Tag: Pakistan

  • PPP says PTI is planning to attack Sindh House in Islamabad

    Several Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) members of the National Assembly (MNA) including Abdul Qadir Mandokhel, in a joint statement, said, “[Prime Minister] Imran Khan’s government is [hell]bent on [carrying out] terrorism” and planning to attack Sindh House.

    The members claimed they have information that Islamabad police and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Tiger Force are planning the “assault”. The parliamentarians, further said that if any harm comes to Sindh House’s facilities or to their members then the government would be responsible for it.

    While referring to Parliament Lodges’ operation by capital police last week, the lawmakers said they had asked the Sindh police for protection because the capital police had “illegally raided and endangered the lives of people”.

    However, the government claimed the Opposition had detained some of their lawmakers at Sindh House ahead of the vote on the no-confidence resolution against PM Khan.

    Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that no one is taking any action against anyone right now. “The time is far away”, he said.

    “There are some people in Sindh House. They have called in 300-400 policemen. No problem. There are many days left,” the interior minister added.

    Earlier this week, PM Khan had said that Opposition leaders are sitting in Sindh House with “heaps of money” to purchase loyalties of their lawmakers.

  • Human Rights Watch calls on govt, Opposition to refrain from violence

    Human Rights Watch calls on govt, Opposition to refrain from violence

    Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Wednesday that the Pakistani government has a responsibility to uphold the constitution and allow for voting without threats or violence on the no-confidence motion.

    HRW Associate Asia Director Patricia Gossman, in a statement, said both the government and Opposition should send a “strong message” to their supporters not to subvert the democratic process or sway the vote through intimidation or other criminal acts.

    The voting on the no-trust motion in the National Assembly is expected to take place on March 28.

  • PTI’s Pervez Khattak says we cannot make Pervaiz Elahi CM, later issues clarification

    PTI’s Pervez Khattak says we cannot make Pervaiz Elahi CM, later issues clarification

    “We cannot make him [Pervaiz Elahi] Chief Minister (CM), however, PML-N can do so if it wants to. Demanding the post with five seats is blackmailing,” said Defence Minister Pervez Khattak as per Dunya News.

    Minister for Water Resources and Pakistan Muslim League- Quaid (PML-Q) leader Moonis Elahi took the news report to Twitter and demanded a clarification from Khattak, saying “I am in contact with Pervaiz Khattak sahib on a regular basis, he should give a clarification for his remarks.”

    Following this, Khattak denied the news and said he did not issue any such statement to the media. In a tweet, he said he is in contact with all government allies.

    Moonis then re-tweeted Khattak’s clarification and said “Thank you!”

    Recently, Speaker Punjab Assembly Pervaiz Elahi said that we [PML-Q] are allies but are a separate party. He further said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan is honest and his intentions are also good.

    He clarified that neither PML-Q has joined the Opposition nor left the government coalition while adding that the party has supported the government since day one.

    Appearing on a political talk show, Elahi said that all that the government has done is ruin its relations with everyone. Without taking the PM’s name, the PML-Q leader said, “He has spoiled his relations with his own people as well. It is because of his own people that they are so worried. Tongue is one thing that can make or break things forever.”

    Elahi warned the government by saying that the Opposition alliance has the support of “more than required” lawmakers to pass the no-confidence motion against PM Khan in the National Assembly (NA), adding there are “plenty of surprises in store”.

  • COAS Bajwa orders tight security for OIC meeting, PDM changes long march dates

    COAS Bajwa orders tight security for OIC meeting, PDM changes long march dates

    In a Corps Commanders’ Conference held at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Monday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa ordered that the security in the federal capital must be increased and comprehensive security measures should be taken for the safe conduct of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting (March 22-23) and the March 23 Pakistan Day parade in the capital.

    For the OIC meeting in Pakistan, 48 countries have confirmed their participation.

    Due to the high-profile events taking place next week, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman reviewed their march dates. While talking to reporters, he announced that the participants would now enter Islamabad on March 25 instead of March 23.

    “OIC’s foreign ministers are our guests and it is our duty to respect them as they will remain in Islamabad till March 24,” Fazl added.

    PDM chief denied that the Opposition was copying the ruling party by holding the long march. He reminded everyone that they had given the call for the long march some three months ago.

    At the Corps Commanders’ Conference, the recent incident of India’s missile firing at Pakistan was also discussed. It was emphasised that despite Indian acknowledgment of the mistake, relevant international forums must take a serious view.

    Gen Bajwa also lauded the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, which is a major concern especially because of recent incidents.

  • Turn in Pak-Russia friendship? Pakistan sends humanitarian aid to Ukraine

    Pakistan’s government has sent humanitarian aid to Ukraine to support the country’s war-torn citizens. The government of Pakistan sent the aid upon the request of Ukraine.

    Medicine, electromechanical equipment, winter beds, and food items are among the relief supplies. More than 15 tonnes of assistance will be delivered by two planes.

    https://twitter.com/appcsocialmedia/status/1503803860565078027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1503803860565078027%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftribune.com.pk%2Fstory%2F2348119%2Fpakistan-dispatches-humanitarian-aid-to-ukraine

    The Ukrainian Ambassador received the relief supplies from Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi. Qureshi said that Pakistan has always acted as a responsible and peace-loving country. He added Pakistan has stood by the international community during disasters.

    20 days have passed since the war began. More than 2.8 million people have left Ukraine.

    Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin amid the Ukraine crisis left many, thinking that Pakistan is taking sides in the conflict, but the recent development of sending aid to Ukraine presents a different picture.

  • ‘The greatest’, Babar Azam scores Test century after two years

    ‘The greatest’, Babar Azam scores Test century after two years

    Though Pakistan’s victory is uncertain in the second match between Pak and Australia, Pakistan’s cricket team captain Babar Azam is in action today.

    Azam scored a Test century after a gap of two years in the match.

    The Pakistani skipper completed the century in the 78th over, as soon as he hit the ball, the crowd and his teammates lauded the skipper for his “epic” century.

    https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1503708175861747716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1503708175861747716%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F405334-pak-vs-aus-babar-azam-scores-first-test-century-after-two-years

    The Pakistani skipper completed a century in the 78th over and as soon as he hit the ball, the crowd and his teammates lauded the skipper for his “epic” century.

    Currently, Pakistan is chasing a 506-run target with Babar at the crease and opener Abdullah Shafique with 8 wickets at hand.

    Pakistan has only a day (tomorrow) to win.

    Several tweets have been posted to praise the cricket star.

    https://twitter.com/ThisHaroon/status/1503706519661166604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1503706519661166604%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geo.tv%2Flatest%2F405334-pak-vs-aus-babar-azam-scores-first-test-century-after-two-years
    https://twitter.com/Arshadkhan_ofcl/status/1503715987677450251?s=20&t=1tinYb9Da_G1TqXQmBOSuw

  • Convicted Murderer Zahir Jaffer appeals death sentence

    Convicted Murderer Zahir Jaffer appeals death sentence

    Zahir Jaffer has filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against his conviction. Zahir was awarded the death penalty in the Noor Mukadam murder case. A sessions court on Feburary 24 sentenced Zahir Jaffer to death. The staff members at Zahir’s house who aided in keeping Noor in Zahir’s house, Iftikhar and Jameel, were sentenced to 10 years in jail. Additional Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani announced the verdict. All other accused were acquitted, including Zahir’s parents and TherapyWorks staff.

    Earlier, on behalf of Noor’s father, Shaukat Mukadam, different appeals were filed by lawyer Shah Khawar in Islamabad High Court (IHC). The appeals challenge the acquittal of Zahir’s parents, Asmat Adamjee and Zakir Jaffer. The appeal also challenges the acquittal of domestic helper Jamil, and six Therapy Works employees including its CEO Tahir Zahoor.

  • Pakistan approaches UN while US says missile incident is anything other than an accident

    Pakistan approaches UN while US says missile incident is anything other than an accident

    Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the Indian parliament that the country is conducting a review of its standard operating procedures (SOPs) for operations, maintenance and inspection of weapons systems, reports Dawn.

    “We attach the highest priority to the safety and security of our weapon systems. If any shortcoming is found, it would be immediately rectified,” the Indian defence minister added.

    The statement came after an Indian “accidental” missile launch at Pakistan that fell in Mian Channu, Khanewal district on March 9. After two days, the Indian government released a statement in which they said the missile accidentally was fired due to a technical malfunction.

    An Indian media reports claim that India informed Pakistan about this “accidental firing” soon after it happened. However, Pakistan said that India failed to inform Islamabad about the accidental launch immediately, and waited until after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the incident about “high-speed flying object” and sought clarification from New Delhi.

    Meanwhile, Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi approached United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Qureshi briefed Guterres on the matter and stressed that this needs to be addressed by the international community, including the UN Security Council (SC). Qureshi briefed Guterres on the matter stressed that this needs to be addressed by the international community, including the UN Security Council (SC).

    US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price on Monday said there is “no indication” that India launched a missile attack on Pakistan. He said that it was “anything other than an accident”. He also advised the journalist [who asked the question] to reach out to the Indian Defence Ministry for a follow-up.

    “I’m not familiar with that particular incident. What I would say is that nuclear safety around the world, especially in countries — nuclear-armed countries, is always a conversation that is ongoing,” Price added.

  • Almost 25,000 cases of lumpy skin disease diagnosed in cattle in Sindh, humans not at risk

    Almost 25,000 cases of lumpy skin disease diagnosed in cattle in Sindh, humans not at risk

    At least 750 cases of lumpy skin disease have been reported in various parts of Sindh in 24 hours, Sindh Livestock Secretary Tameezuddin Khero has said.

    The number of infected cattle in the province has risen to 24,948, of which 8,491 are recovered and 16,295 are under-recovery, whereas 162 deaths have been reported.

    Talking about the possibility of transmission of disease to humans, Tameezuddin said, “Humans are not at risk as meat and milk were safe for consumption.

    “It is transmitted by blood-sucking insects such as certain species of flies and mosquitoes, or ticks.”

    As per the provincial task force, as many as 156 animals have died due to the infectious disease of lumpy skin.

    Most cases are reported from, Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze, Ghotki, Khairpur, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Qamber Shahdadkot, Larkana, Dadu, Jamshoro, Thana Bula Khan, Kachho and Johi.

    The disease had its origin in Africa. The livestock department has advised cattle owners to keep sick animals isolated from healthy ones and to use an anti-mosquito spray on a regular basis to prevent skin disease.

  • Islamic values being violated in political conflict: Mufti Taqi Usmani

    Islamic values being violated in political conflict: Mufti Taqi Usmani

    Islamic scholar, Mufti Taqi Usmani shared his thoughts on Twitter over the ongoing political conflict among politicians in Pakistan on Monday.

    He issued the statement after a series of heated confrontations was seen between the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan and the opposition leaders after a no-confidence motion against PM was submitted last week.

    Mufti wrote, “It is frightening to imagine the extent to which Islamic rules and values are being violated in political disputes. May Allah protect us from its calamity.”

    He continued that the political leadership should show decency while having arguments as it is detrimental to any society.

    “Whether the difference is political or ideological, to make it a matter of taking one’s life and abusing each other is deadly for the society. Criticism is done through arguments and not by vulgar language. Think about where we are going,” he further added.