Tag: Pakistan

  • Counter Terrorism agents arrests two alleged members of ISIS from Khanewal, Punjab

    Counter Terrorism agents arrests two alleged members of ISIS from Khanewal, Punjab

    The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) is claiming that they have arrested two members from ISIS after a raid in Khanewal city, Punjab.

    The spokesperson of the CTD revealed that the suspects were preparing for attacks on the important installations and worship places. The team also recovered banned literature, weapons, and hand grenades.

    Further investigation is still underway.

    A new wave of terrorism is hitting cities across Pakistan from the beginning of the year, 2022 after a ceasefire was unilaterally ended by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

    Last month, terrorists targeted Lahore with a bomb blast at a famous crowded marketplace, New Anarkali. Three people died including one child and several were injured in the attack.

    Recently attacks occurred in Balochistan on a Wednesday evening resulting in four soldiers embracing martyrdom and killing 15 terrorists. Terrorists tried to enter a security forces’ camp from two locations. The banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attacks.

    Similarly, an incident occurred on January 28, when 10 soldiers embraced martyrdom after terrorists attacked a security forces’ check-post in Balochistan’s Kech district.

  • PM Khan visits China, ‘pitch book’ prepared to convince China to invest in Pak

    PM Khan visits China, ‘pitch book’ prepared to convince China to invest in Pak

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has left for China on a four-day official on Thursday to attend the ceremony of the Olympic Games Beijing 2022 where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. PM Khan is accompanied by a high delegation including China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Special Assistant Khalid Mansoor.

    Prime Minister Office (PMO), in a tweet, said, “The visit would mark the culmination of celebrations commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between and with more than 140 events organized to showcase the resilience of the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”

    This visit would be PM Khan’s fourth visit to China. Previously, he went on a two day (October 8-9) visit to China in 2019, before the Covid pandemic.

    Prior to the premier’s departure, cabinet members who are accompanying him termed this visit to China of great significance.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi revealed that many Chinese companies are “desirous” of investing in Pakistan. According to him, the visit will further expand bilateral relations and promote high-level exchanges.

    Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin stated that it is a “very important” trip politically and economically. He added that China would be asked to relocate some of its required industry needs to Pakistan.

    Meanwhile, National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf stressed that the trip is important in regards to solving the Afghan crisis. He said that the issue will be discussed during the visit as well.

    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, while highlighting the years of friendship between both countries, said “Pak-China relations are deeper than the oceans and higher than the Himalayas.”

    Planning Minister Asad Umar said the trip has come at a “very important time”. A special book has been prepared which will explain why Pakistan is a prime destination for investment and will be presented to the Chinese leadership, Umar shared via Twitter.

  • Feroze Khan joins TikTok, termed it ‘cancer’ earlier

    Feroze Khan joins TikTok, termed it ‘cancer’ earlier

    Actor Feroze Khan has joined TikTok in January 2022, after calling it cancer earlier in his multiple interviews.

    The Khaani star in 2020 in a tweet said, “TikTok is cancer. I repeat, cancer,” while sharing the news reports regarding the video-sharing app.

    The actor’s first TikTok video is about helping others and doing charity.

    @ferozekhan

    – ✨

    ♬ original sound – Feroze Khan

    On the work front, Feroze is currently starring in Aye Musht-e-Khaak’along opposite Sana Javed and Nimra Khan.

    The story of the drama revolves around the obsessive behaviour of Mustajab who falls in love with Dua in the first meeting and airs twice a week on Geo Entertainment.

  • ‘Modi could visit Pakistan in a month’: Mian Mansha hints at backdoor diplomacy with India

    ‘Modi could visit Pakistan in a month’: Mian Mansha hints at backdoor diplomacy with India

    Business tycoon Mian Muhammad Mansha claims that he is aware of backchannel diplomacy being pursued by India and Pakistan.

    Talking to the Lahore Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday, Mansha said that there should be “no permanent enemies” and the two arch-rivals should work to resolve their differences.

    “If the economy does not improve, the country may face disastrous consequences. Pakistan should improve trade relations with India and take a regional approach to economic development. Europe fought two great wars but ultimately settled for peace and regional development. There is no permanent enmity.”

    He further insisted that the two countries need to resolve their issues and increase trade.

    “If things improve between the two neighbours, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could visit Pakistan in a month,” said Mansha.

  • ‘Doctors recommend Nawaz Sharif to get married, suffers from broken heart syndrome’, Twitter reacts to Shahbaz Gill

    ‘Doctors recommend Nawaz Sharif to get married, suffers from broken heart syndrome’, Twitter reacts to Shahbaz Gill

    Special Assistant to Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill took to Twitter and made fun of Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz’s (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif’s medical reports.

    Gill tweeted, “Dr Sahib [Fayaz Shawl] has indirectly tried to recommend that Nawaz Sharif should get married.”

    Gill’s remark comes after Nawaz Sharif’s latest medical report was submitted in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on February 1, which said that he suffers from broken heart syndrome possibly caused by the demise of his wife, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, who passed away on September 11, 2018 in London after a long battle with cancer.

    The three-page medical report – authored by Dr Fayaz Shawl, advised Sharif against undertaking any travel “without undergoing a definitive treatment in London”.

    “If he [Sharif] returns to solitary confinement, he may develop what we call the takotsubo syndrome due to stressful environment” and it could have “devastating consequences”, Dr Shawl warned in the report.

    Twitterati reacted to Gill’s tweet. Here are some reactions.

    Dr Osama Siddique said, “This man does have one qualification that no one can beat. And that qualification is that he is deeper than anyone breathing. Which is to say that he routinely sinks lower than anyone else conceivably can.”

    https://twitter.com/DrOsamaSiddique/status/1488573184001855488

    Amber Danish wrote, “Public’ll never forget that PM let Nawaz Sharif go. Now Why such hues and cry?Kindly make a note that PTI Govt is solely responsible for it.”

  • Has Punjab banned co-education in private colleges? Here is what’s going on

    Has Punjab banned co-education in private colleges? Here is what’s going on

    News reports of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) banning co-education in private colleges for the BS (Hons) programmes have been circulating on social media since Wednesday night.

    However, Azhar Mashwani, the Punjab chief minister’s focal person for digital media has said that the news reports are fake, and no such decision has been made. He also shared the screenshots of the “false” news.

    Moreover, Punjab Minister for Higher Education and Information Technology Raja Yassir Humayun Sarfraz has also denied the reports.

    “Higher Education Department hasn’t issued any notification about Co-Education in Colleges. Plz, stop spreading fake news on Media,” his tweet read.

    Journalist Benzair Shah while talking to The Current said that the news is “not accurate.” She added that the director of public instruction colleges Punjab also confirmed that the notification circulating is from 2010.

    However, a checklist for BS Four year degree programme is available on the website of the Higher Education Department and serial number 25 of the document says, “Affidavit for No Co-Education.”

    In addition, serial number 28 of a document available with The Current regarding the checklist of ADP ( Associate Degree Programme) states, “Separate Boys and Girls Block. Affidavit for no Co-Education according to sample available in the booklet on stamp paper duly attested by Oath commissioner.”

    Serial number 19 of the document says only male staff members are allowed to teach in male colleges and only female staff members are allowed to teach in female colleges. As per our sources, the document is “apparently new”.

    As per sources of The Current, the government will issue a clarification on the matter and the checklist has always been there since 2008.

    A notification issued by the Directorate of Public Instruction (Coleges) says, “It is to inform that there is no condition of submitting an Affidavit of NO CO-EDUCATION from private colleges to launch BS4YDP, AFP, DPT, Pharma-D and LLB Programs.”

    The notification further says, “The information may be conveyed to all the Private Colleges to submit an application according to New Updated proforma (which is available on HEC website.)”

  • Nawaz Sharif’s son claims an ‘almost official’ person contacted Nawaz’s doctor, sent abusive e-mail

    Nawaz Sharif’s son claims an ‘almost official’ person contacted Nawaz’s doctor, sent abusive e-mail

    Hussain Nawaz, son of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, lashed out at the government and said that neither Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan nor his party members have any say when it comes to Nawaz’s health. He was speaking on Geo News‘ programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath’.

    Anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada asked Hussain why the medical reports of Nawaz Sharif are not being sent to Pakistan and why was the family sending a doctor’s opinion and not legitimate reports for the medical boards to examine. “We don’t need it, Dr Shawl is a world-renowned doctor. Whatever he says is enough,” responded Hussain.

    Khanzada further questioned that Sharif addresses the people, gives speeches, visits restaurants but just doesn’t come back to Pakistan. He asked if the family didn’t trust the courts of Pakistan anymore, to which Hussain said, “There must be a reason as to which Nawaz Sharif is not coming back. Everyone is concerned about his health.”

    Hussain further said the courts have not yet asked for the medical reports of Nawaz Sharif, adding, “Let’s not talk about what has not happened yet.”

    Referring to the contact of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and the doctors in London written in the affidavit signed by the family on Nawaz’s departure to London, Hussain said, “They [government] should reveal who did they contact to ask about Nawaz’s health. Did they write a letter? They should provide names of the people they contacted.”

    Hussain further said that the family doesn’t care about these contacts anymore. He also revealed that Dr Shawl was contacted and abusive e-mails were sent to him.

    “An abusive, disrespectful e-mail was sent to a professional like Dr Shawl. He has complained about it to us as well. Who did this?” said Hussain.

    Khanzada, interjecting Hussain, said, “Did someone from the officials sent the e-mail to Dr Shawl?” Hussain responded, “It’s almost official. Ask any neutral person, who can have a problem with Dr Shawl. Who can take out his/her anger and frustration on a professional?”

    Khanzada said that it is indeed disrespectful and further asked if the government contacts Dr Shawl, will he present his medical opinion on Nawaz Sharif? “He will stand by the content mentioned in the report and will co-operate,” responded Hussain.

    On the question of a viral video of Nawaz Sharif where he was spotted visiting a factory with his son Hussain Nawaz and former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other people, Hussain said that the video was four to five months old, adding that he took his father outside for a “change in environment” as he was not feeling well.

    Hussain clarified and said that due to Covid-19 SOPs, factories in the United Kingdom (UK) are understaffed.

    Hussain further added that visiting someone’s factory is not a sin and Nawaz Sharif went out for just two hours.

    Hussain Nawaz also lashed out at the incumbent government over the leaked video of PML-N supremo Nawaz, asking why the government did not bring this video to the media before.

    Nawaz Sharif’s latest medical report was submitted in the Lahore High Court on February 1. According to the submitted report, Nawaz’s doctor has stopped him from travelling.

    Nawaz Sharif’s medical report was been prepared by Dr Fayaz Shawl, Director Interventional Cardiology, and has been submitted to the court through Amjad Pervez Advocate.

  • IMF approves one billion dollar loan tranche for Pakistan

    IMF approves one billion dollar loan tranche for Pakistan

    The International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Executive Board has approved the $1 billion loan tranche of their programme for Pakistan.

    Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin taking to Twitter confirmed the news.

    “I am pleased to announce that IMF Board has approved 6th tranche of their programme for Pakistan,” he wrote.

    https://twitter.com/shaukat_tarin/status/1488928059562545159

    The sixth review was scheduled for January 12, 2022, and later January 28, but was postponed twice on Pakistan’s request, to attain more time for implementing IMF conditions.

    In order to meet another condition of the IMF, the government had successfully managed to get the State Bank of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2021, cleared from the Upper House of Parliament — which was the last stumbling block in reviving the stalled programme.

  • If PML-N has support within NA from PTI, it should bring motion of no-confidence against PM Khan: BBZ

    If PML-N has support within NA from PTI, it should bring motion of no-confidence against PM Khan: BBZ

    Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took a jibe at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), saying that if they have [PML-N] the support of 34 members of the National Assembly (NA) from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), then they should bring a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister (PM) Imran khan.

    Previously, PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had claimed that he knows “22 members of the NA who don’t want to remain part of the incumbent government anymore and PTI would lose majority in Lower House if those 22 people step aside.”

    Bilawal said his party “always” acts for the betterment of the Parliament and democracy in the country, saying that the party would opt for a no-confidence motion against PM Khan and not besiege the Parliament.

    Further, the Chairperson said he believes that an extreme step from political parties against the government could lead to a crisis in Pakistan. “In our agreement with the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), a no-confidence motion was the last option.”

    “We will not hold prolonged sit-ins and attack the institutions; we will conduct political business in the Parliament. If we wish to remove the government, then we will do it in line with the Constitution.”

    Talking about the party’s relation with the establishment, Bilawal said: “We have never been interested in forging relations with the establishment, and we never will be,” adding that relations with the establishment are based on media speculation.

    PPP is set for a long march from Karachi to Islamabad on February 27 while PDM had announced its March on Pakistan Day.

  • TLP chief Saad Rizvi to get married this week

    TLP chief Saad Rizvi to get married this week

    Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) chief Saad Hussain Rizvi is set to get married this week, reports Roznama 92.

    Many important personalities are expected to attend Rizvi’s wedding. Allama Abdul Sattar Saeedi is expected to officiate the nikkah.

    Rizvi’s valima (wedding reception) will be held on February 6 in Lahore.

    On November 18, Saad Rizvi was released from jail before the death anniversary of his father, i.e. Khadim Hussain Rizvi. On November 7, the government had revoked the ban on TLP.