local body elections, read the report.

In addition, the two candidates backed by MNA Fazal Muhammad Khan lost the elections in Charsadda. The report noted that had the two candidates won, they would have worked in accordance with the wishes of the MNA.

The local leadership ignored a competent worker of PTI, Shafi Jan, and gave a ticket to Shehryar Khan Afridi-backed candidate Salman Khan, the report further observed.

Shafi Jan contested the election as an independent candidate and bagged more votes than the PTI candidate in the constituency. Shafi Jan bagged 26,793 votes while the Afridi-backed candidate received 15,219 votes.

Similarly, the KP Governor Shah Farman-backed candidate lost elections for the coveted post of Peshawar mayor. Tickets were given to KP Deputy Speaker Mehmood Jan’s brother and provincial Education Minister Shahram Tarakai’s relatives who lost the elections, the report said.

Government retracts mini-budget from cabinet after rigid opposition

The government has taken back the mini-budget, including the Tax Laws (Fourth) Amendment Bill, for the time being from the federal cabinet as difficulties increase for the Centre on the political front.

The publication stated that the government decided to consult with Prime Minister to devise a new strategy.

The unveiling of the mini-budget turned out to be a disappointment for the incumbent government since the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff turned down the government's proposal to convince the IMF that it would present a mini-budget through a presidential ordinance.

This has put the revival of the IMF programme into a difficult situation because it wouldn't be possible if the Fund doesn't show flexibility in demanding the parliamentary approval for two key bills, including Tax Laws (Fourth) Amendment Bill and SBP’s Autonomy Bill.

In this scenario, the government has to explore all options once again to convince the IMF for the promulgation of a presidential ordinance for withdrawal of GST exemptions to fetch Rs350 billion into the national kitty on an annual basis because it might find it hard to pass such a chunk of the money bill with the support of its political allies.

The IMF had sternly rejected the proposal for promulgation of the Presidential Ordinance in the past, but the government seems to be left with no option but to engage the IMF again to convince it. The government wants that the promulgation of the ordinance should be allowed till the upcoming budget and to withdraw GST exemptions as part of the next budget through Finance Bill 2022.

The two bills are pending approval from Parliament without which the revival of the IMF programme will be simply impossible. A top official said that the cabinet could not consider the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Autonomy Bill in Tuesday's meeting because the federal law minister was not present in the meeting.

So the cabinet ratification on work finalised by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Business could not be taken up. Secondly, the Tax Laws (Fourth) Amendment Bill was withdrawn because the government could not afford a backlash on it when the CPI-based inflation was already standing at 11.53% for November, 2021. The second thought surfaced after increasing difficulties emerged in the wake of a severe defeat in the local government elections in many parts of PTI's stronghold province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

 

No one realises KP LG polls start of a modern, developed system, regrets PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan, keeping aside all the negativity regarding PTI's defeat in the first phase of the 2021 local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkha, said that the KP LG polls are the beginning of a "modern and developed LG system" which is a trait of successful democracies.

In an apparent reference to the comments being made about PTI losing the limelight in the KP polls, PM Imran Khan wrote on Twitter that amidst the "noise" over the results of the KP LG polls, "no one realises" that these polls are the start of a modern and devolved local government system.

PM Imran Khan said that it is the first time in Pakistan's history that the country has an "empowered LG system".

He went on to say that the direct election of tehsil level nazims will improve governance and make future leaders.

"Amidst the noise over KP LG elec, no one realises these elections are start of modern, devolved LG system as exists in successful democracies," the premier wrote.

Pakistani politicians have been having a field day since the ruling party's defeat was made obvious in the first phase of LG polls in KP, with Opposition party JUI-F emerging victorious and PTI failing to bag a single mayor seat out of the four.

On Tuesday, PM Imran Khan had conceded defeat, admitting that wrong candidate selection was a major cause for the PTI's shock defeat in the recent polls.

Gas Crisis: PTI lawmakers express reservations in letter to PM, Hammad Azhar

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Member of National Assembly (MNA) Aftab Siddiqui and Member of Sindh Assembly Raja Azhar have written letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and Energy Minister Hammad Azhar over severe gas crisis in Karachi.

Raja Azhar, in his letter, said that entire Karachi and especially his constituency PS-97 is facing severe gas crisis. Residents of the city are protesting against the federal government and warned that situation could get out of hand and will negatively affect party in the upcoming local bodies elections.

He further said that Karachi has given mandate to PTI and urged PM Imran Khan to take notice of the gas crisis.

A day earlier, PTI MNA Aftab Siddique also wrote a letter and termed attitude of Federal Energy Minister as shameful.

The MNA said that there is no supply of gas in his constituency NA-247. The area is facing gas issue since October but Hammad Azhar not even replied to his messages about the issue.

Govt working to bring improvement in health, education sectors: SAPM Dr. Faisal

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan says the government is working to bring improvement in health and education sectors to meet the challenge of the health related issues.

Addressing an event in Islamabad on Wednesday, the special assistant said that reforms will be introduced in Drug Regulatory Authority.

He said our society, including a large number of children is facing malnutrition challenges and we need to meet them with effective strategy.

He said a section of our privileged segment is also facing this problem due to lack of education and information.

ECP accepts apologies by Swati, Fawad for anti-Commission remarks

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has accepted the apologies of Federal Minister for Railways and PTI leader Azam Swati and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry in connection with a case in which the two ministers accused the ECP of accepting money from electronic voting system (EVM) manufacturers.

On Wednesday, Azam Swati appeared before the ECP, where he was pardoned and warned to exercise caution in future.

"You have more responsibilities," the ECP stated.

The ECP also questioned the minister on his absence from earlier hearings. "You are a busy man, why didn't you appear in previous hearings?" inquired the ECP.

Swati remarked that he has always advocated for the independence of the ECP.

"All the institutions are yours; it is not appropriate to talk bad about them,” the ECP remarked.

Azam Swati and Fawad Chaudhry were warned by the ECP to exercise caution in future.

Swati expressed gratitude to the ECP for accepting his apology.

He stated that the ECP will make sound judgments regarding EVMs and that the government will support them in order to bolster the ECP.

Barrister Ali Zafar, Azam Swati's lawyer, stated that they have apologised for what occurred in the past and now they must collaborate with the ECP.

JUI winning big in KP local body polls 'unfortunate': Fawad Chaudhry

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said that the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam scoring big in the first phase of local body elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is "unfortunate".

This will spell the country's "downfall" as a party "that is against women's rights and is a supporter of extremist policies when it comes to religion" has won the local body polls, Chaudhry said, while addressing a post-cabinet meeting press conference.

The information minister said it was the country's "misfortune that a party that should have been dismantled", won in the local body polls because of "our mistakes".

“Due to administrative problems, we suffered some set back in the local body elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Chaudhry maintained, adding the PTI is "the only national (level) party in the country".

He said parties like JUI could not be considered a substitute for the PTI, whereas the PML-N and the PPP "had no place" in national politics.

“Imran Khan is the leader of the federation. It is important for the leadership and workers of the PTI to put aside their differences and strengthen Imran Khan," Chaudhry said.

"Without Imran Khan, Pakistan’s politics would disintegrate," he added.

The Opposition parties, particularly the JUI, have taken an unassailable lead in Khyber Pakhtunkwa's ongoing local body elections, leaving PTI behind, according to unofficial results.

The ruling party could not grab a single mayor seat, winning in only one tehsil in Peshawar out of six tehsils.

Awami National Party's (ANP) Himayatullah has been elected as the mayor in Mardan with 56,458 votes, followed by the JUI's Amanat Shah Haqqani with 49,938 votes, according to unofficial results. JUI's candidates secured the remaining three seats of mayor in Kohat, Bannu, and Peshawar, according to unofficial results.

The results, however, for the election of mayor in Peshawar have been stopped by the Election Commission of Pakistan on account of postponement of polling on some polling stations due to disruption in law and order on election day there.

In response to a question about PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz, the information minister said that she "does not have much of a political standing".

Speaking about former president Asif Ali Zardari's recent speech in Nawabshah where he slammed the government's policies, Chaudhry said: "If they even see the potential of a deal, all of them rush with their polish."

On the economic front, he said indicators show a positive trajectory and economic stability due to the "prudent policies" of the government, Radio Pakistan reported.

The minister said that opportunities for wealth creation are on the rise in the country, with the textile, information technology, agriculture, and other sectors performing well.

He said direct taxes have seen a 31% surge, adding that all the crops have witnessed record production resulting in additional income of Rs1,100 billion to farmers.

Chaudhry said cotton recorded an increase of 19.5%, rice 4.8%, and sugarcane 8.7%.

He said consumption of electricity and diesel grew by 13% and 26% respectively.

Talking about the increase in current expenditure, the minister said it was because of the expenses incurred on procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and payment of Rs134 billion to Independent Power Producers.

OIC, int'l community acknowledge Pakistan's stance on Afghanistan: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday the international community and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have now acknowledged Pakistan's narrative on Afghanistan.

The prime minister, addressing officers of the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad during his visit to the Foreign Office, said the international community should focus on the difficulties being faced by the 40 million Afghans, Radio Pakistan reported.

Pakistan's image has "significantly improved at the international level in the last three years", the prime minister said, two days after Islamabad hosted the 17th extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the OIC.

Muslim nations, during the session, resolved to work with the United Nations to try to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in frozen Afghan assets in a bid to tackle a growing humanitarian crisis.

The prime minister congratulated the Foreign Office for successfully conducting the 17th extraordinary session. He also praised the law enforcement agencies that made the event a success, making the nation proud, with a strong sense of self-belief.

The prime minister, while lauding the nation’s mettle to face different testing times in the country’s history, stressed upon the inculcation of "self-belief", a quality that could serve as a beacon of light in hard times.

The prime minister said it was the self-belief that always entailed changes.

“When you instil self-belief in yourself as a nation, you can achieve marvels. When the earthquake hit the country (during 2005), the whole nation mobilised and during floods (of 2010), the nation contributed, which reflected that the nation could always stand the tests of time,” he added.

The prime minister also referred to his cricket career and the performance of the national cricket team which achieved success when motivated with self-belief.

“The country has a huge talented population of 220 million people along with 9 million overseas Pakistanis who are capable of achieving anything as they have excelled in every field,” he expressed.

“No country aspires progress sans rule of law,” he said, adding certain Western countries had achieved progress and prosperity despite scant resources, as they had introduced a culture of rule of law.

The prime minister also regretted that in the past, the elite had captured spaces as they were "pampered with all facilities".

He underscored that the government would have to focus to lift the poor segments of society and for this purpose, the whole nation would have to continue this struggle.

Citing the current account deficit, the prime minister said it had increased pressure on the rupee. The government had almost overcome the challenge, but the increasing commodity prices at the global level proved as a choking point.

Expressing his resolve, he said, however, it was a temporary phase and the country would overcome it.

“I strongly believe that Pakistan has a great future and the nation will become strong,” he said, recollecting that during the 60s, the nation was following that path.

US hails Pakistan’s efforts for hosting OIC's extraordinary session

United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West on Monday appreciated Pakistan's efforts in holding the extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Islamabad.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), West met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and both sides discussed matters of mutual interest, the current security situation in Afghanistan, and bilateral cooperation opportunities.

Talking about the instability of Afghanistan, COAS stressed global convergence to prevent a humanitarian crisis. The army chief also expressed his gratitude to West for participation in the session held by the OIC.

The dignitary assured further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan where required, according to ISPR.

He appreciated the role played by Pakistan in the Afghan situation and the efforts put in by Islamabad for effective Pak-Afgan border management, the statement added.

OIC leaders pledge to help unlock frozen Afghan assets

In the 17th extraordinary session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the OIC on Sunday, Muslim nations resolved to work with the United Nations to try to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in frozen Afghan assets in a bid to tackle a growing humanitarian crisis.

At the special meeting, the delegates said they would work "to unlock the financial and banking channels to resume liquidity and flow of financial and humanitarian assistance".

The meeting was the biggest conference on Afghanistan since the US-backed government fell in August and the Taliban returned to power.

Since then, billions of dollars in aid and assets have been frozen by the international community, and the nation is in the middle of a bitter winter.

An OIC resolution released after the meeting said the Islamic Development Bank would lead the effort to free up assistance by the first quarter of next year.

It also urged Afghanistan's rulers to abide by "obligations under international human rights covenants, especially with regards to the rights of women, children, youth, elderly and people with special needs".

Earlier, Pakistan warned of "grave consequences" for the international community if Afghanistan's economic meltdown continued, and urged world leaders to find ways to engage with the Taliban to help prevent a humanitarian catastrophe.