Tag: Shehbaz Sharif

  • Chaudhrys of Gujrat part ways as Hussain Elahi quits PML-Q

    Chaudhrys of Gujrat part ways as Hussain Elahi quits PML-Q

    Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) president and former prime minister Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s nephew Chaudhry Hussain Elahi has parted ways with the party. Hussain is the son of Shujaat’s younger brother Chaudhry Wajahat.

    Hussain tweeted, “I’ve always said my country is first for me, and keeping that in mind I have decided that my political journey with PMLQ must come to an end. Will be deciding my political future with Moonis Elahi but cannot be in a party that supports Shehbaz Sharif-led Imported Government.”

    Former federal minister Moonis Elahi also retweeted Hussain’s tweet, prompting speculations that there were differences within the party.

    Moonis retweeted a report by Dunya News claiming that a possible crack within the PML-Q definitely exists. The report states that one section of the party backs the PTI, while the other is in support of the PML-N.

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday visited Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain at his residence in Islamabad.

    It is being reported that the two apparently discussed the forthcoming by-elections on 20 vacant seats of Punjab Assembly and the fiscal budget 2022-23 to be announced on Friday.

  • Shehbaz Sharif bans weddings after 10pm in Islamabad

    Shehbaz Sharif bans weddings after 10pm in Islamabad

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday during a pre-budget business conference stressed the need of signing a ‘Charter of Economy’ for economic stability and progress in the country.

    “Charter of Economy will remain unchanged. It will become our sacred trust, which will not change,” the prime minister said, adding: “We need this.”

    If there will be no political stability, there will be no economic stability

    Shehbaz said, “If there will be no political stability, there will be no economic stability.”

    “It’s about time the elite class had to make sacrifices and non-productive assets like real estate would have to be taxed. Until now, the hard time has been faced by the poor but today it’s the turn of well-off people to take the burden,” said Shehbaz.

    Shehbaz stressed that the enhancement of exports, agricultural yield, and financial management should be the major components of the plan. “The government will form a task force on agriculture and exports for formulating comprehensive plans,” he said.

    The premier said that since Pakistan’s inception 75 years back, the economic development in the initial 25 years and the economic development after that have a “stark” difference.

    We must go for special export industrial zones

    Comparing the country’s Information Technology (IT) industry with that of India’s, the premier said that India generates around $200 billion while Pakistan’s industry is hovering around $2.5 billion. “We must go for special export industrial zones,” he added.

    The PM went on to say that the government will make well-structured industrial zones. “To increase the export, the developed zone should be handed over to the investors to work on it. We need to fix ambitious targets.”

    Government bans wedding ceremonies after 10pm in Islamabad

    The government has banned wedding ceremonies after 10pm in the federal capital.

    According to media reports, permission to serve only one dish to wedding guests will be given, and a notification will be issued over this new restriction.

    The Islamabad police and administration have been informed to strictly implement the ban. In case of any violation, strict action will be taken.

  • ‘Take a plane for Tiktok videos’, Kangana Ranaut thinks Qatar Airways spoof video is ‘real’

    ‘Take a plane for Tiktok videos’, Kangana Ranaut thinks Qatar Airways spoof video is ‘real’

    Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut seems to have fallen for a spoof, again.

    Spoof video

    After Qatar rebuked India for the derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, #BycottQatarAirways started trending on Indian Twitter.

    An Indian Twitter user ‘Vashudev’ posted a video calling for the boycott of Qatar Airways.

    Later, a spoof video with Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker replying to Vashudev’s boycott call in an interview with Al Jazeera went viral.

    “Vashudev is our biggest shareholder with a total investment of ₹634.50 rupees. We don’t know how to operate anymore. We have grounded all the flights … we are requesting Vashudev to take this call for boycott back. This is a special kind of boycott because it is b-y-c-o-t-t. Vashudev habibi, we are willing to give you one whole plane to make your TikTok videos or maybe we can give you two litres of petrol free. Please consider our offer and take the boycott back,” Qatar Airways CEO’s voiceover says in the spoof video.

    Kangana shares spoof video on Instagram

    After the spoof video went viral, Kangana Ranauat shared it on her Instagram stories, thinking the video is ‘real’.

    “This idiot of a man has no shame bullying a poor man mocking his insignificance and place in the world…Vasudev may be poor and insignificant for a rich man like you but he has the right to express his grief, pain and disappointment in whatever context it may be… remember there is a world beyond this world where we all are equal,” wrote Kangana in one of her Insta stories.

    She continued: “All so called Indians who are cheering this bully for making fun of a poor man remember this is exactly why you all are a big bojh [burden] on this over populated country.”

    Kangana later deleted her Instagram stories after journalist and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair informed her that it was a voiceover video made by an Indian.

    Kangana shares fake Shehbaz Sharif screenshot

    This is not the first time that Kangana has fallen for fake news.

    In May, Kangana shared a screenshot on her Instagram stories that featured Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s praise for her craft and performance in Dhaakad.

    However, the screenshot featured an imposter account of PM Shehbaz and not the real one.

    READ MORE: Did Shehbaz Sharif praise Kangana Ranaut? Indian actress shares screenshot

  • ‘World should severely reprimand India’: Muslim countries condemn BJP’s derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet (PBUH)

    ‘World should severely reprimand India’: Muslim countries condemn BJP’s derogatory remarks about Holy Prophet (PBUH)

    After hashtags calling for the boycott of Indian products began trending on Twitter in Arab countries over derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal, India’s ruling party suspended Sharma and expelled Jindal. The two also issued public apologies after the reaction from the Arab world. Qatar, Kuwait, and Iran have summoned Indian envoys while Saudi Arabia and  Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have issued statements against the two BJP spokespersons.

    World should take note and severely reprimand India: Shehbaz Sharif

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the derogatory remarks recently made by two leaders of India’s BJP against the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

    PM Sharif wrote: “Have said it repeatedly India under Modi is trampling religious freedoms and persecuting Muslims. The world should take note & severely reprimand India.”

    He added that Muslims’ love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is supreme and that all Muslims can sacrifice their lives for the love and respect of their Prophet (PBUH). 

    Pakistan Armed Forces strongly condemn blasphemous remarks by Indian officials

    The official media wing of the Pakistan army condemned the derogatory remarks of the BJP leaders. “The outrageous act is deeply hurtful and clearly indicates extreme level of hate against Muslims and other religions in India.”

    Indian chargé d’affaires summoned by Pakistan

    Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari took to Twitter and said, “Indian Cd’A summoned to convey Pakistan’s rejection and strong condemnation of the derogatory remarks by BJP officials against Prophet Muhammad PBUH. BJP leadership and GOI must condemn the sacrilegious comments and hold those responsible to account.”

    Pakistan condemns India

    Pakistan has strongly condemned the disrespectful remarks recently made by two senior officials of India’s ruling party BJP, disrespecting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). 

    “These totally unacceptable remarks have not only deeply hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan but of billions of Muslims around the world,” read the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    “BJP’s attempted clarification and belated and perfunctory disciplinary action against these individuals cannot assuage the pain and anguish they have caused to the Muslim world. Muslims residing in India are equally outraged by the completely repugnant comments by the two BJP officials. The ensuing communal violence in Kanpur and in other parts of India bears testimony to this fact.”

    Pakistan urged India to ensure that decisive and demonstrable action is taken against those responsible for making derogatory remarks and attacking the dignity of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). India must also take immediate steps to protect its minorities from human rights violations, ensure their safety, security, and well-being and allow them to profess and practice their faiths in peace.

    “Pakistan once again calls on the international community to take immediate cognisance of the grievously aggravating situation of Islamophobia in India. India must be held accountable for stifling the rights of the minorities, especially Muslims, to practice their faith and religious beliefs,” said the Foreign Office spokesperson.

    Arab world’s condemnation over derogatory remarks

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar summoned the Indian Ambassador and handed over an official note on Qatar’s total rejection and condemnation of the remarks of Sharma and Kumar.

    The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Indian ambassador and handed him an official protest note expressing the State of Kuwait’s rejection and denunciation of the controversial remarks made by an official in the ruling party in India against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Islam, and Muslims.

    Saudi Arabia described the spokesperson’s comments as “insulting” and called for “respect for beliefs and religions”, according to a foreign ministry statement.

    The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the remarks, saying they came in a “context of intensifying hatred and abuse towards Islam in India and systematic practices against Muslims”.

  • 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)”.

  • Govt officials, ministers to pay higher bills after reduction in electricity, gas, telephone quota: report

    Govt officials, ministers to pay higher bills after reduction in electricity, gas, telephone quota: report

    The government is expected to decrease 40 per cent in the petrol quota of the federal cabinet members. According to media reports, it has also been decided to cut the petrol quota of government officials and all ministries.

    It is also being proposed that there should be cuts in the electricity, gas, and telephone bills for cabinet members and government officials.

    The media reports also suggest that there is expected to be a complete ban on the purchase of new vehicles for all ministries.

    Following the massive rise in prices of petroleum products, Sindh and Punjab have imposed a 40 per cent cut on petrol for cabinet members and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) 35 per cent.

  • Khan or Shehbaz: Who should be blamed for the massive petrol bomb?

    Khan or Shehbaz: Who should be blamed for the massive petrol bomb?

    The incumbent government on Thursday unleashed another massive gasoline bomb on the country after another hike of Rs30. In less than a month, the price of petrol has risen by Rs60 to Rs209.86. The recent hike has been made to meet the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) conditions.

    The latest petrol price hike came just hours after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved a power tariff hike of Rs7.91 per unit.

    The question remains who should the Pakistanis blame for the burden the governments of the past and present putting them?

    The interfering ex-prime minister is distracting the government with his constant threats

    The Economist magazine in its recent article titled, “Imran Khan is jeopardising Pakistan’s attempts to fix its economy” has blamed the former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan as the reason for what is happening in Pakistan.

    “The reserves are at their lowest level since 2019, when Pakistan last sought help from the IMF. Only half the $6bn bail-out agreed at the time has been disbursed. Mr Khan, then prime minister, originally agreed to cut subsidies and reform the economy but reduced fuel prices instead. The country is running deficits on both its budget and its current account. It needs some $37bn worth of financing for the fiscal year beginning in June, reckons the finance minister,” writes The Economist.

    The Economist further writes about how the federal capital witnesses a protest once every year where the state gets questioned and those in power are demanded answers. But this time it was a former premier whose continuous marches and threats are creating instability. “The interfering ex-prime minister is distracting the government with his constant threats.”

    “Mr Khan does not appear to be giving up hope. He is petitioning the Supreme Court to guarantee safe passage for potential follow-up marches. The coming spate of painful economic moves will supply him with plenty of excuses to paint the government as American stooges and enemies of the people. The appointment of a new army chief, due in November, will add yet more uncertainty to the political balance. To fix its economy, Pakistan badly needs stability. It will spend the coming months with anything but,” writes The Economist.

    Hesitation to get cheap oil from Russia

    The Current reached out to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) Spokesperson on Economy and Finance, Muzzammil Aslam and he said, ” First international markets, second lack of planning by the current government, and the hesitation to get cheap oil from Russia is the reason for the recent petrol bomb.”

    “The price pass-through could be lower if they cut the refinery margins. Lastly, it is not necessary to raise prices, one can make up subsidies by imposing windfall taxes, wealth taxes etc,” says Aslam.

    Read more: Fact Check: Imran Khan did not arrange a 30% cheaper oil deal with Russia

    Decreasing prices was a selfish political move by PTI, but PMLN led-govt should have fixed it immediately

    The Current reached out to Geo News’ Anchorperson Shahzad Iqbal to ask for his point of view on the present conditions being faced by the people. Commenting on the issue Iqbal said, “Decreasing prices was a selfish political move by the PTI government to either survive or to create hurdles for the incoming government. But Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) led government should have fixed it immediately.”

    “The delay by the sitting government cost Pakistan Rs150 billion,” said Iqbal.

  • Salman or Suleman: What is the real name of Shehbaz Sharif’s son?

    Salman or Suleman: What is the real name of Shehbaz Sharif’s son?

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s son who is in the limelight for accompanying his father on his official Turkey trip, got us all confused this morning. As the editor of the story sat to write the news story, she noticed that various newspapers had addressed Shehbaz’s son differently. Some had written that he is ‘Salman Shehbaz’ and some called him ‘Suleman’.

    Below are screenshots of the news stories.

    Newspaper The News called the premier’s son, “Salman”. The headline read, “(Money-laundering case)..Non-bailable arrest warrant issued for Salman.”

    Dawn, in a story published on September 28, 2021, while writing about the premier’s son wrote, “A UK court has ordered unfreezing of the bank accounts of PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and his son Suleman Shehbaz after the country’s National Crime Agency (NCA) did not find evidence regarding ‘suspicious bank transactions’ against them.”

    Former Minister Ali Zaidi too seemed to not know and addressed him as Salman.

    The premier’s son’s Twitter handle cleared the confusion as his name there is “Suleman Sharif”

    We also spoke to someone close to the Prime Minister’s son who clarified that his name is indeed Suleman and not Salman.

  • ‘In what capacity did Shehbaz take his son to a state dinner?’ Twitterati question Suleman Shehbaz’s presence in Turkey

    ‘In what capacity did Shehbaz take his son to a state dinner?’ Twitterati question Suleman Shehbaz’s presence in Turkey

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif’s son Suleman Shehbaz has been in the limelight ever since his picture with President Tayyip Erdogan and the first lady from his father’s recent trip surfaced on the internet.

    Suleman Shehbaz, who has been accused of money laundering and assets beyond means, was present in Turkey, along with his father Shehbaz. His wife shared the picture of their dinner on Twitter which was heavily slammed by netizens.

    Twitterati questioned Suleman’s presence on an official trip.

    https://twitter.com/rabiaisrar38/status/1532374495306076161?s=20&t=AqOHY81s9F53RgIcK62vmQ

    Shehbaz’s three-day visit to Turkey too gathered criticism and was deemed that the duration and timing of the trip is rather unnecessary.

    The government before leaving gave ads of the trip to various newspapers. Twitterati questioned whether it was necessary to give ads