Tag: President Arif Alvi

  • Winners List: Government honours celebrities with prestigious national awards on 75th Independence Day

    Winners List: Government honours celebrities with prestigious national awards on 75th Independence Day

    This year marks the 75th year of independence for the country and to commemorate the occasion, 253 Pakistani citizens from all walks of life, as well as foreign nationals, were awarded the highest honors: the Pakistan Civil Awards by the President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi, for showing excellent courage and remarkable achievements in their respective fields. A number of prominent Pakistani celebrities, belonging to the field of entertainment and sports were also conferred with the Civil Awards.

    The list of the celebrity recipients is as follows:

    Nishan-e-Imtiaz

    • Musical composer Ahmed G. Chagla
    • Actor Qavi Khan

    Hilal-e-Imtiaz

    • Writer, author Amjad Islam Amjad (Urdu Literature)

    Sitara-e-Imtiaz

    • Filmmaker Riaz Shahid
    • Poet Naseer Turabi
    • Singer Hassan Jahangir
    • Actor Tauqeer Nasir
    • Actor, singer, anchorperson, pilot Fakhr-e-Alam

    President’s Pride Of Performance

    • Singer Gul Zari Wagma
    • Singer Arooj Aftab
    • Actress Anjuman
    • Actor Afzal Ahmed
    • Actress Sangeeta

    Tamgha-e-Imtiaz

    • Urdu poet Neelam Bashir
    • Author Noorjehan Bilgrami
    • Actor Arbaz Khan

    The awards were conferred on the occasion of the country’s 75th Independence Day. However, the Investiture Ceremony of these awards will take place on Pakistan Day, 23rd March, 2023.

  • President Alvi advises politicians not to discuss the army

    President Alvi advises politicians not to discuss the army

    President Arif Alvi on Friday, August 12, stressed against making the Pakistan Army “controversial”. He made these remarks in connection to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shahbaz Gill’s comments about the establishment.

    “Time and again, I have been telling politicians not to bring the armed forces under discussion,” said the president, adding that it was the armed forces’ job to win the battle against terrorism; they should be respected.

    It is pertinent to mention here that Gill was arrested on August 9 for inciting the public against state institutions.

    The president, addressing all stakeholders of the country, said that the situation “was not ideal” and that it was crucial for politicians to sit at the talking table.

    “Politicians are not sitting together at the talking table; they have to unite. If I don’t see the situation getting better, I will ask them to sit at the table. As the president, I can only ask, not order,” Alvi noted.

  • Youm-e-Ashur being observed today: President, PM share messages

    Youm-e-Ashur being observed today: President, PM share messages

    Youm-e-Ashur, the 10th of Muharram, is being observed today with reverence and religious fervour throughout the country. Every year, this day is observed to remember the supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions. Mourning processions will be taken out in all cities and towns of the country.

    Mourning processions:

    In Lahore, main Shabih-e-Zuljinah procession of 10th Muharram will be carried out from Nisar Haveli inside Mochi Gate of Old Walled City and will culminate at Karbala Gaamay Shah on Tuesday evening, where Shaam-e-Ghareeban will be held.

    In Karachi, Youm-e-Ashur’s main procession will be carried out from Nishtar Park after Majalis in the morning, which will conclude after passing through the traditional routes at Imam Bargah-e-Hussainan Iranian at Maghrib.

    Security:

    Strict security arrangements have been put up along the routes of the procession.

    In Punjab, more than 900 CCTV cameras have been installed along routes of main processions and other sensitive areas to keep a strict check on any doubtful activity and more than 10,000 police officers and security personnel, including 370 female authorities are on duty today.

    Pakistan Rangers Sindh, Police and other law enforcement agencies personnel have been deployed on the routes to provide security, while the roads and streets have been sealed in the procession route.

    Cellular services have also been partially suspended in different cities

    President, PM’s messages:

    President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have shared separate messages to mark Ashura.

    President Alvi in his message remembered the sacrifices made by Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and his companions.

    The Prime Minister in a tweet said, “As humanity navigates multiple challenges & seeks to break the logjam it finds itself in, it must seek guidance from the exemplary character of Imam Hussain (RA) & his companions. The virtues of patience, loyalty, unity & tolerance can defeat the forces of division, chaos & anarchy.”

    Other Politicians:

    Other politicians including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari and Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Pervaiz Elahi shared messages on the day of Ashura.

  • ‘Soft intervention’ by the Establishment due to political crisis: report

    ‘Soft intervention’ by the Establishment due to political crisis: report

    In an exclusive conversation with Geo News, senior journalist Ansar Abbasi revealed that the establishment is considering holding elections in October.

    “A soft intervention by the establishment between the government and the Opposition has raised the prospect of early talks and general elections in the country in October,” said Abbasi.

    In view of the current political and economic instability, the establishment is considering persuading the politicians for negotiations as in the past, but the final decision in this regard has to be taken by the politicians, said Abbasi on Geo News.

    Abbasi further said that after the unconditional intervention of the establishment between the government and the Opposition, talks between the political parties are likely to begin soon and the prospect of general elections in October is starting to look clear.

    DG ISPR has denied the news of an intervention: Kamran Khan

    However, senior journalist Kamran Khan tweeted that Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar has denied the news of a ‘soft intervention’.

    “In a conversation with me, DG ISPR General Babar Iftikhar has strongly denied the news regarding the military leadership’s interest in any political issues, including initiating a political dialogue. He has requested that the media should refrain from such rumour-mongering,” tweeted Kamran Khan.

    Imran Khan ready for talks, likely to write a letter to President Alvi: Suhail Warraich

    Senior journalist Suhail Warraich revealed that in a meeting with PTI Chairman Imran Khan yesterday (July 22) along with senior journalist Mujib-ur-Rahman Shami, it was discussed that politicians should hold talks on three important issues.

    “Number one, elections, including election reforms. Number two, the economic agenda, and number three, the army chief’s appointment. These are the three things that should be discussed before the next elections. Imran Khan is ready for talks. There is a likelihood that he may write a letter to the president, who can then invite all parties for discussions.”

    Suhail Warraich further said that all stakeholders now feel that such discussions should be held between all political parties.

  • How did Imran, Shehbaz, Bilawal, and Alvi celebrate Eid?

    How did Imran, Shehbaz, Bilawal, and Alvi celebrate Eid?

    Pakistan celebrates Eid-ul-Azha under tough circumstances with Covid on the rise yet again. With the country’s crucial economic conditions, political leaders urged the nation to revive the spirit of sacrifice and help the poor.

    President Dr Arif Alvi offered Eid prayers in his Karachi hometown at the Tooba Masjid.

    “I pray to Allah Almighty to accept the Ibadah, Haj and sacrifices of the Pakistani nation and the Muslim Ummah. Amen!”

    “Eidul Azha reminds us of the submission and obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) before the command of Allah Almighty,” said President Alvi.

    “Sacrifice is not merely an act of animal slaughter, but its real goal is to sacrifice personal desires for accomplishing a higher purpose. This spirit of sacrifice grants such an ability to human beings that they keep following the righteous path despite the most trying circumstances,” he added.

    Alvi said: “As our dear country faces economic challenges, there is a dire need to effectively utilise this spirit of sacrifice.”

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, along with his son and Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz, offered Eid prayers at his family residence at Jati Umra in Lahore.

    Shehbaz said: “Allah Almighty made sacrifice an extraordinary ritual to show immense admiration for the obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS). The real meaning of sacrifice is obedience and submission to Allah. Allah sees the intention of His obedient men and on that basis gives the reward.”

    According to the government’s official Twitter account, the prime minister telephoned the president and congratulated him on Eid-ul-Azha. Alvi also congratulated Shehbaz and “the two leaders expressed goodwill towards each other”.

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairperson Imran Khan offered Eid prayers at Bani Gala.

    “As we celebrate and thank Allah for his blessings this Eid that commemorates sacrifice, let us remember and pray for those who are without their loved ones & for the people of IIOJK and Palestine suffering oppression under brutal occupation,” said Khan.

    In another video shared on Khan’s Instagram handle, he can be seen distributing bags to people.

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, meanwhile, offered Eid namaz in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.

    Bilawal said: “Eidul Azha reminds us that determination and sacrifice for the greater good pave the way for success.”

  • President Alvi writes to PM Shehbaz on violence against journalists

    President Alvi writes to PM Shehbaz on violence against journalists

    President Arif Alvi has written a letter to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and expressed his concern at the pressure being put on journalists for voicing their opinion.

    “Recent events of violence against journalists reflect a mindset of intolerance, that has negative repercussions both on the future of democracy as well as freedom of expression as guaranteed by Article 19 in our constitution. Besides creating fear in Pakistan, such actions also come under international focus and tarnish the image of our country,” writes Alvi.

    “Among those killed were Mr. Aziz Memon and Mr. Nazim Jokhio. Mr. Matiullah Jan was abducted in broad daylight from a busy area of Islamabad. Mr. Asad Ali Toor and Mr. Absar were assaulted and injured by unidentified men. Mr. Ayaz Amir was attacked, humiliated, and bruised by unknown persons on the road during rush hours in the presence of many eyewitnesses in Lahore. Multiple FIRs have been registered against Mr. Sami Ibrahim, Mr. Arshad Sharif, Mr. Sabir Shakir, Mr. Imran Riaz Khan
    and Mr. Moeed Pirzada at various Police Stations in a number of cities across the country.”

    President Alvi stated that the law enforcement agencies may be directed to ensure the protection of journalists and media persons.

  • Arif Alvi returns NAB, election amendment bills to PM, says ‘was not informed’ about ‘legislative proposal’

    Arif Alvi returns NAB, election amendment bills to PM, says ‘was not informed’ about ‘legislative proposal’

    President Dr Arif Alvi refused to sign the bills seeking amendments in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and election laws.

    The bill has been returned back to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif as the president said he “was not informed” about the “legislative proposal” under Article 46 before they were tabled in parliament.

    Last week, the National Assembly (NA) passed bills to scrap election reforms giving overseas Pakistanis the right to vote through i-Voting and electronic voting machines (EVMs), as well as the NAB laws, done during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) tenure in power.

    A press release issued by the president’s office said that Article 46 was violated as he was not informed about the legislative proposals before they were brought before parliament. Article 46 states that “the prime minister shall keep the president informed on all legislative proposals the federal government intends to bring before Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament)”.

  • ‘Khan wants to destroy Pakistan for his ego’: CM Hamza Shehbaz

    ‘Khan wants to destroy Pakistan for his ego’: CM Hamza Shehbaz

    Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Hamza Shehbaz on Thursday said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was “trying to divide the army”.

    “I want to tell you today that what Imran Khan Niazi is doing is not politics. He is spreading hatred in the name of politics,” said Hamza, addressing a press conference in Lahore. “What does he want to do with this country? I, as a Pakistani, want to warn the nation: don’t be misled with his fake demeanour.”

    He urged people and the institutions to “keep an eye” on Imran and his tactics.

    “He is trying to destroy Pakistan for his ego, just like he trampled upon the Constitution and the law for his ego. Keep politics aside. First decide what this man is trying to do with the nation. The people and institutions will have to take notice.”

    Hamza said he would stay on the post of CM “as long as God wills it” and vowed to continue working for the welfare and well-being of the people of the province “without wasting any moment”.

    “The way these people are creating problems in Punjab, whether it is the former governor [Omar Sarfraz Cheema] or the president [Arif Alvi] … The way they are spreading propaganda among the public … I have decided not to waste a second in making things easier for the people.”

    “I won’t let anything hinder my resolve in working for the people of Punjab.”

    “But I want to tell you today that the government of Punjab is standing with its people,” he pledged, announcing a relief package for the province in which the price of a 10kg bag of wheat flour, which earlier cost Rs650, has been reduced to Rs490. “In 36 districts of Punjab, people will be able to buy flour at this price,” the CM said. “We are giving a relief of Rs160 under the Rs200 billion subsidy for the province.”

    Hamza also said that he will ensure that everyday medicines and especially the ones used for cancer will be given free to people.

  • Govt to file high treason case against PTI leaders

    Govt to file high treason case against PTI leaders

    The government has started preparing a high treason case against the former and the current PTI government officials on the basis of Article 6 for violating the Constitution, confirmed Deputy Secretary General PML-N Attaullah Tarar.

    According to Geo News’ sources, the people who are being named are President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi, Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, Former National Assembly (NA) Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri and Punjab Governor Omar Sarfraz Cheema.

    As per the news outlet, currently, the government is consulting legal experts. The current ministries of interior and law have started gathering evidence related to the case.

    Article 6 of Constitution of Pakistan, says any person who “abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance the Constitution shall be guilty of high treason”.

    On April 3rd, Deputy Speaker Suri “dismissed” the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan, terming it against Article 5 of the Constitution. Then, Khan addressed the nation, saying he had advised President Alvi to dissolve NA, which the President approved.

    Later, the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) declared the act unconstitutional, restored the assemblies and directed to hold the no-confidence motion in the House, which resulted in the removal of Khan’s government.

    A couple of weeks ago, PML-N Hamza Shehbaz was elected as the new CM of Punjab. However, his oath-taking ceremony is still hanging as the Governor of Punjab Omar Sarfraz Cheema declined to administer the ceremony multiple times. Despite Lahore High Court’s (LHC) order to do the ceremony, it is yet to take place.

    Many legal experts have argued that Punjab’s governor cannot decline to administer the oath to the chief minister-elect under any circumstances and termed it illegal.

  • Long-awaited 34 members federal cabinet takes oath

    Long-awaited 34 members federal cabinet takes oath

    The long-awaited 34-member cabinet of newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif finally took oath today (Tuesday) after the cabinet division issued a list of the first phase of ministers on Tuesday.

    According to ARY News, the list includes names of 30 federal ministers, four ministers of state and three advisers to the Prime Minister.

    Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani administered the oath to the new federal cabinet of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after President Arif Alvi excused from administering oath to the lawmakers.

    The swearing-in ceremony of the federal cabinet was held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad where members belonging to PML-N, PPP, JUI-F, MQM-P and other allied parties took oath as ministers in the federal cabinet.

    The PPP members who took oath as ministers in first phase are: Naveed Qamar, Shazia Marri, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Syed Khursheed Shah, Qadir Patel and Hina Rabbani Khar.

    The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) also got two ministries in the new set-up.

    A list of the federal cabinet members:

    Khawaja Muhammad Asif, MNA

    Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, MNA

    Rana Sana Ullah Khan, MNA

    Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA

    Rana Tanveer Hussain. MNA

    Khurrum Dastagir Khan, MNA

    Marriyum Aurangzeb, MNA

    Khawaja Saad Rafique, MNA

    Mian Javed Latif, MNA

    Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada. MNA

    Murtaza Javed Abbasi, MNA

    Azam Nazeer Tarar, Senator

    Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, MNA

    Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA

    Sherry Rehman, Senator

    Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA

    Shazia Marri, MNA

    Syed Murtaza Mahmud, MNA

    Sajid Hussain Turi, MNA

    Ehsan ur Rehman Mazari, MNA

    Abid Hussain Bhayo, MNA

    Asad Mahmood, MNA

    Abdul Wasay, MNA

    Mufti Abdul Shakoor, MNA

    Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Senator

    Syed Amin-ul-Haque, MNA

    Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari, Senator

    Muhammad Israr Tareen, MNA

    Nawabzada Shazain Bugti, MNA

    Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema, MNA

    Ministers of state

    Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha, MNA

    Abdul Rehman Khan Kanju, MNA

    Hina Rabbani Khar, MNA

    Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, Senator

    ADVISERS TO THE PM

    Miftah Ismail

    Amir Muqam

    Qamar Zaman Kaira