British-Pakistani boxer Amir Khan is all-praise for the Pakistan Army, saying the military was the “backbone of the country”.
In a couple of tweets, the former boxing champion, who was invited to enter the politics, said that he wouldn’t join the politics on the advice of his counsels. He added that Pakistan was run by an “amazing PM” whom “we trust”. But Khan said he would continue to do “charity work @AKFoundation in UK, Pakistan and rest of the world to make areas better and safer”.
Talked to my advisory team, I will decline the offer to join Pakistan politics. The country is run by an amazing PM @ImranKhanPTI and we all have trust in him. I prefer continuing my charity work @AKFoundation in UK, Pakistan and rest of the world to make areas better and safer
The boxer said he has “big respect” for the Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) head Major Gen Babar Iftikhar. “Every attack, floods, earthquakes the Pakistan army are the first to reach and help,” he added.
Politics aside… U can’t knock the work pakistan army are doing. That’s the back bone of the country. Big respect goes to Coas General Bajwa, ISI General Fes and @OfficialDGISPR. Every attack, floods, earthquakes the pak army are the first to reach and help. #Respect 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/yfoyU6qjfV
“I have been asked numerous times if I would join politics in Pakistan. Being a sportsman and being an ambassador for the country, I’m honoured to [be] asked if I would take part in politics, in fact, I would love to help the country,” said the former boxing champion after the visit.
He continued: “I’ve sat with many politicians and army generals agreeing and disagreeing on topics in the country. My heart is clean and I would want the best for Pakistan.”
According to a report now retracted by News 18, Karachi is burning with shootouts between civil and military bodies after the army took over the provincial metropolis and the control of all police stations as well as government buildings.
WATCH VIDEO:
Here’s a screenshot of the tweet that has now been deleted:
This time, however, it isn’t just Indian media that is making baseless claims that will crack you up…
“10 police officers of Sindh police martyred during their line of duty of saving people of Karachi from atrocities of army [sic],” prominent Indian lawyer Prashant Patel Umrao claimed.
He went on to say that the United States (US) Navy may enter Karachi port soon, drawing strong reactions from Twitterati, and not just those from Pakistan.
“Indian disinformation accounts are exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis and falsely claiming that the country is now experiencing urban warfare and other serious instability,” tweeted the deputy director of the Asia Program and senior associate for South Asia at the Wilson Center, Michael Kugelman.
Indian disinformation accounts are exploiting Pakistan's current political crisis and falsely claiming that the country is now experiencing urban warfare and other serious instability. Dangerous and disturbing; several of these accounts are verified, with large followings. Ugh.
Pakistan has refuted “irresponsible” reports claiming that Pakistan Army is fighting alongside Azerbaijani forces against Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
According to reports, Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said the reports were “speculative and baseless”.
“Pakistan is deeply concerned over the deteriorating security situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh region,” Chaudhri said while reiterating Pakistan’s position on the conflict.
The spokesperson also said that intensive shelling by Armenian forces on the civilian populations of Azerbaijan is reprehensible and most unfortunate.
“This could compromise peace and security of the entire region. Armenia must stop its military action to avoid further escalation,” the spokesperson said.
Chaudhri said that Pakistan supports Azerbaijan’s position on Nagorno-Karabakh, adding that the position was in line with the “several unanimously adopted United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions”.
The statement comes as tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan forces continued to heighten despite the world’s calls for ceasefire.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have been locked in a simmering conflict for decades over the region and new fighting that erupted on Sunday has been the heaviest in decades. Nearly 200 people, including 30 civilians, have died amid fears of a multi-front war that could suck in regional powers Turkey and Russia.
Asim Azhar, Ali Azmat and Ali Noor and Ali Hamza of Noori have come together for a ‘Melody of Pride’ which will honour the jawaans of Pakistan.
All artists featuring in the song shared their excitement for their upcoming song and teaser on social media with Ali Hamza saying that it is “one of the most exciting projects” he has done as a music producer. The singer also shared that the song is “a first of its kind rock anthem, which is the re-make of a popular patriotic song from the ’80s.”
The short teaser shows shots of cadets training, jawaans fighting and a glimpse of the flag ceremony at Wagah Border. The singers feature in only shot.
Meanwhile, ISPR in a statement, said that the melody is “a unique music composition”.
“Pakistan’s top melody voices: Ali Hamza, Ali Azmat, Ali Noor and Asim Azhar have collaborated for this Defence & Martyrs Day. They pay a very special tribute to the services rendered by our Armed Forces and its operational readiness. The song showcases the sacrifices of Pakistan as a nation in fighting terrorism and the transformation of our Armed Forces into a cutting edge military structure, second to none.
It adds: “Renowned music maestro, Ali Hamza with his unique creativity, has composed a first of its kind rock music, blending modern techno beats with the military instruments of the Army School of Music. The video also incorporates stylized shots of the singers patriotically supporting their heroes.”
Ali Noor also shared some BTS shots from the making of the song on Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEoIOPtDjlt/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEZCWuhjAbr/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEnwsGzDkEe/
Asim and Ali Azmat have previously also collaborated for the PSL V anthem Tayyar Hain for which they received a lot of backlash.
Pakistan Army has been called to assist the civil administration in dealing with the urban flooding situation in the business hub of the country, announced the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
According to the military’s media wing, the armed forces have been summoned in the city to assist the civil administration in dealing with the urban flooding situation.
Separately, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lieutenant General Muhammad Afzal called on Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday after Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan tasked him to clean rain-hit Karachi.
According to the CM House spokesman, the meeting was also attended by Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.
They discussed the situation developed in the city in the aftermath of the two-day rainfall that saw urban flooding in parts of the city.
It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday asked NDMA to extend help in cleaning rain-battered Karachi.
Taking to Twitter, the prime minister directed the NDMA chairman to reach Karachi immediately and oversee the cleanliness drive.
“I have asked the Pak Army to also help in cleaning up the city,” he said.
Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani at that time responded to the move saying that he does not know why the premier has asked Pakistan Army to assist the cleanliness of the metropolis.
Ever since the assets of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s special assistants were made public, people have been questioning how Special Assistant to the PM on Information and Broadcasting in honourary capacity Lt General Asim Bajwa acquired his wealth.
Shaan stood up in defence of the official and said that he stands with him “for keeping the future of Pakistan secure and prosperous”. Shaan received a lot of flak for his comments following which he hit out at “bikay huway Twitterbaz (sold-out Twitterati)” for spreading paid propaganda.
Yeh sab bikay huway twitterbaz jo likh rahain hai negative about the pak army Laaaaaaaaaaaanat tum sab per jo paid prpoganda pehla rahay hain.. hisaab mangnay waalay zara hisaab to dain ..woh hisaab mangay jo apna hisaab de sakta hai…
Ending his arguments, Shaan requested his followers to also fight against the dangers that lurk.
Mulk ka dard or mulk ki hifazat Twitter per baith ker karnay waloon sai guzarish hai .kai un bahaduroon ki taraha kabhi watan ko Lahaq khatroon sai bhi Lar ker daikhain .taakay sirf Twitter per nazariyati honay ka or amal kernay ka farq Maloom ho sakay #PakArmyZindabad .
This is not the first time Shaan has been embroiled in a debate on social media. Earlier, the actor had sparked controversyafter he criticised the government for airing Turkish historical series Diriliş: Ertuğrul on PTV.
Amid controversies surrounding the licences of several Pakistani pilots, which have also led to the suspension of Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) authorisation to operate in European Union (EU) member states and the United Kingdom (UK), a newspaper clipping pertaining to the launch of army’s Askari Airline has left Twitterati in doubts.
“Preparations for the launch of Askari Airline completed; licence issued,” read the undated Urdu newspaper clipping making the rounds on the internet.
The undated Urdu newspaper clipping making the rounds on the internet
It added that “the chief of army staff (COAS) would inaugurate the project that was in its final stages owing to the efforts of the Army Welfare Trust (AWT)” — Pakistani conglomerate also known as Askari Group of Companies — and mentioned details of the airline’s fleet.
The clipping drew the ire of a majority of netizens who attempted to draw a link between the downfall of the national carrier and the alleged impending launch of Askari Airline, compelling The Current to look into the claims.
According to prominent aviation journalist Tahir Imran, Askari Airline was given approval a few years ago, which suggests that the clipping is not a recent one.
Askari airline was given approval few years ago. Along with few other operators. For record Shaheen foundation failed to run Shaheen air, sold it to ex Air Force guy whose children eventually ran it down to the ground. Note: This is not recent news item. pic.twitter.com/DxM9qDkyow
When contacted, Imran said that Askari Airline was among six new airlines that had applied to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for regular public transport (RPT) licences in 2018.
“These airlines are Liberty Air owned by Chaudhry Munir and Mian Amir, Go Green Airways owned by Elahi Group, Askari Air owned by AWT, United Airways Pakistan Limited owned by Adnan Tabani, AirSial owned by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Afeef Zara Airways owned by Rashid Siddiqui,” he said, adding that even though they had been granted licences, no other airline except AirSial was for now in a position to launch flight operations.
“But even AirSial faces an uncertain future as its launch scheduled for May 2020 has indefinitely been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic among other reasons. It might see the light of day by 2020’s end… but everything depends on how the current situation pans out.”
To a question regarding the fate of Askari Airline, Imran said that no appointments in this regard had so far been reported, let alone any progress towards its launch. “Askari, as well as other upcoming airlines except AirSial, lack the required infrastructure for now and their launch within the ongoing year doesn’t seem possible.”
ASKARI AVIATION SERVICES:
Speaking of Askari Aviation Services (AAS), he said it was run by AWT and its activities included domestic and international travel as well as transportation by Askari Charter Services (ACS), ground handling services at Islamabad airport by Askari Airport Services (AAPS), domestic and international air travel ticketing by Askari Travel & Tour (AT&T), ground, cabin and flying training of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft by Askari Flying Academy (AFA) beside aircraft and helicopter maintenance and operation services through Askari Aviation (Pvt) Ltd (AAL).
“In addition to its integral fleet of helicopter and aircraft, AAS also enjoys the backing of Pakistan Army Aviation and is providing international charter services to the army for its United Nations (UN) peacekeeping troops deployed around the world,” he said.
Nigar Johar has been promoted by the Pakistan Army to become the first woman lieutenant general, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Tuesday.
According to the military’s media wing, Johar, who hails from the Panjpeer area of Swabi district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), also holds the accolade for becoming the first woman surgeon general of the Pakistan Army.
Major General Nigar Johar, HI (M) promoted as Lieutenant General. She is the 1st female officer to be promoted as Lieutenant General. The officer has been appointed as 1st female Surgeon General of Pak Army. Lieutenant General Nigar Johar hails from Panjpeer, District Swabi KPK. pic.twitter.com/ytw8YvSz76
Earlier, in 2017, Johar became the third woman officer to reach the rank of major general.
Lt Gen Johar belongs to the Army Medical Corps and is the niece of Major (r) Mohammad Aamir, a former Pakistan Army officer who served in the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Lt Gen Nigar Johar’s father Colonel Qadir also served in the ISI. He and his wife were killed in a road accident about 30 years ago.
Swabi has produced a number of generals, but this is the first time that a woman has reached the said army rank.
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has appointed Major General Amer Aslam Khan as the deputy chairman of the Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority (NPHDA) while Brigadier Manzur Malik has been appointed as the executive director admin of the same, an Establishment Division notification revealed.
According to the notification, a copy of which is available with The Current, both officials have been appointed on a secondment basis, on standard terms and conditions, under Section 12 of NPHDA Act, 2020, with immediate effect.
Naya Pakistan Housing is a flagship project of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government that would provide housing facility to the homeless population, accelerate economic activity in the country and provide job opportunities to the youth.
Last year, the government had launched the scheme for the provision of five million housing units to low-income population.
Major Muhammad Asghar “laid his life in the line of duty at Torkham border” after losing the battle against coronavirus, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported Sunday.
“Major Muhammad Asghar laid his life in the line of duty at #Torkham border in fight against #COVID-19. Evacuated to CMH Peshawar with breathing problems, was put on ventilator but succumbed to Corona Virus. There is no cause bigger than serving the Nation,” the media’s military wing tweeted.
Major Muhammad Asghar laid his life in the line of duty at #Torkham border in fight against #COVID-19. Evacuated to CMH Peshawar with breathing problems, was put on ventilator but succumbed to Corona Virus. There is no cause bigger than serving the Nation.#OurMartyrsOurHeroespic.twitter.com/3mtCKyRycq
Pakistan climbed to the 20th spot on the global coronavirus ranking on Sunday after the nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients crossed 30,000 after Sindh reported 709 new cases.
Asghar is the first security official to have lost his life in the war against the pandemic in Pakistan.
By the time this report was filed, the country had reported 30,446 COVID-19 cases with 662 fatalities.
