PM did not attend security briefing as Shahbaz would have walked out if he did: Fawad Ch

Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry on Friday commented on the prime minister's absence from the military and intelligence leadership's briefing on national security, Afghanistan and Kashmir to parliamentary leaders, claiming that the premier had not attended the briefing to accommodate the leader of opposition.

"The prime minister was scheduled to attend the national security huddle, but the opposition leader [Shahbaz Sharif] had conveyed to the speaker that if [Prime Minister Imran Khan] came to the briefing, he would not attend," Fawad said during an appearance on Geo News's morning show Geo Pakistan.

Echoing the talking points from a day earlier, Fawad said the government hopes and prays that there is a peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan.

"There are three million Afghan nationals in Pakistan — if another three million are pushed in, it will put a lot of pressure on our economy," he said.

"It won't be so easy for the Taliban to take over the government," Chaudhry said on the prospects for peace in the war-torn neighbour. "We want that the Afghan Taliban and the Ghani government negotiate [a way out]."

"We are only concerned when India uses Afghan territories against us," he added. "[Meanwhile, we will continue to try and mediate between the Afghan Taliban and the Ghani government."

Responding to the information minister's comments, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, in a statement, said: "Fawad Chaudhry is lying [...] He is a propaganda machine."

The PML-N spokesperson asked how Shahbaz could deny the request when the Speaker had invited him. "Please present any official document from Shahbaz or his office" denying the Speaker's request, she demanded.

"Did Imran Khan leave the National Parliamentary Committee meeting on coronavirus because of Shahbaz?" she asked.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/107070-pm-did-not-attend-security-briefing-as-shahbaz-would-have-walked-out-if-he-did-fawad-ch.html

Pakistan rejects Indian claims of a drone flying over the Indian High Commission

Pakistan rejects Indian claims of a drone flying over the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, a statement from the Foreign Office said on Friday.

According to FO spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri: "These preposterous claims have no basis in facts and no proof whatsoever has been shared with Pakistan to substantiate these allegations."

"Curiously, this propaganda campaign by India is also happening at a time when evidence so far collected in the Lahore blast of 23 June is increasingly pointing to external forces with a history of perpetrating state-sponsored terrorism against Pakistan," Chaudhri said.

"Pakistan rejects these patently false allegations and diversionary Indian tactics and will continue to stand by the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in their just struggle for the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UNSC resolutions," the spokesperson added.

India's external affairs ministry, earlier in the day, had claimed a drone was spotted over the Indian High Commission's complex last week.

The Foreign Office, two days ago, had also rejected Indian Home Minister G Kishan Reddy's claim that Pakistan could not be ruled out as a possible force behind the recent drone attack on the Indian Air Force base at Jammu airport.

In a statement, the Foreign Office categorically rejected the "irresponsible and misleading statement" as the Indian official chose not to share any evidence in this regard.

"The Indian government has once again leveled serious allegations against Pakistan. This is yet another manifestation of the unsubstantiated propaganda and smear campaign against Pakistan that is characteristic of the Indian government and an obliging Indian media," the statement said.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/107068-pakistan-rejects-indian-claims-of-a-drone-flying-over-the-indian-high-commission.html

Asif Ali Zardari admitted in hospital after health deterioration

Former president Asif Ali Zardari has been admitted to a hospital earlier today (Friday) after his health deteriorated, PPP sources told ۔

PPP Co-chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has arrived in Karachi from Islamabad while Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari and her husband have also reached the city from Dubai to attend to her father.

Last year in October, the PPP leader and former president was admitted to a hospital due to low sugar level.

Bilawal, during his recent address at the National Assembly, had said that Zardari had attended a budget session despite being unwell.

The former president had arrived in Karachi recently from Lahore and Islamabad. In Lahore, he had recently attended a meeting with former Punjab chief minister Pervaiz Elahi.

Dr Asim Hussain said the former president had undergone a medical check-up at a private hospital during which he had complained of severe back pain.

"An orthopedic surgeon is treating Asif Zardari, and he has undergone necessary medical tests,

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/sindh/item/107067-asif-ali-zardari-admitted-in-hospital-after-health-deterioration.html

SHC LIFTS BAN ON VIDEO-SHARING APP TIKTOK

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday recalled its order placing a ban on the popular short-form video sharing application TikTok.

A bench of the high court directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to unblock the app across the country. The telecommunication regulator moved a plea requesting the court to withdraw its order that called for a ban to be placed on the video-sharing app.

The court directed the PTA to decide the petitioner’s complaint against the app until July 5.

On June 28, the Sindh High Court (SHC) had ordered the authorities concerned to impose a ban on the video streaming app, nearly three months after the country had lifted a ban imposed on it.

This was the third time that the video-sharing platform was banned in the country.

The court gave the order on a petition filed by a citizen who lamented that he approached the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to have immoral content removed from the app however, the PTA did not do anything in this regard.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/technology/item/107062-shc-lifts-ban-on-video-sharing-app-tiktok.html

Overcharging pug in bills, Citizen takes SSGC to consumer court

A citizen in Karachi on Friday moved consumer court against the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) overcharging Passing Un-registered Gas (PUG) in the bills, reported.

Applicant filed the plea in the consumer projection court east, which was accepted by Judge Javed Ali Korejo. The citizen in his plea stated that the SSGC is overcharging under the name of PUG.

“I was given a bill of Rs865 in the month of January with Rs527 PUG charges.” The PUG charges are only slapped when the gas meter is out of order.

He has pleaded with the court to slap a fine over the SSGC and pass a ruling to return the money charged under the PUG.

Read more: SSGC seeks massive hike in gas prices

If the gas meter due to any technical reason whatsoever ceases or omits to regularly register the volume of natural gas supplied, the meter is said to be Passing Un-registered Gas or PUG. The Company subsequently changes such gas meters and charges an estimated bill equivalent to three months’ average consumption.

Another type of PUG charges levied, are due to the slowness of the meter. In this case, gas meter being a mechanical device, age out due to wear and tear. Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) replaces such meters through its scheduled meter change program.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/business/item/107061-overcharging-pug-in-bills-citizen-takes-ssgc-to-consumer-court.html

ONE MORE SESSION OF PCNS TO BE HELD BEFORE EID

One more session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) will be held before Eid where recommendations will be reviewed for the federal government, citing sources, reported on Thursday.

Today’s session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) was continued for eight hours in Islamabad under the chair of the National Assembly (NA) Speaker Asad Qaiser to discuss regional developments including the Afghanistan peace process.

The Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG-ISI) Lt Gen Faiz Hameed gave a comprehensive briefing to the participants of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS).

The meeting was attended by the federal ministers, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, DG ISI, Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG-ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar, head of national security institutions, chief ministers of all four provinces, opposition lawmakers and others.

According to the information ministry’s statement, such sessions play important role in building national consensus on national issues. During a question and answer session in the briefing, the participants have also presented their suggestions which would be considered as an important part of Pakistan’s security policy.

The parliamentary and political leaders expressed satisfaction at the briefing besides conveying wishes for peace, progress and prosperity in Afghanistan.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/107060-one-more-session-of-pcns-to-be-held-before-eid.html

SINDH CABINET RESHUFFLE LIKELY TODAY

The Sindh cabinet is expected to undergo a reshuffle on Friday as Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has decided to add few more ministers to his cabinet, reported, citing sources.

Sources privy to the development said that CM Murad Ali Shah is expected to announce a cabinet reshuffle today, potentially replacing several ministers and picking up some new faces.

This decision has been taken after consultation with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s leadership, the sources said, adding that Sindh Governor Imran Ismail will administer the oath to the newly inducted ministers at the Governor House on Saturday.

Earlier on February 3, in a major reshuffle in the current cabinet of the Sindh Government, stalwarts of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had been given additional responsibilities.

The former Provincial Minister of Sindh for Local Government, Public Health Engineering and Rural Development, and Katchi Abadies, Saeed Ghani’s had been awarded a role in the Literacy and Education departments, he would continue to work on his pre-existing role in Labour department, the official notification read.

Provincial Minister of Sindh for Local Government, Forests and Religious Affairs, Nasir Hussain Shah had been assigned an additional position in the Information Ministry of Sindh.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/sindh/item/107059-sindh-cabinet-reshuffle-likely-today.html

US, NATO forces leave Afghanistan's largest air base

The complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan seems imminent, as all NATO and US troops left the largest air base in Afghanistan.

Bagram Air Base served as the linchpin for US operations in the rugged country, where the long war against the Taliban and their Al-Qaeda allies was fought with air strikes and resupply missions from the airfield.

"All coalition forces are off Bagram," said the official on Friday -- who asked not to be identified -- without specifying when the last foreign troops left the base, 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Kabul.

He did not say when it will be officially handed over to Afghan forces.

"We still have not been informed of any official handover of the base to Afghan forces," a senior Afghan official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The US military and NATO are in the final stages of winding up involvement in Afghanistan, bringing home an unspecified number of remaining troops by a deadline of September 11.

The Taliban have launched relentless offensives across Afghanistan in the past two months, gobbling up dozens of districts as Afghan security forces have largely consolidated their power in the country's major urban areas.

The ability of Afghan forces to maintain control over the vital Bagram airfield will likely prove pivotal to maintaining security in the nearby capital Kabul and keeping pressure on the Taliban.

Over the years, the mini-city has been visited by hundreds of thousands of US and NATO service members and contractors.

It boasted swimming pools, cinemas and spas -- and even a boardwalk featuring fast-food outlets such as Burger King and Pizza Hut.

The base also hosted a prison that held thousands of Taliban and jihadist inmates.

Bagram was built by the US for its Afghan ally during the Cold War in the 1950s as a bulwark against the Soviet Union in the north.

Ironically, it became the staging point for the Soviet invasion of the country in 1979, and the Red Army expanded it significantly during their near decade-long occupation.

When Moscow pulled out, it became central to the raging civil war -- it was reported that at one point the Taliban controlled one end of the three-kilometre (two-mile) runway and the opposition Northern Alliance the other.

In recent months, Bagram has come under rocket barrages claimed by Daesh, stirring fears that militants are already eyeing the base for future attacks.

The NATO-led non-combat mission aimed to train Afghan forces into ensuring their country's security after the departure of foreign forces.

As of February 2021, there were about 9,500 foreign troops in Afghanistan, of which the US made up the largest contingent of 2,500.

So far Germany and Italy have both confirmed the full withdrawal of their troops.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/world/item/107058-us-nato-forces-leave-afghanistan-s-largest-air-base.html

PCB announced central contarcts for mens team

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the much-awaited central contarcts for the men’s team, promoting fast bowler Hassan Ali and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan to category A following their stellar performances in the recent series.

The PCB released the details of the contracts after the Governing Board’s approval of the 2021-22 fiscal year’s budget. The 12-month contracts will run from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

“It is an enhanced and performance-based central contract list 2021-22 for 20 elite male cricketers, including three emerging cricketers, in which match fee across all formats has been equalized," the statement said.

The list was finalised by the panel that comprised Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khan, chief selector Muhammad Wasim and Director – High Performance, Nadeem Khan, who also consulted Head Coach Misbah-ul-Haq and captain Babar Azam as part of the process.

The provisional list was then shared with PCB Chief Executive Officer Wasim Khan, before it was approved by PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani.
In the central contract list 2021-22, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Rizwan have been offered Category A. Hasan Ali had missed out on the contract last year due to an injury but following his stellar performance in the 2020-21 as well as looking ahead to the 2021-22 season, he has been placed in Category A.

Rizwan has been rewarded for his consistent performance across all formats by moving him from Category B to Category A.

Likewise, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Nawaz and Nauman Ali have also been offered central contracts in recognition of their contributions and performances in the 2020-21 season.

Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain, who were in the Emerging Category last year, have been promoted to Category C, while youngsters Imran Butt, Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir have been placed in Emerging Category.

Players missing out on the central contracts include Asad Shafiq, Haider Ali, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shan Masood and Usman Shinwari.

However, they remain firmly in the selectors’ plan for the season ahead and have the opportunity to earn contracts for the 2022-23 season, subject to performances during the 2021-22 season.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/sports/item/107057-pcb-announced-entral-contarcts-for-mens-team.html

ENERGY SHORTFALL IN PUNJAB CROSSES 2,000MW

Energy shortfall across Punjab has crossed 2,000MW, said Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) on Friday, reported.

The spokesperson of the LESCO in his statement said that currently, the energy shortfall in the province is recorded at more than 2,000MW and as a result, the urban and the rural areas of the province are facing unannounced power cuts.

“The grid stations in Lahore are overloaded which is resulting in tripping of the stations,” the LESCO official said.

The sources within the power division have said the load shedding is increasing due to the low level of inflows in Tarbela Dam and no supply of gas and oil to the powerhouses.

They said that the situation will improve in the next two to three days.

On Thursday, it was reported that the overall energy shortfall had reached 6000 megawatts in Pakistan.

According to sources, the country had an aggregate power demand of 25000 megawatts on Thursday, while the overall power supply from various resources was around 19000MW.

The power outages reached six to eight hours daily in big cities, while small towns and villages facing upto 10 hours power load shedding in a day.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/punjab/item/107056-energy-shortfall-in-punjab-crosses-2-000mw.html

PMD forecasts drizzling winds in Karachi today

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast drizzling with gusty winds in Karachi today (Friday), reported.

“Drizzling with strong winds is expected at several parts of Karachi,” said Pakistan Meteorological Department in a weather report released on Friday.

The Westerly/ Southwesterly winds blowing in the city at 26 kilometers per hour.

In the morning the maximum temperature in the metropolitan city was recorded at 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature remained 29 degrees Celsius.

The mercury to remain 33 to 35 degree Celsius in Karachi today, the PMD forecast report say. Humidity was recorded at 70 per cent in the morning.

Earlier, the city police chief issued a contingency plan for the protection of the life and property of citizens for the upcoming monsoon season.

Additional I.G. Karachi Imran Yaqoob Minhas had dispatched copies of the monsoon contingency plan to DIGs while pointing out heavy losses of life and property in the devastating monsoon spell in the previous year urging for effective measures to save precious human lives.

The police chief had directed for review of the losses and safety measures taken during the last five years during monsoon rainfall.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/sindh/item/107055-pmd-forecasts-drizzling-winds-in-karachi-today.html

Pakistan will not give airbases to the US: COAS

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said Pakistan will not give airbases to the US if the government has decided against it.

The army chief was responding to questions posed by journalists after he had attended a military and intelligence briefing to parliamentarians on national security and the Afghanistan situation.

"You should have put this question to the government. Why have you asked this from me?" Gen Bajwa said when first questioned on the military's position on the matter.

However, when pushed, the COAS echoed the government in saying no base would be given to the US.

Pakistan has publicly refused to give military bases to the US for operations inside Afghanistan after the withdrawal of foreign forces from the war-torn country.

Washington had requested Islamabad's help to keep a check on the situation in Afghanistan and stop it from falling into the hands of terrorists.
Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his address on the floor of the National Assembly a day earlier, had said Pakistan could be a partner in peace with the US but not in conflict.

He had underlined that Pakistan became a target for militants when it joined the so-called US-led war against terror and sent its army into the tribal regions.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/107054-pakistan-will-not-give-airbases-to-the-us-coas.html

Pakistan records 24 corona deaths, 1,277 new cases report within 24 hrs

Pakistan has reported 24 more deaths over the last 24 hours by COVID-19 as the total number of fatalities has reached 22,345.

According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), the number of positive cases has surged to 959,685 after the inclusion of 1,277 fresh infections during the said period.

The number of active cases in the country stands at 31,910.
The country conducted 46,941 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 1,277 Pakistanis were tested positive for the disease. The COVID positivity ratio was recorded at 2.27%

Overall 905,430 Pakistanis have recovered their health back from the COVID-19 pandemic, while 1,863 are still said to be critical.

As of July 2, as many as 13,234,851 people have been partially vaccinated against the deadly infection while 3,121,648 fully vaccinated, the NCOC said.

A total of 16,356,499 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across Pakistan thus far.

Pakistan is likely to receive 2.5 million doses of Moderna’s mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine doses on Friday (today), said sources.

Pakistan will receive a shipment of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine through COVAX — the World Health Organisation’s global shared vaccine programme on Friday.

The new shipment would end the troubles of overseas Pakistanis for getting US-made COVID-19 jabs prior to travelling abroad.

source https://www.suchtv.pk/pakistan/general/item/107052-pakistan-records-24-corona-deaths-1-277-new-cases-report-within-24-hrs.html