Tag: Shehbaz Sharif

  • China to continue supporting Pakistan’s financial situation

    China to continue supporting Pakistan’s financial situation

    President Xi Jinping has said on Wednesday that China will continue to support Pakistan in stabilising its financial situation, the country’s state media has reported.

    The report also said that China and Pakistan should move forward more effectively with the construction of their economic corridor, as well as accelerate the construction of infrastructure for the Gwadar Sea Port.

    The statement was also reported by Reuters after Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping which focused on increasing multilateral cooperation between both countries especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

    The bilateral consensus between the two leaders was reached as PM Shehbaz called on Xi at the People’s Great Hall of China.

    During the meeting, the Chinese president and PM Shehbaz discussed “broad-based cooperation in economy and investment and exchanged views on regional and global developments”.

    Xi said that the countries should work together to create suitable conditions for the early implementation of the Mainline-1 railway upgrading project and the Karachi Circular Railway project.

    China welcomes Pakistan to expand high-quality agricultural exports to the country, and is willing to deepen cooperation in areas including the digital economy, e-commerce, photovoltaic and other new energy sources, Xi said.

    China will also export technology for a 160 km/h high-speed railway train to Pakistan, state broadcaster CCTV said.

    Separately, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said it has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the National Bank of Pakistan recently for the establishment of RMB clearing arrangement in Pakistan, in a bid to facilitate the use of RMB for cross-border transactions by enterprises and financial institutions in both countries.

    The prime minister also met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang wherein the two sides agreed to expand CPEC besides ensuring the early completion of its already initiated projects.

    PM Shehbaz is on a two-day official visit with a high-level delegation at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang. The meeting was primarily aimed at revitalising the CPEC project.

  • ‘Deny Imran face saving’: Nawaz instructs Shehbaz

    ‘Deny Imran face saving’: Nawaz instructs Shehbaz

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Monday prohibited his younger brother, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, from accepting the demands of Imran Khan, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

    Taking to Twitter, Nawaz taunted Imran Khan for the relatively sparse crowds in the march. “The one who claimed to bring one million people out on the streets couldn’t even manage to gather 2,000 workers,” the former Prime Minister wrote.

    He said that he has instructed PM Shehbaz not to bow before Khan’s demands at any cost. “Whether he instigates a mob of 2,000 people or 20,000 people, neither to listen to any demand of this fitna (rabble-rouser) nor to give him any chance to save face.”

    He added that the prime minister should “focus all of his energy on serving the public”.

    Nawaz went on to say that ever since Khan’s lies have been exposed, the nation has become apathetic to his narrative. “He told one lie after another so brutally and brazenly that the DG ISI [Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum] was forced to break his silence and tell the truth to the nation”.

    He said that despite the passage of many days, Khan could not come up with a clarification. “That is why all his emphasis is habitually limited to swearing.”

    On the other hand, Imran Khan, in an interview has said , “Let them impose martial law.” On the fourth day of his long march, his statement was addressed to the establishment in reply to a question asked by journalist Imran Riaz Khan.

    “Impose martial law. If they want to impose, It doesn’t affect me,” said Khan.

    Khan further added that the current political scenario in the country was worst than former President and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Pervez Musharraf’s martial law. Khan added that when PTI leaders Azam Swati and Shahbaz Gill were tortured they were told that, “Imran would face the same.”

  • ‘Kabhi kehtay hain yeh chor hain, kabhi inko paak kardiya, aap humein janwar mat samjhain’: Khan to establishment

    ‘Kabhi kehtay hain yeh chor hain, kabhi inko paak kardiya, aap humein janwar mat samjhain’: Khan to establishment

    Former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, has addressed the establishment to state that the people of Pakistan are not animals. “Stop considering us cows and buffalos,” he said while addressing the participants of his long march.

    Referring to the former President and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Pervez Musharraf, the former Premier said that he was holding meetings with the then-opposition parties. “Now you have dry cleaned them and imposed them on our heads. There were times you used to call them [coalition government] thieves and corrupt. Now you say they aren’t. For God’s sake … Stop considering us cows and buffalos,” he stressed.

    In his message to “those with power”, Khan said a country’s “establishment never stands against the nation”.

    Referring to his win in recent by-polls, he added, “See where the nation is standing. The country’s establishment never stands against the nation because they strengthen the country together.”

    He emphasized that the country would strengthen when its institution would strengthen. “And institutions strengthen when the nation stands by it,” he said.

    Addressing his criticism of the army, he said he that he criticised them as “a Pakistani who lives in and would die in Pakistan”.

    The PTI chief once again questioned the authority of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling him powerless.

    He also said that those who make decisions behind closed doors do not treat the people like animals. They are not sheep that once you say they are clean that “they” will follow them, he added.

  • Politicians express condolences after reporter’s death, IK stops march for a day

    Sadaf Naeem, a reporter with Channel Five, died in an unfortunate accident near Sadhoke while reporting on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march.

    She reportedly fell from the container after which she was crushed by the vehicle and passed away on the spot.

    Shortly after the incident, Khan announced that the long march has been postponed for the day and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

    “I say this with utmost regret that due to an accident we are postponing the march today. We pray for the patience and strength of the woman’s family to deal with the tragedy,” he told his supporters.

    The PTI chief also took to Twitter to extend his condolences. “I have no words to express my sorrow. My prayers and condolences go to the family at this tragic time. We have cancelled our march for today”, he said.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif also expressed regret over the death, saying that he was “deeply saddened” by the incident.

    Extending his condolences to the reporter’s family, PM Shehbaz praised Naeem as a “dynamic and hardworking reporter”.

    The President of Pakistan’s official Twitter handle said that President Dr Arif Alvi expressed regret over the death of Naeem and extend his sympathies to the deceased family.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif prayed for the departed soul.

    “I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of the precious life of a TV reporter Sadaf in the line of duty. My prayers are for the bereaved family. May she rest in eternal peace,” she said in a tweet.

    PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry, who was also present along with his party chairman during the long march, recalled the last interview between Sadaf and Imran which was recorded yesterday.

    He said: “I have rarely seen a more courageous and hardworking reporter than Sadaf, a brave girl, after an interview with Imran Khan yesterday, when Sadaf was introduced as the bravest and hardworking reporter in Lahore, her eyes lit up. Who knew that this meeting would be the last one, God bless you.”

    Fawad also requested the public to take caution while walking along Imran’s container, adding that the lives of all people contributing to the march were “precious and respected”.

  • I do not talk to ‘boot polishers’, Khan responds to PM Shehbaz’s claims of holding talks

    I do not talk to ‘boot polishers’, Khan responds to PM Shehbaz’s claims of holding talks

    Imran Khan, the Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), while responding to Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s statement about holding talks on the new army chief’s appointment, said that he does not talk to “boot polishers”.

    Shehbaz Sharif had said a day earlier that Imran Khan had sent him an invitation through a businessman acquaintance to discuss the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

    “I spoke to those with whom Shehbaz speaks while hiding in the trunk of a car,” said Khan. He also questioned why he would send a message to the premier.

    Khan also said that he was not raised in a “military dictator’s nursery”.

    “I do not call Ayub Khan daddy like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. I am not like Nawaz Sharif who build General Jilani’s home and massaged General Ziaul Haq’s knees to become a minister,” said the PTI leader.

    On the Indian media’s coverage of his attack on military officials, the PTI chief told the neighbouring country’s media that his party is standing with the army.

    “I came to power with the people’s power not because of the establishment,” claimed Khan, adding that he only seeks rule of law in the country and the protection of the people’s rights.

    Continuing his attack on the coalition government, the PTI chief said that former dictator Pervez Musharraf harmed the country by giving an NRO to these parties.

    During a meet-up with vloggers in Lahore, the Premier had said that the PTI chief approached him a month ago and wanted to settle two issues through dialogue.

    PM Shehbaz said, “The first matter was the army chief’s appointment and the second was holding elections. However, I refused,” he stated.

    The prime minister shared that Khan offered to send him three names for the Chief’s slot and sought three from him to appoint the next army chief. The Premier said that Khan told him through the intermediary, “Let’s appoint the army chief together.”

    “I sent a message to him [Khan] that is a constitutional duty that the prime minister has to perform,” said PM Shehbaz.

  • Pakistani nationals convicted of violating sanctity of Masjid-e-Nabawi released on PM Shehbaz’s request

    Pakistani nationals convicted of violating sanctity of Masjid-e-Nabawi released on PM Shehbaz’s request

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has thanked the Crown Prince of Saudia Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman for releasing Pakistani nationals convicted of violating the sanctity of Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH).

    “I am deeply grateful to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman, who, on my request, ordered the release of the Pakistanis arrested in Saudi Arabia for the April 2022 incident. I pray to Allah Almighty to make us better Muslims who forgive each other’s mistakes,” tweeted the premier.

    The crown prince ordered the release of all the Pakistanis who were imprisoned in the hooliganism in Masjid Nabawi (PBUH).

    Shehbaz Sharif had requested the Saudi Crown Prince to release the Pakistanis arrested for the incident, asking him to forgive the people.

    Earlier in August, at least six Pakistani nationals were convicted of violating the sanctity of the Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH) in Madinah during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

    According to media reports, a court in Madinah gave three Pakistani nationals — Anas, Irshad, and Muhammad Saleem — 10 years of jail term, while the other three — Khawaja Luqman, Muhammad Afzal, and Ghulam Muhammad — had been given eight-year sentences.

    A fine of Saudi Riyal 20,000 each had been imposed on the convicts and their mobile phones were also confiscated.

    In April, during PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia, a group of protesters, suspected to be supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), chanted slogans of “chor, chor (thieves)” when they saw the Premier and Information Minister, Marriyum Aurangzeb.

    Responding to the incident in Saudi Arabia, Aurangzeb said that there was a specific group that chanted those slogans. She also said that she prayed for those people at Masjid-e-Nabawi (PBUH).

    In videos that were widely shared on social media, the Pakistani delegation, including Marriyum Aurangzeb and Shahzain Bugti, was seen surrounded by people yelling “chor chor”.

  • ‘Excellent’: says PM Shehbaz after meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

    ‘Excellent’: says PM Shehbaz after meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud on Tuesday held a bilateral meeting at the Royal Palace of Riyadh.

    During the meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the bond between both Islamic countries, reports Radio Pakistan.

    PM Shehbaz thanked the Saudi leadership for extending assistance to Pakistan during the recent devastating floods, particularly for establishing the air bridge between Riyadh and Islamabad to provide relief goods in flood-affected areas.

    Meanwhile, crown prince Salman termed the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia very important for the two countries as well as for the region and the world.

    Taking to Twitter, PM Shehbaz described the meeting as “excellent”. He said, “We agreed to upgrade and enhance bilateral ties and fraternal bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to new heights in line with the requirements of the changing world. I told the crown prince that people of Pakistan are eagerly looking forward to his visit,” he added.

    Later, the premier and his accompanying delegation performed Umrah at Makkah’s Grand Mosque, where he “prayed for the peace and prosperity of Pakistan as well as Muslim ummah.”

    PM Shehbaz addressed the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudia

    PM Shehbaz addressed the Future Investment Initiative Conference in Saudia and highlighted the importance his government attaches to enabling the participation of Pakistani youth to become agents of change in the technology world.

    In his address with attendees at the sixth edition of the FII summit, Sharif called the conference a “remarkable” forum launched by his Saudi “friends.”

    “For the investment in solar and wind energy projects in Pakistan, I am standing before you, inviting you to please come forward and invest in these fields”, PM said on the occasion.

    PM Shehbaz landed in Riyadh on Monday where he was received by Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal Bin Bandar Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at the airport. The premier is accompanied by several federal ministers. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb and other officials are with him.

    The Saudi Crown Prince is likely to visit Pakistan on an official visit in November.

    The last time the crown prince visited Pakistan was in February 2019 when former PM Imran Khan was in power.

  • PM Shehbaz urges Kenyan President for fair and transparent into Arshad Sharif’s killing

    PM Shehbaz urges Kenyan President for fair and transparent into Arshad Sharif’s killing

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Monday urged Kenya to ensure fair and transparent investigations into the murder of senior Pakistani journalist Arshad Sharif.

    Taking to Twitter, the premier said that he had made a telephone call to Kenyan President William Ruto about the killing.

    “I requested him to ensure fair & transparent investigation into the shocking incident,” he wrote on Twitter.

    Sharing more details, the prime minister said that the Kenyan president promised all-out help including fast-tracking the process of the return of the deceased’s body to Pakistan.

    Earlier today, Minister for Information, Marriyum Aurangzeb, visited slain senior journalist Arshad Sharif’s family to condole with them for their loss.

    Aurangzeb gave Sharif’s family her word that the government would not stop pursuing the matter until justice was served.

    “Sharif’s body has been positively identified. The Prime Minister has issued official directives for the interior __ to dig into the matter, tasking relevant authorities to repatriate the remains of the journalist as soon as possible,” the minister said adding that nothing can be said with certainty before Kenya’s official response to the matter.

  • ‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

    ‘A great loss to journalism’: Politicians and journalists extend condolences on the demise of Arshad Sharif

    The killing of senior journalist Arshad Sharif late Sunday night has sent shockwaves across the country. Kenyan authorities have confirmed that the renowned television anchor was killed by local police, in what they have said was a case of mistaken identity.

    According to reports, the journalist left Pakistan in August for Dubai. It is unclear when did he go to Kenya.

    Following the tragic news, politicians, journalists extended condolences and expressed shock at the sudden demise of the leading newsman.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif wrote in a tweet, “I am deeply saddened by the shocking news of journalist Arshad Sharif’s tragic death. May Allah SWT grant him a place in Heaven. My deep condolences and prayers for the bereaved family.”

    President Dr Arif Alvi termed Arshad’s death as “A great loss to journalism and Pakistan”. In a tweet, he extended his condolences on the journalist’s death.

    Former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, too turned to Twitter to express his shock, stating that that today the entire nation mourns Arshad Sharif’s death. He said, “Shocked at the brutal murder of Arshad Sharif who paid the ultimate price for speaking the truth – his life. He had to leave the country & be in hiding abroad but he continued to speak the truth on social media, exposing the powerful.”

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo spoke to the media in London. About Arshad’s death, he said, “I am really saddened by the news”.

    Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the killing and extended his deepest condolences to “his family and loved ones”.

    Former Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari shared a Quranic verse through her Twitter account.

    More politicians and senior journalists including Arshad’s colleagues expressed their shock on Twitter when the news broke out in the early hours of Monday.

  • ‘No shame in going down while putting up a valiant fight’: Politicians react to Pakistan’s defeat

    ‘No shame in going down while putting up a valiant fight’: Politicians react to Pakistan’s defeat

    After a nail-biting match, the Indian cricket team managed to defeat Pakistan by four wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

    A crucial partnership between Indian master batsman Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya sailed India to victory. Before Pandya’s (40) dismissal, he and Kohli (82) shared scored 113 runs off 78 balls.

    At the end of the match, India stood at 160 with the loss of eight wickets. Kohli was awarded the Man of The Match award.

    On Pakistan’s side, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz took two wickets each, while Naseem Shah was able to get one.

    While there is disappointment over the Green shirts’ defeat, Pakistani politicians have come forward to support them.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif praised the “brilliant effort” by the team, saying it was a “great game”.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President, Maryam Nawaz, was of the view that “there’s no shame in going down while putting up a valiant fight”.

    “The match was an absolute cliffhanger and could’ve gone anywhere. Buck up Boys and gear up for the next fight!,” she said in a tweet.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry praised Kohli who nearly scored a century. In a tweet, Chaudhry also asked the Indian PM Narendra Modi to let the Indian cricket team come to Pakistan.

    Apart from these politicians, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb, PTI’s Senator Faisal Javed, PML-N’s Hina Parvez Butt, and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Saeed Ghani applauded Pakistan’s performance and wished them good luck for the upcoming T20 World Cup matches.