Current Final

Category: Politics

  • Shehbaz Sharif thanks those who want him to be PM

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has said that he is thankful to those who have proposed his name for the slot of prime minister (PM).

     In an interaction with journalists on Friday, Shehbaz Sharif said, “I am thankful to those who have proposed my name for the slot of prime minister… but who says I am taking the office (as premier) for a year or so?”

    “The decision about the new prime minister in the wake of the success of a no-trust move will be finalised by (PML-N Quaid) Nawaz Sharif in consultation with Opposition parties.”

    Shehbaz Sharif, former President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Maulana Fazlur Rehman met on Wednesday evening at the residence of the PML-N leader.

    After the meeting, it was reported that Shehbaz Sharif wanted someone from within the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) as the prime minister while the PPP wanted Shehbaz Sharif to be the next prime minister, a proposal that he was reluctant to accept. They claimed that former president Asif Ali Zardari nominated Shehbaz Sharif as the prime minister while Shehbaz named PPP’s Khursheed Shah for the slot.

    The Opposition parties have also started signing the no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan and the united Opposition claimed the support of 24 members of the ruling party.

  • Pakistan Army promotes two Hindu officers to Lieutenant Colonel

    Pakistan Army promotes two Hindu officers to Lieutenant Colonel

    The Pakistan Army has promoted two Hindu officers, Kelash Kumar and Aneel Kumar, to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel for the first time in the history of Pakistan.

    Dr Kelash Kumar belongs to the Tharparkar district in Sindh province and Dr Aneel Kumar belongs to the Badin district.

    They are the first officers from the Hindu community who received a promotion from Major to Lieutenant Colonel.

    They both are serving in the Medical Corps of the Pakistan Army.

    Prior to the year 2000, Hindu officers were not appointed to senior positions in the Pakistan Army. However, a former dictator, General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf had issued orders under a decree appointing Hindus to senior positions in the Army. Since then, six Hindu officers have risen to the rank of Major, of which Kelash Kumar and Aneel Kumar have now become the first officers to reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

    Dr Kelash was honored with a ‘Medal of Defense’, on his courage as he performed a 36- day duty at the Saddle Checkpost in Baltoro Sector near K2 at an altitude of 22,000 feet, which is a record in itself.

    Major Dr Kelash got a commission in Pakistan Army in 2007. He joined a hospital in North Sudan as a senior doctor in 2012. He later took part in Operation Al-Mizan in Orakzai Agency of Waziristan and Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat.

    Major Dr Aneel Kumar got a commission in Pakistan Army in 2008.

    Until now, six Hindu Army officers have been appointed in Pakistan Army.

    Hindu activist, Kapil Dev took to Twitter to celebrate the inclusivity of the Hindu community in the Armed Forces.

    He said, “History in Making Kelash Kumar becomes the first #Hindu officer to have been promoted as Lieutenant Colonel in #PakArmy. Congratulations, Kelash!!!.”

  • PML-Q demands Punjab Chief Minister seat from the Opposition

    PML-Q demands Punjab Chief Minister seat from the Opposition

    




    The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the top leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) had a meeting, in which the Chaudhry brothers presented the Charter of Demands to former President Asif Ali Zardari, reports Geo Urdu.
    





    The PML-Q has asked the Opposition for the Chief Ministership in Punjab and stated that no compromise will be made on anything less than that.
    




    In case of getting Chief Ministership, the PML-Q has assured the success of in-house transformation in Punjab and Center. The PML-Q has said that it will fully support the Opposition at the center.
    




    However, the PML-Q, while opposing the immediate new elections in the country, has said that the National Assembly elections should be held if necessary but the term of the Provincial Assemblies should complete their duration.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
    Zardari wants Shehbaz to be next PM, Shehbaz nominates Khursheed Shah: report
    
			
    Zardari wants Shehbaz to be next PM, Shehbaz nominates Khursheed Shah: report
    
			
    

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, Former President Asif Ali Zardari, and Chief of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) Maulana Fazlur Rahman met on Wednesday evening at the residence of the PML-N leader.
    




    The Opposition favors immediate elections but the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) allies are not in its favour. However, since the coalition seeks support of the government’s allies for bringing a no-trust motion against the government, The News has reported that Zardari will persuade the Opposition parties’ leaders to show flexibility on the matter of elections, reports The News.
    




    The news outlet further reports that Shehbaz Sharif wanted someone from within the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) as the prime minister while the PPP wanted Shehbaz Sharif to be the next prime minister, a proposal which he was reluctant to accept. They claimed that former president Asif Ali Zardari nominated Shehbaz Sharif as the prime minister while Shehbaz named PPP’s Khursheed Shah for the slot.
    




    On the other hand, The News reports that the Opposition parties have also started signing the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and the united Opposition claimed the support of 24 members of the ruling party.
    




    The sources claimed the Opposition parties have 162 members and 10 more votes were needed to make the no-confidence motion a success. The PML-N has claimed to have the support of 16 government members while the PPP claimed to have the support of six government members and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) said they had the support of two government members.
    




    Meanwhile, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Wednesday revealed that at least three MNAs PTI were offered money by the opposition for support to their no-trust move.
    




    The minister said these three legislators included one minority MNA and a female member of the assembly, adding bidding had started by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan People’s Party to revive horse-trading.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
    ‘No to War’: Thousands of Russian citizens protest against their government for the Ukraine invasion
    
			
    ‘No to War’: Thousands of Russian citizens protest against their government for the Ukraine invasion
    
			
    

    Protests are taking place across Russia in different cities against the invasion of Ukraine by the Russians on Thursday. 
    




    Most of the people were seen chanting “No to War” and raising slogans against the invasion. Thousands of Russians gathered on Thursday night to show a strong reaction against their own government.
    




    The protestor is holding a placard that says, “No To War”. This man is standing at Pushkinskaya Square on Thursday night in Moscow
    




    




    




    




    While talking with Al-Jazeera, one of the young protestors said, “I have no words, it’s just disgusting,” she added,  “What is there to say? We feel powerlessness, anguish.”
    




    Several journalists, reporters, media figures, and independent media outlets, including the BBC, have signed a petition against the Russian military operation. 
    




    Government workers of the municipal department from different cities of Russia signed a letter to the citizens of Russia, urging the citizens not to participate in the operation or stay silent. 
    




    “We, the deputies elected by the people, unreservedly condemn the attack of the Russian army on Ukraine,” read the letter.
    




     The letter further added that the military operation is an atrocity that cannot be justified at any cost.
    




    Protestors raised slogans against their President, Putin. 
    




    “Putin is a killer! Putin is the shame of Russia!” they shouted. “Ukraine! Ukraine!”, reports Al-Jazeera. 
    




    Some were chanting and clapping in support of Ukraine as well in the protest.
    




    “Ukraine is not our enemy!”
    




    Police have arrested thousands of protestors who were taking part in the demonstrations against the invasion. 
    




    




    


    




    




    




    After months of tensions with Ukraine, and its western allies, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale military operation by sea, land, and air on Thursday. 
    




      
    




    




    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
    ‘Conflict not in anyone’s interest,’ PM Khan tells President Putin
    
			
    ‘Conflict not in anyone’s interest,’ PM Khan tells President Putin
    
			
    

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had a Summit meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday. The two leaders held wide-ranging consultations on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, stated the PM Office. 
    




    ​”The Prime Minister regretted the latest situation between Russia and Ukraine and said that Pakistan had hoped diplomacy could avert a military conflict. The Prime Minister stressed that conflict was not in anyone’s interest and that the developing countries were always hit the hardest economically in case of conflict. He underlined Pakistan’s belief that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” read the statement. 
    




    “The Prime Minister reaffirmed the importance of the Pakistan-Stream Gas Pipeline as a flagship economic project between Pakistan and Russia and also discussed cooperation on prospective energy-related projects. The Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s commitment to forging a long-term, multidimensional relationship with Russia.”
    




    


    




    “PM Khan underlined the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis and preventing potential economic meltdown in Afghanistan. The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan would continue to work with the international community for a stable, peaceful, and connected Afghanistan. In this regard, he underscored the ongoing cooperation and coordination between Pakistan and Russia at various international and regional fora, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO),” said PMO.
    




    ​”On the situation in South Asia, the Prime Minister highlighted the serious human rights situation in IIOJK and underscored the imperative of peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The Prime Minister also highlighted the developments detrimental to regional peace and stability and stressed the need for measures that would help keep the regional balance.”
    ​
    “Expressing concerns on rising trends of extremism and Islamophobia in the world, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for interfaith harmony and coexistence. Appreciating President Putin’s understanding of the respect and sensitivities that the Muslims attach to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Prime Minister said that interfaith harmony and respect for all religions were imperative for peace and harmony within and among the societies.”
    




    PM Khan, along with members of the cabinet and senior officials, was on a two-day visit to Russia. 
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
    DG ISI tells all officials that no interference in politics would be tolerated
    
			
    DG ISI tells all officials that no interference in politics would be tolerated
    
			
    

    Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lieutenant-General Nadeem Anjum, has made it clear to all officials of the ISI that no interference in politics and political matters would be tolerated, reports Ansar Abbasi for The News.
    




    The incumbent DG ISI is said to have decided soon after he joined the office to keep the institution away from politics.
    




    Lt-Gen Nadeem Anjum had conveyed to all the concerned authorities not to release to the media his pictures or video footage taken during official meetings.  
    




    In relevance to the directives, none of his pictures or video footage taken during official meetings has so far been published or shown on TV channels.
    




    Last week, a picture was released by the Prime Minister’s (PM) Office of a luncheon hosted by PM Imran Khan in honour of Bill Gates. The picture in which PM Khan and Bill Gates are sitting with Fawad Chaudhry, Asad Umar, Mahmood Khan, Azam Khan, Shaukat Tarin, Shah Farman, Khalid Khurshid, and several others at the main table.
    




    




     
    




    If one looks at the picture closely, someone between Dr Faisal Sultan and Mahmood Khan seems to be ‘missing’.
    




    The Current reached out to its sources and confirmed that it was the DG ISI Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum who had been photoshopped from the luncheon meeting picture.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
    ‘Beasts will realise consequences’, Politicians reacts to Zahir Jaffer’s conviction
    
			
    ‘Beasts will realise consequences’, Politicians reacts to Zahir Jaffer’s conviction
    
			
    

    Zahir Jaffer has been found guilty in Noor Mukadam’s case and has been sentenced to death by a session court in Islamabad on Thursday.
    




    Following the announcement of the verdict, Twitterati praised the decision. Pakistani politicians came forward and talked about the justice system in the country.
    




    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz tweeted, “The wounds Noor Mukadam’s rape and murder inflicted on the collective conscience of humanity may never heal but it is reassuring that beasts in human disguise will realise that consequences can be grave.”
    




    


    




    Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry praised the police and prosecution, saying that they fulfilled their responsibilities and the court decided in four months. He further added, “Hopefully the justice institutions will meet the expectations of the people and the rule of law will come into force.”
    




    


    




    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Naz Baloch said that she has a lot of respect for Noor’s parents. She tweeted, “Finally Justice prevailed!! Lots of respect for the courageous parents of Noor Muqaddam who fought for their innocent daughter until the murderer Zahir Jaffar was sentenced for the heinous crime.”
    




    


    




    Reacting to the news, PML-N MNA Hina Parvez Butt said, “This justice is not enough, but may your brutal death drive us into making this world safer for all the Noors.”
    




    


    




    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
			
    Security forces seize arms, ammunition during intelligence operation in North Waziristan
    
			
    

    Pakistani security forces conducted an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) in North Waziristan district and recovered a large number of arms and ammunition.
    




    The IBO was conducted by the security forces on the reported presence of weapons and ammunition in the area. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a large number of weapons and ammunition were recovered during the search operation.
    




    According to ISPR recovered weapons and ammunition including submachine guns, light machine guns, RPG-7s, hand grenades, RPG-7 rockets, and hundreds of multiple caliber rounds.
    




    “Locals of the area appreciated the operation and expressed their full support to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the area,” the ISPR said.
    

    
			
    
		
    
		
	
  • 
		
		
    
			
    NAB writes to DC Lahore to sell Ishaq Dar’s house worth millions
    
			
    NAB writes to DC Lahore to sell Ishaq Dar’s house worth millions
    
			
    

    The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has issued a letter to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore to sell Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar’s house in Gulberg, estimated to be worth millions of rupees, reports Geo News. 
    




    Dar’s wife, Tabassum, had reportedly approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the decision. Her lawyer argued that the house belongs to Tabassum. It was given to her on February 14,1989, and Lahore’s accountability court issued an order without investigating the matter. 
    




    However, the high court rejected her plea. Earlier, the bureau had withdrawn Rs500 million from the former finance minister’s bank account and deposited it with the national treasury in a corruption reference against him. He was also declared an absconder in the case. 
    




    Dar had earlier expressed his willingness to take his oath to Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani as a member of the Senate “virtually” from the United Kingdom (UK) as he can’t come back to Pakistan due to his illness.
    




    However, Sanjrani declined Dar’s request to be administered oath as a senator either virtually or through the Pakistan High Commission in London, declaring that the Constitution and the rules do not allow him to do so.