Tag: PMLN

  • Pak-US relations back to normal: PM Shehbaz

    Pak-US relations back to normal: PM Shehbaz

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan wants to improve its mutual relations with the US in multiple fields. He further added that the relations between the nations are “back to normal” now.

    Addressing a ceremony of celebration of the 247th Independence Day of the US, Sharif said that Pakistan and the US made many efforts to make their relations better by putting aside any misgivings and misunderstandings.

    “Over the last 75 years, our relations have had ups and downs, but on the whole, we have been very good friends,” he stated.

    He said that the US was the largest trading partner of Pakistan, and both countries have played a major role in the war against terrorism.

    The prime minister also appreciated US support for 2022 flood victims. “We value the support of the US, which had been the biggest donor and very helpful in providing relief to millions of flood-affected people,” he observed.

    The US ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, said in his remarks that the economic partnership between the countries is expanding.

    Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated US President Joe Biden and the people of the United States on their 247th Independence Day.

  • Piracy, copyrights: How will Pakistan’s first music policy help musicians?

    Piracy, copyrights: How will Pakistan’s first music policy help musicians?

    Federal Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb, has released a statement announcing that Pakistan’s first music policy is being designed to help boost the industry and address issues like copyrights, pirating as well as artist rights.

    According to Aaj news, Aurangzeb pointed out how Pakistani artists have suffered from theft of intellectual rights because of weak policy planning.

    “Since the 1970s, no policy parameters, including legislative and administrative, for the music industry have been introduced,” the PMLN politician lamented in a statement. “The new policy will fully protect the copyright, which [will] help compose quality music for masses.”

    Aurangzeb revealed that the music policy has been prepared according to international music law standards, and will address issues like piracy, copy rights as well as artists’ public performance, production , adaptation, duration and communication rights.

    The rights of Pakistani singers, song writers, composers and producers will fall under this policy as Aurangzeb said that all issues and demands of music stakeholders, especially copyrights will be resolved.

    Aurangzeb also stressed that the policy will work to protect classical musicians, as well as set up initiatives to promote more regional musicians by providing incentives. The policy will address how Pakistan’s musical legacy can be preserved as it is, “rich, being a unique combination of Sufi poetry, with classic and modern music”.

  • PCB pe PPP ka haq hai, Zaka Ashraf hee chairman baneinge: PPP leader

    PCB pe PPP ka haq hai, Zaka Ashraf hee chairman baneinge: PPP leader

    The dispute over Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s chairmanship has entered a crucial phase as the tussle for claiming the Chairman spot continues between two major coalition partners in the federal government, Pakistan, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP).

    PPP leader Faisal Kareem Kundi openly spoke about the chairmanship of PCB and stated that they have the right to decide who will head the board. In a conversation with Geo News in Dera Ismail Khan, Faisal Karim Kundi said that the government should utilize the skills of current Chairman Najam Sethi elsewhere.

    Hamid Mir, the host of Geo News’ program ‘Capital Talk’, mentioned that PPP believes that the Ministry of Sports falls under their control, therefore the head should also be someone from their party and not Najam Sethi. PPP wants to replace Najam Sethi with Zaka Ashraf, but PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif insists on retaining Najam Sethi at any cost. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif also recently met with Sethi when he briefed the Premier about cricket developments and two upcoming mega events in September and October.

    The Prime Minister nominated Najam Sethi for the chairmanship of PCB, while Zaka Ashraf, a close friend of Asif Ali Zardari and backed by PPP, is also being considered as a strong contender for the post, according to media reports. PML-N leader and Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir, speaking on this matter, dismissed the impression of differences between the two parties.

    Later, Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah stated that there is no disagreement regarding the issue of PCB Chairman. In a press conference, Rana Sanaullah emphasized that the Prime Minister always brings everyone together, and PPP chief Asif Zardari also engages in discussions. He further mentioned that any party can have an opinion on the matter of the Chairman of the Cricket Board, but there is no disagreement.

    It should be noted that Najam Sethi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif a few days ago, during which Sharif instructed him to expedite the elections for PCB Chairman.

  • ‘3 billion allocated to finance films, health insurance for artists’: Marriyum Aurangzeb

    ‘3 billion allocated to finance films, health insurance for artists’: Marriyum Aurangzeb

    The Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Marriyum Aurangzeb, announced in a tweet two days ago that for the first time ever, the federal government has allocated at least Rs3 billion for the Film Finance Fund while Rs1 billion will be used to provide health insurance for artists.

    The minister highlighted the necessity of the move in playing a major role in the growth of the film industry, and in providing security for performing artists.

    Here is the complete tweet:

    “I am equally delighted to announce that funds have been allocated both for the Film Finance Fund and for Artists’ Health Insurance for the first time ever. Rs 2 bn have been allocated for the Film Finance Fund and Rs 1 bn for the Artists’ Health Insurance. I am certain that, jointly, these measures will play a major role in the growth of our film industry and improvement in the welfare of our nation’s Artists. This will play a key role in the promotion of Pakistan’s narrative, heritage and culture through films, as well as the growth of screen tourism in Pakistan.”

    In May, Aurangzeb had inaugrated PTV’s National Film Production Institute in Islamabad. At the ceremony, Aurangzeb revealed that the project will help in promoting Pakistan’s narrative worldwide, through screen tourism via the National Film, Culture Policy 2018, which states that cinema houses in the country will also be restored.

  • Pervaiz Elahi’s cousin Wajahat withdraws his support in aftermath of May 9

    Pervaiz Elahi’s cousin Wajahat withdraws his support in aftermath of May 9

    Former Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Pervaiz Elahi’s cousin Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain has announced that he is withdrawing support for his Elahi over the May 9 episode in which Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) allegedly attacked military installations and government buildings.

    In a press conference in Lahore, Hussain condemned the violent protests of May 9, saying that some people in his family took poor decisions. “They will soon realise their mistakes,” he said.

    Referring to the patriarch of the clan, Wajahat said that Chaudhry Shujaat will welcome whoever wants to come back to Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), adding that the coming time would unite the Chaudhry family. “It is possible that whoever created misunderstandings is the one fixing them,” he said cryptically.

    Wajahat Hussain also advised Elahi’s son Moonis Elahi, a vocal proponent of PTI, to return to the PML-Q.

    Earlier this year, Wajahat Hussain, who is also the younger brother of PML-Q Chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, had sworn allegiance to Elahi when the latter left the PML-Q and joined PTI.

    A day earlier, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif went to the PML-Q chief’s home to meet him. Reportedly, Pervez Elahi left the house on the premier’s arrival. Both cousins live in adjacent houses in the same compound.

    According to Geo News, Elahi isn’t in contact with anyone since last night.

  • Dil toots: Chief Justice isn’t happy with criticism for saying ‘good to see you’ to IK

    Dil toots: Chief Justice isn’t happy with criticism for saying ‘good to see you’ to IK

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial has clarified that he uses the phrase “good to see you” to greet everyone.

    During a hearing of another case, the CJP had an interaction with lawyer Asghar Sabzwari on Tuesday afternoon. He initiated the exchange by saying, “I am pleased to see you as you have appeared in my court after a considerable period.”

    The remark came after the judge was heavily criticised by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), analysts and commentators for saying “good to see you” to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan when he appeared before the court after being arrested.

    Bandial then said that he says “good to see you” to everyone, not just to Imran Khan. He said that he had faced a lot of criticism for using the phrase. Justice Bandial said he holds a deep respect for everyone, adding that “etiquette and manners” are necessary for everyone.

    PML-N Senior Vice-President Maryam Nawaz, however, remained unimpressed with the Chief Justice’s explanation. Addressing Justice Bandial in a tweet, she asked if he says ‘good to see you’ to everyone who has stolen billions.

    She went on to ask, “Do you send everyone to rest houses,” adding another question about whether the Chief Justice allows every suspect to meet friends in the guest house as he did for Imran Khan.

    Last week, when Imran Khan appeared before Supreme Court to get relief against his arrest, the CJP said “good to see you”. His comment became a point of controversy with many arguing that special treatment was given to Khan.

     

  • ‘Stop making false allegations’: ISPR warns Imran Khan

    ‘Stop making false allegations’: ISPR warns Imran Khan

    The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has termed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s allegations against General Faisal Naseer “highly irresponsible”.

    Strongly condemning his allegations, the media wing of the army said that the accusations are baseless and noted that, “This has been a consistent pattern for last one year wherein military and intelligence agencies officials are targeted”.

    Moreover, ISPR warned Khan to “stop making false allegations” because the “institution reserves the right to take legal course of action against patently false and malafide statements and propaganda.”

    Zardari, Shehbaz defend General Faisal also known as Khan’s ‘Dirty Harry’ after Khan’s allegations

    Earlier, prominent politicians including Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari strongly denounced the accusations made by Khan against General Faisal Naseer.

    In a tweet, Shehbaz condemned the accusations, writing that, “Khan’s leveling of allegations without any proof against Gen Faisal Naseer and officers of our Intelligence Agency cannot be allowed and will not be tolerated.”

    Replying to Shehbaz, Imran Khan asked whether he has a right as a citizen “to nominate those who he feels are responsible for assassination attacks.”

    Former President Zardari also slammed Khan, saying that the allegations against General Faisal are actually an attack on the institution with which the whole of Pakistan stands.

    “A person is fooling his innocent workers with lies and deceit, I see the downfall of this person”, Zardari added.

    Punjab Interim Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi also came to rescue General Faisal, stating that, “We will not allow anyone to humiliate or threaten our institutions and Intelligence agencies in Punjab.”

    Earlier, Khan made serious allegations that the general plotted his assassination. Khan alleged that he is behind journalist Arshad Sharif’s murder and Swati’s custodial torture.

  • AJK man legally transfers thousands of kanals to Maryam Nawaz

    Zahid Hussain, a man hailing from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), handed down his land spread across thousands of kanals to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz via a legal procedure.

    He said that Maryam can use the land for whatever purpose she sees fit.

    On the legal deed, which has been shared on Twitter, the man stated, “I, Zahid Hussain, s/o Wilayat Hussain, hereby declare that I am of sound mind and have voluntarily decided to bequeath all the lands I possess, whether 50,000 kanals or 32,000 kanal, to Maryam Nawaz, d/o Nawaz Sharif, without any coercion or pressure from anyone”.

    Moreover, the affidavit stated that the PML-N leader is now the owner of 50 per cent of the property, excluding approximately 50 kanals which is the inheritance of Hussain’s children and other heirs, in the life of Mazhar (possibly an heir of Hussain). According to the man, she will be the owner of 100 per cent of the property, excluding the same as above, after Mazhar’s death.

    Reacting to the news, Maryam Nawaz said that it is “very touching”.

    “OMG! Why would he do that! It is very touching though,” Maryam wrote on Twitter.

  • Rare show of unity as PTI calls out Indian FM for remarks about Bilawal

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders on Twitter strongly called out Indian Foreign Minister (FM) S. Jaishankar after he used undiplomatic language for Pakistan and its FM Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari post an important moot of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

    In a media conference, a visibly rattled Jaishankar called Bilawal a “promoter, justifier and spokesperson of a terrorism industry.”

    “Victims of terrorism do not sit together with its perpetrators to discuss terrorism,” he said, adding that “as a member of SCO, Bilawal was treated accordingly.”

    PTI’s Fawad Chaudhry put aside political differences to respond that the Indian FM should be ashamed for passing such remarks.

    “Pakistan has made great sacrifices in the war against terrorism, now the foreign minister of a Hindu extremist group, who is involved in the worst terrorism against its own citizens, should be ashamed of himself for speaking such nonsense.”

    Similarly, Zulfi Bukhari called this a petty act and reminded India of its values.

    He pointed out, “Whatever happened to mehman bhagwan hota hai? Or has that idea gone down the drain just like a secular India.”

    When Bilawal returned back to the country, he held a press conference to brief members of the media about his visit. He also responded to the remarks made by India’s FM, saying that he can’t do anything if their hatred has risen this much.

    Asking if he ever sat with any terrorist, Bilawal was of the view that India not only wants to declare every Muslim a terrorist but also him.

    The minister added that Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism and is against any appeasement with terrorist organisations.

  • ‘Kabhi petrol bomb phainknay waalon se mazaakraat nahin hotay: Javed Latif calls PTI ‘terrorist’

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Javed Latif, has expressed disapproval of the ongoing talks between the government and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), saying that dialogue should never be held with a “terrorist wing” and the “ones who throw petrol bombs”.

    Addressing a press conference, Latif, who is considered close to PML-N head Nawaz Sharif, went on to say that dialogue could never be held with a person who “is spreading anarchy in the country, especially at a time when Pakistan’s economy is stabilising and the country is progressing without IMF’s aid”.

    He urged “individuals in institutions” to take responsibility for “producing” a person like Imran Khan, Chairman of PTI, and for the consequences of their actions. He also claimed that some people are trying to reinstate the PTI chairman as Prime Minister.

    The PML-N leader said that the elections won’t be held without the participation of his party supremo Nawaz Sharif.

    The third and final round of talks will be held tomorrow. As of yet, no census is in sight.