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Daily VOICE OF MASSES Simultaneously published from Islamabad, Quetta, Gwadar, Hub, Karachi, ABC Certified

dailyindisb@gmail.com
Vol.IX No. 357
Independent
Reg. mails-B / ID-445
Chief Editor: Syed Farooq Shah
Friday, 10 May, 2019, Ramazan 04, 1440 A.H. Pages 4: Rs. 07
Islamabad

Govt initiates 36 projects of public

welfare, economic development: PM
ISLAMABAD (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday
said the government realizing its manifesto had initiated at least
36 development projects of public welfare and economic devel­
opment during its first eight­month tenure.
Chairing a meeting at Prime Minister Office regarding the
steps taken by different government organizations under the
corporate social responsibility (CSR), he said for the first time,
the government had launched a comprehensive anti­poverty pro­
gram ‘Ehsas’. The program would not only help the state pro­
vide education, health, employment and other basic needs to the
poor segment of society but also ensure the well coordinated
use of government resources for masses’ welfare, a Prime Min­
ister Office statement said.
The meeting was attended by Special Assistants to Prime
Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq
Awan, Yousuf Baig Mirza and Iftikhar Durrani, Spokesperson
to Prime Minister Nadeem Afzal Chan, Dr Sani Nishtar, Secre­
tary Finance Muhammad Younus Dhaga, Secretary Information
Shafqat Jalil, NADRA chairman, National Bank president, Zarai
Taraqqiati Bank Limited president, Bank of Punjab executive
vice president, Bank of Khyber chief executive officer, Sui North­
ern and Sui Southern Gas companies managing directors and
Pakistan State Oil managing director attended the meeting.
Provincial Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Tourism
Muhammad Atif Khan was also present.
The prime minister said the government’s initiatives included
the promotion of Pakistan’s tourism potential both locally and
internationally, introduction of local government system, Clean
and Green Pakistan project and measures to boost national
economy and facilitate business community.
Besides, the government had also launched a remarkable
project to build five million houses, steps to introduce technology
and innovations in the agriculture sector, and steps to ensure
speedy justice to the people.
The prime minister said the establishment of shelter homes
across the country manifested that the government was alive to
its responsibilities for the uplift of downtrodden people. He called
for massive awareness on government’s welfare works to en­
sure their participation in the projects as well as their successful
completion. Heads of different organizations apprised the prime
minister on the steps being taken by their respective entities un­ ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan receiving a briefing on development and public welfare
der the CSR. initiatives of the government at PM office.

Pak-IMF deal may be Lashes out at PTI's economic policies again

announced today Government has no plan, no
ISLAMABAD (INP): The the issues are resolved by
government and the Interna­ Thursday evening, Pakistan
mission, no vision: Bilawal
tional Monetary Fund (IMF) and the IMFwill sign their 22nd ISLAMABAD (Online): PPP
are likely to announce a staff­ programme on Friday. Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto­ Won't accept IMF deal if approval not
level agreement today (Friday) “Unlike in the past, the Zardari on Thursday lambasted
as the former has accepted IMF should finalise the loan the government for its inability
taken from Parliament; This is not PTI
most of the global lender’s programme keeping in mind the to control the tsunami of infla­ govt. any more. This is PTIMF govt.
demands — earlier termed ground realities of Pakistan in­ tion as a ruckus was created
harsh — that will lead to the cluding the Pakistan Tehreek­ in the National Assembly. ments of Hafeez Shaikh, Reza he asked. When Speaker
unfolding of an inflationary e­Insaf’s [PTI] representation “This government has no Baqir and Shabbar Zaidi as Qaiser asked that the word
budget loaded with taxes on in both houses of the parlia­ plan, no mission and no vision,” economic adviser, State Bank munafiqat be also expunged,
June 11, sources in the Minis­ ment,” said Senator Shibli he said, adding that the govern­ of Pakistan governor and Bilawal pointed out that
try of Finance told. Faraz, the leader of the house ment had failed to meet its tax Federal Board of Revenue munafiqat was an Urdu word,
They added that the coun­ in the Senate. targets” he stated this while chairman, respectively. “The andit was not non­parliamentary.
try did not have any other op­ Senator Faraz met IMF addressing in National Assem­ government is not telling us He then clarified that he meant
tion but to concede to the Mission Chief Ernesto Rigo bly. Amid protesting noises by why it is doing what it is do­ ‘hypocrisy’. Bilawal also re­
IMF’s demands to remain along with three other legisla­ the treasury benches, he al­ ing,” he lamented and repeated sponded to the protesting trea­
afloat. tors at the Parliament House. leged that the public was “suf­ his suspicion that the country’s sury members despite Speaker
ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi, Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Pakistan and the IMF have They told the IMF official fering due to the government’s economic decisions were be­ Qaiser’s repeated instructions to
Sanjrani, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser arriving for Iftar dinner hosted started exchanging the pro­ that the conditions set by the incapability”. He repeated his ing “taken by the IMF”. “This address him only and said:
by Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani in honour of parliamentarians. posed draft of the Memoran­ global lender for the new bail­ warning that the opposition is not the PTI government any “Why don’t you understand that
dum of Economic and Finan­ out package required new leg­ would not accept any deal with more. This is the PTIMF gov­ constructive criticism is in the
Speaker NA ernment,” Bilawal declared.
Pak asks WB to empanel directs to take
cial Policies that will become islation and the PTI was not in
the base for the three­year a comfortable position to have
the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) unless the govern­ His comments drew the ire of
government’s favour? Instead
of censoring criticism, lodging
programme. It is expected that these bills passed from both the treasury benches.”What FIRs and sending to people to
Arbitration Court as India action against the loan size will be equal to houses of the parliament.
ment gets it approved by the
House.Bilawal once again kind of ‘Naya Pakistan’ is this?
What kind of hypocrisy is this?”
jail, [government should]
watch, listen and learn.
about 225% of Pakistan’s quota The IMF mission chief questioned the sudden appoint­
threatens to halt water flow immoral websites or $6.5 billion.
ISLAMABAD (APP):
highlighted the grave fiscal
The country already owes position of Pakistan and the President phones
ISLAMABAD (APP): Paki­ had plans to divert the water Speaker National Assembly $5.8 billion to the IMF on ac­ privileges that various sectors
stan on Thursday called upon flow to Punjab, Haryana and Asad Qaiser Thursday di­ count of previous loans. If all enjoyed. families of martyrs,
the World Bank to set up its Rajasthan”.
Court of Arbitration under
rected the Minister for Parlia­
The FO Spokesman said mentary Affairs Ali Muham­
prays for peace of
Indus Water Treaty after In­ Indus Water Treaty was mu­ mad Khan to take action
CM grieves over loss of lives departed souls
dia hinted of restricting the tually agreed upon between against immoral websites and
flow of water into Pakistan Pakistan and India, however submit report within 15 days.
Three FC officials among ISLAMABAD (APP): Presi­
dent Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday
from its share of rivers. For­ India violated it by construct­ During proceeding of Na­
eign Office Spokesman Dr ing Kishanganga and the un­ tional Assembly, he said that
five killed in Harnai phoned the families of Lance
Naek Muhammad Ali and
Mohammad Faisal, at a der­progress Ratley hydro­ Pakistan Telecommunication Independent Report Due to explosion, three FC Nazir Khan, who were
weekly press briefing, said electric projects. Under the Authority (PTA) should be di­ QUETTA: Five persons in­ personnel were killed while martyred at the Pakistan­Af­
contrary to India’s reluctance, Indus Water Treaty signed in rected to suspend all such cluding FC personnel lost one sustained injuries. The in­ ghan border in a terrorist at­
Pakistan favoured the continu­ 1960, Islamabad has unre­ websites which were spread­ their lives due to firing and jured staff of FC was referred tack, and prayed for peace of
the departed souls and grant of ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minis-
ity of Treaty and also the stricted access to the western ing immoral material. Minister land mine explosion in District to Quetta for treatment. courage to the bereaved fami­ ter Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan in a meeting with Saudi
smooth functioning of its dis­ rivers ­ Indus, Jhelum and for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Harnai of Balochistan. Un­ Among the dead of FC per­ lies to bear the loss. Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Ahmad Al-Maliki
pute resolution mechanism. Chenab ­ while New Delhi Muhammad Khan said that known armed men opened sonnel included Hawaldar The president paid tribute
India’s Minister of Water enjoys the same authority over the Pakistan Television had fire at a coal mine at Khost Shafique, Sepoy Junaid and
Resources and Shipping Nitin the eastern rivers ­ Ravi, Beas maintained the cou ntry’s area of District Harnai civilian employee of FC ,
to the families of the martyred
for their bravery and courage.
Saudi Arabia keen to
Gadkari on Thursday said and Sutlej.
New Delhi will stop Pakistan’s
culture and social norms in tele­ resultantly two miners were Khudai Noor.
On Afghan peace pro­ casting its programmes. He said killed, said levies sources. The dead coal miners in­
He said those laying down their
lives for the motherland would establish Cultural Centre
share of water as allocated cess, he said Pakistan sup­ that there was a censor board Hearing news of the inci­ cluded Syed Shah resident of
under the Indus Water Treaty. ported dialogue and political at PTV to monitor the contents dent, vehicle of FC and Levies District Killa Saifullah and
always be remembered.
President Arif Alvi said the in Islamabad: Envoy
Minister Gadkari also an­ solution of Afghanistan with of programmes regularly. proceeded towards the site and Habibullah, resident of Pishin. whole nation was ready to de­ ISLAMABAD (APP): Saudi tal city of Pakistan and as­
nounced that “India was not focus on “Afghan­led and Af­ fend the motherland.
He said that Pakistan while on their way, vehicle of Funeral prayer of 5 martyrs Ambassador to Pakistan sured her full assistance in
bound to follow the Treaty and ghan­owned approach”. Electronic Media Regulatory FC struck with land mine. including FC person
Authority (PEMRA) was re­
PML-N demands Nawaf Saeed Ahmad Al­ th at regard. T he SAP M
Malki Thursday said the King­ said Pakistan was enjoying
Khusro Bakhtyar sponsible to monitor the pri­ NA Speaker dom was keen to establish a warm relations with Saudi
cultural centre in Islamabad Arabia since the birth of
Federal Govt to extend vate channels and monitoring
of its contents.
to step down
Monitoring Desk
with a view to strengthen cul­ the country in 1947 as this re­
tural collaboration between lat ionship was rooted in
all possible support for One more ISLAMABAD: Pakistan the two countries.
Muslim League­Nawaz
centuries old religious, cul­
He expressed these views tural and commercial links
prosperity of Sindh victim of Data (PML­N) on Thursday de­ during a meeting with Special between people of the two
manded National Assembly Assistant to the Prime Minis­ countries. The government
ISLAMABAD (APP): Minis­ water and improvement in Darbar blast dies (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser to ter (SAPM) on Information and and people of Pakistan hold
resign from his post, given the Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq the Royal Family in highest es­
ter for Planning, Development transport system to provide LAHORE (Online): One more
and Reform Makhdum Khusro relief to people of Karachi. victim of Data darbar blast has pressure on him. Awan here, a press release teem and have deep veneration
Bakhtyar has underlined that The Minister called for lost his lifeAccording to reports PML­N leaders Shahid said. He said Saudi Arabia was for Custodian of Two Holy
the present Government is devising a robust strategy and Sadam Hussain victim of Data Khaqan Abbasi, Khawaja Asif also looking forward to the Mosques, King Salman bin
committed to extend all possible framework to permanently re­ darbar blast had lost his life. and others were irked over skilled labour from Pakistan AbdulAzizAl­Saud, she added.
cooperation and support for solve the issue of water short­ After the death of Sadam the Asif not being allowed by with regard to the Vision 2030. Dr Firdous said the re­
progress and prosperity of age in the cosmopolitan city. number of martyred reaches Speaker Qaiser to speak on Pak­Saudi relationship is not cent visit of Saudi Crown
Sindh province. During the meeting vari­ 11. “He was resident of Kasur
LAHORE: Corps Commander Lt. General Majid the floor of the House during confined to the governments, Prince to Pakistan was of im­
The Minister was talking ous projects and schemes and was police employee. Ehsan , Inspector General Police, Punjab Captain the session earlier today. The rather it represents a people­ mense importance as both the
to Governor Sindh, Imran proposed for n ext year ’s Treatment of injured is under (R) Arif Nawaz Khan stands in front of coffin Saddam speaker had instead permitted to­people bonhomie, he added. countries inked agreements to
Ismail, who called on him here PSDP came under discus­ way and the injured have been Hussain after offering funeral prayer of martyred po- Pakistan Tehreek­e­Insaf’s Dr Firdous welcomed further solidify economic co­
on Thursday. Secretary Plan­ sion. The schemes related to shifted to surgical tower”, lice official Saddam Hussain at Police line. Murad Saeed to express his Saudi Arabia’s keenness to set operation and strengthen stra­
ning Zafar Hasan, members road infrastructure, energy, Emergency director said. viewpoint. up a cultural centre in the capi­ tegic partnership.
Planning Commission and se­ water resources, transport According to Meo hospi­ Senate told The decision of the NA
nior officials from the minis­
try were also present in the
and municipal infrastructure
in interior Sindh were delib­
tal Administration two victims
of blast are in critical situation Project included in next
speaker prompted a protest by
opposition members, who sur­ Asia Bibi left Pakistan
rounded the speaker’s dais.
meeting. The Minister said
that Federal Government
erated upon.
Different ongoing
who have been kept on venti­
lator. On the other hand all the budget to link Gwadar of her own free will: FO
would cooperate with the pro­ schemes under existing pack­ shops and roads out side Data Maryam criticises ISLAMABAD (Online): Asia the dispute resolution mecha­
vincial government in the de­ age as well as new schemes
velopment of the province as and projects under Prime Min­
Darbar have been kept closed
while Police and Forensic Lab with national grid station govt over rising Bibi left Pakistan of her own
free will, said Foreign Office
nism in the World Bank but la­
mented the matter has not been
well as resolve the issues of ister Karachi Package were had gathered all the evidence ISLAMABAD (APP): Minis­ He said during last 4
inflation Spokesman Dr Mohammad sorted out.
provision of clean drinking also discussed in the meeting. from the scene. LAHORE (INP): Two days Faisal on Thursday. The spokesperson said
ter for Planning Development years (April, 2015­March, after former prime minister
and Reforms Makhdoom 2019) 119 development At his weekly news brief­ Pakistan desires that the Indus
Nawaz Sharif returned to Kot ing in Islamabad on Thursday, Water Treaty remains intact
Khusro Bukhtiar Thursday in­ schemes were received from Lakhpat Jail upon the expiry
formed the Senate that a provincial governments out of Foreign Office Spokesperson and its dispute resolution
of his six­week long bail, his Dr Muhammad Faisal said she mechanism moves forward.
project worth Rs 17 billion was which Central Development daughter and PML­N Vice
included in the forthcoming Working Party (CDWP) ap­ is a free citizen and can move The spokesperson reiterated
President Maryam Nawaz anywhere. Reports on Wednes­ that Pakistan desires better re­
budget to link Gwadar with the proved 43 projects sponsored met him inside the prison on
national power grid. by Provincial Governments. Thursday. In a tweet, she said day emerged that Asia Bibi, the lations with India. To a ques­
Responding to various The Executive Committee of she met her father inside Kot Christian woman at the center tion, Dr Muhammad Faisal said
supplementaryquestions during the National Economic Coun­ Lakhpat Jail and quoted him of a decade­long blasphemy that Pakistan has consistently
Question Hour, the minister cil (ECNEC) approved 45 as expressing concern over row in Pakistan, has left the been raising Kashmir dispute at
said the government had clear projects sponsored by the Pro­ “inflation and growing people’s country months after being ac­ all the international forums to
policy to bring all those areas vincial Governments, he hardships” as a result of it. quitted by the Supreme Court. highlight the plight of oppressed
at par with developed one added. She said the PML­N Talking about Occupied Kashmiri people.
which were ignored in the past. He said 31 projects spon­ supremo also expressed deep Kashmir, he said the territory When asked about terror
He said Balochistan sored bythe Provincial Govern­ sadness over the loss of lives has become the most danger­ attacks from the Afghan side
would get its due share in the ments were returned to the in Wednesday’s suicide blast ous region for journalists. inside Pakistani territory, the
upcoming annual Public Sec­ provinces duringthe said period. outside the Data Darbar in The spokesperson said spokesperson said Pakistan
tor Development Progamme The main reason for returning Lahore and sent out a mes­ both Pakistan and India are sig­ has conveyed its strong reser­
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Reform (PSDP) and around Rs 8 bil­ the projects remained non­ con­ sage of love to the Pakistan natory to the treaty but regret­ vations regarding continued
Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar and Governor Sindh, Imran Ismail during a lion would be allocated for firmation of source of financing Muslim League – Nawaz ted that New Delhi is violating presence of such nefarious el­
meeting on PSDP-funded projects for Sindh Province. Kacchi Canal project. to the projects, he said. (PML­N) workers. it. He said we are involved in ements in Afghanistan.

Page 02
Friday May 10, 2019
National unity shown to India
Indus Treaty &
World Bank
Foreign Office has urged the World
Bank to fulfill its responsibility re-
garding empanelment of Court of
Arbitration for resolution of water
related disputes between Pakistan
and India. At his weekly news brief-
ing in Islamabad yesterday, For-
eign Office Spokesperson Dr
Muhammad F aisal react ed
strongly to the recent statements
of Indian leadership on the Indus
Water Treaty. He said both Paki-
stan and India are signatory to the
treaty but regretted that New Delhi
is violating it. He said that Paki-
stan was involved in the dispute
resolution mechanism in the World
Bank but lamented the matter has
not been sorted out. He said that
Pakistan desired that the Indus
Water Treaty remains intact and
its dispute resolution mechanism
moves forward. The spokesperson
reiterated that Pakistan desires
better relations with India. Re-
sponding to a question, he said that
Pakistan has consistently elements
in Afghanistan. He said we have
also urged the Afghan government
to take action against these ele-
ments. He said Pakistan has al-
ways advocated for peaceful settle-
ment of the Afghan conflict
through an Afghan owned and Af-
ghan led peace process. He said
Pakistan has suffered immensely
in the war on terrorism and it will
continue to play its role for eradi-
cation of this curse.
The Indus Water Treaty com-
prises three western rivers includ-
ing Sindh, Jhelum and Chenab,
and three eastern rivers Sutlaj,
Bias and Ravi. The controversial
Kishan Ganga Dam is built on the
River Neelum which is a branch
of the river Jhelum. Pakistan has
repeat edly warned the World
Bank about its concerns. It is
worth mentioning here that World
Bank decades earlier had arbi-
trated the bilateral conversation
Pakistan and India to resolve the
issue of distribution of water. The
Indus Water Treaty is an impor-
tant international agreement that
provides an essential and co-op-
erative procedure to India and Pa-
kistan to meet humanly needs of
water and development goals
compared to current and perma-
nent challenges. In August 2016,
Pakistan had requested the World
Bank to est ablish a court for
checking the designs of Kishan
Ganga Dam other projects, but
India has rejected Pakistan’s pro-
posal on technical grounds and
had said that the matter be sent
to a neutral expert. In December
2016, the World Bank had
st opped t he working on t he
projects so that both the countries
could consider some alternative.
In the Sindh Water Treaty, India
had been allowed to build power
projects on the water sources in
the project, though it may not vio-
late the other points of the agree-
ment. We request the World Bank
to look into the matter impartially
and not to accept any interest and
influence of any global power
while forbidding India to violate
the Indus Water Treaty. Else, on
the basis of Indian water aggres-
sion, the peace of the region will
be in danger.
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OPINION Daily Independent
By Kamila Hyat party will look like or if it will
Across  our  country,  and  in
many others, there is a gen­
eral disillusionment with politi­
The dynamics of change truly discard its established
leaders.  The  same  can  be
said of the PPP, with Bilawal
cal parties and their actions. they also require many other for the country. Did it reduce engineering change within par­ But there is every reason to Bhutto struggling for now to
We can find this at home with qualities  which our  leaders corruption?  Did  it  produce ties or attempting to form new believe  Pakistan  does  have find his political feet and de­
people  displeased  with  the have struggled to find. other leaders better equipped entities which are built to as­ people  who  could  play  ex­ termine  what  direction  he
manner in which ruling parties There is also the question to  manage national  affairs? sume positions of power. tremely  useful  leadership wants to take the party in­
of  the  past,  including  the of whether any kind of change Did it change the nature of the The PML­N for now will roles. The problem is that they herited  in.  There  is  at  the
PML­N  and  the  PPP,  have forced from the outside is of party and its philosophy? The be led by former prime minis­ have no incentive and no laid present time almost no room
conducted themselves as well significance. In the past, this answer to all these questions ter Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. down pathway to follow. The for new parties to emerge or
as the corruption which exists process has simply worked to
damage our democracy and
has to be a resounding ‘no’.
In fact, in many ways, exter­
However, with two Sharifs al­
ready in the position of vice
continued  ban  on  student
unions  means  a  traditional
take root. This is despite the
within their ranks. The same fact that there is a huge need
sentiments can  be  found
around the world.
the foundations it stands on.
Under General Pervez
nal actions strengthen parties
by making their leaders victims
presidents in the party high
command, it is questionable
nursery for future politicians
has been wiped off the draw­
for  such  entities.  People
would definitely like to see
We are currently under­ Musharraf, a strong campaign of circumstances beyond their how long he will retain this post. ing board. Other forums, such change.  This  is  of  course
going a phase where political was  put  in  place,  targeting control. The impact of the re­ Room has also been left open as labour unions, too barely why the PTI, with its slogan
parties are being essentially both the PML­N and the PPP. sultant  waves  of  sympathy for the return of at least one of function. This leaves only lim­ of  ‘Naya  Pakistan’,  was
forced  to  change.  With  the Until a deal was struck with have  been  seen  again  and the Sharifs, or perhaps even ited space within which politi­ elected to power in the first
PML­N under extreme pres­ the leaders of both, activists of again. both. Pakistani politics is un­ cal players can operate. They place. Its ability to deliver on
sure, its hierarchy has been al­ the parties were hounded and This process essentially predictable and often uncer­ are therefore unattached in the this continues to be watched,
badgered, facing pressure to means that our politics has not tain. Winds can blow in many sense  that  they  emerge
tered, shifting power to new with  some trepidation and
persons within the party and change  allegiances  and  top moved  forward. When  par­ directions all at once. We do through  the  mechanics  of growing uncertainty.
also to the younger generation leaders  retreated  into  exile. ties, the predominant pieces on need a change in political lead­ power which operate in the The  change  that  has
of the Sharifs. The end result But in the end, nothing really the chessboard of politics, are ership; we need persons from country and cannot pull oth­ come does not appear to be
of this process can naturally changed. The two parties con­ interfered with, there tends to a diversity of backgrounds to ers in alongside them to take what people had hoped for.
not yet be predicted. There is tinued  to  wield  significant be a kind of stalemate. Lead­ emerge who are able to offer charge of political parties or But will their hopes ever be
too much that is not clear and power, with the PPP – robbed ers  are  not  pushed  off  the different options to the people. play  effective  roles  within met? Will political parties de­
too many uncertainties over of its leader Benazir Bhutto playing field by the people but This  process  is  held  back them. liver? They can do so only if
what the future will bring. after her December 2007 as­ by other forces. This enables when the parties themselves The discord currently be­ permitted  to  operate  in  a
The  other  mainstream sassination – winning power in them to bounce back when the are prevented from reaching ing experienced within the PTI democratic environment that
the  country.  The  PML­N right circumstances again ar­ maturity and shedding off old is an example of what happens
party  sitting  on  opposition allows change to be ushered
benches, the PPP, is also un­ stood just some way behind it rive. The necessary produc­ skin to emerge in new forms. even when well­meaning per­ in  by  people  and  by  party
and in 2013 replaced it as the tion of new leaders from within It is true that this is a long and sons set up a political group.
der pressure and may undergo
party holding office. The old democratic  ranks  does  not often painstaking process. But Keeping it intact sometimes
cadres.  This  environment
some transformation if mem­ does not exist at the present
bers of its top leadership face two­party system was back in happen  because  there  is  no it is one Pakistan will have to means the use of suppression, moment  and  has  perhaps
time in jail or other criminal place, with the new player, the opportunity for people to dis­ endure if it is to embrace last­ and this enables players both never existed within Pakistan,
action. Naturally, we all want PTI, already poised to make card the old ones. Only if this ing change. within  the  party  and  those and the lack of such flexibil­
corruption to be curbed. We an impact as it did in the 2018 process of doing away with Democracy has  not al­ based outside it to operate. ity places enormous restraints
do  however  need  to  assess poll. unwanted  leaders  through ways delivered all that people For  now,  many  in  the on the manner in which po­
whether this catchphrase is The question, however, is popular will takes place can hoped for. That the  US can country will be watching the litical  events  unfold  in  the
what these attempts to ma­ there be an effective and last­ find  no  one  more  apt  than future  of  the  PML­N  with
truly as significant as has been country. There can be no ex­
portrayed. Of course politi­ nipulate or weaken political ing change within parties. We Donald Trump to lead it is a some anticipation. It is diffi­ pectation of  immediate
cians should be honest, but parties and their leaders did have tended to prevent this by frightening indication of this. cult  to  say  what  the  new change. Courtesy The News
As the IMF moves in
Healthcare as a right By Mohammad Zubair
By I.A. Rehman
Within the last two weeks, the worse. This is a three­year ten­
By initiating a debate on the recognition of citizens’ right to health, diagnosis and treatment services of international standards, main­ PM  has  removed  the  entire ure position during which time
the National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR) has ren­ tain special focus on sexual and reproductive health, rehabilita­ team  responsible  to  manage the government  could not  re­
dered an invaluable service to the state and the people of Paki­ tion of the disabled, and violence against women and girls. our economy. The country had place him. So enough pressure
stan. As for public health, the report recommends designing of barely  absorbed  the earth­ must have been exerted for the
The low priority accorded to health in the country’s basic population­based programmes for disease prevention and health shaking  news  of the  removal governor to resign on his own.
law has been assailed in public debates for decades. The Con­ promotion, with special focus on (a) availability of water, food, of  the  finance  minister  when The reasons coming  out
stitution refers to health in a most limited sense. Medical relief is transport, housing and sanitation; (b) prevention of violence and came  news  of  the  sacking  of through unofficial sources say
the last facility (after food, clothing, housing and education) men­ traffic injuries; (c) health education for all; (d) environment, food two key players – the SBP gov­ that the PM was not happy with
tioned in Article 38 under the unenforceable ‘Principles of Policy’, security and safe water; and (e) hospital waste management. ernor and the chairman FBR. the governor’s management of
to be provided only to those citizens who cannot earn their live­ As  regards  healthcare  financing,  the  study  recommends In  any  period, three  key the exchange policy. The gov­
lihood on account of infirmity, sickness or unemployment. that the  state should  guarantee healthcare  to  all  citizens on  a players  in  government  being ernment faced serious criticism
Hence, people’s right to health has been considered much need basis and not on their ability to pay; all out­of­pocket ex­ removed  is  an  extraordinary when the  rupee  tumbled
too radical an idea to be broached seriously. However, after the penditures at health facilities should be eliminated. Further, the event  and  would  shake  the against the dollar and the PM
transfer of the right to education from ‘Principles of Policy’ to state must bring healthcare under the Consumer Rights Protec­ markets  negatively.  But  the at  that time distanced  himself
‘Fundamental Rights’ and ratification of the International Cov­ tion Act to promote accountability of the private sector. timing of these recent changes from a possible decision to let
enant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, activists believe One of the highlights of the report is that it concentrates is  unprecedented  – barely the  market  determine its  free
they can start calling for healthcare as a right. not only on curative services, but also on the social determinants weeks before  the  budget  and fall.  The  PM  announced  that
The NCHR presented its case by releasing its report Right of health, such as availability of nutritious food, healthy environ­
to  Health  in  Pakistan  in  Karachi  last  week.  Prepared by  the ment, and freedom from violence, servitude and fear.
at the final stage of IMF nego­ he got news of the devaluation
tiations. through TV channels. The fi­
Sindh  office  of  the  NCHR  after  three  years  of  research  and The authors of the report, led by the widely respected so­
So, what is it that triggered nance  minister  of  the  time,
consultation  in  partnership  with  the  Pakistan Association  for cial activist Kausar S. Khan, admit that their work is “perhaps a
Mental Health and the Aga Khan University, the report discusses bit ambitious as it embraces various elements into one fold”, but these changes? There could be though, had publicly announced
Pakistan’s health programme in the context of international ef­ a study  on  health  issues  in  the  broadest  possible context  was a host of reasons. There is no that  he  himself had  informed
forts to promote the right to health. certainly overdue. The authors are right in conceding “that though doubt  about  the  state  of  the the  PMof  the  decision  a  day
After taking note of the social determinants of health in the this may be the first­ever report on the right to health in Paki­ economy which  has  taken  a before the massive devaluation.
constitutions of 36 states and surveying the situation in Pakistan, stan, it is definitely not a definitive report. It should be taken as a downturn for the worst in the Clearly, the PM was trying to
the report makes many recommendations that merit the urgent commencement of our concern for the right to health”. last nine months. Naturally, the put the blame on the SBP gov­
attention of the government. Although the study does take notice of the prime minister’s PM  would  be  a very  worried ernor and the finance minister.
The state has been asked: programme  there is need to  consider  whether  the Sehat  Insaf man at the state  of  the Whether the present gov­
to include in the Constitution the WHO “definition of health card scheme enforced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (and now being economy. Nothing has worked ernment  wants  a  free­float
as  physical,  mental  and social  well­being  and  not merely  the introduced in Punjab), apparently one of the good initiatives of since  the present  government policy or wants to regulate the
absence of disease and infirmity”; the PTI leadership, could lead to the creation of a national health took over in August. Every sec­ exchange rate through interven­
to recognise health as the right of all citizens without any cover. tor of the economy has suffered tion in the markets is not clear.
discrimination; What this scheme, a kind of health insurance, does is that it with no sight of recovery. The government has vigorously
to provide free/affordable health services for all citizens; relieves  patients,  who  are  already  receiving  medical  relief  at Just a glimpse of macro­ defended  the massive devalu­
to create an authority for regularly reviewing enforcement major public hospitals, of the burden of out­of­pocket payments. economic  situation  shows  us ation, saying  it was  necessary
of the right to health; But these hospitals are unable to cope with the pressure of pa­ the slowest revenue growth in to  do  so  under  the  circum­
to allocate at least five per cent of GDP or GNP for health; tients, and the lack of adequately trained support staff has cre­
to eliminate social injustice and violence. ated crises at several hospitals. The situation could be eased by
20  years;  GDP growth ex­ stances but the governor of the
pected to be around three per­ SBP has paid the price for not
The report proposes the insertion of Article 9­A in the fun­ opening dispensaries in cities and towns under local governments. cent,  coming  down  from  5.8 doing enough to  stem the fall
damental rights chapter of the Constitution in the following form: Further, the national health cover could be expanded by extend­ percent in  the last fiscal  year; of the rupee.
Article 9­A. Right to Health ing the social security system to all employees in both the public inflation almost doubling com­ The new  team has  been
a) The  state  shall  guarantee every  citizen’s  access  to and private  sectors.
the basic necessities  of life, including food, clothing, housing, The  report  offers  health  planners,  researchers,  media pared to last year; and millions announced. Till last week, the
going below the poverty line in new governor was a paid IMF
clean environment and quality healthcare. persons  and  concerned  citizens  a  rich  stock  of  information
the last nine months. Moreover, employee  serving  as  resident
b) Every citizen shall have the right to the highest attain­ about what Pakistan and the world has been doing about the
able standard of physical and mental health. right to health for 70 years. The efforts include WHO cam­ there  are  massive  job  losses; director, Egypt. What we have
c) The state shall by law extend to non­nationals the rights paigns, UN treaties, the Constitution, health­related laws and no  growth  in  exports  despite seen in Egypt is a standard IMF
under (a) and (b) to the extent possible. policies in Pakistan, mental health in Pakistan, healthcare fi­ massive devaluation; continu­ prescription – massive devalu­
The study also recommends that the health system of Pa­ nancing, social security and pension systems in the country, ous  decline in  the stock  mar­ ation and significant increase in
kistan shall: the  Prime Minister’s National  Health  Scheme, the  Pakistan ket with billions of dollars go­ energy  prices. Obviously,  his
monitor reduction in inequalities between the affluent and Medical Association’s position, and various political parties’ ing out of the market; massive proposals in Pakistan would be
indigent sections of society. pledges related to health. This information should be valid for FDI  decline;  unprecedented no  different.  However,  we
ensure access to quality care according to WHO standards, many  years. Courtesy  Dawn rise in public debt; circular debt would expect the new team to
rising  from  Rs1.1  trillion  to protect  our  national  interests
The emerging team approx  Rs1.6  trillion  in  nine
months; fiscal deficit expected
to  remain  over  seven  percent
while negotiating with the IMF.
But it is rather difficult to imag­
ine that  the IMF/World  Bank
– one of the highest in our his­ led team will be able to protect
By Khurram Husain With Reza Baqir entering future  is  more  intense  for  us been seeing since at least 1979 tory; and, most importantly, ero­ Pakistani national interests.
At long last a team, a direction the State Bank, some whispers than it is for them, but for the — a military ruler and an IMF sion of confidence among the The PM surely has come
and an idea is emerging of what of Egypt and its recent experi­ moment  Pakistan seems  to programme. Egypt’s crisis was
key  stakeholders  and  general a  long  way  –  from  claiming
this government is going to be ence with an IMF  programme have  it  a  little  easier.  What far more intense than Pakistan’s
all about. It has taken more than have  been  in  circulation.  He complicated things for Egypt is in many ways. The size of the public about  the present  state he’d  commit  suicide  before
was the  Fund’s resident  repre­ the enormous  role that  subsi­ of the economy and future di­ approaching  the  IMF  to  liter­
eight months of floundering, but
sentative in  Egypt  during  the dies play in government expen­
fiscal consolidation that they had
to  undertake  over  three  years rection. ally handing over the country’s
now finally a team is being put
into place that, at the very least, years that country implemented ditures  there.  They  subsidise was  5.5pc  of  the  GDP  com­ With such a gloomy
macro­economic situation, any
finances to the same institution.
He obviously had no idea when
can be considered serious con­ a very tough programme, from almost everything from fuel to pared to the 4.5pc being asked
tenders  for the  posts they  are 2016 onwards. That was a $12 bread to  tobacco, to  the point of Pakistan currently. The trust PM would feel extremely con­ he was making all those state­
billion  Extended  Fund Facility where almost a quarter  of to­ cerned.  Having waited  so ments against the IMF (not just
entering. The only problem for
that is now drawing to a close tal government expenditure is
level between the Fund and the
government over there appears many months and nothing com­ before the  elections but  even
Imran Khan now will be this:
the shape of what is emerging as  the last  of  the  benchmarks on subsidies (the same propor­ to  be  slightly  better than here, ing together, the PM  was un­ after  assuming  power.  In  his
is in fact no different from what are now being implemented. All tion is less than 5pc here). given that their programme had der extreme pressure  to make address on August 19, he said
preceded him. There is a direc­ IMF  programmes  look  alike Being a net food and en­ two reviews per year, whereas necessary  changes.  Contrary it would be a matter of shame
tion, a  road  forward,  but it  is from a distance, but differences ergy importer, Egypt has very Pakistan has to  usually submit to the promises he made prior if he approached the IMF). As
the  same  direction and  the emerge once one takes a closer limited room to roll back these to  quarterly  reviews  (though to  the elections,  Pakistan  wit­ for  the  new  FBR  chairman,
same road that the three gov­ look  —  mainly  because  every subsidies without inflicting sig­ there  might  be  other  reasons nessed  one of  the worst  eco­ there’s nothing to suggest that
ernments  prior to  his  have country is unique. It is the same nificant  pain  on  its  populace. why  this  is  the  case).  Reza nomic meltdowns in its history. we will  see  a major improve­
walked.  In  important  ways, in the case of Egypt and Paki­ That is what they have had to Baqir, of course, knows all this The prime minister was under ment in tax collection. Surely,
even some of the people doing stan. For  example,  Egypt suf­ do under  the  programme, intimately, having  had a  front­ immense pressure to deliver on we are going to miss the target
the driving are the same. fered from  a sharp  fall  in  for­ which has seen large devalua­ row seat in Egypt’s experience his economic promises and the by close to Rs500 billion.
This has been said before, eign exchange reserves follow­ tion  of  the  Egyptian  pound with  macroeconomic  adjust­ best way he could respond was The PM will find it easy
but it bears repeating: once the ing a gruelling slowdown in the (there was a 48pc devaluation ment.  Egypt’s government  fi­
macroeconomic  adjustment economy  after  the  events  of in one year in 2016) and scale nances are much more invested
to shift the blame to other mem­ to put the blame on the former
bers of his economic team. finance  minister  and  former
under the auspices of the IMF 2011  and the  ouster of  Hosni back  subsidies  to  the  point in  underwriting  consumption
Mubarak. Growth averaged 2.5 where they are now promising I am not sure the PM con­ FBR  chairman.  This  is  typi­
programme  gets  under  way than  Pakistan’s,  where  expen­
sidered the significance of the cal  of this  government since
(after the budget), it will shape per cent per year between 2011 “full­cost  recovery”  in  some ditures  are  largely  focused  on
timing while  making  the it  has come  into power. Any
and guide the conduct of  this and  2016,  unemployment fuel  segments,  even  though paying  the government’s  bills
government almost totally. The crossed 13pc, inflation hit 14pc, there  has  been  very  limited and development spending (the changes in his economic team. inefficiency  or  non­perfor­
the fiscal  deficit  touched  14pc progress  in  actually  curtailing Removing the chairman of the mance is blamed on the PPP
adjustment will afford few rib­
of GDP by 2013, and the gross subsidies in their expenditures.
economy itself is consumption­
driven,  like  most other  econo­ FBR in the second last month or PML­N governments.
bon­cutting  ceremonies,  and
breezy promises and photo ops debt of the government crossed Political turmoil prevented mies in the world that have un­ of  the  fiscal  year  is  unprec­ From  now on,  the blame for
will appear like empty gestures 90pc of GDP in 2014. any strong economic focus since dergone  liberalisation  over  the edented. With  tax  revenues poor  economic  management
in the face of the large contrac­ All  these  indicators  in the end  of Mubarak’s  regime, past few  decades, but that  is a falling abysmally short of tar­ will  be  put  on  the team  that
tion it will  induce in the Pakistan are  better today. and the turmoil continued until different  story). gets  and  with  no  chance  of has  just  been  replaced.  The
economy, squeezing purchasing Gross debt is closer to 86pc of the  arrival of  Gen  Sisi,  who At the end of their recovery,  there  were  serious question is:  when will  the
power and slashing jobs. GDP, inflation is less than 9pc, ended it basically by ending poli­ programme,  the  Egyptian  au­ concerns  about  the  perfor­ present government, especially
Politicians who smile and the growth rate is closer to 3pc, tics  altogether. What  seemed thorities  have  to  show  a  pri­ mance  of  the  FBR  team  led the prime minister, start own­
wave at their constituents dur­ fiscal  deficit  at  its  worst  will like a “revolutionary moment” mary  surplus  of  2pc  (even by  its  chairman.  Indeed,  the ing its responsibility and being
ing times of rising inflation and still come in at less than 8pc of back in 2011 with the ouster of though the overall fiscal deficit PM had expressed his dismay answerable  for  non­delivery?
unemployment often  become GDP, and so on. Egypt’s pro­ Mubarak, turned into protracted remains  above  8pc), and  this back in February when he an­ The PM  must realize  that the
targets of derision and ridicule. jected  external­debt­servicing wrangling  during  which  the primary surplus has to continue nounced that he would set up honeymoon period is long gone
Prime  Minister  Imran  Khan requirements  are  still  smaller economy  tanked,  only  to for years  to  come  in  order  to a new FBR. and people are running out of
will have to adjust his political than  what  projections for  Pa­ emerge with  the same old sta­ bring down the levels of over­ The case for the removal patience. It’s time to perform.
style and narrative accordingly. kistan  show,  so  perhaps  the tus  quo  that  Egyptians  have all debt. Courtesy Dawn of  the SBP  governor is  even Courtesy The  News

President for joint efforts
to eliminate thalassaemia
ISLAMABAD  (APP):  Presi­
dent Dr Arif Alvi called for joint
efforts  to eliminate
thalassaemia from the country
for which every citizen would
have to play their due role.
He stressed for running a
mass  awareness  campaign
through media to sensitize the
common people about the dis­
ease  and  preventative  mea­
sures.
The  president  was  ad­
dressing a seminar held in con­
nection with the  ‘World
Thalassaemia  Day’  here  at
the  Aiwan­e­Sadr  under  the
auspices  of  Pakistan  Bait­ul­
Mal (PBM) under supervision
of  Ehsaas,  a  government’s
poverty  alleviation
programme. First Lady
Samina Alvi, Benazir Income
Support  Programme  (BISP)
Chairperson Dr Sania Nishtar
and PBM Managing Director
Aon Abbas  Buppi  were  also
present.
Dr Alvi  underlined  nec­
essary steps to be taken in ad­
dressing  problems and  diffi­
culties  caused  by  the  disease
and said a data­bank compris­
ing patients’ profiles and set­
ting  up  a helpline  for
thalassaemia  patients  were
imperative  for an  organized
struggle in that regard.
“Pakistani youth are very
ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs,
Muhammad Usman Dar in a meeting with Chairman Prime Minister’s Naya
Pakistan Housing Programme, Zaigham Mahmood Rizvi at PM’s office.
Newly merged tribal areas
PTI invites applications from
candidates willing to contest elections
ISLAMABAD (APP): Pa­
kistan  Tehreek  –e­  Insaf
(PTI) invited written appli­
cations of aspirant candi­
dates for  upcoming  elec­
tions of the provincial as­
sembly in the newly merged
tribal areas.
According  to  the  de­
tails issued by party’s Cen­
tral Media Department Pa­
kistan Tehreek –e­ Insaf in­
vited applications from aspir­
ants desiring to contest forth­
coming elections for Provin­
cial Ass embly  Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa in the newly
merged tribal areas, said a
press release.
Head of the parliamen­
tary board Arshad Dad met
Ch ief  Orga nis er PTI
Saifullah Khan Nyazee and
discussed in detail the pro­
cedure of finalising candida­
ture for the elections.
Saudi Shoura Council
approves new ‘green card’
residency for expatriates
ISLAMABAD (APP): Shoura
Council  of  Saudi Arabia  has
approved  plans  to  attract  en­
trepreneurs and investors from
overseas  with  a  ‘green  card’
style residency  scheme.
According to  Arab
News, the authorized draft of
the new Privileged Iqama sys­
tem  will  offer  a  raft  of  ben­
efits to highly skilled expatri­
ates  and  owners  of  capital
funds.  Unlike  the  existing
Iqama system, such residents
would  not  require  a  Saudi
sponsor or employer.
The benefits on offer in­
clude  the  ability  to  recruit  of
workers;  ownership  of  prop­
erty  and  transport;  employ­
ment  in  the  private  sector,
commerce and industry; free­
dom  of  movement  and  exit
from the Kingdom and return;
and  the  use  of  designated
queues  at  airports.
Under the system, which
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon chairing
Committee meeting in Parliament House.
Friday May 10, 2019
enthusiastic about public well­
being,  particularly  students
have  great  passion  for  blood
donation,” he said, adding the
educational  institutions  had  a
key role in mobilizing them for
the noble cause.
The president said major­
ity  of  the  people  were  reluc­
tant to donate their body organs
and suggested  a ‘donor  card’
system should be  launched in
country to motivate the masses
becoming members of the or­
gans donation community.
He  emphasized  that
screening of individuals before
marriage could be supportive as
an initial assessment to reduce
risk  of  thalassaemia  diffusion
to next generation. Since mass
screening  was  not  possible  at
present stage so targeted medi­
cal tests should be conducted,
he said.
The president highlighted
that  the  prime  minister  was
mindful of the prevailing health
and poverty issues in the coun­
try. The government was mak­
ing all­out efforts for improve
the health sector, besides alle­
viation of poverty. He appreci­
ated  the  young  thalassaemia
patients present in the audience,
for  their  commitment  and
strong will of fighting the dis­
ease, saying  the entire  nation
was  with  them  in  their  fight.
The Election Commis­
sion of Pakistan (ECP) has
already announced delimita­
tion of the constituencies of
the tribal areas. Ticket aspir­
ants can submit their appli­
cation till May, 13 and the
application  form can  be
downloaded from the offi­
cial website of the party. It
is mandatory for the aspir­
ants to file their credentials
along with the application
form. Moreover submission
of formal application is man­
datory for the reserve seats
of women and minorities.
Th e three­me mber
parliamentary  board  will
scrutinize the  application
and will summon candidates
for interview. The success­
ful candidates following in­
terview will be awarded the
party ticket.
The  parliamenta ry
requires a guarantee of specific
fees, there are two categories:
an extended Iqama and a tem­
porary  one.
Eligible expatriates  must
have  a  valid  passport  with  a
credit  report,  a  health  report
and no criminal record.
Last month, the Ministry
of Labor  and Social  Develop­
ment announced the launch of
its  Gold  Card  extended  resi­
dence  program.  The  ministry
called on consultants and agen­
cies  to  analyze  the  possibility
of providing incentives to ben­
eficiaries. The Gold Card pro­
gram is part of the Quality of
Life Program 2020, which was
launched in 2018 by the Coun­
cil of Economic and Develop­
ment Affairs. The  aim  of  the
Gold Card  program  is to  pro­
mote expatriates’ engagement
with  Saudi culture, and to  in­
crease  acceptance  of  other
cultures among Saudis.
“Pakistan  is  for  you  and  you
are for Pakistan,” he said while
motivating  them  to  continue
their efforts for survival.
He said it was t he
government’s  duty  to  pro­
vide  all the best possible fa­
cilities  to  the  thalassaemia
patients, besides taking steps
to eliminate  the disease.
The president lauded the
BISP chairperson for making
efforts  to  alleviate  poverty
from the  country.  He  also
appreciated  the  services  be­
in g provided to t he
thalassaemia  patients  made
by  the  PBM.
Dr Alvi  distributed  cer­
tificates of excellence among
the doctors and notables for
their excellent volunteer ser­
vices  for  the thalassaemia
patients  and  the organiza­
tions dealing with the disease.
Later, the president
hosted an Iftar dinner for the
thalassaemia patients and in­
termingled with them.  He
met their parents/ guardians
an d inqu ired after t he
children’s  health.  The  First
Lady also mixed up with the
children and  their  mothers.
She remained with them for
some time and discussed the
issues  being  faced  by  them
in dealing w ith t he
thalassaemia  disease.
board comprises of Central
Secretary  Genera l PTI
Arshad Dad, Federal Minis­
ter for Religious Affairs Noor
ul Haq Qadri and Chief Min­
ister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Mehmood Khan.
A ccording to the
schedule announced by ECP
elections for  the  16  tribal
district seats in  Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa Assembly will
be held on July 2. The seats
include  PK­100  to  PK102
for Bajaur, PK­103 and PK­
104  to  Mohmand,  PK­105
to PK­107 for Khyber, PK­
108 and PK­109 to Kurram,
PK­110  for  Orakzai,  PK­
111  and  PK­112  to  North
Waziristan, PK­113 and PK­
114 for South Waziristan and
PK­115 for Ex­Frontier Re­
gions  (FR).  Four  seats  for
women and one seat for mi­
norities have been reserved.
AIOU to provide
fee concession to
foreign students
ISLAMABAD (Online):
Allama Iqbal Open University
(AIOU) has decided to give fee
concession to  the foreign  stu­
dents, in line with its policy of
promoting academic collabora­
tions with the international in­
stitutions.
In this  connection,  the
University’s Executive  Coun­
cil  at  its  recent  meeting  pre­
sided  over  by  the Vice  Chan­
cellor  Professor  Dr.  Zia­Ul
Qayyum approved  concession
of tuition fee for Kyrgzstan stu­
dents.  Instead  of  charging the
fee  as  per  international  prac­
tices,  it was  decided  that  their
fee will be at with Pakistani stu­
dents. However, as per a notifi­
cation issued here, this facility
will not be applicable on cost of
living and  other  facilities.  The
revised rates will be applicable
from autumn, 2019. It may be
mentioned here, AIOU also got
the  approval  of  the  Federal
Cabinet  to  set  up  its  distance
learning institute in Kyrgyzstan.
ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi talking to MNA Ms. Nusrat Wahid
who called on him.
Radical Steps to be taken for
protection of children from child
abuse: Senate Special Committee
ISLAMABAD  (APP):  Senate
Special committee on issue of
increasing  incidents  of  child
abuse  on  Thursday  urged  the
government  to  take  drastic
steps for the protection of chil­
dren from child abuse.
A 14­member committee
led  by  Senator  Nuzhat  Sadiq,
presented  the  report  to  the
Chairman Senate Sadiq
Sanjrani highlighting the state
of affairs with key recommen­
dations to improve the situation.
The committee in the re­
port  directed  the  ministry  of
human rights to implement the
action plan regarding the issues
of  the prevention,  protection,
recovery, reintegration, partici­
pation, monitoring and coordi­
nation  of children  to curb  the
increasing  incidents  of  child
abuse.
It  also  recommended  in
the report that teachers should
be given training, so they could
sensitize the children including
a  chapter  on  child  protection
must be included in the school
syllabus  for  awareness of  the
children  and local  bodies  sys­
tem  should  also  be  sued  for
advocacy on this subject.
The committee  in  its  re­
port also opined that the Friday
sermons could also be used to
sensitize the people on this is­
Toll plaza move aimed
to destroy Kashmir
economy: Sehrai
ISLAMABAD  (APP): Senior
APHC  leader  and  the  Chair­
man  of  Tehreek­e­Hurriyat
Jammu and  Kashmir,
Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai has
condemned  imposing toll tax
and  newly  established toll
plaza  in south Kashmir’s
Sangam  area  of  highway  in
Indian occupied Kashmir.
According  to  Kashmir
Media  Service,  Muhammad
Ashraf  Sehrai  in  a  statement
issued  in  Srinagar  said  this
move is yet another economi­
cal suppression on Kashmiris
aimed to  cripple  Kashmiri
people on economic front. He
said  it is  an anti­people  mea­
sure  and  will trigger  crisis  in
the valley.
He urged the authorities
to withdraw the inhuman ban
on  public  movement  on  the
highway  that  is  causing  tre­
mendous hardships for all seg­
ments of Kashmiri people and
also  revoke  toll tax  charging
order on locals and allow free­
dom of travel. Ashraf  Sehrai,
reacting on recently concluded
sham parliamentary elections,
said  more  than 90 percent
Kashmiris  rejected  the  polls
Ramazan inspires to
engage in sharing: BHC
ISLAMABAD (APP):
Bangladesh High Commis­
sioner  (BHC) to  Pakistan
Tarik Ahsan has  said that the
humanistic appeal of Ramazan
inspires adherents of all faiths
to engage in  sharing and car­
ing  in  a spirit of  human soli­
darity.
Tarik Ahsan  in  his  wel­
come  speech,  at  an  iftar­din­
ner hosted by Bangladesh High
Commission here  at  a  local
hotel, said that  during
Ramazan, the  individual tries
to reach a high ground of self­
lessness  in  a  quest  for  spiri­
tual purification and the soci­
ety is revitalized with the val­
ues of compassion and frater­
nity,  said  a  press  release  is­
sued  here.
He said people belonging
to  all  faiths  and  sects  enjoy
equal rights in Bangladesh. He
prayed  that  the  noble  teach­
ings of Ramazan guide people
to help build a more peaceful
and harmonious world.
The  iftar­dinner  was  at­
sue.
The  committee  directed
the ministry of human rights to
clearly outline the role of each
ministry  and  department  and
then put  in  place  a  syncing
mechanism to deal with the is­
sue.
The  structure  must  be
formed  to  address  the  issue
of child abuse effectively and
develop  a  coordinating  sys­
tem  among  the  different  de­
partments working in the
province  and between the
provinces and federal depart­
ments  and  a  proper  central­
ized system be developed for
data collection, the committee
recommended.
The committee  directed
the ministry of education and
professional training to expe­
ditiously arrange a building for
establishing a child protection
institute in Islamabad.
The  committee  directed
the Management services wing
of establishment division to fi­
nalize  the  case  of  creation  of
posts of staff for the child pro­
tection institute in Islamabad.
The  committee  also  di­
rected  Islamabad  Capital  Ter­
ritory (ICT) police to make the
women  and  children  center
established by the ICT police,
fully operational.
and  gave  a  stern  message  to
Indian government and the in­
ternational community through
a  non­violent  way  that  they
are only interested in the final
resolution of Kashmir dispute.
He  said  time  has  come
to  address  it in its  historical
background where people of
Kashmir  should  be  allowed
to  decide  their  political  fate
democratically  as  per  their
aspirations.
He hailed the unwaver­
ing association and commit­
ment of Kashmiris  with the
movement despite facing
continued atrocities. “Kash­
mir  dispute  has  a  historical
legacy  and  it  has  to  be  re­
solved politically, so threats,
intimidation and coercion
can’t change the reality,” he
said.  India  has  to  face  this
reality  now.  If  you have  to
pursue  the military  route
which has been taken so far,
then that is not the way and
will only deteriorate the situ­
ation. We believe that Kash­
mir is a political dispute and
cannot  be  resolved  by  vio­
lence  or military  means,  he
added.
tended by Ambassadors, High
Commissioners and diplomats,
Defence Advisors from  diplo­
matic missions, politicians, bu­
reaucrats, businessmen,  jour­
nalists,  officials  of  the
Bangladesh High Commission
and  Bangladesh  defence  offi­
cials attending training.
The  prominent  among
those present were Special As­
sistant to the Prime Minister on
youth affairs  Muhammad
Usman Dar, Chairman of Sen­
ate Committee on Foreign Af­
fairs Senator Mushahid Hussain
Sayed,  Convener  of  National
Assembly Friendship Group for
Bangladesh  MNA  Chaudhry
Mahmood Bashir Virk, Senator
Lt.  General Abdul  Qayyum
(Rtd.),  Senator  Muhammad
Talha Mahmood, former federal
Interior  Minister A.  Rahman
Malik, former State Minister for
Foreign  Affairs  Nawabzada
Malik Amad  Khan, Mayor  of
Islamabad  Sheikh Ansar Aziz
and  Member  of  National As­
sembly Mehnaz Akber Aziz.
ICT  police  was  further
directed to initiate anti­child
beggary  campaign  with the
coordination of Nat ion al
Child Protection Center and
Pakistan  Bait­ul­Mal at  ICT
level. The committee directed
the  Chairman Bait­ul­Mal
and Chief Comm issioner
Islamabad to  effectively uti­
lize the child labor centers es­
tablished  by  Pakistan  Bait­
ul­Mal across the country for
rehabilitation  of child labor­
ers. The committee observed
that over ten million children
reside and study in Madrasah
throughout the country there­
fore  appropriate  and  effec­
tive measu res sh ou ld be
taken to save them from any
abuse.
The committee directed
the ministry of human rights
to  develop  a  database/MIS
on human rights violation in­
cluding child abuse.
Chairman  senate  Sadiq
Sanjrani  dissolved  the  com­
mittee  with thanks  to  the
member  of  the  committee
and its convener Senator
Nuzhat Sadiq for their untir­
ing  efforts in  preparation  of
the report, ensuring the com­
mittee that the recommenda­
tion with be sent to the gov­
ernment for implementation.
Firdous congratulates
newly elected office
bearers of RIUJ
ISLAMABAD (APP):  Spe­
cial Assistant to Prime Minis­
ter on Information and Broad­
casting Dr. Firdous Ashiq
Awan,  Thursday  congratu­
lated  newly  elected  president
of  Rawalpindi­Islamabad
Union  of  Journalists  (RIUJ)
Amer Sajjad. Dr.  Firdous
Ashiq  Awan also  congratu­
lated, Asif Ali Bhatti, General
Secretary  and other  office
bearers of the RIUJ.  She said
election of  the  new office
bearers of RIUJ was manifes­
tation  of  the  trust  of  media
community in their leadership.
She said that the government
fully believed in constitutional
right of freedom of expression
and it would take all possible
steps  for  protection  of  rights
of  media  professionals  and
their  welfare  in  consultation
with journalists organizations.
ISLAMABAD: A large number of people busy in filling their pots with clean
drinking water from filtration plant in Federal Capital.
IRSA releases Harassment of women at workplace
205,600 cusecs SC adjourns hearing
water
ISLAMABAD (APP):  The
Indus River System Authority
(IRSA)  Thursday  released
205,600  cusecs  water  from
various  rim  stations  with  in­
flow of 145,400 cusecs.
According to the data re­
leased  by  IRSA,  water  level
in  the Indus  River  at  Tarbela
Dam was 1414.60 feet, which
was 28.60 feet higher than its
dead level of 1,386 feet.
Water inflow in the dam
was recorded  as  36,900
cusecs while outflow as
70,000 cusecs.
The  water  level  in the
J helu m R iver at M an gla
D am w as 116 4 . 95 feet ,
w hich w as 1 2 4 .9 5 feet
higher than its dead level of
1,040 feet  whereas  the  in­
flow and  outflow of  water
w as recorded as 4 2 , 90 0
cusecs and 70,000 cusecs
respectively.
The  release  of  water  at
Kalabagh, Taunsa and Sukkur
was recorded as 85,500,
76,600 and 22,600 cusecs re­
spectively.
Similarly from the Kabul
River, 41,000 cusecs of water
was released  at Nowshera
and  4,000 cusecs  from  the
Chenab  River at  Marala.
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Cheema says:
Bilawal’s statement against
new economic team nothing
but display of ignorance
ISLAMABAD (APP):  Pa­
kistan Tehreek­e­Insaf (PTI)
Information Secretary Omar
Sarfaraz  Cheema  Wednes­
day  said the  statement of
PP P C hairm an Bilaw al
Bhtutto Zardari was a fusion
of contradictions and confu­
sions,  and  his  tirade  against
the  government’s  new  eco­
nomic team was nothing but
a  display  of  ignorance  and
vindictiveness.
Omar Sarfaraz  Cheema,
in  a  statement  issued  by  the
PTI’s  Central  Media  Depart­
ment, said  before  spitting  the
venom against the PTI govern­
ment, the ‘Zardari Junior’ must
apprise the nation whether the
then  Pakistan  Peoples  Party
(PPP) government bothered to
get approval  from  the  parlia­
ment before striking deals with
the  International  Monetary
Fund.
“Bilawal  must  also  brief
the  public  whether  Hafeez
Terrorists can not
tarnish courage, unity
of nation: Shahbaz Gill
ISLAMAB AD (APP ):
Spokesperson of Chief Min­
ister Punjab Dr. Shahbaz Gill
on Thursday  strongly  con­
demned  the  terror  attacks
across the country including
recent blast outside the Data
Darbar  in  Lahore  and  said
political  parties  and  the  na­
tion  were  standing  with  the
government to  eradicate the
terrorism.
Talking to a private
news  he  said  the  menace  of
terrorism had  engulfed  the
whole  country  for  last  ten
years  and  had  taken  a  num­
ber of precious lives.
QAU, HEC holds
interactive session to make
BS program successful
ISLAMABAD (APP): Quaid­
e­Azam University  (QAU)
Islamabad  in collaboration
with the  Higher  Education
Commission  (HEC)  here  on
Thursday  organized an  inter­
active session titled ” Towards
Improving  Undergraduate
Studies  in  Pakistan”  with  an
aim  to  introduce  reforms  for
improving the four years edu­
cational  program (BS  Pro­
gram) in the universities.
Addressing  the  session,
Chairman HEC, Dr Tariq
Banuri  said  that  in  line  with
the  actionable  recommenda­
tions of the students  and
teachers,  the  reforms  would
be brought in BS program to
overcome  the challenges  be­
ing  faced  in improving  the
of case regarding
interpretation of law
ISLAMABAD (APP):  The
Supreme Court on Wednesday
adjourned hearing of  the case
to  interpret  law regarding  ha­
rassment  of  women  at  work­
place till Thursday.
A three­member bench of
the apex court headed by Chief
Justice  Asif  Saeed  Khan
Khosa  heard  the case.
During the  course of
proceedings, Additional Advo­
cate  General  Sindh  said  that
the  neither  the matter of ha­
No legal hurdle in
appointing Zaidi as
FBR chairman: Farogh
ISLAMABAD (APP):  Fed­
eral Minister for Law and Jus­
tice  Barrister  Farogh  Naseem
Wednesday  said there was  no
legal hurdle in the way of ap­
pointing Shabbar Zaidi as chair­
man  of  the  Federal Board  of
Revenue  (FBR).
Talking to a private news
channel,  he  said  the  govern­
ment  was  going  to  appoint  a
Page
03
Sheikh was also appointed by
his father complying the orders
of IMF,” he added.
Omar  Sarfaraz  Cheema
said  that  Bilawal  Bhutto  was
oblivious  to  the  fact  that  the
decade long loot and plunder of
his party and that of the Paki­
stan  Muslim  League­Nawaz
(PMLN)  had  dragged  the
country to the doors of IMF.
Criticising both the PPP
and th e PML­N, t he PTI
leader said the “Zardari jun­
ior”  alongwith his  uncle’s
party  was hell  bent upon
mocking the parliament.
“The change in the eco­
nomic team by  the Prime
Minister is aimed at purging
the country from the filth in­
troduced by the PPP and the
PML­N regimes,” he  said
maintaining that the new
team would  surely  achieve
the milestones and  steer the
economy  of  the  country  in
the right direction.
He further said some el­
ements  were  active  to  derail
the peace process but they al­
ways remained failed to down
the  courage  of  armed  forces
and  the  masses. Responding
to a question regarding secu­
rity  of  Data  Darbar  he  said
the security was very tight as
they could only target the po­
lice  personnel  and  could  not
enter in the shrine.
“The security  depart­
ments must be appreciated as
due to their vigilance, the at­
tackers  could  not  target  the
followers  of  Data  Darbar,”
he added.
quality of education.
He said that  while intro­
ducing reforms in BS Program,
the universities  would able to
produce  educated, skilled  and
employable people who would
not only play  their role in  the
economic development of the
country, but also could face the
social,  economical,  political,
and psychological challenges in
the life. Tariq Banuri added that
HEC would ensure all out sup­
port to the universities for mak­
ing BS program as central de­
gree  program.
HEC,  Banuri  said,  mea­
sure would also be taken to im­
prove the infrastructure of in­
formation technology and train­
ing of the teachers and admin­
istrative  staff.
rassment of women at work­
place was provincial nor fed­
eral. He said that jurisdiction
of the Federal Ombudsperson
for  Protection against  Ha­
rassment  of  Women at  the
Workplaces  should  only  be
limited to Islamabad.
Justice Azmat Saeed re­
marked  that  the  court  had
asked the Attorney General to
provide copies of all interna­
tional  agreements  and  con­
vention.
best person as FBR chairman.
There  was  no  difference
among  the  cabinet  members
regarding  the appointment  of
Shabbar Zaidi.
The  cabinet’s  selection
committee h ad select ed
Shabbar  Zaidi  for  the  post,
wh ich was approved by
Prime Minister Imran Khan,
he  added.
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Daily Independent, Islamabad Friday May 10, 2019

Firdous asks media to play AJK President seeks

proactive role in projecting
positive image of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD (APP): Special
Assistant to  the Prime  Minis­
ter on Information and Broad­
casting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan
Thursday said that responsible
media could play an important
role in projecting true and posi­
tive  image  of  country  in  the
world  and  in  realization  of  a
developed and prosperous Pa­
kistan.  She was addressing  a
certificate  distribution cer­
emony  of  First  Professional
Management Course  of
Khyber  Pakhtunkhwa  Infor­
mation  Department and  wel­
come ceremony of Probation­
ary Officers of 36th Specialized
Training Programme here.
The SAPM said  that the
biggest challenge, being faced
by  Pakistan,  today  was  to
counter negative image projec­
tion of in the world and media
should play a pro­active role in
countering this issue. She said
that senior journalists were like
academies  and  they  should
come  forward  to  project  the
positive image of country.
She said that there was a
need to overcome the commu­
nication gap between the gov­
ernment  institutions  and  the
media  outlets,  so  that  the
vacuum which results  in
disinformation,  should  be  re­
moved and policies and priori­
ties  of  the  state  and  govern­
ment could be projected prop­
erly. The SAPM said that that
media has  become a  technol­
ogy­based  industry  and  its
strengthening  and  capacity
building was need of the hour.
Dr  Firdous  said  “media  land­
scape was changing rapidly and
now digital media had become
an important tool for dissemi­
nation of information.” She said
that the media had right to criti­
cize the government, but at the
same time it should give posi­
tive feedback for improvement
of governance and provision of
relief to the common man.
She said that the Ministry
of Information and Broadcast­
ing was mouth­piece of the all
government ministries and de­
partments  and  its  job  was  to
overcome  the  challenges  on
national, regional and interna­
tional level.
She  said  that  time  has
come to  make Pakistan  Elec­
tronic  Media  Regulatory Au­
thority an independent institu­
tion, free from government in­
terference  in  order  to  banish
the impression of arm­twisting.
Emphasizing  capacity
building of media persons, the
Special  Assistant  said
disinformation caused by com­
munication gaps created chaos
and disorder in the society. She
said modern technology should
be utilized to upgrade media to
the international standard.
Firdous Ashiq Awan
urged  the  participants  of  the
course to engage with the me­
dia  persons  for  accurate  dis­
semination of information since
lack  of  accurate  information
led to spread of disinformation.
Later talking to participants of
protesting APP employees she
said that  all  their  genuine de­
mands  would  be  considered
sympathetically.
Addressing  the  partici­
pants of the training, Secretary
Information and Broadcasting
Shafqat  Jalil  expressed  the
hope that  this  training  would
prove helpful for them in their
future life.
Welcoming  the  partici­
pants of new badge of Special­
ized Training  Programme,  he
said that they would learn the
dynamics  of  the  information
department during this training.
ISLAMABAD: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail called on Prime Minister Imran
Khan at PM office.
Pakistan’s foreign debt
rises to US$88.199 billion
ISLAMABAD (INP):
Pakistan’s  foreign  debt has
reached  to  88.199  billion  US
dollars,  the  Senate  was  in­
formed on Thursday.
Federal Ministry  of  Fi­
nance  produced  the  figures
of  foreign debt  during  the
question hour in senate ses­
sion today. The country  bor­
rowed US$26.19 billion in past
six  financial  years  apart  of
US$7.32 billion interest, which
enhanced  the  overall  foreign
debt  in past  six years to
US$33.50, the ministry said in
its  written  reply  of  the ques­
tion.  Pakistan borrowed
US$6.90897  billion  in  fiscal
year 2013­14, US$5.40721 bil­
lion in fiscal year 2014­15 and
US$4.45020 billion in financial
year 2015­16, the finance min­
istry said in its answer.
Pakistan’s borrowing
from foreign sources remained
6.520381 billion US dollars in
fiscal  year  2016­17, while  in
Senate told
year 2017­18 the country bor­
rowed  US$6.020526  billion
from foreign sources, the min­
istry  added.
The  country  has  bor­
rowed US$4.550154 billion in
the ongoing fiscal year till now,
the finance ministry informed
the Senate in its reply.
It is pertinent to mention
here  that  the  International
Monetary Fund (IMF) in a re­
cent report warned that US$27
billion worth of Pakistan’s ex­
ternal debt will mature within
two years. The IMF in its Re­
gional Outlook Report Update
on the Middle East, North Af­
rica and Afghanistan disclosed
the $27 billion external debt re­
payment figure.
“Many  countries  have
large  foreign  currency  debt  –
some $27 billion – set to ma­
ture in the next two years, leav­
ing  them more  exposed  to
slower  growth  prospects  and
financial market volatility,” said
the IMF  report.
In a separate chart in the
report,  the  $27  billion  repay­
ment figure was shown against
Pakistan, which is the highest
repayment amount  by  any
country in the region.
The  economic  outlook
forecast  tangible  decrease  in
the growth rate of Pakistan and
Afghanistan.  It also  predicted
minimal  economic  growth  in
Gulf countries.
The  report  said  that  the
inflation in the region will sus­
tain at above 11% level.
The IMF report said that
Pakistan’s  economic  growth
rate will remain 2.9 percent.
The depreciation of rupee
and  other  factors  will  further
fuel the inflation and price hike.
The maturing of $27 billion ex­
ternal  debt  within  two  years
would have destabilizing impact
on  the economy. It also  high­
lights the gravity of challenges
faced by the government.
trilateral resolution
to Kashmir dispute
MUZAFFARABAD  (APP):
Azad  Jammu and  Kashmir
(AJ K)  President Sardar
Masood  Khan  has  said  that
there was no military solution
to  Kashmir  and  the  problem
could  only  be  solved  through
trilateral dialogue between In­
dia, Pakistan and genuine lead­
ership of Kashmiris.
“There is no military so­
lution to Kashmir issue and In­
dia will have to initiate dialogues
with  Pakistan  and  people  of
Jammu and Kashmir to find a
way  for  the resolution  of this
conflict peacefully,”  President
Khan  said  while  speaking  to
20­ members’ delegation of the
British  Royal  College  of  De­
fence Studies  (RCDS).
The  British  delegation
headed  by  Major  Gen  ®  JC
Larence (Craige) called on the
President  at President  House
here. President Masood Khan
said  that  Pakistan always
sought  peaceful resolution  of
Kashmir  issue  through dia­
logues but it was India that had
obstructed  the  process  and
chosen the path of brutalizing
PTI moves ECP against
appointment of Maryam
as PML-N Vice President
ISLAMABAD  (Online):  Peti­
tion  has  been  filed  in  Election
Commission of Pakistan (ECP)
against appointment of  Maryam
Nawaz  as  vice  president  of
PML­N. The petition has been
filed  by  Members  of  National
Assembly  (MNAs)  from  PTI.
The petitioners  include Barris­
ter  Malaika  Bokhari,  Mian
Farrukh  Habib,  Javeria  Zafar
Aheer and  Kanwal Shozab.
The petition said that ap­
pointment of Maryam Nawaz
the people of Jammu and Kash­
mir to settle Kashmir issue.
He  went  to  say  that  In­
dia­  Pakistan  have  already
fought  two wars  over  Kash­
mir and now Indian inflexibil­
ity on Kashmir issue, inhuman
atrocities in Kashmir and un­
provoked shelling on civilian
population living  along  the
Line of Control (LoC) could
bring both nuclear­armed
states at the brink of another
devastating  war.
“It is high t im e for
United Nations, UK, United
States  and  other  influential
members of a global commu­
nity to explore a viable solu­
tion  to the conflict of  Kash­
mir and to ensure peace and
stability  in the  region”,  he
said. He said that a recent re­
port  of  the  United  Nations’
Commission for Human
Rights  on  Kashmir  followed
by a similar report compiled by
All  Parties Parliamentary
Kashmir  Group  reflects  that
the world is now realizing the
gravity  of  the unresolved
Kashmir dispute.
as  vice  president  of  PML­N
runs  contrary  to  constitution
and law. All the legal basis  have
been encompassed in the peti­
tion under  which Maryam
Nawaz  is not  eligible to  hold
any political and public office.
Certain Supreme Court orders
have  also  been  mentioned  in
details  in  the  petition.  Shah
Mehmood Qureshi has decided
to challenge the nomination of
Maryam Nawaz  as  PML­N
vice president  at every level.

Will spend Eid where

ISLAMABAD: Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minis-
Judges allow me: Zardari
ter for Information and Broadcasting addressing during certificate distribu- ISLAMABAD (Online): in the AC therefore cannot ap­
tion ceremony of 1st Professional Management Course of Information De- Former  President  of  Pakistan pear  before  NAB. To  a ques­
Asif Ali  Zardari  has  said  that tion that Mian Nawaz Sharif has
partment, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Information Service Academy. he will spend Eid where judges again  gone to  jail  and will  he
allow him  to spend. Account­ go  there to meet Mian  Sahib,
SC reserves verdict in Sindh Governor ability Court Islamabad took up he said why  should  he  go  to
calls on PM the  fake  accounts  case  for meet him.  Meanwhile Former
Tayyaba torture case hearing  on Thursday.  During president and Pakistan Peoples
KARACHI  (APP):  Governor the course of hearing, 30 sus­ Party  co­chairman  Asif  Ali
of Sindh Imran Ismail called on pects  including  former  Presi­ Zardari  and  his  sister  Faryal
ISLAMABAD (APP):  The he added. He said after pictures Prime Minister Imran Khan in
Supreme  Court  reserved  its of the torture went viral on so­ Islamabad  and discussed  pro­ dent  Asif Ali  Zardari  and his Talpur on Thursday appeared
judgement on appeals filed by cial  media, the  minor  girl  was posed  new development sister  Faryal Talpur  appeared before an accountability court
a  judge  and  his  wife,  who made  to  disappear  by her  em­ projects for Sindh. before the court. After appear­ in Islamabad in the fake bank
were jailed for torturing a mi­ ployers,  who later  themselves ance  before  AC,  journalists accounts  case.  Justice LAHORE: Chairman of the Muttahida Ulema Board (MUB) Hafiz Tahir
The Federal Government
nor maid employed as domes­ reported  her  as  missing. is extending every possible as­ asked  question  from  Zardari Muhammad  Arshad  Malik  is Ashrafi, Allama Muhammad Hussain Akbar, Dr Raghib Hussain Nameemi and
tic help in Islamabad. Tayyaba  was subsequently  re­ sistance  to  provide  maximum that new cases are being filed scheduled  to  preside over  the others addressing a joint press conference at Seerat Quran Academy.
A  three­judge bench covered  from the  former facilities to the people of Sindh, against you so what would you hearing of the case.
headed by Justice Mushir Alam judge’s  own  residence,  where said a Governor House Sindh’s like to say on this?
Upon  it  Asif  Zardari  re­
A heavy contingent of se­
curity  personnel  has  been  de­
PIA announces 521 PIA employees’
had taken  up  appeals filed  by she suffered all  of her bruises, statement  issued  here  on
plied that these all are the bless­ ployed around the court to pre­ extra flights for
former  additional  district  and the counsel said.
sessions  judge  Raja  Khurram
Thursday.  On  the  occasion, ings of Ramadan.
According to the Islama­ they also exchanged views on
Replying to another query
vent any untoward incident.
On the other hand, Zardari Saudi Arabia degrees found fake in
Ali Khan and his wife Maheen bad  advocate general, the mi­ matters of mutual interests.
Zafar, who had been sentenced nor girl had stated that her hand that where you will spend Eid, sent an application 
to one year in jail in April 2018 was burnt using a ladle and she NA passes motion Zardari said that where judges tional Accountability  Bureau
to the Na­ during Ramzan
KARACHI  (Online):  The
five years; NA told
for keeping  the then  10­year­ was later tied to a water tank would  allow.  On the  other (NAB) investigation team and ISLAMABAD  (APP):  Minis­ tory and economically viable.
Pakistan International Airlines
old Tayyaba in wrongful  con­ by  her  employers.  The  con­ to suspend rules hand, Asif Ali  Zardari  has  re­ sought more  time for  appear­
have announced extra flights ter for Aviation Division, He  added other  steps  includ­
finement. During the course of victs  also  used  to  threaten
proceedings, the Islamabad ad­ Tayyaba  that the  police would
for considering gretted  to appear in  NAB of­ ing  before  it.  The  application
fice today. Zardari while filing also  mentioned  that  he  was to Saudi Arabia for Umrah pil­ Ghulam Sarwar  Khan on
Thursday said that during last
ing increasing frequencies and
capacity  on  profitable  routes
grims.  The  national  carrier
vocate  general  told  the  court beat her if she revealed torture Bill about increase a  written plea  before  NAB scheduled to appear before the will  start  extra  flights  from five years, degrees of 521 em­ like Jeddah and Madina espe­
prayed NAB to give him  more accountability court, and there­ ployees  of  Pakistan  Interna­ cially from Faisalabad, closure
that  as  per  the  statement  of to  anyone,  he  added.  Quoting
neighbours,  the  convicts  had the findings  of  a medical
in NA, PA seats time for  appearance. fore  he  could not  show up  in 10 th May, which will continue
tional Airlines were found fake, of  loss  making  routes  like,
till  23 rd May  to  facilitate  in­
burnt Tayyaba’s  hand  after  a board, the counsel said at least ISLAMABAD (APP):  The Zardari said that he is busy the bureau.
tending pilgrims from bogus or tempered. New  York,  Salalah  (Oman),
broom went  missing.  This 22 bruises on the child’s body National Assembly on Thursday Karachi, Lahore, and Replying  to a question  of Kuwait,  Mumbai,  replacing
statement was corroborated by were  found  to  be  old  while passed a motion to suspend rules Islamabad.  The  PIA  spokes­ Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb  in  the the 20 years old and highly ex­
the child maid’s own testimony, three injuries were fresh. for consideration of the consti­ National Assembly, the minis­ pensive software system with
tutional amendment bill aimed at person  said  the  airline  is  in­
creasing the number of flights ter said  that  out  of total,  329 new HITIT which is very cost
increasing the number of tribal
Bilawal and Ayan paid districts’  (ex­FATA)  seats  in
National Assembly and Khyber­
considering rise in demand of
flights for Saudi Arabia.
Pakistan International Airlines
Corporation Limited (PIACL)
effective and huge savings are
expected.  He said that an ef­
cash amount from same Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.  The
motion to suspend rules to con­
Every  year  in  Ramzan,
thousands  of  Pakistanis  visit
employees  have  been  sepa­
rated  from  services  till  date
fective austerity and cost sav­
ing drive was initiated which
while 192 employees were on included curtailment of unnec­
account, says Murad sider  the Constitutional
Amendment  Bill,  2019  was
Mecca and Madina for Umrah
and the rush to the holy cities court  stay or  their  cases  are
under  process.
essary  visits by  officials  both
foreign and domestic.  He said
ISLAMABAD (APP):  Fed­ of the speaker and kept caus­ moved by an Independent law­ increases in the last 10 days of
the month. In a written reply to a ques­ instructions have been issued
eral Minister for Communica­ ing commotion during Murad maker Mohsin Dawar belong­ tion of Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam to  make use of  technological
tions  and  Postal  Services Saeed’s  speech. ing to North Waziristan (NA­
Murad Saeed on Thursday said The  minister  said  we 48) which  was passed by the Man buries Soomro, the minister said that
PIA present management had
assistance like video calls, con­
ference  calls  etc.
that  Bilawal  Bhutto  Zardari would not allow them to talk too House. The motion to consider ISLAMABAD: Chairman National Commission for
and Ayan Ali  were paid  cash if they will not listen to answers the  bill  was  passed  through Human Rights Justice (Retd) Ali Nawaz Chohan
wife alive over taken measures to improve its He said that other austerity
performance  and  reduce  the measures  included  retrieving
amount through the same ac­ adding that opposition have no voice voting.
and Mrs Valerie Khan Executive Director Group Karo -Kari losses  including  launching  of company vehicles and eliminat­
count and  public  money  was courage to listen. The  bill  would  be  later
embezzled in the past. He said that current gov­ tabled in the House for second Development Pakistan exchanging documents after in Sukkur viable new routes like Sialkot­
­Sharjah,  Lahore­Muscat,
ing fuel allocations accordingly,
stoppage of  all  officiating  and
Speaking here in National ernment was exposing corrup­ as  well  as  third  reading  and signing letter of collaboration between National SUKKUR (Online): A man Islamabad­Doha  and  Lahore­ extra allowances  given on  ad­
Assembly amid protest of the tion of  PPPP and  Bilawal two­third  majority  would  be Commission for Human Rights and Group Devel- buried his wife alive after Bangkok­Kualalampur, Sialkot­ ditional assignments to officials,
Opposition during his speech, knew  nothing  and  was  not required to pass this Constitu­ opment Pakistan, joining hands to promote Child subjecting her to severe tor- Paris  ­Barcelona,  Peshawar­ ban on overtime allowances in
the  minister  said  that  former credible enough  to  talk  about tional Amendment Bill. Rights and Strengthening Juvenile Justice System. ture over allegation of Karo Sharjah, Peshawar­Al­Ain and all cadres, abolishing  VIP pro­
governments plundered public Pakistan’s  issues.  “He  just Earlier, Chairman Stand­ -Kari in Sukkur. Multan­Sharjah. tocols and deployment of work­
money and their fake accounts waved a chit, claiming that he ing  Committee  on  Law  and
had been unearthed revealing has become the chairperson of Justice  Riaz  Fatyana  pre­ JI urges govt to release The suspect first sub-
jected her wife to severe tor-
These routes are satisfac­ ers on real assignments.
the  entire  story  of  their  cor­ the  PPP,”  Saeed  said.  He sented report of the Commit­
ruption. Opposition protested raised questions over the Sindh tee  on  Constitution  (Amend­ Rs 100 bln special grant ture over Karo-Kari and later
buried her alive. Upon ab-
SC issues contempt of
in  the  National Assembly  af­ government’s  performance ment) Bill, 2019. This report
ter  Murad  Saeed  was  given and  asked  Bilawal  to  pay  at­ proposes an increase of tribal
the floor to respond to speech tention to the recent death of a districts’ seats in the Khyber­
for erstwhile tribal areas sence of the victim for the
last couple of days her par-
court notice to Ghani
of  PPPP chairman  Bilawal nine­month­old Nashwa, who Pakhtunkhwa Assembly from LAHORE (INP):  The  cen­ awareness  among  the  tribal
Bhutto  Zardari.  Opposition had allegedly died due to medi­ 16  to 20  and  in the National tral  Shoora  of  the  Jamaat  e people  about  the importance
ents informed the police.
Police took the suspect into
in encroachments case
members surrounded the dais cal  malpractice. Assembly from six to nine. Islami,  has  called  upon the of  the  provincial  assembly their custody and during in- KARACHI (Online): Supreme of  mayor  Karachi and  Sindh
government to  release  the elections. terrogation he told police that Court (SC)  has expressed  an­ Local  Minister  Saeed  Ghani
current year’s amount of The JI  central  body he had buried his wife alive noyance  over  Mayor  Karachi whereby  they  had  announced
Rs  one hundred  billion  out called  for modernizing  and after subjecting her to torture. and provincial local bodies min­ not to implement court’s orders
of the  Rs 1000 billion spe­ regularizing  mining  in the Police have recovered ister  for  not  complying  with saying  they  cannot  demolish
cial grant  for  the  erstwhile former  tribal  areas  and  de­ court  orders  in operation residential buildings in the city.
the body of female from sand.
tribal areas and stressed manded  that  the  local  com­ against encroachments besides Justice  Gulzar Ahmad  re­
issuing contempt of court no­ marked  “where  is  that  Local
that it  should be  spent  in munities should be given fifty
con su l t at ion w it h t h e per  cent  of  the  income  from
22 Indian tice to  Sindh Local Bodies min­ bodies minister who is saying
peoples  elected  representa­ this  source.  The  JI  Shoora fishermen ister Saeed Ghani.
The case pertaining to non
every  where  he  will not  de­
molish even a single building.
tives. termed  the  new  local bodies
Through a  resolution, draft as being conflict with the arrested, boats implementation  of court’s  or­ Mayor Karachi is also  talking
ders, elimination of encroach­ every  where  that  we will  not
the  Shoora  demanded  that constitution.  It  called  for  a
the present judicial vacuum through debate  of  it  inside
confiscated ments  from  Karachi city  and demolish buildings. Have they
KARACHI  (APP):  Pakistan restoration of city according to to  fight a war  with  the court.
in the  former  tribal  district and outside the assembly. The Maritime  Security  Agency original map  came up before Let  us hear all first of all  and
should be filled immediately Shoora was of  the view  that (PMSA) in its early Thursday SC Karachi registry Thursday then  we  see  they  have  to  be
and the courts should be pro­ large scale  changes  in the morning  operation arrested for hearing. sent  where.  Land  mafia  is
vided necessary logistic sup­ present law could cause a de­ 22 Indian fishermen for their Attorney  General  (AG)  , making mockery  in the entire
port. It demanded that thirty lay  in  the  local  bodies  elec­ illegal  activity into  Pakistani secretary  defence  and  other city  and they  have been  talk­
thousand  new posts  should tions and announced that the waters. A  PMSA  spokesman officials  appeared  before  the ing like this.
be created  for  these  district JI would strongly resist such said agency’s patrolling vessels court.  The  court  rejected  the Justice Gulzar Ahmad re­
as promised and these posts a  move. Zhob and Hangol during their review  petitions  filed  by  can­ jected  secretary  defence  re­
be duly fulfilled. The  Shoora  also  called routine  exercise  registered tonment board and others dur­ port remarking report is
The  Shoora  called  for for the recovery of the miss­ presence  of  some  four  boats ing the hearing of the case. vague.  Why  the  court’s  or­
expediting the rehabilitation of ing  persons  and  for  produc­ engaged in fishing in a prohib­ The court issued contempt ders  have  not been imple­
the infrastructure in tribal ar­ ing them before the courts. It ited  zone,  that falls  into of court notice to local bodies mented. This  report is  unsat­
eas  that  had  been  totally de­ also  called  for  opening  all Pakistan’s  territory. minister  Sindh  Saeed  Ghani. isfactory and is tantamount to
stroyed during the operations. trade routes with Afghanistan The fishermen noticing to The  report  presented  by  de­ throw dust in the eyes.
It urged the government and from Bajaur upto South be approached by PMSA ves­ fence  secretary  was  also  re­ He  observed  When we
LONDON: A group photo: (from left) MP Matt Rodda, MEP John Howarth, the  Election  Commission  to Waziristan  to  facilitate  trad­ sels tried  to  escape,  however, jected by the court. see  Karachi  then  tears  come
High Commissioner Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Mian Muhammad Salim and launch  a  special  campaign ers  as  well  as  the  people  on were intercepted and taken into The  court  expressed  re­ in the eyes that what will hap­
MP Anneliese Dodds at the Pakistan High Commission. through  the  media  to  create both sides of the border. custody. sentment  over  the  statements pen with this city.

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