PML-N MPA Bilal Yasin is out of danger, says doctor

PML-N MPA Bilal Yasin has been transferred to an intensive care unit (ICU) following surgery where his condition is said to be stable.

Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Fayaz Bajwa, who operated the PML-N leader, said that Bilal was shot in the abdomen and in the hip bone.
"The surgery was performed using modern technology, and the recovery period will last between six and nine months," Dr Bajwa stated, adding that doctors would assess his condition after two days and decide about shifting him to the ward.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/punjab/item/110507-pml-n-mpa-bilal-yasin-is-out-of-danger-says-doctor.html

Pakistan's economic position will be 'far better' by August: Fawad

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Friday insisted that Pakistan was heading in the "right direction" and that the country's economy will be "far better" by August 2022.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Chaudhry said a phase was being commenced in Pakistan in which the social protection programmes will take effect, paving the way for improvement of the overall economic situation of the country.

He informed that the PTI-led government had to return $55 billion in its next two years in debt payment, adding that a sum of $32bn had already been paid under debts in the last three years.

"We are paying the price for the legacy left by Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif," the minister said, in reference to the last two governments of the PPP and PML-N.

Dispelling the impression given by the opposition about the country failing at the economic front, Chaudhry said Shehbaz Sharif and other opposition leaders should not worry about the country as "it is heading in the right direction, and people are witnessing it".

'Our politics, defence and economy are all stable'
The minister stressed that Pakistan's politics, defence and economy were all quite stable.

He said the national economy was growing at five per cent and it will further stabilise in time to come.

"Also, take an example of the coronavirus pandemic as such calamities occur once in 100 years and Pakistan's strategy to tackle it is being praised worldwide," he added.

Chaudhry, while continuing with his criticism of rival parties, said the opposition leaders were all panicked after the government expressed its intent to bring Nawaz Sharif back to Pakistan.

"We want the Lahore High Court to move on his case and Nawaz should be brought back at the earliest," he said.

He added that the government also wanted that cases involving Shehbaz Sharif should be taken up on a day-to-day basis.

The minister stonewalled a query when asked about the political implications of the "most important" appointment the prime minister was set to make in 2022 and wrapped his answer by succinctly saying "for God's sake".

The minister, while highlighting the importance of the film and drama industry, rued that the country had not been able to utilise the potential of the vital industry for its image-building.

"Our stories have to be told through films and the way we ended our film industry was really unfortunate. We will now revive the medium to tell the story of Pakistan to the world."

Chaudhry said he was pleased that the dollar depreciated against the rupee after the introduction of the Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2021 in the National Assembly on Thursday.

"This inflation cycle will break in three to four months, while the prices of vegetables will also decline in a couple of months," he added.

The information minister said Pakistan would have gone bankrupt had Imran not been the prime minister of the country.

"If Pakistan is floating today, it's because of Imran Khan and the PTI's economic team," claimed the minister.

He said the system through which Pakistan had been governed for the past several years was no more in practice. "Now, for the first time, a people-centric government is working in Pakistan".

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110494-pakistan-s-economic-position-will-be-far-better-by-august-fawad.html

PM Imran Khan launches Naya Pakistan Sehat Card

Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched the Naya Pakistan Sehat Card for all citizens, stating that each family would be eligible for medical treatment up to one million rupees per year under the universal health coverage programme.

The premier stated that not everyone can take such revolutionary decisions as the PTI did, citing the example of the health card as one.

"Today, every family in Punjab will be eligible for a health card," he said, adding that a welfare state is one where all citizens have equal opportunity for growth and prosperity.

He said it was in the State of Madina that for the first time in history, the state accepted responsibility for society's underprivileged segment.

The PM stated that while the welfare state model can be seen in contemporary Europe, it is not seen in Muslim countries.

In a dig at the PML-N's mantra of transforming Pakistan into an Asian Tiger, the premier stated, "Asian Tiger is nothing in comparison to the State of Madinah; we are attempting to put Pakistan on a path of prosperity."

He stated that now that the government will not spend money on building hospitals because private individuals will build them instead.

"We want to ensure that everyone in rural areas has access to health care, and by March 2022, all families in Punjab will have health cards."

During his day-long visit to the provincial capital, the prime minister will also chair different meetings on administrative and political affairs, law and order, and development projects.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110493-pm-imran-khan-launches-naya-pakistan-sehat-card.html

4 soldiers embrace martyrdom in Mir Ali operation: ISPR

Four Pakistan Army soldiers embraced martyrdom in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) Friday in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, confirmed the ISPR.

One terrorist was apprehended along with weapons and ammunition," said the ISPR, adding that the four soldiers were martyred during an "intense exchange of fire."

The names of the martyred soldiers are:

Havaldar Munawar, 40, resident of Bahawalnagar, Sepoy Zaka Ullah, 31, resident of Laki Marwat, Sepoy Farhan, 34, resident of Kohat and Sepoy Sheraz, 30, resident of Abbottabad.

In another IBO, two militants were gunned down by security forces while weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the militants.

The two terrorists killed during the IBO have been identified as Shahzeb alias Zakir and Daniyal. "These terrorists were involved in terrorist activities against security forces, target killing and kidnapping for ransom," it added.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110492-4-soldiers-embrace-martyrdom-in-mir-ali-operation-ispr.html

China's Huawei says 2021 revenues down almost 30%, sees challenges ahead

Chinese telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd (HWT.UL), battered by U.S. sanctions, expects 2021 revenue to have declined nearly 30% and predicted continued challenges in the New Year. Revenue for the year is expected to be 634 billion yuan ($99.48 billion), rotating chairman Guo Ping said in a New Year letter to employees on Friday.

That represents a fall of 28.9% from 2020 revenues of 891.4 billion yuan. Guo said next year "will come with its fair share of challenges" but that he was satisfied with Huawei's 2021 business performance.

"An unpredictable business environment, the politicisation of technology, and a growing deglobalisation movement all present serious challenges," the letter, published on the company's website, read.

In 2019, the U.S. Trump administration imposed a trade ban on Huawei, citing national security, which barred the company from using Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL.O) Android for its new smartphones, among other critical U.S.-origin technology.

The U.S. sanctions, together with weaker domestic consumption due to the coronavirus, weighed on Huawei. "We need to stick to our strategy and respond rationally to external forces that are beyond our control," Guo said.

Huawei will continue focusing on information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, the letter said. Third-quarter revenue fell 38% compared with a year earlier, Huawei's latest earnings report shows.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/technology/item/110490-china-s-huawei-says-2021-revenues-down-almost-30-sees-challenges-ahead.html

Coronavirus: Pakistan records 515 fresh corona cases in a day

Pakistan has reported 6 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of confirmed positive cases has surged to 1,295,376. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,927 on Friday.

According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 515 persons were tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
481,689 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 444,977 in Punjab, 181,370 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 108,618 in Islamabad, 34,660 in Azad Kashmir, 33,633 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

 

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110489-coronavirus-pakistan-records-515-fresh-corona-cases-in-a-day.html

Babar Azam nominated for 2021 ICC Men's ODI Player of the Year award

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday unveiled nominations for its ODI Player of the Year award, with Pakistan skipper Babar Azam one of four contenders for the accolade.

The national skipper scored 405 runs in six matches in the outgoing year at an average of 67.50 with two centuries in the 50-over format.

Alongside Azam, Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan, Ireland's Paul Stirling and South Africa's Janneman Malan have been named as contenders for the award.

Last year, India's Virat Kohli had bagged the ODI Player of the Decade for his standout performances in the previous 10 years.

Describing Azam as the "top-ranked batter", the ICC said the Pakistan skipper played only six ODIs in 2021, "but he made vital contributions" in both the series his team played this year".

With the nomination, the ICC also posted a video recap of Azam's feats in 2021 and titled it "Babar Azam: pride of Pakistan"

The global cricket body said Azam was the second-highest run-scorer with 228 runs and was the player of the match in both of Pakistan's wins in the 2-1 series victory against South Africa in April 2021.

"He was the architect of Pakistan's chase of 274 in the first ODI with a century and laid the foundation with an 82-ball 94 in the final ODI where the visitors posted 320 batting first.

According to ICC, Azam's best performance in 2021 came in the third match of the three-match ODI series against England in July, with the previous two games already triumphed by the English side.

In the July 13th game, Pakistan, while batting first, had posted 331 with Azam scoring close to 50 per cent of the team's runs.

With the milestone out of the way, Azam exploded in the death overs and almost batted through the innings, getting out in the last over for 158, his highest-ever ODI score, said the ICC.

The game had ended with James Vince and Lewis Gregory stealing the show with a stunning 129-run stand for the sixth wicket as England chased down the total down with two overs to spare.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/sports/item/110482-babar-azam-nominated-for-2021-icc-men-s-odi-player-of-the-year-award.html

Govt unveils supplementary finance bill in line with IMF's demands

Federal Minister for Finance Shaukat Tarin presents the much-awaited supplementary finance bill — termed by the Opposition as a "mini-budget" — in the National Assembly, as a pre-requisite to resume the $6 billion External Fund Facility (EFF) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The opposition staged a vehement protest and chanted slogans to prevent Shaukat Tarin from introducing the Finance Bill 2021 and SBP Amendment Bill in the House.

According to the finance ministry's proposal, the government will impose a tax on approximately 150 goods at a rate of 17%. Therefore, goods that were currently either completely exempt from General Sales Tax (GST) or being taxed at 5% to 12% rates would now be taxed at 17%.

The income tax rate on mobile phone calls is expected to increase from 10% to 15%.

Meanwhile, the GST rate on cars above 850cc will go up to 17% and the tax on the import of electric vehicles in CBU conditions will increase from 5% to 17%. Business to business transactions will go up from 16.9% to 17%.

Zero-rating available on supplies of raw materials for imported milk would be withdrawn and be taxed at 17%.

The supplies to duty-free shops will be taxed at 17%. As they will be taxed for the first time, there are no revenue estimates.

The finance bill also proposes that bread prepared in bakeries, restaurants, food chains and shops be taxed at a 17% rate.

The bill increases the tax collection target from Rs5,829 billion to Rs6,100 billion for the remaining financial year. The government has also reduced the development programmes by Rs200 billion.

The "mini-budget" was one of the conditions of the IMF which was to be met before January 12, 2022, in order to recover more than $1 billion in instalments from the Fund.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan had summoned a federal cabinet meeting to approve the Finance Bill, which was later to be presented in the National Assembly.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110480-govt-unveils-supplementary-finance-bill-in-line-with-imf-s-demands.html

Coronavirus pandemic affected the educational activities the most IN 2021

The year 2021 cannot be considered a good educational year as the coronavirus pandemic affected the educational activities the most.

The year 2021 passed under the coronavirus regime which affected all the aspects of life including education. There was either 50% attendance or the educational institutions were closed overall. Education minister Sindh, Sardar Shah said that the education sector has been adversely affected; online classes can not compare physical classes.

The continuous rise in coronavirus cases by each passing day was the reason that metric and intermediate students could give only optional exams. Metric exams were conducted on the 5th of July whereas intermediate exams were delayed by 26th of July. This caused the results to be announced late eventually causing the new educational year to be started by a delay.

The educational minister stood firm on the stance that they will try their best to continue the educational year 2022 without any issues.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/education/item/110478-coronavirus-pandemic-affected-the-educational-activities-the-most-in-2021.html

Pakistan reports 3 more corona deaths in 24 hours

Pakistan has reported 3 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 1,294,861. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,921 on Thursday. According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 482 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

Punjab remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Till now 13,066 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab, 7,666 in Sindh 5,927 in KP, 967 in Islamabad, 746 in Azad Kashmir, 363 in Balochistan, and 186 in GB.

Furthermore 481,381 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 444,862 in Punjab 181,334 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 108,565 in Islamabad, 34,660 in Azad Kashmir 33,630 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

Pakistan has so far conducted 23,324,549 coronavirus tests and 50,662 in the last 24 hours. 1,255,931 patients have recovered in the country whereas 639 patients are in critical condition.

The COVID-19 positivity ratio was recorded at 0.95 percent.

So far, 95,159,489 people have received their first dose of coronavirus vaccine including 897,864 in last 24 hours. 68,508,472 citizens have been fully vaccinated while 1,002,233 received their second dose in last 24 hours.

The number of total administered doses has reached to 153,477,237 with 1,526,150 in the last 24 hours.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110477-pakistan-reports-3-more-corona-deaths-in-24-hours.html

Nawaz Sharif won't return, govt will bring him back: Fawad

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Tuesday said that the government will bring PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif back after the finalisation of an agreement with the UK government, as he ruled out the possibility of Nawaz's voluntary return to the country, The News reported Wednesday.

"We will bring back the PML-N leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif because he himself will never return,” Fawad said during a media briefing on the federal cabinet meeting held Tuesday which was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier in the day.

The minister told the media that matters regarding Nawaz's return had been settled with Britain to "a great extent".

“We have been addressing the legal lacunas relating to the matter for the last two years. Rest assured, he will not return, but we will bring him back,” Fawad said emphatically.

About PML-N leader Ayaz Sadiq's claim about Nawaz Sharif's return, he said that his statement caused a setback to Jati Umra [the residence of the Sharif family], wondering what he was talking about.

Fawad said the cabinet meeting approved formation of a joint investigation committee (JIT) to probe the murder of Nazim Jokhio.

He said the cabinet approved the National Security Policy (NSP) and the policy documents would be made public in 10 days. He pointed out that the economic strategy had also been included in the national security policy and that security could not be guaranteed if your economy was not strong.

The minister said that an important point of the policy was that if the common man was not protected, or he was not satisfied with his economic, social and legal status, then no policy would be successful; therefore it is economy-centric. He contended that the policy was started in 2014 and it was approved in 2021. In the past, the policy was not approved because there was no consensus.

He said that for the first time a government was in place which was capable of soliciting the views of all, and Imran Khan is a prime minister who is trusted by all.

The minister said that the policy also included the policies of internal security, food security and other ministries.

Fawad censures Fazl to give dates to topple PTI govt

He came down hard on the opposition and said Maulana Fazlur Rehman had been giving dates for three years against the government and recalled when the PTI came to power, the Maulana came to Islamabad in the first year of government with ‘leftovers’.

The minister said he thought he would overthrow the government, but had been giving a new date every three months; the media should bring out his statements of three years. He emphasised that the opposition was not capable of toppling the government, as it required leadership which they did not have.

“They are only issuing statements to appease their workers. Everybody knows that Imran Khan gave them [the] toughest time while in [the] Opposition,” he noted.

Fawad continued that there were daily-wage politicians in the Opposition and they earn their wages. He pointed out that after Rana Shamim's affidavit, it became clear how big a Sicilian mafia Nawaz Sharif & Company is.

“They want to get the cases decided in their favour by putting pressure on courts,” he added.

Regarding reports of a ‘mini budget’, the minister emphasised that it was not a mini budget but the government was making some financial adjustments.

“We have to go to IMF after what Nawaz Sharif and Zardari have done to Pakistan,” he added.

He advised the opposition to come up with an alternative to the “mini-budget” instead of merely issuing statements. He added that a bill in that regard would be passed in the current session and it had been initially discussed in the cabinet meeting.

There are reports the cabinet will meet again on Wednesday to further deliberate on the proposed ‘mini-budget’ and accord approval to it before being taken up in Parliament for consideration and adoption.

The minister said the cabinet meeting was briefed on urea production; agriculture has improved in the last two years, wheat, rice and sugarcane production has become historic, due to which purchase of vehicles, medicines and other items have increased.

He said that now there is a crisis of shortage of fertilizers, the price of fertilizers in the world market has increased by 12%, gas was supplied for urea production in Pakistan even in these two months when gas is not supplied to the urea plant.

Fawad claimed that Pakistan had the highest production of urea this year: At a time when the price of urea in the world market is more than 10,000, the price of urea in Pakistan is between Rs1,700 to 1,800. He added that urea was in short supply in many places due to hoarding and smuggling.

The cabinet, he noted, asked the Punjab government to stop stockpiling of urea, which would not reduce the price but would end the shortage.

The minister said that the appointment of Board of Directors of House Building Finance Company Limited has been approved on the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will include Shehzad Naqvi, Faiza Kapadia, Yasmeen Lari, Adnan Ali and Imran Ahad.

The forum has given in-principle approval to the draft for the Intermediate Board Coordination Commission to enhance the verification of documents, liaison and cooperation among all the boards of education. Likewise, an approval has been given to appoint Muhammad Asim as executive to the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA).

He said that Citizen Building F-9 Park was being converted into Gandhara Heritage and Culture Centre and the committee would be headed by the prime minister. He said that Ms Nazia Shaheen and Shabar Abbas had been demanded by the Italian government to be taken into custody for their alleged involvement in a murder in Italy: They will be sent back to Italy.

Fawad said that similarly the UAE had demanded taking Muhammad Usman into custody and action was being taken to send him to the UAE.

He said that on the recommendation of Lahore High Court, approval has been given to shift Banking Court No. 1 from Multan to Dera Ghazi Khan.

Fawad said that approval has been given to set up a 200 million gallon water plant in Gwadar, this is a CPEC project and it will enable the citizens of Gwadar to get clean water.

He said that Dr Shaista Zeeshan has been approved to be appointed as Executive Member National Medical Authority for four years and on the recommendation of Drug Regulatory Authority has been approved to change the composition of three drugs but there will be no change in their selling price.

The minister said that approximately Rs23 million worth of goods, including N95, safety shoes, and dresses, had been approved for Cuba to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

He said that the cabinet has sent the draft of Pakistan Planning and Management Bill 2021 to the committee on the recommendation of the Ministry of Planning.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110470-nawaz-sharif-won-t-return-govt-will-bring-him-back-fawad.html

Opposition senators seek details of retired military officers' appointments in NADRA

Opposition leaders in the Senate on Wednesday sought details of retired military officials appointed at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

The senators' demand came after the Ministry of Interior submitted a detailed answer in the Upper House of the Parliament, where it stated that none of the 13,997 employees of NADRA belong to the military — whether on service or retired.

Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed, during a session of the Senate, said the ministry's response was incomplete and asked for a complete record of the military personnel who were appointed by NADRA after they retired from the army.

"The youth of the country are searching for jobs [...] but they cannot find any," the senator said, as he reiterated his demand of making the data of retired army officers appointed in NADRA available.

PML-N Senator Azam Nazir Tarar said that he had received information that retired military officers were working as directors and deputy directors at the database authority.

Extending Ahmed's questions, Tarar demanded the reason behind their appointment, when and how many were appointed, and whether they were given employment on the basis of merit or quota.

"What were the additional qualifications of the retired military personnel? The details of their assignments should also be provided," he added.

Responding to the queries, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan asked the senators to submit the questions afresh, so the Ministry of Interior could reply accordingly.

Ruckus over NSP; token walkout

Meanwhile, there was ruckus in the upper house of Parliament, as senators lashed out at the government for not presenting the National Security Policy (NSP) in the Senate.

"What sort of a policy is this that the parliament did not get a chance to debate over? The parliament has not even seen this policy," Senator Sherry Rehman said, chiding the government.

Leader of the House for the Senate Dr Shahzad Waseem said the NSP was presented to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, but the Opposition decided to boycott the session.

However, he noted that when "the men in uniform come to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security meeting, then the Opposition rushed to attend it".

In response, the Opposition members protested in front of the senate chairman's dias and then staged a token walkout. Later, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani was able to restore order to the house.

The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday approved Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) 2022-2026, and on Tuesday, it received the federal cabinet's nod as well.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110469-opposition-senators-seek-details-of-retired-military-officers-appointments-in-nadra.html

Bitcoin falls 6.1 percent to $47,607

Bitcoin dropped 6.13% to $47,606.92 on Tuesday, losing $3,111.19 from its previous close.

Bitcoin, the world's biggest and best-known cryptocurrency, is down 31% from the year's high of $69,000 on Nov. 10.

Ether, the coin linked to the ethereum blockchain network, dropped 5.57 % to $3,812.6 on Tuesday, losing $224.8 from its previous close.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/technology/item/110467-bitcoin-falls-6-1-percent-to-47-607.html

Nawaz Sharif’s return to country will have no effect on PM Imran Khan: Sheikh Rasheed

Federal Minister for Interior Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Wednesday said that Nawaz Sharif’s return to country will have no effect and Prime Minister Imran Khan will complete his term.

While talking to media persons, Sheikh Rashid said that every party wants establishment to support it but establishment says that it will only support elected government of the country.

The minister said that this is a year of local bodies elections and will also contest next general elections under the leadership of Imran Khan. He further said that reducing poverty is agenda of Imran Khan and expressed hope that the premier will be able to control inflation in last year of his term.

Talking about return of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to country, Sheikh Rashid offered plane ticket to the PML-N supremo out of his own money.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110466-nawaz-sharif-s-return-to-country-will-have-no-effect-on-pm-imran-khan-sheikh-rasheed.html

Pakistan remains committed to Afghanistan’s stability: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to cooperate with its international partners for peace in the region and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Afghan people.

The army chief made these remarks in a meeting with Andreas Papastavrou, Greek Ambassador to Pakistan who paid a farewell call to Gen Qamar at GHQ, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation especially current situation in Afghanistan and cooperation in various fields were discussed, the military’s media wing added.

The army chief once again stressed upon the need for global convergence on Afghanistan and sincere efforts to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe. “[The] COAS thanked the visiting dignitary for his services in Pakistan and acknowledged his contributions for fostering strong ties between the two countries,” according to the ISPR.

The outgoing Greek envoy appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan situation, special efforts for border management, role in regional stability and pledged to keep working for better relations between the two countries.

Earlier this month, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West called on General Qamar and discussed the current security situation in Afghanistan, besides opportunities of bilateral cooperation and matters of mutual interest.

ISPP had quoted the army chief as saying that the "world and the region could not afford an unstable Afghanistan", as he stressed the need for global convergence to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110453-pakistan-remains-committed-to-afghanistan-s-stability-coas.html

Lahore reports first case of Omicron variant

After Karachi and Islamabad, the provincial capital of Punjab also reported the first confirmed case of Omicron variant, the Punjab health department confirmed.

The Punjab Health Department said that the first Omicron patient in Lahore hails from Bahawalpur and has a travel history from Sindh. It said that the patient is undergoing treatment at home.

The health department said that samples have been taken from 12 people who came in contact with the patient for testing.

Meanwhile, the National Command and Operation Centre issued the latest coronavirus statistics suggesting that the positivity rate in Pakistan remained 0.69% during the last 24 hours.

As many as 291 new COVID-19 infections were confirmed after 41,869 diagnostic tests were conducted overnight, while three patients succumbed to the virus during the same period.

Pakistan has so far reported two confirmed and over 35 suspected cases of Omicron, apart from the latest case from Lahore.

The first case of the new COVID-19 strain reported from Islamabad on Saturday was the second confirmed case reported from Pakistan. The first-ever case from Pakistan which was reported from Karachi was confirmed by the Aga Khan University Hospital on December 13.

A second case of the Omicron variant of coronavirus had been reported from Karachi, sources within the Sindh Health Department had said later that week.

Moreover, 32 suspected cases were reported in Balochistan's Kalat district during a vaccination and diagnostic process.

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), however, did not confirm any cases of the strain in Kalat.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/health/item/110452-lahore-reports-first-case-of-omicron-variant.html

IHC to indict Rana Shamim, co-accused in affidavit case on January 7

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) decided on Tuesday to indict on January 7 former Gilgi-Baltistan chief justice Rana Shamim and others accused in a contempt of court case, pertaining to the publication of an affidavit containing serious allegations against former chief justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar.

Shamim had drafted the affidavit, accusing the former top judge of Pakistan of judicial manipulation.

The latest development in the case came during a hearing headed by IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah on Monday. The court announced January 7, 2022, as the date for indictment of the accused.

"Why shouldn't the court decide to indict him in the contempt case?" IHC CJ Minallah asked during the hearing.

Shamim, Ansar Abbasi, and others appeared before the court.

At the outset of the hearing, the sealed envelope containing Shamim's affidavit, which was received by the IHC last week, was presented in court.

Attorney-General of Pakistan (AJP) Khalid Javed Khan said that Shamim has to inform the court before whom he notarised his affidavit and who leaked it.

"The one who drafted the affidavit should open it," the AJP said.

The court then directed Shamim's counsel, Lateef Afridi, to open the envelope.

"The court wants the envelope to be opened in your presence and for you to see what is inside yourself," the IHC CJ remarked.

Afridi said that he will not open the affidavit.

"It had been sought by the court, therefore, it must unseal it," Afridi said.

"We received this [envelope] through courier but we never knew what it contained," Justice Minallah said.

"Your client [Shamim] had it sent [from London] through a courier service so then why are you hesitating to open it," he asked.

The court directed Shamim to unseal the envelope after which the sealed envelope was handed over to the former GB judge.

Shamim said that he confirmed that it was his affidavit which he had personally sealed. However, he said, "the courier service didn't seal the affidavit but the envelope in which the sealed affidavit was put [to be sent]".

Justice Minallah said that Shamim's response that had been submitted in court earlier has placed the entire burden on journalist Ansar Abbasi.

"He [Shamim] also said that the document could have been leaked by the notary public," the IHC CJ said, adding that this matter is not limited just to former CJP Nisar.

"The affidavit has cast doubt on the court. It is a statement which everyone is considering the truth," Justice Minallah said.

He asked Abbasi if he wants to say anything, to which Abbasi replied that he had a talk with Shamim before the news story's publication.

"He [Shamim] may be unable to recall properly and is forgetting, but I have explained this in my story and I have his text message as well," Abbasi said.

While presenting his arguments, the AGP said that Shamim has committed contempt of court.

Without naming anyone, the AGP said: "It is being reported for the last three days that the affidavit was recorded in someone's office."

"Surprisingly, no statement of denial of [the reports] has been issued," he said, moving the court to indict all the accused in the case.

At this, the court decided to frame charges against the ex-judge of GB and others on January 7, 2022.

 

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110451-ihc-to-indict-rana-shamim-co-accused-in-affidavit-case-on-january-7.html

Former CJ GB Rana Shamim says he was 'alone' when recording affidavit

Former Chief Judge in Gilgit Baltistan Rana Shamim on Tuesday has said that he was alone at the time when he had filed his affidavit.

Responding to reporters outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Rana Shamim said ask questions to those who are saying that I had recorded the affidavit in the presence of former Prime Minister (PM) Mian Nawaz Sharif.

On the other hand, IHC has directed to start contempt of court proceedings against ex-CJ Rana Shamim and summoned all the parties for arguments.

The IHC CJ remarked that it’s not contempt of court matter but a case of court’s accountability. It was being spread that this court has reached a compromise. The judiciary is presenting itself for accountability, he added.

The court has also ordered to resealed the affidavit envelop which was opened by Rana Shamim. The affidavit has nothing to do with former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar. It’s only an attempt to make IHC controversial, Athar Minallah stated

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110448-former-cj-gb-rana-shamim-says-he-was-alone-when-recording-affidavit.html

Novel corona claims 3 more lives across the country

Pakistan has reported 3 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 1,294,031. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,912 on Tuesday.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 291 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
Punjab remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Till now 13,066 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab, 7,663 in Sindh 5,922 in KP, 966 in Islamabad, 746 in Azad Kashmir, 363 in Balochistan, and 186 in GB.

Furthermore 480,901 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 444,670 in Punjab 181,247 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 108,502 in Islamabad, 34,657 in Azad Kashmir 33,625 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110447-novel-corona-claims-3-more-lives-across-the-country.html

Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was an ideal world leader: Bilawal

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari paid a rich tribute to the first elected Prime Minister of the Islamic world and party chairperson Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and said that Benazir Bhutto is a beacon of a movement.

According to a statement issued by the Media Cell Bilawal House, the Chairman PPP in his message on the 14th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto further said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was an ideal world leader who showed great courage in her mission to achieve democracy in Pakistan.

The nation will never forget her national spirit, long struggle and strong leadership, he added.

Bilawal said her struggle to make the country a true welfare state in the light of the thoughts and vision of our founding ancestors is historical.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the assassination of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi was not just the murder of a dream to save the people from poverty, unemployment and injustice, but a conspiracy to kill the entire nation. He pointed out that the heinous conspiracy was foiled by former President Asif Ali Zardari with the slogan “Pakistan Khappay”.

The PPP Chairman said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a universal figure and a people’s leader who promoted unity, harmony and progressive thinking in Pakistan and protected the political and economic rights of the people. As the Prime Minister, she introduced people-friendly policies in the country despite fierce opposition and obstacles. She took innumerable steps for the service of the public, and also highlighted the true image of Pakistan on an international level. The gift of missile technology for the defense of our motherland by the first elected Prime Minister of the Islamic world, is also unforgettable.

Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that for democracy, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto lost her father, two brothers and even her mother. But she never feared the dictators. She kept fighting for democracy till the last hour of her life and in the end, achieved martyrdom.

Chairman PPP said that today is the day to make a pledge to eradicate terrorism and extremism from Pakistan, and to continue the struggle of strengthening democracy, supremacy of the Constitution and Parliament, and social equality. There can be no other way to pay homage to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110430-shaheed-mohtarma-benazir-bhutto-was-an-ideal-world-leader-bilawal.html

Shaukat Tarin takes oath as Federal Minister

President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday administered the oath of office to Shaukat Fayaz Ahmed Tarin who would be holding the portfolio of Minister for Finance.

After the oath, the president extended felicitation to the newly-sworn in member of the federal cabinet.

The ceremony was attended by the federal and provincial ministers, State Bank Governor Raza Baqir and other senior government officers.

Earlier, adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin took oath as senator which was administered by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani.

The seat fell vacant after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Muhammad Ayub Afridi resigned as member of the upper house last month.

It is to be mentioned here that Shaukat Tarin was elected senator from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).

Out of 145 members of the provincial assembly, 122 cast their votes during Senate by-elections. The finance adviser won the seat after securing 87 votes.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110429-shaukat-tarin-takes-oath-as-federal-minister.html

Corona virus: Pakistan reports 2 deaths in last 24 hrs

Pakistan has reported 2 deaths in the last 24 hours by novel coronavirus as the number of positive cases has surged to 1,293,715. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 28,909 on Monday.

According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC) 301 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.

Punjab remains the worst-hit province in terms of deaths followed by Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Till now 13,064 individuals have lost their lives to the epidemic in Punjab, 7,662 in Sindh 5,922 in KP, 966 in Islamabad, 746 in Azad Kashmir, 363 in Balochistan, and 186 in GB.
Furthermore 480,710 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Sindh, 444,610 in Punjab 181,235 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 108,450 in Islamabad, 34,657 in Azad Kashmir 33,624 in Balochistan and 10,429 in Gilgit-Baltistan.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110428-corona-virus-pakistan-reports-2-deaths-in-last-24-hrs.html

Suri says will be voice of Balochistan at Centre

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, who was recently appointed as the president of the Balochistan chapter of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has said that he will be the voice of Balochistan at the federal level.

Talking to the media in Quetta, Suri said he will take along the people of the province with him as he termed the PTI Balochistan presidentship an important responsibility. The PTI leader added that the party was being reorganised at a grassroots level.

Suri said that the PTI was united under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan as he denied rifts within the party. He said he had high expectations from the youth of Balochistan, adding that the ethnic differences needed to be eradicated.

In a comment on former PM Nawaz Sharif, the NA deputy speaker said the former premier was convicted on graft charges and he will be imprisoned once he comes back to Pakistan.

On Saturday, Imran announced the new organisational structure of his party a day after dissolving all previous bodies over dismal performance in the local government (LG) elections in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

He had appointed Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar as the new PTI secretary-general, Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood as Punjab president, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak as K-P president, Federal Minister for Industries Khusro Bakhtiar as South Punjab president, Maritime Minister Ali Haider Zaidi as Sindh president and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri as Balochistan president.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/balochistan/item/110413-suri-says-will-be-voice-of-balochistan-at-centre.html

Rana Shamim got his affidavit notarised at Nawaz’s office: Fawad

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry Sunday said that former Gilgit-Baltistan chief justice Rana Shamim had gotten his affidavit— in which he accused former CJP Mian Saqib Nisar of collusion to deny bails to PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz before the general elections 2018— notarised in the presence of Nawaz Sharif at his office.

Taking to Twitter, Fawad Chaudhry shared a newspaper clipping and said new revelations proved once again that the Sharif family worked like a Sicilian mafia. He said that the report exposed the Sharif family’s expertise in blackmailing institutions, including the judiciary, like a “mafia”

راناشمیم نے جسٹس ثاقب نثار اور اسلام آباد ہائیکورٹ کے جج صاحبان کیخلاف حلف نامہ نواز شریف کے دفتر میں ان کے سامنے Notarise کرایا،نئےانکشافات نےایک بار پھر شریف فیملی کو سیسیلین مافیا ثابت کیا ہے کہ کس طرح وہ ایک مافیا کی طرح عدالتوں سمیت اداروں کو بلیک میل کرنےکی صلاحیت رکھتےہیں pic.twitter.com/MBPx0V1jpY

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) December 26, 2021

As per the report shared by the minister, “Rana Shamim, former chief judge of Gilgit-Baltistan took the oath and signed an affidavit in the office of none other than Mian Nawaz Sharif, trying to incriminate former chief justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar and honorable sitting judge of the Islamabad High Court.”

On November 17, it was reported that ex-CJ of Gilgit-Baltistan Rana Shamim was in direct contact with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Shamim's son, Ahmed Hassan Rana had claimed.

 

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110412-rana-shamim-got-his-affidavit-notarised-at-nawaz-s-office-fawad.html

Will meet IMF conditions before sixth review on Jan 12: Tarin

The federal government will introduce the amended finance and SBP autonomy bills in Parliament for approval on December 28, (Tuesday), sources within the finance department said Sunday, ahead of the sixth review of the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) by the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) executive board on January 12.

The IMF has demanded Pakistani authorities seek parliamentary approval for the passage of the Tax Laws (Fourth) Amendment Bill and SBP’s Autonomy Bill.

Sources privy to the matter said that a $1 billion tranche depends on the passage of the bills.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance Shaukat Tarin reiterated Pakistan's plan to fulfill the conditions imposed by the IMF as prior action before the sixth review on January 12.

He said a tax exemption of Rs350 billion will be withdrawn through the mini-budget.

Earlier, the finance ministry had confirmed the date for the sixth review.

Sources said that since the IMF has demanded to get parliamentary approval for the bills, it will not be passed through a presidential ordinance.

The government had recently retracted the mini-budget, including the Tax Laws (Fourth) Amendment Bill, for the time being from the federal cabinet after the IMF staff turned down the government's proposal that it would present the budget through a presidential ordinance.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/business/item/110411-will-meet-imf-conditions-before-sixth-review-on-jan-12-tarin.html

More than 4,500 flights cancelled, delayed due to Omicron variant

Over 2,000 flights have been cancelled and thousands delayed around the world as the highly infectious Omicron variant disrupts holiday travel.

According to tracking website Flightaware.com at 1540 GMT on Friday, a total of 2,118 flights had been cancelled worldwide, including 500 flights originating from or headed to US airports, and over 5,700 delayed.

Pilots, flights attendants and other staff have been calling in sick or having to quarantine after exposure to Covid, forcing Lufthansa, Delta, United Airlines and many other airlines to cancel flights.

According to Flightaware, United cancelled more than 170 flights on Friday, or nine percent of those that were scheduled.

"The nationwide spike in Omicron cases this week has had a direct impact on our flight crews and the people who run our operation," United said in a statement.

"As a result, we’ve unfortunately had to cancel some flights and are notifying impacted customers in advance of them coming to the airport," the airline said, adding that it was working to rebook passengers as quickly as possible.

Similarly, Delta cancelled over 145 flights, saying it has "exhausted all options and resources -- including rerouting and substitutions of aircraft and crews to cover scheduled flying."

"We apologize to our customers for the delay in their holiday travel plans," the company said.

More than 10 Alaska Airlines flights were axed, after employees said they were potentially exposed to Covid-19 had to self-isolate in quarantine.

The cancellations added to the pandemic frustration for many Americans who were eager to reunite with their families over the holidays, after last year's Christmas was severely curtailed.

According to estimates from the American Automobile Association, more than 109 million Americans were scheduled to travel by plane, train or car between December 23 and January 2, a 34 percent increase since last year.

But most of those plans were made before the outbreak of the Omicron variant, which has become the dominant strain in the United States, overwhelming some hospitals and healthcare workers.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/world/item/110410-more-than-4-500-flights-cancelled-delayed-due-to-omicron-variant.html

Pakistan edge India in thriller to reach U-19 Asia Cup semis

Fast bowler Zeeshan Zemeer’s five-wicket haul backed by a fine 81-run knock by Mohammad Shehzad steered Pakistan to a nail-biting two-wicket victory over arch-rivals India in their group ‘A’ match of the U-19 Asia Cup in Dubai on Saturday.

Chasing 238 for victory, Pakistan achieved their target off the very last ball when Ahmed Khan drove Indian pacer Ravi Kumar for a boundary.

Earlier, right-handed Shehzad played a fighting knock off 105 balls while striking five sixes and four fours.

At 230-7, Pakistan required eight runs for victory in the final over. On the first ball of the over, Pakistan lost Zeeshan, who was the wrecker-in-chief of the Indian innings with five wickets, for a duck to Ravi. But Ahmed (29 not out) with Ali Asfand (1 not out) survived the tense moments and achieved the target on the last ball.

Besides Shehzad and Ahmed, other notable scorers for Pakistan were Maaz Sadaqat (29, four fours), Irfan Khan (32, three fours) and Rizwan Mehmood (29).

For India, pacer Raj Bawa was the main wicket-taker with four for 56.

Earlier after being put into bat, India made a moderate total of 237 all out in 49 overs. Wicket-keeper/batsman Aaradhya Yadav top-scored with an 83-ball 50 containing three fours while opener Harnoor Singh made 46 off 59.

Right-armer Zeeshan was expensive conceding 60 runs in 10 overs but captured five wickets including that of Yadav. Awais Ali claimed 2-43 in his eight overs.

Shehzad for his brilliant match-winning innings was named man-of-the-match.

Pakistan have remained unbeaten so far in the event winning both their matches to lead the group ‘A’ table with four points.

India are second on net-run-rate basis followed by Afghanistan; both have two points each and they are to play each other in the last match, which will decide the second semi-finalist from this group.

In their next match Pakistan face the UAE on Monday.

From group ‘B’, Bangladesh have also qualified for the semi-finals as top team while second-placed Sri Lanka (two points) have bright chances to qualify for the semi-finals. Sri Lanka are to face as to face Nepal and Kuwait in their remaining group matches.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/sports/item/110409-pakistan-edge-india-in-thriller-to-reach-u-19-asia-cup-semis.html

PTI to learn from local bodies elections’ defeat in KP: Ghulam Sarwar

Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Saturday admitted that the PTI would learn from the defeat in local government elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and would repeat mistakes in Punjab.

He was talking to newsmen after performing inauguration of Sangjani-Paswal road rehabilitation project which would be completed at the cost of Rs700 million during the current fiscal year.

The minister, however, added that results had exposed the PML-N and PPP and they were restricted to Punjab and Sindh. The majority of seats in KP have won by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F).

He said that PTI government had ensured transparent, free and fair elections in the province and contested polls without the support of other political parties and local pressure groups. He claimed that the ruling PTI had emerged as the lone political power of the country.

The minister announced that Prime Minister Imran Khan would perform the ground breaking ceremony of the Rawalpindi Ring Road project and Naya Pakistan Housing project in Sangjani next month. After completion the two projects would boost economic and trade activities in the region.

He said Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) on Wednesday approved the Rawalpindi Ring Road project which includes a main carriageway from Baanth (N-5) to Thallian (M-2) at a cost of Rs23.6 billion on the condition that the Planning Commission’s consent will be sought and the axle load management regime will be included in the project.

He said the project would be financed under the provincial Annual Development Programme (ADP) while the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) will execute the construction of the 38.3 km six lane access-controlled ring road.

He further said the present government was planning to construct over 2,000 housing units on the government land located in Sangjani area under Naya Pakistan Housing Project (NPHP) to facilitate the low-income citizens.

Member National Assembly Mansoor Hayat Khan and member Punjab Assembly Ammar Sadeeq Khan also spoke on this occasion.

The Attock Police on Saturday foiled a bid to smuggle narcotics from KP to Punjab and arrested a drug smuggler who confessed to be a member of inter provincial gang of drugs smugglers racket.

Police spokesman told newsmen that during checking of a Rawalpindi bound passenger van coming from Peshawar at Attock Khurd Search Park, 1.20 kilogram hashish was recovered from a woman.

The spokesman said that during the preliminary interrogation, she confessed to being a member of an inter provincial gang of drug smugglers racket.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110408-pti-to-learn-from-local-bodies-elections-defeat-in-kp-ghulam-sarwar.html

Christians Community celebrating Christmas across the country

Christians in Pakistan are celebrating the festive occasion of Christmas amid tight security across the country.

Special services are being held in illuminated churches throughout the country with the Christians also holding special prayers for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

Christmas is commemorated in Pakistan and across the world on December 25th each year to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

Strict security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the Christians and police officials have been deployed outside churches to thwart any untoward incident.

The day started with ceremonies and congregations in churches. Christians citizens decorated their homes and churches with colourful fairy lights and special Christmas trees were prepared to celebrate the occasion.

In their separate messages, President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan, while congratulating the Christians on Christmas, have assured that the government will continue to safeguard the rights and privileges of all minorities living in the country.

They also commended sincere and invaluable services rendered by Christians in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country.

They said that the government will empower minorities to use their abilities for national development.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110396-christians-community-celebrating-christmas-across-the-country.html

First case of Omicron reported in Islamabad

Islamabad has reported the first case of the new COVID-19 strain, Omicron, sources in the National Institute of Health (NIH) said.

According to the sources, the patient has no international travel history; nonetheless, the patient recently travelled to Karachi.

The patient reportedly is in good health and has only minor symptoms. Contact tracing is currently being done to detect more cases, the sources added.

It is pertinent to note that six more Omicron cases were reported in Karachi yesterday taking the total number of infections in the city to eight.

According to the reports, the suspected patients have a travel history.

Four of them came from South Africa, where the Omicron variation was first detected, while two others came from the United Kingdom.

They stated that the suspected patients' samples had been sent to a private hospital for confirmation and that the patients had been moved to a quarantine centre.

 

source https://www.suchtv.pk/health/item/110395-first-case-of-omicron-reported-in-islamabad.html

PM announced new party structure for PTI

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also the chairman of the ruling PTI, has announced the new party structure a day after dissolving all the PTI bodies following a setback in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa local bodies elections.

In the new party setup, Asad Umar has been given the post of secretary-general while Pervez Khattak, Ali Haider Zaidi, Qasim Suri, Shafqat Mahmood and Khusro Bakhtiar have been appointed as new provincial heads of the party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Southern Punjab respectively.

Aamir Mehmood Kiani has been made the party's additional secretary-general, the minister added.

Commenting on his appointment, Asad Umar said that holding an important position in Pakistan's largest political party is a matter of honour and also a great responsibility.

"Inshallah, under the leadership of Imran Khan, the PTI will get stronger as per the expectations of party workers and voters. The workers of this party are its capital, which no other party has."

چئرمین تحریک انصاف جناب عمران خان نے عامر محمود کیانی کو پارٹی کا ایڈیشنل سیکرٹری جنرل نامزد کیا ہے https://t.co/MHsL3c1dSf

— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) December 25, 2021

 

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110394-pm-announced-new-party-structure-for-pti.html

Pakistanis are celebrating 146th birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Pakistanis are celebrating the 146th birthday of Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, across the country with traditional zeal and fervour.

Quaid-e-Azam was born on Dec 25, 1876, in Karachi. The day is a public holiday and the national flag will be hoisted on principal government buildings throughout the country.

The day dawn with special prayers for the security, progress and prosperity of the country. A change of guards ceremony was held at the mausoleum of the Quaid.

A smartly turned-out contingent of Pakistan Military Academy took over the guard duty. PMA commandant Major General Umar Ahmad Bukhari was the chief guest. He offered fateha and laid a floral wreath at the grave of the Quaid.

Special events will be held in government and private organisations to highlight the Quaid’s political struggle and his guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline.

The celebrations aimed at educating the youth about the Quaid’s vision and Pakistan’s ideology. Early in the morning, several people from all walks of life visited the tomb to pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam for the services he rendered for the creation of a separate homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent.

A lawyer and politician, Jinnah served as leader of the All-India Muslim League from 1913 until Pakistan’s independence on 14 August 1947, then as Pakistan’s first Governor-General until his death on September 11, 1948.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110393-pakistanis-are-celebrating-146th-birthday-of-quaid-e-azam-muhammad-ali-jinnah.html

PM Khan wishes “a very Happy Christmas” to all Pakistani Christian citizens

Prime Minister Imran Khan Saturday wished all the Pakistani Christian citizens “a very Happy Christmas” and promised to safeguard the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities.

The premier took to Twitter to felicitate the Christians and said: “Wishing all our Christian citizens a very Happy Christmas.”

In a separate message on the occasion of Christmas, PM Imran Khan said, “On the auspicious occasion of Christmas, I on my behalf of the government and people of Pakistan extend heartfelt congratulations to the Christian community around the world and especially in Pakistan for celebrating the festival of Christmas with devotion and respect."

“The festivities of Christmas teach us universal love, brotherhood, tolerance and self-sacrifice which plays a pivotal role in moving any society on the path of development.”

“The birth of Prophet Jesus is considered a symbol of peace, brotherhood, tolerance and respect for the entire humanity throughout the world.

“He not only healed the ailing humanity, but preached the divine values of tolerance, love and compassion.

“He guided people towards virtuous living and urged them to seek divine mercy. As a divine messenger, Prophet Jesus’ teachings are for adherents of all religions.”

The prime minister said the sincere and invaluable services rendered by the Christians in the fields of defence, education, health as well as economic development of the country had always been commendable.

“Being equal citizens of the state, the Government will empower them to use their abilities for national development. Our policies are geared towards creating harmony and cohesion between people of all faiths.”

He said, “our government is doing its utmost duty to bring you into the national mainstream, so that you can play your role as active citizens in the society in a positive way and help this country move on the path of development.”

“Our constitution enshrined Quaid-e-Azam’s vision and safeguarded the legitimate interests of minorities,” he said adding the Quaid had assured religious freedom and security for all communities irrespective of their religion, profession and ethnic origin.

He said the government of Pakistan held sacrosanct the equality and freedom of conscience of all citizens irrespective of belief, creed or religion.

The present government will continue to safeguard the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities, he added.

“We are committed to building a society that respects difference and finds strength in diversity; a nation that is tolerant and cohesive; and a state that provides equal rights and opportunities to all citizens,” he concluded.

Wishing all our Christian citizens a very Happy Christmas.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 25, 2021

 

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110392-pm-khan-wishes-a-very-happy-christmas-to-all-pakistani-christian-citizens.html

PM Khan acknowledges Putin's statement on respect of Prophet SAWW

Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement which reaffirms his message that insulting Holy Prophet (PBUH) is not freedom of expression.

In a tweet on Friday, he urged the Muslim leaders to spread this message to leaders of the non-Muslim world to counter Islamophobia.

On the other hand, various member of Pakistani political forefront are pouring in acknowledment messages.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain in a tweet said it’s the efforts of Prime Minister Imran Khan that an international leader like Vladimir Putin is presenting his opinion candidly.

Earlier, in his annual news conference Russian President Vladimir Putin has said insulting Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) doesn’t count as the expression of artistic freedom.

Read More : Putin says insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is 'violation of religious freedom'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said insulting Prophet Muhammad PBUH does not count as freedom of expression.

While praising artistic freedom in general, Putin said it has its limits and it should not infringe on other freedoms.

Russia has evolved as a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional state, so Russians, he said, are used to respecting each other’s traditions.

In some other countries, this respect comes in short supply, Putin said.

I welcome President Putin's statement which reaffirms my message that insulting our Holy Prophet PBUH is not " freedom of expression". We Muslims, esp Muslim leaders, must spread this message to leaders of the non-Muslim world to counter Islamophobia. https://t.co/JUKKvRYBSx

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 24, 2021

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110386-pm-khan-acknowledges-putin-s-statement-on-respect-of-prophet-saww.html

Putin says insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is 'violation of religious freedom'

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that insulting Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) does not count as an expression of artistic freedom but is a "violation of religious freedom", according to state news agency TASS.

Putin made these remarks during his annual press conference in Moscow on Thursday, adding that insults to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were a violation of "the sacred feelings of people who profess Islam".

TASS reported that the Russian president also criticised the publication of blasphemous sketches of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in French magazine Charlie Hebdo.

Such acts, the report quoted Putin as saying, gave rise to extremist reprisals.

Artistic freedom had its limits and it shouldn't infringe on other's freedoms, he added.

The president further stated that Russia had evolved as a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional state and so Russians were used to respecting each other’s traditions, according to the report.

In some other countries, this respect came in short supply, he said.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/world/item/110385-putin-says-insulting-prophet-muhammad-pbuh-is-violation-of-religious-freedom.html

Shaukat Tarin sworn in as senator

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin was sworn in as a senator after he won the by-election for a general seat in the Senate from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday.

Tarin bagged 87 votes, while according to KP Health Minister Taimur Khan Jhagra, four votes were rejected and five lawmakers did not partake in the elections.

The seat fell vacant last month after PTI’s Ayub Afridi had resigned from the Senate to make way for Tarin. As per the rules, when a seat falls vacant, the Election Commission of Pakistan is bound to hold elections on it within 30 days.

It should be noted that to get elected, a candidate needs more than 50% votes of the 145 members. The PTI has 94 members in the provincial assembly, the JUI-F has 15, ANP 12, PML-N 7, PPP five, the Balochistan Awami Party four, Jamaat-e-Islami three, and the PML-Q each have one member.

The government is set to present a Rs360 billion mini-budget before the Parliament later this week for withdrawal of General Sales Tax (GST) exemptions and slapping standard rate of 17% on import of essential consumable and industrial goods.

It was important for Tarin to get elected as a senator as according to the rules, only lawmakers can present the budget in Parliament.

A day earlier, the ECP had issued a notification for Tarin's election as a senator.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/business/item/110384-shaukat-tarin-sworn-in-as-senator.html

Tesla pulls games on moving car screens after US safety probe

Electric carmaker Tesla Inc will stop allowing video games to be played on vehicle screens while its cars are moving, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Thursday.

The move follows an announcement by the NHTSA on Wednesday that it had opened a formal safety investigation on 580,000 Tesla vehicles sold since 2017 over the automaker's decision to allow games to be played on the front center touchscreen while they are in motion.

This functionality, referred to as “Passenger Play,” may distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash, the NHTSA has said.

Tesla has informed the NHTSA that a software update will lock the "Passenger Play" feature and make it unusable when the vehicle is in motion, a spokesperson for the agency said in a statement.

"The NHTSA constantly assesses how manufacturers identify and safeguard against distraction hazards that may arise due to faults, misuse, or intended use of convenience technologies, including infotainment screens," the agency said.

Tesla did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Safety advocates have raised concerns that drivers may not pay attention on the road, especially when Tesla vehicles are operating in semi-autonomous mode known as Autopilot.

A driver's distraction - likely from a phone game application - was one of the causes of a fatal crash of a Tesla car operating in Autopilot in California in 2018, according to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The NHTSA in August opened a safety investigation on 765,000 Tesla vehicles over its Autopilot system after a series of crashes involving the system and parked emergency vehicles.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/technology/item/110383-tesla-pulls-games-on-moving-car-screens-after-us-safety-probe.html

Man Utd close to full strength after Covid outbreak: Rangnick

Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has almost a full squad to choose from for Monday's Premier League clash at Newcastle after a Covid-19 outbreak saw their last two matches postponed.

Only the injured Paul Pogba is unavailable to the interim manager for the Red Devils first game in 16 days.

United's games against Brentford and Brighton were among the 12 Premier League games to be called off over the past two weeks due to a wave of coronavirus infections as Britain battles record case numbers.

"The last training session we had eight outfield players and three goalkeepers and then we closed down the training ground in order to break the chain," said Rangnick on Thursday.

"Today was the third day of training this week and we had 25 outfield players. Paul Pogba is still the only one missing out, everyone (else) was on board."

Rangnick added that the vast majority of those to have Covid had little or no symptoms, which allowed them to remain in shape while training from home.

"The development of the last week was extremely positive. As far as I could see in training they are all in good shape," he added.

"They did their homework. They all have their schedule to train at home.

"They stick to that schedule and programme and from what I saw in training most of them - if not all of them - might be available."

The fixture congestion caused by a series of postponements has again raised concerns over player welfare.

Rangnick backed the calls of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for the reintroduction of five substitutions to ease the burden.

The Premier League was one of the few top European leagues to revert to three changes after five substitutes were allowed for the end of the 2019/20 season when play resumed after a three-month break caused by the pandemic.

"I think it was the right decision to have more options to change players to save energy for players, especially if they have just recovered from Covid," said Rangnick.

"The same is true right now. We have a similar situation to one-and-a-half years ago, so I see no reason why it shouldn't be the same now.

"As far as I know in Europe, England is the only country that only allows three subs. In the other four big leagues in Europe you can substitute five players."

And he also suggested the League Cup could be scrapped to create extra space in the calendar.

Klopp and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte have requested that their League Cup semi-finals against Arsenal and Chelsea respectively be changed from two-legged tie to one-off games.

"England is the only top league that plays two cup competitions. In France they abolished the second one," said Rangnick. "We are the only country that plays two cup competitions, this is something we could speak about and discuss."

source https://www.suchtv.pk/sports/item/110382-man-utd-close-to-full-strength-after-covid-outbreak-rangnick.html

'Soldiers still getting martyred': Rabbani demands clarity over govt-TTP deal

Former Senate chairman Senator Raza Rabbani on Friday demanded clarity over the deal struck between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Rabbani, speaking during a session of the Senate, said despite the ceasefire between the two sides, Pakistan Army's soldiers were still getting martyred.

"Riasat-e-Madina cannot be established on secretive agreements [...] Pakistan's civil-military bureaucracy will have to be answerable before the Parliament," he said.

The former chairman of the Senate said that Pakistan's civil and military bureaucracy would have to answer to the Parliament, adding that the ground reality is that the state of Pakistan refers to the civil and military bureaucracy of Pakistan.

"The state of Pakistan (unfortunately) does not mean the people sitting in Parliament," he said. "The state will have to inform the people under what conditions this ceasefire deal was reached."

The PPP stalwart said that despite the ceasefire, various groups are reorganising in Afghanistan.

"Until the root causes of the problems are ascertained issues will continue to arise," he said.

The senator regretted that as extremist groups gained footing in the country, "the state remained a silent spectator".

"Extremist groups have torn up the state's writ to shreds," he said.

Speaking of missing persons, Rabbani said that the families of such people continue to search for them "while the state is busy hiding them".

The senator also spoke of reports that Taliban forces at the Pak-Afghan border had prevented fencing work.

"Will the foreign minister brief the parliament about this?" he asked.

Rabbani said that the state could not afford any more secret agreements. "What would be the future structure of the state [then]?" he asked.

He called for the National Action Plan to be debated once more in Parliament and for measures to be taken so it can be implemented.

He further said that the state "used religion to advance its political agenda".

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/110381-soldiers-still-getting-martyred-rabbani-demands-clarity-over-govt-ttp-deal.html

3 injured in explosion in sewerage line at Karachi's Mehmoodabad

Three people were injured on Friday in a blast in a sewerage line in Mehmoodabad, according to police.

A statement from Mehmoodabad Station House Officer Aijaz Pathan said the blast occurred in a sewerage line at Parsi Gate due to the accumulation of gas. A motorcycle mechanic shop that was situated on the sewerage line also collapsed, according to the statement.

It added that three people sustained minor injuries and were shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for treatment. A bomb disposal team was also summoned to the spot and an investigation was underway.

A statement from the Edhi Foundation identified the three injured as Bilal, 17, Dilawar, 20, and John, 11. The three were taken to the hospital in an ambulance of the rescue service.

This is the second blast to be reported in the city this month.

On December 18, an explosion occurred in a nullah (drain) located underneath a private bank near Paracha Chowk in Shershah, claiming the lives of 17 persons. The bank had earlier been served a notice to vacate the premises so the nullah could be cleaned up.

Site-B police registered a first information report of the incident against the "persons responsible for the construction of the building and its owner" under various charges including manslaughter, said an area police officer.

Earlier on October 29, four people were killed and nine others injured in an explosion in a North Nazimabad petrol pump. Police later said that a short circuit inside a closed electric room of a fuel station with no vents coupled with the accumulation of gases had appeared to be the cause of the big explosion

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/sindh/item/110380-3-injured-in-explosion-in-sewerage-line-at-karachi-s-mehmoodabad.html