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  • Modi extends condolences to families of the flood victims

    Modi extends condolences to families of the flood victims

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends his condolences to the families of the flood victims in Pakistan.

    “Saddened to see the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and all those affected by this natural calamity and hope for an early restoration of normalcy,” tweeted Modi.

    The devastating effects of floods across the country continue to rage on as monsoon rains have killed over 1,000 people and disrupted the lives of more than 5.7 million people.

    The federal and provincial governments are currently providing assistance to the displaced families and now the international community has also poured in their support.

    The Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha expressed “deep sorrow over the casualties, massive destruction of property and loss of life resulting from floods in Pakistan”.

    The United Nations (UN) is set to launch a Flash Appeal in support of Pakistan. The international platform will reportedly launch a $160 million appeal.

    Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Asim Iftikhar said that the appeal will be launched on Tuesday, August 30.

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that the country is currently providing support to Pakistan. “Like many Canadians across the country, I’m thinking of everyone affected by the devastating flooding in Pakistan. Canada is providing support through UNCERF and Red Cross Canada – to provide food, clean water, and other essential services as quickly as possible,” he tweeted.

    During a telephonic conversation between President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed with Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, the UAE President offered condolences and sympathy to the victims of the floods.

    PM Sharif thanked Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan for their support. Both country leaders had telephonic conversations with the premier.

    President Raisi and President Erdogan conveyed solidarity with Pakistan and assured support in relief assistance in all areas affected by heavy floods and rains.

    Moreover, PM Sharif thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for his support for the flood affectees.

    In a tweet, he said, “Grateful for President Emmanuel Macron’s message of support for the people of faced with devastating floods. We appreciate France’s solidarity and offer of help for the affected people in this hour of need.”

  • ‘Yeh ab tai hogaya hai Imran Khan Pakistan aur 22 crore logo se zyada eham hain’: Twitter reacts to leaked audio

    ‘Yeh ab tai hogaya hai Imran Khan Pakistan aur 22 crore logo se zyada eham hain’: Twitter reacts to leaked audio

    In a leaked audio, former Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin allegedly asked Punjab Finance Minister Mohsin Leghari and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra to write letters withdrawing from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) deal.

    Moments after the leaked audio surfaced on Twitter, both finance ministers and Tarin were under fire for their comments and how their conversations were an attempt by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to sabotage the IMF deal.

    Here are a few reactions.

    Meanwhile, PTI leader Asad Umar and Taimur Jhagra held a press conference following the audio leak between former federal minister Shaukat Tarin and the finance ministers of Punjab and KP.

    Umar said that Tarin, as a former finance minister, had every right to “give advice” to Jhagra and Leghari.

    “There is nothing wrong in Tarin speaking to Jhagra and Leghari on the phone and giving advice,” said Asad Umar.

  • Pak Suzuki extends plant closure due to low inventory

    Pak Suzuki extends plant closure due to low inventory

    The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has imposed import restrictions that have negatively impacted the clearance of import consignments, which has in turn affected the inventory levels, according to Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC), which announced on Monday that the shutdown of its auto production plant has been further extended from August 29 to August 31.

    The SBP has instituted a procedure for prior permission for imports within the HS code 8703 category (including CKDs), according to a notice given to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) by PSMC on May 20, 2022, according to pkrevenue.

    According to PSMC, these restrictions had a negative influence on the import consignment’s clearance, which in turn had an impact on inventory levels.

    PSMC said that it is experiencing a scarcity of inventory. As a result, the company’s management has decided to further extend the auto plant’s shutdown time from August 29, 2022, to August 31, 2022.

    As a result of a decline in inventory levels, PSMC informed the PSX earlier this week that it will halt production of automobiles from August 22 through August 26, 2022.

    However, PSMC stated on both occasions that its motorcycle plant will continue to operate.

    Due to Pakistan’s auto industry’s reliance on imports and the SBP’s limits on Letters of Credit opening as a result of the persistent rupee devaluation, the country is currently experiencing an exchange rate crisis.

    In order to prevent delays in car delivery and future price increases, the manufacturers requested the central bank’s involvement back in July for opening LCs for the import of CKD kits.

    PSMC stated earlier this month that it would lower the pricing of its cars by between Rs75,000 and Rs199,000, citing the strengthening of the rupee versus the US currency. Due to the weakening of the rupee, prices had already climbed significantly in early August.

  • Asad Umar defends Tarin’s alleged audio leak, Miftah asks Tarin to quit politics

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Asad Umar along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra held a press conference following the alleged audio leak between former federal minister Shaukat Tarin and provincial finance ministers.

    Earlier in the day, an audio was leaked in which Tarin allegedly asked Punjab Finance Minister Mohsin Leghari and KP Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra to write letters withdrawing from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) deal.

    Umar said Tarin had asked both provincial finance ministers to request the federal government to renegotiate the IMF agreement due to the recent floods and the devastation caused both in KP and Punjab.

    “Can anyone say this isn’t good advice?”

    Umar accused the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) of acting against the state’s interest and international commitments by voting and speaking out against legislation related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and IMF agreement during PTI’s tenure.

    He said that Tarin, as a former finance minister, had every right to “give advice” to Jhagra and Leghari. “There is nothing wrong in Tarin speaking to Jhagra and Leghari on the phone and giving advice.”

    “If Jhagra felt that there was something wrong in it, then he would not have brought himself before the nation,” he added.

    Taking a jibe at the government, Umar posed a question: “Tell me if you are asking money from foreign governments, then why can’t you ask the IMF to give us space this year to use our money for flood-related expenses?”

    ‘Bring Khan to power but not at the cost of Pakistan’: Miftah Ismail

    Finance Minister Miftah Ismail said that Shaukat Tarin should leave politics and “Asad Umar and Taimur Jhagra should be ashamed of themselves”.

    “Imran Khan should ask the nation for forgiveness. Taimur Jhagra should resign and Shaukat Tarin should quit politics. Is this why you do politics?”

    He termed the PTI’s move the “most shameful thing”, saying that the real faces of PTI leaders have now been exposed.

    Referring to the IMF Executive Board meeting, which is set for today (August 29), Miftah said that by the will of God, the country will hear good news tonight after the IMF approves the pending tranche.

    Miftah Ismail also asked PTI supporters to question party Chairman Khan about whether the letter Jhagra wrote was in the state’s interest. “Do support Imran but tell him he is not bigger than Pakistan. Bring him to power but not at the cost of Pakistan.”

    “When they are writing letters against Pakistan’s interest, it is your responsibility to say no. Consider Pakistan’s interest to be sacred. If Pakistan’s interest is not sacred to a person, he is not fit to govern the country.”

  • IK back on live TV: High Court suspends ban on IK’s speeches

    IK back on live TV: High Court suspends ban on IK’s speeches

    The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday (August 29) suspended the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (PEMRA) recent notification that banned television channels from airing Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s live speeches.

    IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah suspended the notification till September 5 after hearing the arguments and issued notices to the regulatory authority and Attorney-General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali.

    The IHC chief justice said that PEMRA “does not have the authority” to issue such notifications.

    Justice Minallah asked Imran’s counsel if he defended Imran’s comments.

    “Can judges be threatened like this,” he asked, recalling the human rights violations that took place in the last three years.

    “I am saying this with a heavy heart that judges should not have been threatened. It is disappointing that the [incumbent] government is doing exactly what happened in the last three years,” he said.

    Justice Minallah pointed out that a woman judge was threatened. “Did your leader not say that he won’t spare her? If they had said something like this about me, it would have been fine […] But a woman judge?”

    The PEMRA ban was issued on August 21 after Imran Khan threatened Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry, DIG and IG Islamabad.

    Imran Khan is set to host a telethon today (August 29) to appeal for funds for the flood affectees.

  • ‘Bhai tera chakka nahi bhulay ga’: Momin Saqib meets Hardik Pandya

    ‘Bhai tera chakka nahi bhulay ga’: Momin Saqib meets Hardik Pandya

    Pakistani cricket fan, Momin Saqib, who rose to fame for his “maaro mujhe maaro” reaction video after Pakistan’s World Cup loss to India in 2019, posted a couple of videos on Twitter where he is meeting Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli after the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2022 match in Dubai.

    “Bhai tera chakka nahi bhulay ga!”

    In the video, he can be seen greeting Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya after the match.

    With an unbeaten innings of 33 runs on 17 balls, Hardik Pandya led India to victory with a maximum on the third last ball of the game. In addition, he took 3 wickets and bowled some vicious short deliveries that held Pakistan to 147 runs.

    Saqib praised Pandya for winning and expressed excitement for the India-Pakistan final on September 11.

    He can be seen meeting Virat Kohli in another video. “Good to see him back in form,” he wrote. “What a game tonight! Shall see you in the Final!”

    Kohli responded to Saqib’s “congratulations” on the victory by saying, “Eh ta chalda rehnda aa, tusi vi ta nairray aagaye si” (It is a part of the game. You guys also came very close).

    Pakistan will play its second game at the Asia Cup against Hong Kong on September 2 (Friday) at 7pm.

  • Dengue cases on the rise in Punjab

    According to a statement issued by the Secretary of Health Punjab, 32 cases of dengue virus have been detected across the province in the last 24 hours.

    At least 70 cases of dengue were reported in Punjab on Sunday.

    According to the Health Department, a total of 1,034 dengue virus cases have been reported in 2022.

    441 cases of dengue were reported in Lahore alone.

    Read more- All you need to know about dengue

    Amid the increase in cases of dengue, the district administration of Rawalpindi has launched a crackdown and sealed 58 buildings for finding dengue larvae and filed cases against 41 people.

    Citizens have been advised to cooperate with the health teams and closely adhere to SOPs in order to avoid contracting the dengue virus.

  • Number of flood affectees may cross 33 million, warns Climate Change Minister

    Number of flood affectees may cross 33 million, warns Climate Change Minister

    Federal Minister of Climate Change Sherry Rehman warned on Sunday (August 28) that the number of those affected by the floods may cross 33 million as the devastating floods continue.

    She said that the government, supported by the United Nations (UN) and other humanitarian agencies, is leading the humanitarian action.

    “Kabul River is still at very high flood level at Nowshera as more than 300,000 cusecs of water was crossing the river,” she said, adding that with 500,000 cusecs, water levels in River Indus at Taunsa, Sukkur and Chashma are at “high flood level”.

    Calling the floods “a perfect storm”, Sherry Rehman added that as relentless rains had battered the southern parts of the country, the floods in the Indus River devastated the northern areas.

    Updating on the relief efforts, she said that as rain has subsided in some areas, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Pakistan Army have amped up rescue efforts.

  • ‘Cancel your political engagements’: Nawaz Sharif directs party to help flood victims

    ‘Cancel your political engagements’: Nawaz Sharif directs party to help flood victims

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif urged the nation and directed his party leaders to come forward and help the flood affectees.

    “I will also request all PML-N MNAs and MPAs to cancel their political and other engagements and put all your energies into helping the flood victims,” said Sharif on Sunday (August 28).

    He highlighted that thousands of people have died and millions are left homeless and repeatedly urged the people to help the victims generously.

    Nawaz has also appealed to set up relief camps for flood affectees and has asked to provide them with tents to ensure shelter.

    Nawaz praised his brother Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts as prime minister who “has completely focused on providing relief to the victims and has cancelled all of his engagements”.

    “Together PM Shehbaz and Maryam will hold the hands of all affectees,” he added.

    The government warned on Sunday that the number of people affected by the devastating floods may cross 33 million.

    The death toll due to floods across Pakistan has reached 1,061.

    Maryam Nawaz visited Taunsa today (Monday) to meet the flood victims.

    https://twitter.com/pmln_org/status/1564183626471931904?s=20&t=BcJm6g7Pwx1zuB6R_nedqA

  • Leaked audio: PTI’s Shaukat Tarin allegedly advising finance ministers in Punjab, KP to sabotage IMF deal

    Leaked audio: PTI’s Shaukat Tarin allegedly advising finance ministers in Punjab, KP to sabotage IMF deal

    In a leaked audio, former Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin allegedly asked Punjab Finance Minister Mohsin Leghari and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister Taimur Jhagra to write letters withdrawing from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) deal.

    ‘You need to say now that we will not be able to honour our commitment’: Shaukat Tarin

    In one leaked audio, Tarin can be heard asking Leghari to tell the IMF that the commitment Punjab made was pre-floods and now the province “cannot honour it” due to massive losses caused by the floods.

    Tarin told Leghari to draft a letter and send it to him for review so it could be sent to the federal government and later on to the IMF representative in Pakistan.

    “You have signed a Rs750 billion [surplus] commitment with the IMF. You now need to tell them that the commitment you made was before the floods, and now [Punjab] has to spend a lot of funds for [the] floods [rehabilitation].”

    “You need to say now that ‘we will not be able to honour our commitment’,” Tarin said.

    The former FM further told Leghari that this is all he [Imran Khan] wants – for pressure to increase on the incumbent government.

    Leghari questioned if this move will affect the state and will Pakistan as a state suffer if the Punjab government does what is being asked to do so?

    “Well, frankly isn’t the state already suffering because of the way they are treating your chairman [Imran Khan] and everybody else? IMF will definitely ask them: where will you get the money from now?” Tarin responded.

    Tarin further said that the party could not bear being mistreated. “We cannot be blackmailed,” Tarin said.

    “This is what was decided yesterday, however, whether we will be releasing this to IMF or not we will ask the chairman,” revealed the former FM.

    ‘By the way, this is a blackmailing tactic’: Taimur Jhagra

    In another leaked audio conversation between Tarin and Jhagra, Tarin asked Jhagra if he had written the letter.

    “I am on the way. I have the previous letter. I will send the letter to you after drafting it,” replied Jhagra.

    Read more: Jhagra responds after Miftah accuses KP govt of jeopardising IMF deal

    “First point [of the letter] would be that we need huge financial aid for restoration of infrastructure and rehabilitation of flood affectees,” Tarin tells the KP finance minister.

    “By the way, this is a blackmailing tactic,” he admitted.

    PTI’s finance minister in KP, Jhagra further said that he knows the number two guy at IMF and he can send the letter to him. He also revealed that he had been in contact with the IMF person and that he had been getting information from him.

    Read more: IMF Executive Board meeting to discuss revival of loan plan today

    It is pertinent to mention here that the IMF executive board will meet today (August 29), to discuss the bailout plan for Pakistan.

    The 8th and 9th tranches, totaling over $1.2 billion, are anticipated to be disbursed with board approval.