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Flight returns safely to Lahore after bird strike

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 20:32:00 +0500

A private airliner on Saturday made an emergency landing in Lahore shortly after takeoff due to a midair snag, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials confirmed.

The Boeing-738 was carrying 184 passengers and took off from the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore at 1:10pm, Saturday.

Eight minutes later, the Dubai-bound flight narrowly escaped an accident after a bird hit the aircraft while it was flying at an altitude of 900 feet.

As a result, the captain requested to land after experiencing some problems in controlling the aircraft. “Emergency landing protocols were activated at the airport but were not needed as the plane made a safe landing back,” a CAA official told media. The official shared the information on the condition they remain anonymous since they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Lahore. The private airline, however, has yet to reschedule the flight.

PM for NA resolution on BJP leaders’ ‘prophet remarks’

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 19:32:00 +0500

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked for a resolution by the National Assembly in response to Islamophobic remarks made by the leaders of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) drawing widespread condemnation.

In a tweet on Saturday, the premier asked the NA speaker to allow the lower house to hold a discussion on the Islamophobic comments on Monday. “We strongly condemn the twaddle by the BJP leader,” he said on Twitter.

The premier said the blasphemous remarks by the far-right Indian politicians hurt the sentiments of over 1 billion Muslims across the world.

Shehbaz said the National Assembly should pass a resolution against the leaders of the ruling party in India and added the resolution will “send a clear message to the world that we are ready to render any sacrifice” for the sake of the sanctity of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

Earlier this month, Senate had passed a unanimous resolution against these remarks. PPP Senator Saleem Mandviwalla had tabled the resolution. The Senate had expressed its strong commitment to defending the dignity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at national, regional, and international fora.

Like Pakistan, the rest of the Muslim world also condemned India and sought action against the individuals who made such blasphemous comments.

Furthermore, the controversy has strained India’s relationship with the Gulf countries, which are outraged by the insulting remarks. Some Arab countries have called for a boycott of Indian products.

Meanwhile, India is struggling to control the damage and countries like Qatar are seeking a public apology over the incident.

The ruling BJP suspended its spokeswoman Nupur Sharma and expelled Delhi media cell head Naveen Kumar Jindal and issued directions to the party leaders to refrain from making remarks that would hurt the religious sentiments of people.

Country going through turbulent times, say Miftah

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 18:32:00 +0500

A day after the government presented a Rs9.5 trillion inflationary budget, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail Saturday said the target of next year's budget is fiscal consolidation and providing relief to the masses.

The finance minister said the country was going through a "very difficult" and unprecedented period. The minister, addressing the media alongside Minister of State Ayesha Ghous Pasha and Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, said the government understands that this is a difficult period and "we have tried to reduce the burden on the poor and take more from the rich".

Referring to the budget presented a day earlier, Miftah maintained that the government has tried to tighten the fiscal policy and reduce the overall deficit. He said that taxes have been increased on Pakistani citizens who possess foreign assets along with new taxes on property.

Elaborating further, he said that the budget of the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) has been increased by 35-40pc. He added that flour, sugar and ghee will be provided at discounted rates at Utility Stores throughout the year. The finance minister also said the government has taken difficult decisions keeping in view the interest of the country.

The finance minister added that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) wanted higher income tax rates but the government has tried to reduce the tax.

Referring to the tax collection target, he said over Rs700 billion has been set for the next fiscal year while the non-tax revenue target has been set at Rs2,000 billion and debt servicing has been estimated at Rs3,950 billion.

Alluding to the soaring prices of palm oil in the international market, Miftah said a package of Rs20 billion has been given to promote the cultivation of oil seeds and added that special emphasis is being given to bolster exports, expressing confidence that exports will touch the $35 billion mark in the next fiscal year.

In response to a question regarding the feasibility of inflation and growth targets, Miftah stated “we have targets of growth and inflation but our first priority is fiscal consolidation and reducing the burden on the masses."

Answering another question regarding a revised award by the National Finance Commission (NFC), Miftah stated that the commission must sit and discuss a new award. “KP’s population has grown since the incorporation of FATA and their allocation should reflect that.”

Minister of State Ayesha Ghous Pasha said during the media briefing that the incumbent government inherited a "difficult situation", but the country needs to focus on growth.

She added that the government has regulated and subsidised the prices of wheat, sugar and ghee and the government has also given relief to the farmers.

یوکراین کے لئے جنگ لڑنے پر غیر ملکی شہریوں کوسزائے موت

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 18:00:00 +0500

یوکرین کے لیے جنگ لڑنے پر 3 غیر ملکی شہریوں کو سزائے موت سنا دی گئی۔

ریپورٹس کے مطابق روس کی حمایت یافتہ عدالت نے 2 برطانوی شہریوں اور ایک مراکشی شہری کو یوکرین کے لیے جنگ لڑنے پر سزائے موت سنا دی۔

مشرقی یوکرین میں روس کی حمایت یافتہ اور خودساختہ ڈونیسک پیپلز ریپبلک (ڈی پی آر) کی عدالت نے دو برطانوی اور ایک مراکشی شہری کو یوکرین کے لیے لڑنے کی پاداش میں موت کی سزا سنائی ہے تاہم ان افراد کے وکیل کا کہنا ہے کہ وہ فیصلے کے خلاف اپیل کریں گے۔

عدالت نے برطانوی شہریوں ایڈن ایسلن، شان پِنر اور مراکشی شہری براہم سادؤن کو اقتدار پر قبضہ کرنے اور ڈونیسک پیپلز ریپبلک (ڈی پی آر) کے کے آئینی احکامات کی خلاف ورزی کا مجرم ٹھہرایا۔

مذکورہ تینوں افراد پر الزام تھا کہ انہیں یوکرین کی جانب سے روسی فوجیوں کے خلاف لڑتے ہوئے پکڑا گیا تھا جو 24 فروری کو یوکرین میں داخل ہوئے تھے۔

دوسری جانب برطانوی وزارت خارجہ نے اپنے دو شہریوں کو سزا سنائے جانے پر کوئی تبصرہ کرنے سے گریز کیا۔

اس سے قبل برطانوی وزارت خارجہ کی جانب سے اپنے شہریوں کی گرفتاری کو جنگی قیدیوں کا استحصال قرار دیا تھا اور کہا تھا کہ وہ جنگی استثنٰی رکھتے ہیں۔

PTI's tenure witnessed record growth in every sector: Shaukat Tarin

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 17:32:00 +0500

Former finance minister Senator Shaukat Tarin said Saturday that PTI's tenure witnessed "record growth" in every sector and the government was misleading the people by claiming they face an uphill task on the economic front.

"All the numbers are published and public. Please take the country's economy seriously and stop misleading the people. The numbers don't lie despite your 'spin doctory'," said Senator Tarin in a press conference flanked by PTI leaders.

Shehbaz Sharif and Hamza Shahbaz appeared before special court in Lahore

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 13:32:00 +0500

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz appeared before special court in Lahore on Saturday for the hearing of money laundering case through Sugar Mills.

The father-son duo pleaded for the pre-arrest bail in the the money laundering case.

While speaking on rostrum, PM Shehbaz said, "It is my right to inform the court about facts regarding my bail. No case of corruption has been proved against me. Several cases have been made against and have been appeared before court several times because of them."

The prime minister said that FIA and NAB filed the same case against him. PM Shahbaz said he was booked in Ashiana Housing and Ramzan Sugar Mills cases.

At this, the judge asked, “Did you not have any share in them?”

“I have no share in Ashiana Housing and Ramzan Sugar Mills,” replied the prime minister. He added, “Neither I am the director of the Ramzan Sugar Mills, nor owner or shareholder.”

Giving details about the cases registered against him, PM Shahbaz said charges of abuse of powers were levelled against him in the Ashiana Housing case. He maintained that the LHC had given its ruling in the case. Later, the NAB moved the apex court against him. The NAB fled when the Supreme Court sought proof of corruption against him from the NAB.

“When I was in NAB’s custody, FIA officials visited him twice,” he said, adding that he verbally provided all the details to them.

The prime minister said that cases against him were decided on merit and he was released. “Why FIA is not reprimanded for not submitting challan?” asked the prime minister.

PM Shahbaz said that it seems that FIA was using delaying tactics to arrest him.

He said that the cases against me are false and baseless. "I have told FIA that i will not submit any answer verbally and will answer after consulting my lawyers."

In December 2021, the FIA had submitted the challan against Shehbaz and Hamza before the special court for their alleged involvement in laundering an amount of Rs16 billion in the sugar scam case.

After the hearing, the court reserved the verdict regarding the plea of extension of PM Shehbaz and CM Hamza’s pre-arrest bails.

Aamir Liaquat laid to rest on premises of Abdullah Shah Ghazi's shrine in Karachi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 22:32:00 +0500

Lawmaker and television personality Aamir Liaquat Hussain was laid to rest in Karachi on Friday, following the end of an hours-long impasse between police and the deceased's family over the matter of an autopsy.

His funeral prayers were offered at a mosque adjacent to the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi, with his son — Ahmed Aamir — leading the congregation. A large number of people were in attendance, including noted politicians.

Hussain was laid to rest on the premises of the shrine, next to his parents.

Earlier today, a Karachi police spokesperson said in a statement that the body had been handed over to his family after a preliminary examination and submission of a report by the police surgeon.

The development had come after an impasse between police and Hussain's family on the matter of the MNA's autopsy following his death on Thursday. While police sought to conduct the body's autopsy, which was necessary to ascertain the cause of his death, his family had refused to have a post-morterm examination.

Subsequently, the matter was referred to a judicial magistrate in Karachi.

According to a police statement, the judicial magistrate visited the Chhipa morgue, where Hussain's body was kept, after his family appeared before the court and allowed for the body to be handed over to the heirs.

Speaking to the media, Ramzan Chippa, who heads the Chhipa Welfare Association, also confirmed the development, saying that Hussain's funeral would be held after Asr prayers and he would be buried at the graveyard at Abdullah Shah Ghazi's shrine.

Family appears before court
Earlier today, Hussain's family had appeared before a judicial magistrate at the City Court in Karachi.

According to a statement issued by a Karachi police spokesperson at the time, the matter was referred to the court under Section 174 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The Section empowers a magistrate to order an inquest (an investigation, especially in cases of death).

After the family appeared before the magistrate, their lawyer, Advocate Khursheed Khan, said the police surgeon had told the court he had not "examined it (Hussain's body) externally".

Musharraf hospitalised, going through a difficult stage: family

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:32:00 +0500

Former president Pervez Musharraf's family on Friday clarified that he was not on ventilator but has been hospitalised for the last three weeks.

"He is not on the ventilator. Has been hospitalised for the last 3 weeks due to a complication of his ailment (Amyloidosis)," the statement issued via Musharraf's official Twitter account stated. "Going through a difficult stage where recovery is not possible and organs are malfunctioning. Pray for ease in his daily living."

The family issued the statement after false news of his demise started circulating on social media after some Pakistani and Indian publications carried it.

All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) spokesperson Amaan Khan Tareen also rubbished the false reports of his demise.

The retired general's illness came to light in 2018 when APML announced that he was suffering from a rare disease amyloidosis.

The party's Overseas President Afzaal Siddiqui had said that Musharraf's condition had "weakened his nervous system". At the time he was being treated in London.

On March 30, 2014, Musharraf was indicted for suspending the Constitution on November 3, 2007. He left the country in March 2016 for Dubai to seek medical treatment and hasn't returned to Pakistan since.

On December 17, 2019, a special court handed Musharraf death sentence in the long-drawn high treason case against him.

Coalition govt leaders show confidence in PM Shehbaz ahead of budget 2022-23

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 18:33:00 +0500

In a bid to express unity among the members of the coalition government, PPP Vice-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari hosted the ruling alliance for dinner on the eve of the unveiling of budget 2022-23, where the coalition leaders resolved to steer the country out of crises.

On the occasion, the leaders of the coalition government discussed the country's current political and economic scenario and the budget for the incoming fiscal year due to be presented in the National Assembly today (Friday). They also expressed confidence in the prime minister and appreciated the efforts of Asif Ali Zardari for uniting the coalition partners on a single platform.

The politicians who attended the dinner included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, MQM-P Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool, JWP head Shah Zain Bugti, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) leader Khalid Magsi, MNA Aslam Bhootani, BNP (Mengal) leader Agha Hassan Baloch and ANP leader Aimal Wali Khan.

In addition to this, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf, former prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman, Commerce Minister Naveed Qamar, Adviser to PM on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira, Chaudhry Manzoor, Senator Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Sabzwari, MLA of Kashmir Assembly Chaudhry Yasin, Minister for Investment Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Minister for Defence Production Israr Tareen, Minister for Economic Affairs Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and others were also present at the dinner.

However, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari did not attend the dinner meeting as he was in self-quarantine after returning from a foreign trip.

ATC grants pre-arrest bail to 14 PTI leaders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 17:32:00 +0500

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Friday granted pre-arrest bail to fourteen Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leaders till June 17 in a case related to the party's recent long march.

Earlier the ATC in Lahore had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for the former ruling party’s leaders at the request of Shahdara police station under charges of damaging public property, torturing police officials, and creating chaos during the party’s long march to Islamabad on May 25.

Upon the issuing of warrants, former ministers Shafqat Mahmood, Hammad Azhar, Dr Yasmeen Rashid, Mian Aslam Iqbal, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema, Ijaz Chaudhary, Zubair Niazi, Nadeem Abbas Bara and others reached the court seeking bail.

The arrest warrants were issued for former ministers Shafqat Mahmood, Hammad Azhar and Dr Yasmeen Rashid. Other non-bailable warrants were also been issued against PTI leaders Nadeem Bara, Mian Mahmood Al-Rasheed and Ejaz Chaudhry, amongst others.

The Gulberg police and Shahdra police had registered First Information Reports (FIR) against the alleged perpetrators under different sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) including 7-ATA related to punishment for terrorist activities and violence.

The court issued the warrants at the request of the Shahdara police station.

On June 9, the Supreme Court was apprised by law enforcement agencies that a “crowd was organised to enter Red Zone under the PTI leadership who had reached Express Chowk with the intent to proceed further towards D-Chowk as per the directions of the party’s highest command”.

On June 1, the apex court sought reports from director generals of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) as well as Islamabad IG police, interior secretary and others over the alleged involvement of PTI leaders in instigating party workers to reach Islamabad's D-Chowk in violation of its May 25 order.

ATC issued non-bailable arrest warrants of 12 PTI leaders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 13:32:00 +0500

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore issued on Friday the non-bailable arrest warrants of 12 PTI leaders, including former federal minister for education Shafqat Mehmood and Yasmin Rashid, for allegedly vandalising and damaging property during the party's long march.

The other PTI leaders whose arrest warrants have been issued include Hammad Azhar, Murad Raas Zubair Niazi, Mehmoodur Rasheed, Aijaz Chaudhry, Aslam Iqbal and others.

The warrants were issued over Shahdra police's request.

Multiple PTI leaders including Chairman Imran Khan, Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, General-Secretary Asad Umar, Imran Ismail and others were booked for "rioting" during the party's May 25 long march. However, the Imran Khan, Asad Umar and some other leaders acquired bails in these cases.

Several incidents of damage to property due to dust storm in Peshawar

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 12:32:00 +0500

A child was killed and eight other persons sustained injuries roof and wall collapse incidents caused by dust storm which lashed Peshawar in Thursday evening.

According to details, several incidents of damage to property were reported due to dust storm that hit the provincial metropolis with an intensity of around 76 miles per hour.

Roof and wall collapse incidents were reported from Badabair, Kohat Road, Namak Mandi, Ganj Gate, Shah Dand and Mohallah Kuda Dad. Rescue 1122 teams are busy in rescue operations in the affected areas.

Condolences pour in over death of Aamir Liaquat

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 16:32:00 +0500

Politicians and public figures have been offering their condolences online over the death of televangelist, politician and former MNA Dr Aamir Liaquat, who passed away on Thursday in Karachi.

He was 49 years old.

The news was shared on social media by a number of celebrities.

Actor and host Dua Malik posted several pictures with Liaquat and dedicated a long post to him. "My dear Aamir Bhai, my eyes and heart are both crying. No one knows how many people you helped.

The Aamir Bhai who came whenever you asked, the Aamir Bhai who stood with you in times of need, the Aamir Bhai who held your hand when you were in pain. For God's sake, stop your social wars. Stop mocking people's deaths on social media. For God's sake, spread love," she wrote.

Amir Liaqaut Hussain passes away

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 14:32:00 +0500

National Assembly Member and famous TV host Amir Liaqaut Hussain passed away in Karachi on Thursday.

He was reportedly rushed to hospital following deteriorating health condition.

Cause of his death is yet to be ascertained.

More to follow...

LHC seeks govt reply on power cuts, inflation

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 14:32:00 +0500

The Lahore High Court on Thursday sought a reply from the federal government on two separate petitions pertaining to loadshedding and inflation, as people across the country continue to roil from prolonged power cuts.

The Judicial Activism Panel filed the two petitions — on loadshedding and inflation — which were taken up by Justice Shahid Karim today.

The petitions were filed amid reports the energy shortfall across the country exceeds 7,000MW.

The PML-N's Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, in a press conference on Monday, had said alongside federal ministers that loadshedding would be reduced to three-and-a-half hours by Tuesday. The former petroleum minister also promised that the duration would reduce further to under three hours by June 16. "By June 30, it will be less than two hours," he had said.

During the hearing, Justice Karim noted it was being said that the energy crisis would end by July. He addressed Advocate Azhar Siddique, counsel for the petitioner, and said: "Why is it that all your pleas are fixed before my court?"

The lawyer replied, "This is a case of public interest. What can I say?"

He added that there were court decisions pertaining to matters taken up today and "somehow, these things need to be fixed". "This is why it is said that decisions should not be issued on such matters," Justice Karim remarked.

At that, the lawyer urged the court to "ask the government what has to be done about inflation".

"This inflation is spreading across the world. A food crisis is looming now," the judge observed. "What can be done in this entire cycle?"

The lawyer drew Justice Karim's attention to a previous case pertaining to smog and said that the judge had "highlighted a number of things related to the environmental issue".

"It will be good if work on this (pleas under consideration) progress alongside," he added.

Following that, the judge summoned replies from the federal government on power cuts and the Punjab government on inflation. The hearing was then adjourned for two weeks.

Margallas on fire yet again

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 14:32:00 +0500

Another fire erupted on Margalla Hills on Thursdays a day after the previous one was controlled following hectic efforts for hours.

Earlier on Wednesday, fire started from Talhar village at around 3 p.m. and soon spread and reached in front of a restaurant.

Available sources said that around 100 workers of the Environment wing, one vehicle and fire-brigade and 10 water tankers participated in fire-extinguishing efforts. The fire, in jungle in front of a famous restaurant was controlled at around 7 p.m.

Economic Survey of Pakistan to be unveiled today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 14:32:00 +0500

The federal government will launch the pre-budget document, Economic Survey of Pakistan 2021-22, on Thursday showing a robust gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 5.97%, with higher current account deficit of over $13.7 billion, and a mixed trend of performance by the key macro economic indicators during the year.

The survey is scheduled to be shared with the media at a press conference during which an overview of the economic progress made in last year in Pakistan will also be provided, official sources said.

The document will highlight the main features of the policies undertaken by the present government, which are focused on bringing macro-economic stability and putting the economy on a growth trajectory.

The survey will cover the development of all the important sectors of economy, including growth and investment, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, fiscal development, money and credit, capital markets, inflation, debt and liabilities.

Most of the targets set for the outgoing fiscal year 2021-22 seemed to be achieved or even surpassed the previous years' targets, as the macro economic indicators have showed good performance during the year. However, performance of some sectors such as balance of payment, foreign direct investment and fiscal deficit remained below average during the year.

توہین آمیز بیانات کے بعد القاعدہ کا بھارت میں حملوں کی دھمکی

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0500

حکمران جماعت بھارتیہ جنتا پارٹی (بی جے پی) کی ایک عہدیدار کی جانب سے حضور صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کے بارے میں توہین آمیز تبصروں کے ردعمل میں عسکریت پسند گروپ القاعدہ برصغیر (اے کیا آئی ایس) سے منسوب دھمکی آمیز منظر عام پر آنے کے بعد بھارت نے سیکورٹی سخت کر دی ہے۔

کئی بھارتی میڈیا گروپس نے القاعدہ برصغیر سے منسوب 6 جون کو لکھے گئے ایک خط کی اطلاع دی جس میں پیغمبر اسلام کی حرمت کے دفاع کے لیے بھارتی ریاستوں میں خودکش بم حملے کرنے کی دھمکیاں دی گئیں۔

وفاقی وزارت داخلہ کے ایک عہدیدار نے کہا کہ انٹیلی جنس ایجنسیاں القاعدہ برصغیر کی جانب سے جاری کردہ دھمکیوں کی صداقت کی جانچ کر رہی ہیں۔

نئی دہلی میں وزارت داخلہ کے ایک عہدیدار نے کہا کہ ہم نے پولیس کو بھی یہ حکم دیا ہے کہ وہ عوامی اجتماعات یا احتجاج کی اجازت نہ دیں کیونکہ انہیں عسکریت پسند گروپ کی جانب سے نشانہ بنایا جا سکتا ہے۔

سیکیورٹی کا مذکورہ خطرہ بی جے پی کی ایک ترجمان نوپور شرما کی جانب سے ایک ٹی وی مباحثے کے دوران پیغمبر اسلام کے بارے میں تبصرے کے بعد سامنے آیا۔

نوپور شرما کے ریمارکس نے بھارت کے مسلمانوں میں شدید اشتعال پیدا کردیا اور مسلم ممالک نے بھارتی حکومت سے معافی مانگنے کے لئے سفارتی سطح پر احتجاج شروع کردیا۔

نوپور شرما کو پارٹی سے معطل کر دیا گیا ہے جبکہ ایک اور ترجمان نوین کمار جندال کو سوشل میڈیا پر اسلام مخالف تبصروں پر پارٹی سے نکال دیا گیا ہے۔

IMF, Pakistan hold crucial talks ahead of budget

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 12:32:00 +0500

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan discussed Wednesday key aspects of bailout package during a virtual meeting, it was revealed.

Pakistan and the IMF held a virtual meeting on Wednesday night, during which the Pakistani side revealed key aspects of the upcoming budget for 2022–23. Major preceding initiatives, including taxing reforms, are expected to bring in Rs7.255 trillion in the upcoming fiscal year, according to the IMF.

At the time of the completion of the sixth review under the PTI-led government in February 2022, the reform of personal income tax was a structural benchmark of the IMF programme. PIT reforms will be implemented in the fiscal year 2023 budget, it was agreed.

However, if the government deviates from PIT reforms now, it would have to devise a new strategy to bring revenues up to the desired level in the following budget.

The IMF has also asked about alternative plans to meet the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) envisaged target of Rs7.255 trillion in the coming budget. The IMF has estimated that the FBR’s collection would be standing at Rs6,000 billion for the outgoing fiscal year and the FBR would have to collect Rs1,255 billion to meet the desired target in the next fiscal year.

With nominal growth of 16.5%, the FBR’s collection would touch Rs6,700 billion, so the IMF is inquiring about the plan for collecting the remaining Rs550 billion to touch the revenue collection of Rs7,255 billion for the next financial year.

The IMF staff pointed out that the FBR’s collection of Rs6,000 billion also possessed general sales tax (GST) on petroleum products to the tune of Rs300 billion till November 2021, so keeping in view the existing prices, Rs300 billion should also be excluded from the purview of the FBR. The non-tax revenue target has been envisaged at Rs2,000 billion.

On the expenditure side, the debt servicing has been envisaged at Rs4,000 to Rs4,200 billion for the next budget. The defence allocation has proposed Rs1,523 billion and a development budget of Rs800 billion, including Rs730 billion and a PPP mode of Rs70 billion for the next budget.

Pakistan and the IMF discussed the proposed increase in electricity tariffs, subsidies on price of petroleum products, and the expected budget deficit for the coming financial year 2022-23. The government has envisaged Rs578 billion for subsidies on electricity as Rs500 billion subsidies proposed for FY23, RLNG to get Rs20 billion subsidies and Rs50 billion subsidies for the industrial sector.

Pakistan and the IMF remained engaged on one of the toughest rounds of parleys for finalising budgetary figures for the upcoming budget amid lingering severe macroeconomic and fiscal crisis being faced by the country. This crisis-like situation aggravated owing to sky rocketing petroleum product prices and commodities prices in the international market.

The government is providing a subsidy of around Rs9 per litre on petrol and Rs23 billion per litre on diesel on the basis of calculation of oil prices in international market standing at $107 per barrel. Now the petroleum product prices in international market stands at $122 per barrel so the cost of subsidy is all set to further go up by $15 per barrel in line with new estimates for requirements in the coming financial year.

SHC allows Dua Zehra to decide who she wants to stay with

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 19:32:00 +0500

The Sindh High Court (SHC) Wednesday allowed teenager Dua Zahra — who had mysteriously gone missing from Karachi in April but later declared that she had run away from her home to marry 21-year-old Zaheer Ahmed — to decide where she wants to go, with her parents or husband.

In a three-page written order, Justice Junaid Ghaffar said the court reached the verdict in line with the testimonies. "In light of all the evidence, this is not a case of kidnapping."

"...the alleged/minor Dua E Zahra Kazmi, pursuant to her statement on Oath and Age Certificate is set at liberty to decide as to whom she intends to reside and go along," the order read.

In the order, the court also said that it has decided to dispose of Zahra's father's — Mehdi Ali Kazmi — petition for her recovery as the case of his daughter was not of kidnapping.

For the production of Dua before the Lahore High Court later this week, the SHC said the Sindh Police is at liberty to produce it if required. But the judge said that "we, after production and statement of the alleged abductee Dua, are not inclined to issue any further directions to that effect."

Dua wants to 'go home'

The SHC earlier in the day reserved the verdict after police presented Dua and her 21-year-old husband Zaheer Ahmed before the court after the ossification test as per the court's orders passed in the last hearing.

During today's hearing, Justice Ghaffar allowed Dua's parents to meet her for 10 minutes in his chambers as they were not permitted to speak to her earlier.

On Monday, Dua refused to meet her parents. It was the first time she was presented before the SHC after she was recovered by the Punjab police more than one-and-a-half months into her mysterious disappearance.

But today, after meeting her parents, the girl's mother spoke to journalists and said that Zahra told her that she wants to come home.

"My daughter said in the meeting that I want to go home. Dua said she will give her statement in court," the mother said.

Dua's father challenges test report

The SHC had ordered the authorities to conduct an ossification test to determine Dua Zahra's age. She had claimed to be 18 years old — old enough to marry out of her own free will.

The ossification test report, however, suggested Dua is 16 or 17 years old. The report was also confirmed by a radiologist, Dr Saba Jamil. However, Dua's father Kazmi has expressed reservations over the medical report of his daughter and termed it "false".

He challenged the report in court.

Talking to the media, Mehdi's counsel Altaf Khoso said the report is based on malafide intent and that they have all the documents that provide evidence for Dua's age.

"No medical board was formed for the determination of Dua's age and a junior doctor prepared the report but the court has to decide," Khoso said.

کسی کی دلی آزاری اور مذہبی جذبات کو ٹھیس پہنچانا درست نہیں: جنرل سیکرٹری اقوام متحدہ

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 18:00:00 +0500

اقوام متحدہ نے بھارت میں بی جے پی رہنماؤں کے گستاخانہ بیانات پر ردعمل دیتے ہوئے کہا کہ تمام مذاہب کے لیے احترام اور رواداری رکھنا بہت ضروری ہے۔

اقوام متحدہ کے جنرل سیکرٹری انتونیو گوتریس نے پریس بریفنگ میں بھارت کی حکمراں جماعت بی جے پی کے رہنماؤں کی جانب سے نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کی شان اقدس میں گستاخانہ بیانات سے متعلق پوچھے گئے سوال کے جواب میں کہا کہ اقوام متحدہ مذہبی رواداری اور احترام کو اہمیت دیتا ہے۔

جنرل سیکرٹری انتونیو گوتریس کے ترجمان اسٹیفن ڈوجارک نے مزید کہا کہ میں نے گستاخانہ بیانات خود تو نہیں سنے البتہ اس کے بارے میں پڑھا ضرور ہے۔ کسی کی دلی آزاری اور مذہبی جذبات کو ٹھیس پہنچانا درست نہیں۔

انتونیو گوتریس کے ترجمان اسٹیفن ڈوجارک نے کہا کہ اقوام متحدہ بطور ادارہ تمام مذاہب کے احترام اور رواداری کی بھرپور حوصلہ افزائی کرتا ہے۔

واضح رہے کہ بی جے پی کی ترجمان نوپور شرما اور چند مقامی لیڈرز کی جانب سے نبی کریم ﷺ کی شان اقدس کے بارے میں گستاخانہ بیانات دیئے گئے تھے جس پر تمام عالم اسلام کی جانب سے شدید ردعمل آیا ہے اور مودی سرکار ان رہنماؤں کو معطل اور گرفتار کرنے پر مجبور ہوئی ہے۔

پیغمبر اسلام کی شان میں گستاخانہ ٹوئٹ پر بی جے پی لیڈر گرفتار

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0500

پیغمبر اسلام کی شان میں گستاخانہ ٹوئٹ پر بی جے پی لیڈر کو گرفتار کرلیا گیا۔

بھارتی میڈیا رپورٹس کے مطابق بی جے پی کی یوتھ ونگ یووا مورچا کے سابق سیکرٹری ہرشیت سریواستوکو اسلام مخالف بیانات پر گرفتار کیا گیا ہے جس پر الزام ہے کہ وہ نفرت انگیز ٹوئٹ کے ذریعے ماحول کشیدہ کرنے کی کوشش کررہے تھے۔

ہرشیت سریواستو کو بی جے پی ترجمان نوپور شرما کے گستاخانہ بیانات کے 4 دن بعد گرفتار کیا گیا ہے جبکہ ہرشیت کی ٹوئٹ کو حذف کردیا گیا ہے۔

ٹرمپ بھی توشہ خانہ کیس میں پھنس گئے، تحقیقات شروع

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0500

امریکا کے سابق صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کوبھی توشہ خانہ کیس کا سامنا ہے۔ایوان نمائندگان کی کمیٹی نے سرکاری تحائف کی تفصیل نہ بتانے پرتحقیقات شروع کردیں۔

امریکی میڈیا کے مطابق سابق امریکی صدرڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کے خلاف غیر ملکی حکومتوں سے ملنے والے تحائف کا مکمل ریکارڈ محکمہ خارجہ کونہ دینے پرایوان نمائندگان کی کمیٹی نے تحقیقات شروع کردیں۔

ایوان نمائندگان کی اصلاحات کمیٹی کی چئیرپرسن کیرولائن میلونی نے کہا کہ یہ معلوم نہیں کہ سابق صدرٹرمپ کو غیرملکی حکومتوں کے نمائندوں کی جانب سے کیا تحفے دئیے گئے۔ اس معاملے میں سنگین بے ضابطگیاں سامنے آئی ہیں۔

انہوں نے مزید کہا کہ ٹرمپ انتظامیہ کی جانب سے تحائف کا باقاعدہ ریکارڈ نہ رکھنے سے امریکا کی قومی سلامتی اورخارجہ پالیسی کے مفادات کوخطرہ لاحق ہوسکتا ہے اوریہ آئین کی کھلی خلاف وزری ہے۔

WB projects 4% GDP growth for Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 13:32:00 +0500

World's largest financial creditor World Bank (WB) has estimated a moderate Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate for Pakistan standing at 4% for the incoming fiscal year, 2022-23, as compared to the official government-approved projections of 5% for the next budget.

“In Pakistan, growth is expected to be moderate from 5.7% in FY2020/21 to 4.0% in 2022/23 as foreign demand slows significantly and policy support is withdrawn to contain external and fiscal imbalances,” the report, 'Global Economic Prospects', stated.

The WB has cited Pakistani government's preliminary estimate for real GDP (factor cost) growth for the outgoing FY — that is 6% — in the report's footnotes. It also mentioned that some of the regional economies have prioritised structural reforms to boost their economic growth.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has improved its monetary policy framework by reinforcing its central bank's functional and administrative autonomy, which restricts the government from borrowing from the central bank, and entrenching price stability as monetary policy’s primary objective.

Policy rates have been raised by 7 percentage points in response. In India, rising inflationary pressures led to an unscheduled policy rate hike in May. In Pakistan, the central bank has raised rates by 4 percentage points since April. Some authorities have implemented policies to cushion the impact of high inflation.

In Pakistan, for example, the government announced an energy price reduction package in February (World Bank 2022). However, gasoline and diesel pump prices were recently increased, it added.

For the region excluding India, stronger-than-expected rebounds from the pandemic in Bangladesh and Pakistan helped to boost activity through early 2022, helping to maintain robust growth during their fiscal year 2021/22, ending June 2022.

In Bangladesh and Pakistan, goods exports have grown by over 25% so far this fiscal year (to April), and manufacturing production in both countries has expanded at its fastest pace in at least four years.

But the war in Ukraine has dampened activity, as rising food and energy prices have stunted purchasing power and increased uncertainty.

اشرف غنی کتنی رقم لیکر فرار ہوئے؟ امریکا نے بتادیا

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 13:00:00 +0500

سابق افغان صدر اشرف غنی پر 16 کروڑ اور 80 لاکھ ڈالر بریف کیس میں بھر کر لے جانے کا الزام تھا تاہم اب ایک رپورٹ میں اصل رقم کا انکشاف ہوگیا ہے۔

جہاں افغان صدر پر 16 کروڑ 80 لاکھ ڈالر بریف کیس میں بھر کر ہیلی کاپٹر میں اپنے ہمراہ لے جانے کے الزامات ہیں وہیں صدارتی محل سے 50 لاکھ ڈالر غائب تھے گئے۔ اسی طرح نیشنل ڈائریکٹوریٹ آف سیکیورٹی کی والٹ سے دسیوں ملین ڈالر لے لیے گئے تھے اور افغان حکومت کے بینک اکاؤنٹس سے بھی لاکھوں ڈالر غائب تھے۔

افغان حکومت اور اس کی فوج کے خاتمے کی تفصیلات پر مبنی امریکی حکومت کے نگران ادارے اسپیشل انسپکٹر جنرل فار افغانستان ری کنسٹرکشن یعنی سیگر نے بھی اپنی عبوری رپورٹ میں ان گمشدہ رقموں کی تصدیق کی ہے۔

جس سے لگتا ہے کہ یہ رقم سابق افغان صدر اشرف غنی اپنے ہمراہ لے گئے ہو۔ جس کی تحقیقات اسپیشل انسپکٹر جنرل فار افغانستان ری کنسٹرکشن نے کرلی ہے۔

سیگر نے اشرف غنی پر لاکھوں ڈالرز چوری کرکے لے جانے کے الزام کی جانچ کی۔ سیگر کی رپورٹ کے مطابق امریکا کے سینیئر اہلکار نے انکشاف کیا ہے کہ سابق افغان صدر اشرف غنی ملک سے فرار ہوتے ہوئے ہیلی کاپٹرز میں کروڑوں ڈالرز نہیں بلکہ 10 لاکھ ڈالرز سے کم رقم لیکر گئے تھے۔

سیگر کی تحیقاتی رپورٹ میں کہا گیا ہے کہ کروڑوں ڈالرز لے جانے کا امکان کم پایا گیا ہے تاہم سابق صدر کچھ نقد رقم ضرور لے کر گئے جو 10 لاکھ ڈالرز سے زیادہ نہیں تھی اور ممکن ہے یہ 5 لاکھ ڈالرز ہوں۔

سیگر نے اپنی تحقیق کے لیے اشرف غنی کے فرار ہونے کے وقت کے عینی شاہدین اور ملکی عہدیداروں کے انٹرویوز کیے تھے جنھوں نے گواہی دی کہ جتنی بڑی رقم کا الزام لگایا جا رہا ہے اتنی مقدار میں نقد رقم کے کوئی آثار نظر نہیں آئے تھے۔

عینی شاہدین اور عہدیداروں کی گواہی اپنی جگہ لیکن سیگر کو اپنی تحقیق کے دوران صدارتی ہاؤس، نیشنل ڈائریکٹوریٹ آف سیکیورٹی اور افغان بینک سے غائب ہونے والے کروڑوں ڈالرز کا کچھ پتہ نہ چل سکا۔