Current Final

Tag: Pakistan

  • China lifts ban on seafood product imports from Pakistan

    China lifts ban on seafood product imports from Pakistan

    China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) has confirmed the resumption of aquatic product imports from Pakistan and several other countries, aiming to enrich the supply of domestic aquatic products and boost the stability of the seafood industry and supply chains. In a statement released on May 26, the GAC announced that imports from 20 overseas companies would be allowed.

    The GAC statement revealed that the 20 companies resuming exports to China are based in various countries, including Pakistan, Brazil, Malaysia, Spain, New Zealand, and Indonesia.

    This move comes after China suspended imports from eight overseas suppliers last year due to non-compliance with safety and hygiene controls, as well as inadequate adherence to COVID-19 control measures set by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

    Although industry experts told the Global Times that this recent change would not have a significant impact on overall supply in China, they acknowledged that the rise in seafood imports reflected a growing demand among Chinese consumers.

    Cui He, Director of the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Alliance, stated that the increase in imports was driven by China’s expanding consumption patterns and its customers’ preference for quality aquatic products offered by some overseas companies.

    According to Geo, China’s seafood imports have been on the rise, primarily sourced from countries such as Russia, Australia, and Argentina, according to Cui. Last year, China experienced a 35 per cent surge in seafood imports, reaching a value of $19.13 billion, as reported by data from the International Trade Centre.

    The GAC emphasised its commitment to strengthening the management of imported food safety. While the resumption of imports from Pakistan and other countries is expected to contribute to the diversification of China’s aquatic product supply, the focus on ensuring the safety and quality of imported food remains a priority for Chinese authorities.

  • List of prominent PTI members who have left the party till now

    List of prominent PTI members who have left the party till now

    Following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan’s arrest on May 9 in connection with a corruption case, the country saw violent protests as his supporters clashed with law-enforcement agencies. The protests also targeted state and military installations, which resulted in a severe crackdown on the party.

    Many prominent PTI leaders were arrested including Shireen Mazari, Fawad Chahudry, Asad Umar and Shah Mahmood Qureshi.


    The arrests and the criticism of the party led many PTI members to quit. Most of them left the party after holding press conferences or releasing video messages condemeing the events of May 9. At least 100 Members of PTI have left the party.

    Here is a list of prominent members of PTI who have until now left the party:

    1. Raja Khuram Nawaaz

    2. Shireen Mazari

    3. Fawad Chahudhry

    4. Amir Mehmood Kiyaani

    5. Amin Aslam

    6. Khusro Bakhtiyar

    7 Jamshed Iqbal Cheema

    8.Musrat Jamshed Cheema

    9.Abrarul Haq

    10. Senator Saifullah Niazi

    11. Firdous Ashiq Awan

    12. Fayyazul Hasan Chauhan

    13. Faizullah Kamuka

    14. Khawaja Qutb Farid Koreja

    15. Khurram Shehzad

    16. Maleeka Ali Bokhari

    17. Mubeen Khilji

    18. Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir

    19. Makhdoom Syed Tariq Mahmoodul Hassan

    20. Imran Ismail

    21. Rabia Azfar Nizami

    22.Muhammad Abbas Jafri 

    23.Syma Nadeem

    24. Omar Amari 

    25. Imran Ali Shah

    26. Karim Bakhsh Gabol

    27. Syed Ghulam Shah

    28. Sanjay Gangwani

    29.  Zulfiqar Ali Shah

    30 .Kaneez Fatima

    31.Kaneez Fatima

    32.Chaudhry Ali Akhtar

    33.Shakil Shahid

    34.Hafiz Muhammad Ehtisham

    35.  Jhang, Rashida Yaqub Sheikh 

    36.Jalil Sharqpuri

    37. Syed Saeedul Hassan

    38. Saleem Akhtar Labar

    39. Chaudhry Hussain Elahi

    40.Chaudhry Ehsanul Haq

    41. Dr Mohammad Afzal

    42.Chaudhary Jehanzeb Rasheed

    43. Zaheeruddin Khan Alizai

    44. Aun Dogar

    45. Abdul Hai Dasti

    46. Malik Mujtaba Niaz Gishkori

    47.  Alamdar Husain Qureshi

    48. Sajjad Hussain Cheena

    49. Ashraf Rind 

    50. Javed Akhtar Ansari

    51. Ahsan Saleem Baryar

    52. Muhammad Saleem Baryar

  • Imran Khan’s name and picture to be banned on TV? Babar Awan expresses concern

    Imran Khan’s name and picture to be banned on TV? Babar Awan expresses concern

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Babar Awan has expressed concern over a possible ban on airing pictures and names of Party chairman Imran Khan.

    “Due to fear of Imran Khan, there is news of banning his name and picture on TV channels,” Babar tweeted on Wednesday.

    He further said that the government should file a review appeal against the results of the 1992 World Cup.
    “if Shehbaz and Maryam will not mention Imran in their speeches what else will they talk about?” his tweet added.

    Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) PEMRA has urged TV channels to boycott people “damaging peace” and not to promote people “inciting hatred” in relevance to the incidents of May 9 when PTI supporters clashed with law enforcement agencies. However, the media regulatory authority did not specifically mention Imran Khan’s name.


    It is being assumed by commentators that the notification was referring to the PTI chairman.


    “As per Article 19 of The Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, [commission of] or incitement to an offence,” the notification issued by PEMRA read.
    “It is crucial to strike a balance between protecting freedom of speech and maintaining public order,” the notification added.

  • It is our responsibility to get our workers out from jails: Fawad Ch

    Former Pakistan Tehreek–e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, Fawad Chaudhry, Imran Ismail and Mahboob Maulvi held a press conference outside Central Jail Rawalpindi (also known as Adiala Jail) on Wednesday, after meeting Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

    Former PTI leader Aamir Kiani was also present in the meeting in which reportedly, the four leaders asked Qureshi to leave the party.

    However in the presser, Fawad said that he had a detailed discussion with Qureshi regarding the current political situation, adding that “we” have to find a solution.

    The former minister said that many PTI supporters are in jail, and it is their responsibility to get them out.

    “We cannot leave open ground for the opposition in present circumstances,” he remarked, adding that the group had also had discussions with Asad Umar, Parvez Khattak, Asad Qaiser, Hammad Azhar and Ali Zaidi.

  • HRCP expresses concern over conducting trials of civilians in military courts

    HRCP expresses concern over conducting trials of civilians in military courts

    The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) in a statement has warned all political stakeholders that unless they desist from any further measures that could imperil the country’s fragile democracy, they may find themselves unable to steer the country safely through the multiple crises it is facing.

    “HRCP has closely monitored the ongoing political crisis and notes with great alarm that civilian supremacy has emerged as the greatest casualty. The government’s inability—or unwillingness—to safeguard civilian supremacy or to preserve the dignity of Parliament has proven tremendously disappointing. At the same time, the political opposition’s history of hostile politics and contempt for the rule of law has played no small part in triggering the wanton destruction of property during 9–10 May. These were not peaceful protests. The evidence points to acts of arson, rioting, looting, vandalism and trespass onto state and private property,” the statement issued by the human rights watchdog of Pakistan read.
    HRCP also expressed its disappointment in the judiciary. “HRCP regrets that the failure of the judiciary to credibly maintain its independence and impartiality has exacerbated the rule-of-law crisis in the country.”

    HRCP also demanded an independent investigation of the allegations of violence against PTI workers.

    HRCP reminded authorities that torture or any form of degrading treatment of persons in custody are serious violations of human rights. The disappearance of at least two journalists must also be investigated in a transparent manner, the findings made public and the perpetrators held strictly to account.
    The human rights organization also expressed concern for conducting military trials of civilians. “While those responsible for the destruction of public and private property must undoubtedly be held accountable, there is ample provision in civilian laws for this. Any government seriously committed to upholding civilian supremacy would strongly consider repealing Article 2(1)(d) of the Act, which allows civilians to be tried in military courts, thereby denying them their constitutional right to a fair trial. HRCP also objects to the arbitrary manner in which certain cases are selected to be tried by military courts, thereby violating the principle of equality before the law and equal protection of the law,” read the statement

  • ‘A love like this’: Nadia Jamil shares how her parents fell in love, moves Twitter to tears

    Nadia Jamil took to Twitter to share how her parents, famous businessman Abdul Jalil Jamil and Nusrat Jamil, met and came to fall in love.

    The powerhouse actress, who lost her father after a long illness in May, wrote down her parents’ love story for her followers.

    “And then they married…4 years after they met. Ma raised in an army family, Abu an old Delhi Saudagran Business family man. Ami down to Earth,practical, political, an activist who loves 2 dance. Abu a poet,philosopher,Sufi lover of Allah & nature! Both avid lovers of literature.”

    The ‘Behadd’ actress then shared a sweet picture from her parents wedding day, in which her father can be seen feeding grapes to her mother.

    Jamil’s moving tribute to her parents made all of us teary eyes, and so did Twitter.

  • Imran Khan says he is not naraaz with Arif Alvi

    Imran Khan says he is not naraaz with Arif Alvi

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan has denied reports of cutting off contacts with President Dr Arif Avli. When asked by Geo News reporter Haider Sherazi, Imran Khan said, ”Arif Alvi kia kisi se naraz hoskta ha? (Can Arif Alvi be angry at anyone?)”

    On Tuesday, a reporter of We News claimed that Imran Khan is leaving President Alvi’s messages on seen, suggesting that the former PM has cut off ties with the President. The reporter also said that both were last in contact on May 24.


    He further said that two days after the last contact, on May 26, President Arif Alvi signed the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2023.

  • Minister of State for Finance and Revenue criticises IMF for interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs

    Minister of State for Finance and Revenue criticises IMF for interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs

    In a strong rebuke to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), State Minister for Finance and Revenue Aisha Ghaus Pasha criticised the international lender for what she called “intervening” in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

    Speaking on Wednesday, the state minister asserted that Pakistan’s actions were within the boundaries of the law, dismissing the statement made by IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan, Nathan Porter, as “extraordinary.”

    While the IMF typically refrains from commenting on domestic politics, Porter had expressed the hope that Pakistan would find a peaceful way forward in line with the Constitution and the rule of law. The state minister expressed her dissatisfaction with the IMF’s involvement in Pakistan’s political situation, emphasising that the delay in reaching a staff-level agreement was detrimental to both Pakistan and the Fund.

    Dr Pasha confirmed reports that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reached out to IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. In their conversation, the prime minister assured the IMF chief that Pakistan would fulfill all its obligations.

    On May 27, Prime Minister Shehbaz had contacted Georgieva, requesting her assistance in revitalising the stalled $6.5 billion facility. It is believed that the prime minister urged her intervention to facilitate the completion of the pending ninth review, which would unlock $1.1 billion in financing for the cash-strapped nation.

    Negotiations between the coalition government and the IMF have been ongoing since November to revive Pakistan’s bailout program, with the financing gap being a major hurdle. Approximately $2.7 billion remains to be disbursed from the $6.5 billion program, which is set to expire next month.

    Responding to a question regarding Pakistan’s contingency plan if it fails to convince the IMF before the program’s expiry on June 30, the state minister stated that while there is always a “Plan B,” the Ministry of Finance’s priority is to revive the IMF program.

    With the federal budget announcement scheduled for June 9, both sides are hopeful of reaching a staff-level agreement before then. The successful conclusion of the agreement would provide a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s economy and help address its financial challenges.

    As the negotiations continue, the Pakistani government remains committed to meeting its obligations and finding a way forward to revive the IMF program, while asserting its sovereignty and independence in internal affairs.

  • Imran Khan’s medical reports do not hint at use of alcohol and cocaine: NAB

    Imran Khan’s medical reports do not hint at use of alcohol and cocaine: NAB

    The medical reports of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan with National Accountability Bureau (NAB) do not hint at alcohol and cocaine use, Ansar Abbasi has reported for The News.


    The source quoted by the reporter claimed to have reviewed the medical records, and said that Imran Khan’s health was normal.


    He said that Imran’s blood and urine samples were taken while he was in NAB’s custody.

    “The medical reports as available with NAB do not endorse what the health minister alleged,” the news report quoted a source.


    Imran Khan on Tuesday sent a Rs10 Billion defamation notice to Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel for sharing details about an alleged medical test conducted during his arrest, stating that the PTI chief had faked his fracture and that he is mentally unstable.


    Imran Khan asked the minister through the legal notice to, “retract his statements in the same mode and manner in which he made them in the first place”.


    The private medical reports of the tests that the government is said to have conducted on PTI leader Imran Khan earlier this month while he was under arrest were made public on Friday.


    The reports stated that Imran Khan’s mental stability was under question and that while no leg fractures were found, there was evidence of alcohol and an illicit substance in his urine.

  • Saqib Nisar son’s audio leak: ‘Who records these audios?’ IHC asks government

    Justice Babar Sattar of the Islamabad High Court on Wednesday heard a plea filed by Najam Saqib, son of former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, against a special committee formed by the National Assembly speaker to probe into audio clips allegedly featuring his voice.

    During the hearing Babar Sattar asked the federal government, “Who records these audios?”, while suspending the summon notice issued to Najam by the special committee.

    “There is no relevant ministry in this matter, but we will do so,” Khosa said.

    “We only challenged that the speaker and the assembly do not have the authority to look into private matters. The petition does not challenge the matter which is pending in the Supreme Court,” said Latif Khosa, on behalf of the petitioner.

    “The audio leak is an alleged conversation between two private individuals that Parliament has no right to see,” he added.

    Sattar further said, “You have also been a governor. Tell me, who records these audios?”

    “Let the parties answer first, then everything will be clear,” Latif responded.

    On May 2, the National Assembly passed a motion demanding formation of a special parliamentary committee to investigate the audios, while on May 3, National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf constituted the committee.