Tag: Pakistan

  • PTI’s Pervez Khattak says we cannot make Pervaiz Elahi CM, later issues clarification

    PTI’s Pervez Khattak says we cannot make Pervaiz Elahi CM, later issues clarification

    “We cannot make him [Pervaiz Elahi] Chief Minister (CM), however, PML-N can do so if it wants to. Demanding the post with five seats is blackmailing,” said Defence Minister Pervez Khattak as per Dunya News.

    Minister for Water Resources and Pakistan Muslim League- Quaid (PML-Q) leader Moonis Elahi took the news report to Twitter and demanded a clarification from Khattak, saying “I am in contact with Pervaiz Khattak sahib on a regular basis, he should give a clarification for his remarks.”

    Following this, Khattak denied the news and said he did not issue any such statement to the media. In a tweet, he said he is in contact with all government allies.

    Moonis then re-tweeted Khattak’s clarification and said “Thank you!”

    Recently, Speaker Punjab Assembly Pervaiz Elahi said that we [PML-Q] are allies but are a separate party. He further said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is honest and his intentions are also good.

    He clarified that neither PML-Q has joined the Opposition nor left the government coalition while adding that the party has supported the government since day one.

    Appearing on a political talk show, Elahi said that all that the government has done is ruin its relations with everyone. Without taking the PM’s name, the PML-Q leader said, “He has spoiled his relations with his own people as well. It is because of his own people that they are so worried. Tongue is one thing that can make or break things forever.”

    Elahi warned the government by saying that the Opposition alliance has the support of “more than required” lawmakers to pass the no-confidence motion against PM Khan in the National Assembly (NA), adding there are “plenty of surprises in store”.

  • COAS Bajwa orders tight security for OIC meeting, PDM changes long march dates

    COAS Bajwa orders tight security for OIC meeting, PDM changes long march dates

    In a Corps Commanders’ Conference held at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa ordered that the security in the federal capital must be increased and comprehensive security measures should be taken for the safe conduct of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting (March 22-23) and the March 23 Pakistan Day parade in the capital.

    For the OIC meeting in Pakistan, 48 countries have confirmed their participation.

    Due to the high-profile events taking place next week, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reviewed their march dates. While talking to reporters, he announced that the participants would now enter Islamabad on March 25 instead of March 23.

    “OIC’s foreign ministers are our guests and it is our duty to respect them as they will remain in Islamabad till March 24,” Fazl added.

    PDM chief denied that the Opposition was copying the ruling party by holding the long march. He reminded everyone that they had given the call for the long march some three months ago.

    At the Corps Commanders’ Conference, the recent incident of India’s missile firing at Pakistan was also discussed. It was emphasised that despite Indian acknowledgment of the mistake, relevant international forums must take a serious view.

    Gen Bajwa also lauded the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, which is a major concern especially because of recent incidents.

  • Turn in Pak-Russia friendship? Pakistan sends humanitarian aid to Ukraine

    Pakistan’s government has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine to support the country’s war-torn citizens. The government of Pakistan sent the aid upon the request of Ukraine.

    Medicine, electromechanical equipment, winter beds, and food items are among the relief supplies. More than 15 tonnes of assistance will be delivered by two planes.

    https://twitter.com/appcsocialmedia/status/1503803860565078027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1503803860565078027%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftribune.com.pk%2Fstory%2F2348119%2Fpakistan-dispatches-humanitarian-aid-to-ukraine

    The Ukrainian Ambassador received the relief supplies from Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Qureshi said that Pakistan has always acted as a responsible and peace-loving country. He added Pakistan has stood by the international community during disasters.

    20 days have passed since the war began. More than 2.8 million people have left Ukraine.

    Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the Ukraine crisis left many, thinking that Pakistan is taking sides in the conflict, but the recent development of sending aid to Ukraine presents a different picture.

  • ‘The greatest’, Babar Azam scores Test century after two years

    ‘The greatest’, Babar Azam scores Test century after two years

    Though Pakistan’s victory is uncertain in the second match between Pak and Australia, Pakistan’s cricket team captain Babar Azam is in action today.

    Azam scored a Test century after a gap of two years in the match.

    The Pakistani skipper completed the century in the 78th over, as soon as he hit the ball, the crowd and his teammates lauded the skipper for his “epic” century.

    https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1503708175861747716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1503708175861747716%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F405334-pak-vs-aus-babar-azam-scores-first-test-century-after-two-years

    The Pakistani skipper completed a century in the 78th over and as soon as he hit the ball, the crowd and his teammates lauded the skipper for his “epic” century.

    Currently, Pakistan is chasing a 506-run target with Babar at the crease and opener Abdullah Shafique with 8 wickets at hand.

    Pakistan has only a day (tomorrow) to win.

    Several tweets have been posted to praise the cricket star.

  • Convicted Murderer Zahir Jaffer appeals death sentence

    Convicted Murderer Zahir Jaffer appeals death sentence

    Zahir Jaffer has filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against his conviction. Zahir was awarded the death penalty in the Noor Mukadam murder case. A sessions court on Feburary 24 sentenced Zahir Jaffer to death. The staff members at Zahir’s house who aided in keeping Noor in Zahir’s house, Iftikhar and Jameel, were sentenced to 10 years in jail. Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani announced the verdict. All other accused were acquitted, including Zahir’s parents and TherapyWorks staff.

    Earlier, on behalf of Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, different appeals were filed by lawyer Shah Khawar in Islamabad High Court (IHC). The appeals challenge the acquittal of Zahir’s parents, Asmat Adamjee and Zakir Jaffer. The appeal also challenges the acquittal of domestic helper Jamil, and six Therapy Works employees including its CEO Tahir Zahoor.

  • Pakistan approaches UN while US says missile incident is anything other than an accident

    Pakistan approaches UN while US says missile incident is anything other than an accident

    Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the Indian parliament that the country is conducting a review of its standard operating procedures (SOPs) for operations, maintenance and inspection of weapons systems, reports Dawn.

    “We attach the highest priority to the safety and security of our weapon systems. If any shortcoming is found, it would be immediately rectified,” the Indian defence minister added.

    The statement came after an Indian “accidental” missile launch at Pakistan that fell in Mian Channu, Khanewal district on March 9. After two days, the Indian government released a statement in which they said the missile accidentally was fired due to a technical malfunction.

    An Indian media reports claim that India informed Pakistan about this “accidental firing” soon after it happened. However, Pakistan said that India failed to inform Islamabad about the accidental launch immediately, and waited until after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the incident about “high-speed flying object” and sought clarification from New Delhi.

    Meanwhile, Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi approached United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Qureshi briefed Guterres on the matter and stressed that this needs to be addressed by the international community, including the UN Security Council (SC). Qureshi briefed Guterres on the matter stressed that this needs to be addressed by the international community, including the UN Security Council (SC).

    US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on Monday said there is “no indication” that India launched a missile attack on Pakistan. He said that it was “anything other than an accident”. He also advised the journalist [who asked the question] to reach out to the Indian Defence Ministry for a follow-up.

    “I’m not familiar with that particular incident. What I would say is that nuclear safety around the world, especially in countries — nuclear-armed countries, is always a conversation that is ongoing,” Price added.

  • Almost 25,000 cases of lumpy skin disease diagnosed in cattle in Sindh, humans not at risk

    Almost 25,000 cases of lumpy skin disease diagnosed in cattle in Sindh, humans not at risk

    At least 750 cases of lumpy skin disease have been reported in various parts of Sindh in 24 hours, Sindh Livestock Secretary Tameezuddin Khero has said.

    The number of infected cattle in the province has risen to 24,948, of which 8,491 are recovered and 16,295 are under-recovery, whereas 162 deaths have been reported.

    Talking about the possibility of transmission of disease to humans, Tameezuddin said, “Humans are not at risk as meat and milk were safe for consumption.

    “It is transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks.”

    As per the provincial task force, as many as 156 animals have died due to the infectious disease of lumpy skin.

    Most cases are reported from, Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze, Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Qamber Shahdadkot, Larkana, Dadu, Jamshoro, Thana Bula Khan, Kachho and Johi.

    The disease had its origin in Africa. The livestock department has advised cattle owners to keep sick animals isolated from healthy ones and to use an anti-mosquito spray on a regular basis to prevent skin disease.

  • Islamic values being violated in political conflict: Mufti Taqi Usmani

    Islamic values being violated in political conflict: Mufti Taqi Usmani

    Islamic scholar, Mufti Taqi Usmani shared his thoughts on Twitter over the ongoing political conflict among politicians in Pakistan on Monday.

    He issued the statement after a series of heated confrontations was seen between the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and the opposition leaders after a no-confidence motion against PM was submitted last week.

    Mufti wrote, “It is frightening to imagine the extent to which Islamic rules and values are being violated in political disputes. May Allah protect us from its calamity.”

    He continued that the political leadership should show decency while having arguments as it is detrimental to any society.

    “Whether the difference is political or ideological, to make it a matter of taking one’s life and abusing each other is deadly for the society. Criticism is done through arguments and not by vulgar language. Think about where we are going,” he further added.

  • Video: Woman Qazi performs Nikkah ceremony

    Video: Woman Qazi performs Nikkah ceremony

    A woman in India has performed the nikkah of a couple, Indian news agency, IANS has reported. The video is being widely shared on social media. The woman who performed the nikkah is Dr Syeda Saiyadain Hameed, former chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University.

    The nikkah of Gibran Rehan Rahman and Ursila Ali took place on Friday at the mansion of the country’s third President, with close friends and family in attendance. The groom, Gibran is the great-grandson of former President Dr Zakir Hussain.

    Dr Hameed said that the added significance of this Nikahnama is the Iqrarnama (agreement) “which enlists the conditions mutually agreed upon by the bride and groom, pertaining to the equal rights and responsibilities along with respect and regard for all aspects of married life.”

    “The terms set forth in the nikaahnama were prepared under the auspices of the Muslim Women’s Forum, an organisation of which the groom’s great-grandmother Begum Saeeda Khurshid was a founding president,” she added.

  • Didn’t join politics to know prices of ‘aaloo, tamatar’ but for country’s youth: PM Khan

    Didn’t join politics to know prices of ‘aaloo, tamatar’ but for country’s youth: PM Khan

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Sunday said that he did not join politics to know the prices of aaloo and tamatar (potatoes and tomatoes) but decided to become a politician for the sake of the country’s youth. 

    Addressing a rally in Hafizabad, the premier promised the people of Punjab that his government will work on the development of the province, something which he claimed would be “unprecedented” in the history of the country.

    I joined politics for the sake of the country’s youth: Khan

    “I didn’t join politics to know the prices of potatoes and tomatoes. I joined it for the sake of the country’s youth,” the premier said. “If we want to become a great nation, we will have to support the truth, and this is what I have been preaching for the last 25 years.”

    The prime minister reiterated that Pakistan wanted equal ties with all the countries. “But as a prime minister of a country with a 220 million population, it is my first and foremost duty to protect people’s rights and interests of the country. I will not allow any policy that harms our motherland. I will not compromise on the national interests just for seeking the pleasure of any country,” he stressed.

    Past PMs of Pakistan used to “shiver with fear” whenever they met a United States president

    Taking a dig at the Opposition and how leaders of different parties criticised him for issuing statements against the European Union (EU) envoys, the premier said that in the past, prime ministers of Pakistan used to “shiver with fear” whenever they met a United States president and used Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal’s slip of the tongue “kaanpein taang rahi hoti thein” as an example. 

    The premier went on to say that when he rebuked the envoys of European countries for asking Pakistan to explicitly condemn Russia for attacking Ukraine, Shehbaz Sharif, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari were “trembling”.

    “My criticism of EU was justified,” the premier said, adding that Opposition leaders, including Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Shehbaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari thought it was “grave injustice” to chide EU envoys.

    The prime minister said that whenever a foreign diplomat came to meet Shehbaz Sharif, he would quickly change into a suit and a tie.

    “Since I know the West better than everyone else, I can assure that they do not respect people who polish their boots,” he said. “They respect nations who stand up for themselves.” 

    On the ‘terrorist’ living in London

    PM Imran Khan also spoke about the US War on Terror and the ensuing drone attacks in Pakistan, calling it a “violation of human rights”. He also talked about a “terrorist” living in London for the last 30 years, saying that this terrorist was responsible for the killing of more people than those killed by US drones. 

    He said he once told a group of European representatives whether they would allow the use of drones against a terrorist and criminal sitting in London who had killed scores of people in Karachi. The premier was apparently referring to Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain.

    PM Imran further said the United States carried out 400 drone strikes inside Pakistan from 2008 to 2013 but governments led by PPP and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) never opposed them.

    “We want cordial relations with all countries but will not compromise on national interest… I would not bow down to anyone nor would I allow the nation to give in before anyone.”

    On the contrary, the prime minister said, he had always opposed those attacks, staged sit-ins, and gave statements in the United States and the United Kingdom, calling these attacks a grave violation of basic human rights and global principles.

    ‘One-million-strong’ power show at D-Chowk

    The premier then talked about transforming Pakistan into an exemplary welfare society, based on the model of the State of Madinah.

    “I formed Rehmatul-Lil-Alameen Authority in the country so that every Pakistani child becomes aware of the life and teaching of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and stay on the path of the truth.”

    As part of the PTI-led government’s strategy to thwart the Opposition’s no-trust bid, it was decided during the meeting that a one-million strong rally would be staged at Islamabad’s D-Chowk ahead of the no-confidence motion in the lower house of parliament.