Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif reached Quetta on a day-long visit on Monday, August 1, to oversee the relief operations in the flood-affected areas of Balochistan and ordered immediate compensation to the flood affectees.
PM Shehbaz, who visited Balochistan for the second time in three days, said that he has directed the authorities to ensure that the relief amount of Rs1 million is provided to the heirs of those who lost their loved ones because of the floods within the next 24 hours.
“During my visit here and to other camps, I have been told the people are not being provided food and water […]. People clearly said they were not getting any food and water and when I asked them how were they managing, they said they had to send someone back home to fetch food,” said PM Shehbaz.
وزیراعظم شہباز شریف دورہ قلعہ سیف اللہ اور چمن : وزیراعظم شہباز شریف سیلاب متاثرین کے پاس پہنچ گئے pic.twitter.com/MEis1ouIt3
“It is extremely unfortunate that these camps are without food and water.”
Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo was also present there and assured the prime minister that action would be initiated against those responsible.
“They are all suspended and action will be taken against them,” he assured the PM.
“The federal government has announced Rs1 million in compensation and the provincial government has already disbursed Rs1 million,” said Shehbaz, adding that a compensatory amount of Rs200,000 would be given for a partially damaged house and Rs500,000 for a completely damaged house.
He said loopholes had been identified regarding the lack of a record-keeping system at camps and stressed addressing the issue at the earliest.
بلوچستان میں امدادی کاموں کے حوالے سے عملہ دن رات کام کررہا ہے انشاءاللہ امدادی کاموں کے حوالے سے کمزوریوں کا فی الفور ازالہ کیا جائے گا.وزیراعظم محمد شہبازشریف pic.twitter.com/fJ4bjMt9sC
Earlier today, the premier reached Quetta to visit the flood-affected areas in Chaman. He was briefed on the rescue and relief efforts by Chairman National Disaster and Management Authority (NDMA).
وزیرِ اعظم شہباز شریف خشنوب، ضلع قلعہ سیف اللہ میں سیلاب متاثرین کیلئے قائم کردہ خیمہ بستی چمن میں سیلاب زدہ علاقوں کے دورے کے لئے کوئٹہ پہنچ گئے ۔
راستے میں چئیرمین این ڈی آیم اے نے ریسکیو ریلیف اور امددای کاروائی پہ وزیراعظم کو بریفنگ دی۔ pic.twitter.com/QxvEy6FwHK
PM Shehbaz Sharif asked the NDMA and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to pace up relief and rescue operations to facilitate the victims and conduct a joint survey of damaged houses and crops.
At least 136 people have been killed in flash floods in Balochistan triggered by heavy monsoon rains.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), flash floods have also damaged about 13,000 homes.
The federal government has announced Rs1 million worth of assistance for every household of the deceased in Balochistan flash floods. Flood relief efforts are also being carried out in Balochistan and other areas of the country, with assistance from military rescuers.
Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has said that the federal and provincial governments are committed to completely rehabilitating flood-affected people in the province.
In a statement on Sunday, he also lauded the role of the Pakistan Army in relief and rescue activities.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit the flood-affected areas of Balochistan today. He visited Jhal Magsi on Saturday.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) Bill Gates held talks on the phone and discussed the anti-polio campaign in Pakistan.
In a telephonic conversation, the premier appreciated the valuable support of the BMGF to Pakistan in polio eradication and improving immunisation, nutrition, and financial inclusion in the country.
Expressing grave concern about the recent increase in the number of confirmed poliovirus cases in Pakistan in 2022, Shehbaz stressed that his government remained committed to ending all forms of polio in the country.
Gates reiterated the Foundation’s continued support to Pakistan for ensuring that no child is at risk of paralysis due to poliovirus.
One wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) case was reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bringing the number of 2022 WPV1 cases to 13. In 2021, the number of WVP1 cases was one and the number of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV2) cases was eight.
The government will lift the import ban on some items in the upcoming weeks, according to Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, but restrictions for cellphones, cars, and home appliances will remain in place.
He stated that the Commerce Ministry has sent a summary to the federal cabinet for removing restrictions on the import of non-essential and luxury items while speaking at a seminar about the performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) here in the federal capital.
According to the finance minister, the decision was made in light of a lower import bill as a result of restrictions placed on the import of new machinery and raw materials, as well as lower oil prices on the global market. “In the upcoming months, we anticipate a decrease in petroleum product imports. Lower imports will enable Pakistan to conserve its foreign currency, he continued.
He continued by saying he was hopeful for higher dollar inflows compared to outflows starting in the upcoming month, which would ease pressure on the local currency.
“Imports in Pakistan as of July 25 were $3.758 billion and our total imports are likely to be $4.824 billion. This number will be less than our exports plus remittance”, he had written on Twitter a day earlier.
The ban on 30 categories and 83 Customs headings was reportedly requested to be lifted by the finance minister on Tuesday to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He did, however, suggest that the Commerce Ministry keep the ban on completely built units (CBUs), cars, and home appliances in place.
Speaking with Profit, sources said that between May 19 and July 19, 2021, Pakistan imported CBU automobiles, mobile phones, and home appliances worth Rs399 million. However, after the ban was imposed on May 19, 2022, the trend of importing these items decreased.
Pakistan imported goods worth Rs123 million between May 19 and July 19, 2022, a difference of Rs276 million compared to the corresponding months of the previous fiscal year.
It is important to note that the government has outright banned the import of cars, mobile phones, home appliances, dry fruits (aside from those from Afghanistan), crockery, shoes, chandeliers, lights (except energy savers), headphones, and loudspeakers.
Some items on the list included condiments, doors and window frames, travel bags and suitcases, sanitary ware, fish and frozen fish, preserved fruits, tissue paper, furniture, shampoos, confectionery, luxury mattresses, and sleeping bags, jams and jellies, cornflakes, toiletries, heaters, blowers, sunglasses, kitchenware, aerated water, frozen meat, juices, pasta, ice cream, cigarettes, shaving supplies, luxury leather apparel, and musical instruments.
Senior journalist Hamid Mir revealed that last year, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) was offered that along to give a tough time to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with the help of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) after some backdoor meetings.
Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath’, Hamid Mir said, “The PPP knows the full truth. Last year, the PPP convinced the PML-N to bring a no-confidence motion. This is because last year in September/October, the PPP was contacted. I revealed in your show Shahzeb saab that Asif Ali Zardari was being contacted to leave Pakistan just like Nawaz Sharif left on medical grounds. However, Asif Ali Zardari refused to go abroad. This is where the story started and the PPP has never revealed who conveyed this message. One-on-one meetings were held with the PPP leadership.”
Hamid Mir further revealed that some backchannel contacts were made between the PPP and PTI.
“The PPP was told that it should bring down the PML-N with the help of the PTI. However, the PPP did not take any of this seriously. After this, there were some other developments. They learned that a formula was being formed to adjust PTI in Sindh and similarly the PPP in the federal government, and that election will be held in October 2022. However, an important appointment will take place in April 2022. When the party started probing the suggestions, it realised that this was a long process. During this time Kala Bagh Dam was also to be made, the 18 Amendment would be rolled back, and talks of having a Presidential system too came to the surface and that’s when PPP ki kanpaain tangna shuru hogai. [That’s when the PPP was alarmed].”
گزشتہ برس سے تحریک انصاف اور پیپلزپارٹی کے درمیان کیا معاملات ہوئے اور باہمی تعاون کر کے ن لیگ کے خلاف کیا کیا کرنے کی پیپلزپارٹی کو آفر کی گئی اور پھر کیا ہوا۔جانیئے حامد میر سے
“When the PPP realised this, they decided to contact Nawaz Sharif. Then Shehbaz Sharif saab was involved. And they were informed that before the elections, which were to be held in 0ctober 2022, the plan was to send the PML-N leadership to jail,” said Mir.
“Both the PPP and PML-N never really told anyone that they were bringing in the no-confidence motion against Imran Khan. They kept it a secret.”
Ahead of the Supreme Court verdict on the Punjab chief minister election case, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz tweeted that the government must take a firm stand and rise to the occasion.
“The government MUST take a firm stand & rise to the occasion. Rise to the occasion or fall to the status quo. Leaders are made by the situations they are confronted with,” tweeted Maryam Nawaz.
The government MUST take a firm stand & rise to the occasion. Rise to the occasion or fall to the status quo. Leaders are made by the situations they are confronted with.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 26, 2022
Meeting of heads of the coalition government has been called
A meeting of the heads of the federal government’s coalition parties has been called on the possible decision of the Supreme Court. The meeting will begin shortly at the Prime Minister House.
It is being reported that the political situation, including the decision of the Supreme Court, will be considered.
It is pertinent to mention here that on Monday, July 25, all political parties in the coalition announced that they will boycott court proceedings till a full bench is constituted.
Announcing the decision, Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that since the coalition government’s request for the formation of a full court bench was rejected, they have also rejected this decision of the court.
“We will not appear before this bench and will boycott it.”
President Dr Arif Alvi was asked about an early appointment of the next army chief, which is due this November, in a meeting with journalists today.
“It’s not such a bad idea,” Alvi said in response.
According to reports, President Alvi said that this matter can be resolved through dialogue.
President Alvi said that it has been suggested that he “plays his part” after meeting the army, naval, or air chiefs, which he “cannot do”. Elaborating further, Alvi said that as the president of Pakistan, he does not have the constitutional authority to ask parties to have a dialogue.
He said that a dialogue is possible only when all the stakeholders agree. “The President House can play its role only in this case.”
Neutrals need to remain neutral
“The neutrals need to remain neutral always,” the president said.
“The elephant in the room has not yet appeared but it has been there for 50 years,” he said, adding that the matter is a ground reality and that it can be solved through dialogue.
On relations with Shehbaz Sharif
Alvi said that he has had many meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and this impression is wrong that his relationship with the prime minister is not so good. Since this government took power, the government has sent the president 74 summaries.
Since the coalition government has come into the office, 69 out of 74 summaries have been signed on the day of receiving them, said Alvi.
“I held back the summaries regarding NAB amendment Ordinance, electronic voting machines, and the Punjab governor but this was not due to any pressure,” he said.
On talking with Imran Khan
When asked, President Alvi said that he didn’t have any communication with PTI Chairman Imran Khan on the matter of EVMs and NAB amendment ordinance and the last time they spoke was when there was an issue regarding the Punjab governor.
The ruling coalition has demanded that a full court bench should hear the petitions filed in reference to the election of the Punjab chief minister (CM) election.
In a statement, the coalition parties said it will be fair that a full court bench comprising all the honourable judges of the Supreme Court should review the hear Supreme Court Bar Association’s (SCBA) review request, the present petition, and other related applications together, and schedule them for hearing together and issue a single ruling because these are matters of national, political and constitutional importance.
حکمران اتحاد کا مشترکہ متفقہ اعلامیہ جاری
حکمران اتحاد میں شامل تمام جماعتیں چیف جسٹس پاکستان سے پر زور مطالبہ کرتی ہیں کہ وزیر اعلی پنجاب کے انتخاب سے متعلق مقدمے کی سماعت فل کورٹ کرے۔ pic.twitter.com/WUtqozDoQc
Criticising Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, the joint statement said that he wants to move Pakistan’s democracy and right to governance towards “default”, “just as he did with the economy”.
“Imran Khan’s attitude and thoughts are like a ‘termite’ eating away at Pakistan […] but the ruling coalition reiterates its commitment that there will be no compromise on the constitution, democracy, and people’s right to rule,” they said.
They added that the coalition parties will move forward on every forum together and they will “fight against the darkness of fascism”.
‘Enough is enough. Don’t expect us to follow one-sided decisions, says Maryam Nawaz
Reacting to the events of last night, PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz said that she disapproved of how things were unfolding said that the party will not accept “one-sided” decisions by the Supreme Court of Pakistan,
“Amid pressure due to bullying, threats, misbehaviour and abuses, if the house of justice makes specific decisions via the same bench and negates itself, negate its own decisions, puts its weight behind a single side then do not expect us to bow our heads before such one-sided decisions. Enough is Enough!” tweeted the PML-N leader.
اگر انصاف کے ایوان بھی دھونس، دھمکی،بدتمیزی اور گالیوں کےدباؤ میں آ کر بار بار ایک ہی بنچ کے ذریعے مخصوص فیصلے کرتےہیں،اپنے ہی دیے فیصلوں کی نفی کرتے ہیں،سارا وزن ترازو کے ایک ہی پلڑے میں ڈال دیتے ہیں تو ایسے یکطرفہ فیصلوں کے سامنے سر جھکانے کی توقع ہم سے نا رکھی جائے۔بہت ہو گیا!
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 23, 2022
The PML-N leader said that the current political chaos and instability started with the Supreme Court’s court decision on Article 63A, adding that it made an “arbitrary interpretation” of the constitution to not count the MPAs that voted voluntarily.
موجودہ سیاسی انتشار اور عدم استحکام کا سلسلہ اس عدالتی فیصلے سے شروع ہوتا ہے جس کے ذریعے آئین کی من مانی تشریح کرتے ہوئے اپنی مرضی سے ووٹ دینے والوں کے ووٹ نہ گننے کا حکم جاری ہوا ۔آج اس کی ایک نئی تشریح کی جا رہی ہے تاکہ اب بھی اسی لاڈلے کو فائدہ پہچنے جسے کل پہنچا تھا!نا منظور!
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 23, 2022
“With utmost respect, I request that a full bench be constituted”: Atta Tarar
PML-N leader Ataullah Tarar demanded that since this is a matter related to the interpretation of the Constitution, a full bench should hear the petition.
The PML-N leader said that court hearings related to constitutional matters that have taken place recently — since the no-confidence motion against ex-prime minister Imran Khan — warrant a full bench.
“Therefore, with the utmost respect, I request that a full bench be constituted to hear this case as well,” the PML-N leader said.
‘How long will State institutions continue to allow this? We are not far from Sri Lanka moment’: Imran Khan
PTI Chairman Imran Khan, in a series of tweets, said that Pakistan was “not far” from defaulting and the state would soon depict a likeness to Sri Lanka, which has defaulted on its external debt.
Khan said in just over three months — from the time he was ousted from power — the “Zardari-Sharifs mafia” has “brought the country to its knees”, politically and economically.
In just over 3 mths the Zardari – Sharifs’ mafia has brought the country to its knees politically & economically; simply to save their illegally accumulated wealth amassed over 30 yrs of plundering Pakistan. My question is:how long will State institutions continue to allow this?
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.
دی نیوز کے ایڈیٹر انویسٹی گیشن انصار عباسی کی خصوصی خبر
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.
DG ISPR جنرل بابر افتخار نے مجھ سے گفتگو میں ملٹری لیڈرشپ کی سیاسی معملات کسی قسم کے مذاکرات کا آغاز ابتد اور دلچسپی تمام خبروں کو پوری شدت سے مسترد کرتے ہوئے ایکبار پھر میڈیا سے شدت درخواست کے لئے ان معملات میں میں فوج کی ممکنہ ظاہری یا باطنی مداخلت کئ افواہوں سے گریز کریں pic.twitter.com/mdBiWPwqxj
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.
جنرل الیکشن کب ہونے جارہے ہیں؟ ایڈیٹر دی نیوز انصار عباسی کی بڑی خبر
Hamza Shehbaz elected Chief Minister (CM) Punjab again after Deputy Speaker Dost Mazari rejected 10 Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) votes.
10 PML-Q votes will not be counted: Dost Mazari
Deputy Speaker Punjab Assembly Dost Mazari says 10 PML-Q votes will not be counted because of Chaudhry Shujaat’s letter.
According to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Murad Raas, Hamza received 179 votes whereas Elahi got 186 votes. After Mazari rejected 10 PML-Q votes, Elahi was left with 176 votes, which turned the tables in Hamza’s favour.
While announcing the result, Mazari read Shujaat’s letter out loud. “As party head of Pakistan Muslim League, I have issued directions to all my provincial members to cast their votes in favour of Muhammad Hamza Shehbaz Sharif,” Mazari quoted Hussain as saying.
His ruling was countered by PTI MPA Raja Basharat, who said that the law states that the parliamentary party could issue instructions to party members.
“The head of the parliamentary party is Pervaiz Elahi,” he contended.
However, Mazari said that the matter had been clarified by the Supreme Court, subsequently proroguing the session.
Will not support the PTI candidate for the CM slot., confirms Moonis Elahi to Hamid Mir
Moonis Elahi has confirmed to senior journalist Hamid Mir that Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has indeed written a letter to the Deputy Speaker. He has said that he will not support the PTI candidate for the CM slot.
Senior journalist Hamid Mir originally broke the story about Chaudhry Shujaat’s letter, which was later confirmed by Moonis Elahi to him as well.
Asif Ali Zardari to meet Chaudhry Shujaat, again: Hamid Mir
Senior journalist Hamid Mir says that Asif Zardari is about to meet PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain.
Reports suggest that Moonis Elahi has also left the Punjab Assembly.
‘Now the rules of the game will be the same for everyone, else PML-N knows how to play it better’: Maryam Nawaz
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz has tweeted that the PML-N has not forgotten the treatment meted out to them. “Now the rules of the game will be the same for everyone, else PMLN knows how to play it better. Insha’Allah.”
PMLN has NOT forgotten the treatment meted out to them. Now the rules of the game will be the same for everyone, else PMLN knows how to play it better. Insha’Allah.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) July 22, 2022
PTI to file contempt of court petition against Dost Mazari: Fawad Chaudhry
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry has tweeted that the unnecessary delay in starting the Punjab Assembly session is a violation of the Supreme Court’s orders. He said that the party has directed its lawyers to file a contempt of court petition against Deputy Speaker Dost Muhammad Mazari.
صوبائی اسمبلی کے اجلاس میں غیر ضروری تاخیر سپریم کورٹ کے واضع احکامات کی خلاف ورزی ہے، وکلاء کو توہین عدالت کی کاروائ کے لئے کہ دیا ہے، اب سے کچھ دیر بعد ڈپٹی اسپیکر کیخلاف توہین عدالت کی درخواست سپریم کورٹ میں دائر کی جارہی ہے۔
Today, the Punjab Assembly will vote in the runoff election and decide who gets to be the next chief minister of the province: Hamza Shehbaz or Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. The Punjab Assembly session started at 4pm today as per the Supreme Court’s orders.
Hamza Shehbaz is the incumbent chief minister and CM candidate of the PML-N and its coalition partners, including the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The total number game of the PML-N-led ruling coalition is179.
Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi of the PML-Q is the CM candidate of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). PTI and PML-Q have a total of 187 members on their side.
Pakistan will become another Sri Lanka if Elahi not allowed to become CM Punjab: Imran Khan
Yesterday, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said yesterday that if Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi is not allowed to become CM Punjab, Pakistan will become another Sri Lanka.
“I will never forget what happened to us on May 25. We will never forget,” added Khan.
#Pakistan Punjab Assembly session to elect CM will be held today. If people’s mandate is stolen in the Assembly during the CM election,then I am warning that the country would head towards a condition like Sri Lanka & after that,it would not be my responsibility,Say’s Imran Khan pic.twitter.com/O3v1pMDVTX
— Ghulam Abbas Shah (@ghulamabbasshah) July 21, 2022
Credit goes to Zardari for first destroying the PPP and now the PML-N: Fawad Chaudhry
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the Maryam Nawaz group’s gesture by accepting the results of the Punjab by-polls was good but the Shehbaz Sharif group is most probably working under the influence of Asif Ali Zardari. He alleged that Shehbaz Sharif is consulting Zardari these days for major decisions.
“Credit goes to Zardari for destroying two parties, first the PPP and now the PML-N,” added Fawad Chaudhry.
PPP co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari met PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain once again last night. Zardari had already held two meetings with Chaudhry Shujaat earlier in an effort to get his support for Hamza Shehbaz.
The former president had sent a message for a meeting with Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi and his son Moonis Elahi. However, they both refused to meet him according to The News.
Moonis Elahi said that it’s “game over” for the government.
“They can do whatever they want, they have lost the game,” said Moonis Elahi.
50 PTI MPAs can vote for Hamza Shehbaz: Rana Sanaullah
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has claimed that 50 PTI MPAs can vote for Hamza Shehbaz in the CM Punjab election today.
“Not five, but 50 PTI MPAs can either use their right to vote or abstain from casting their votes,” said Rana Sanaullah.
