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Tag: USA

  • No relief in electricity bills without IMF’s approval

    No relief in electricity bills without IMF’s approval

    After country-wide protests against unprecedented hikes in electricity bills, Pakistan’s caretaker government has approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to seek approval before announcing any relief for the people.

    According to Geo News, the IMF asked Pakistan to share a written plan for relief on Wednesday.

    On Tuesday, the federal cabinet had a meeting with interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar to take into consideration all possible options but no decision was officially announced.

    The Power Division has shared proposals with the authorities but first, the IMF is to be taken on board as loans from the Fund bear strict conditions.

    In July, a $3 billion loan agreement was signed with the IMF with stringent financial regulations to be followed during the programme.

    Under the bailout package, the former government of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) approved a stark increase in electricity rates, resulting in increased bills.

    As reported by Geo News, Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar had a virtual meeting with IMF representative Esther Perez to discuss relief measures.

    They were made aware of the current situation and continuing protests across the country.

    While the Pakistan team submitted various proposals for relief in electricity bills, IMF officials requested the relief plan in writing which, according to Geo, will be shared today.

  • Pakistani doctor jailed in US for attempting to aid ISIS

    Pakistani doctor jailed in US for attempting to aid ISIS

    Muhammad Masood, a 31-year-old licensed Pakistani doctor living in the United States on a work visa, has been sentenced to 18 years in jail for attempting to provide material support to terrorist organisation ISIS, according to court documents.

    “A Rochester man was sentenced today to 216 months in prison, equivalent to 18 years, followed by five years of supervised release for attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization,” a press release issued by the US Department of Justice stated.

    The court documents revealed that Masood was previously employed as a research coordinator at a medical clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, under an H-1B visa.

    As per the official statement, Masood’s activity from January 2020 to March 2020 depicted his attempts to become a part of the militant outfit and provide material support in carrying out terrorist acts in the US.

    “Between January 2020 and March 2020, Masood used an encrypted messaging application to facilitate his travel overseas to join a terrorist organization,” the statement added.

    It further stated that the Pakistani man made multiple statements about his desire to join ISIS and also pledged his allegiance to the designated terrorist organisation and its leader.

    “Masood also expressed his desire to conduct ‘lone wolf’ terrorist attacks in the United States.”

    On February 21, 2020, he bought a plane ticket from Chicago, Illinois, to Amman, Jordan, with plans to travel to Syria from there.
    However, his travel plans changed on March 16, 2020, as the borders were closed by Jordan under coronavirus travel restrictions.

    He then decided to fly from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, where he would meet a person who he believed would help him with travel via a cargo ship to deliver him to the territory claimed by ISIS.

    On March 19, 2020, Masood traveled from Rochester to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to board a flight bound for Los Angeles, California.

    However, he was eventually arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) upon arrival at the airport.

    Masood pleaded guilty last year on August 16 to attempting to provide material support to Daesh.
    Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson sentenced him to 18 years in prison on Friday, after the completion of investigations by the FBI’s JTTF.

  • Modi, Biden demand Pakistan should take the initiative to end ‘cross-border terrorism’

    Modi, Biden demand Pakistan should take the initiative to end ‘cross-border terrorism’

    United States (US) President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi have demanded that Pakistan should ensure that Pakistani land will not be used by terrorists.

    Indian premier is currently visiting the United States.

    The statement has been issued after a meeting between Biden and Modi.

    Both leaders have demanded action against terrorist groups allegedly based in Pakistan, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

    “They strongly condemned cross-border terrorism, the use of terrorist proxies and called on Pakistan to take immediate action to ensure that no territory under its control is used for launching terrorist attacks,” the 58-point statement issued by the White House read.

    Both the leaders demanded action against perpetrators of attacks, including the Mumbai and Pathankot incidents.

    The leaders have also demanded that the Afghan Taliban should respect human rights, and the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.

  • How to apply online for studying abroad without spending agent fees

    How to apply online for studying abroad without spending agent fees

    If you’re looking to apply for studying abroad without any agent fees, follow these steps:

    Steps to follow for studying abroad

    Research:

    Start by researching different universities and courses in the country you want to study in. Look for universities that offer scholarships or have affordable tuition fees for international students.


    Choose a University:

    Select a few universities that align with your academic goals and preferences. Consider factors like program quality, reputation, location, cost of living, and scholarship opportunities.


    Check University Websites:

    Visit the official websites of the selected universities and explore their admission sections. Look for information about the application process, required documents, deadlines, and any specific requirements for international students.

    Fulfill Admission Requirements:

    Ensure that you meet the admission requirements for your chosen university and program. This may include submitting academic transcripts, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or TOEFL), letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

    Apply Online:

    Most universities provide an online application system. Create an account on the university’s admission portal and fill out the application form. Provide accurate and detailed information about your academic background, personal details, and any other required information.

    Write a Statement of Purpose:

    Draft a compelling statement of purpose (SOP) that explains your motivation for studying abroad, your academic and career goals, and how the chosen program aligns with them. Highlight your strengths and unique qualities that make you a suitable candidate.

    Obtain Recommendation Letters:

    Reach out to your professors, mentors, or employers who can write strong recommendation letters for you. Provide them with the necessary information about the university, program, and your achievements, so they can write personalized letters highlighting your skills and abilities.

    Financial Planning:

    Research scholarships, grants, or financial aid options available for international students. Many universities and external organizations offer scholarships based on merit, need, or specific criteria. Additionally, consider your personal finances and develop a plan to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and any other costs.

    Submit Application and Documents:

    Complete the online application form and upload all required documents, including your academic transcripts, test scores, SOP, and recommendation letters. Ensure that all documents are properly attested or certified, if required.

    Pay Application Fees:

    Some universities charge an application fee. Check the payment methods accepted by the university and submit the application fee online.

    Track Application Status:

    After submitting your application, keep track of its status through the university’s admission portal or online system. Check for any additional documents or steps required.

    Visa Application:

    Once you receive an acceptance letter from a university, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. Research the visa requirements of the country you’ll be studying in and gather all the necessary documents, such as proof of admission, financial statements, and a valid passport.

    Prepare for Interviews (if required):

    Some universities may require an interview as part of the application process. Prepare for interviews by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses.

    Follow Up:

    Maintain regular communication with the university’s admission office to ensure that your application is complete and to address any inquiries or additional requirements.

    Remember, while you can apply directly to universities, it’s always a good idea to seek guidance from educational consultants or study abroad forums to gather insights and advice from students who have gone through the application process.

  • US first lady is in ‘good spirits’ after surgery to remove cancerous lesions

    US first lady is in ‘good spirits’ after surgery to remove cancerous lesions

    Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States of America, has successfully undergone surgery to remove cancerous skin lesions on her face and chest on Wednesday. A third lesion was removed from her left eyelid and sent for examination.

    The lesions, removed via Mohr’s surgery, were consistent with basal cell carcinoma, a form of cancer that does not metastasize. Jill Biden’s doctors have said they were able to get clean margins.

    A White House physician said that “all cancerous tissue was removed.”

    According to Jill’s spokesperson, Vanessa Valdivia, the first lady is “doing well and in good spirits.”

    The 71-year-old first lady was accompanied by her husband President Joe Biden, who spent more than eight hours with her at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

    Biden himself has had several non-melanoma skin cancers in the past.

    Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. They are slow-growing, curable and cause minimal damage if treated early.

  • PM Shehbaz promises to mend relations with the US

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has promised that the federal government is trying to mend relations with the United States (US).

    Addressing the passing out parade of the Specialised Training Programme (STP) in Islamabad, the Premier said that in the last few years, Pakistan’s relations with friendly countries had suffered. However, he promised that he was making all-out efforts to mend ties.

    He said that he is going to China soon as the northern neighbor, “always stood with Pakistan”.

    The Prime Minister, who just concluded a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia, said that that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud would soon be visiting Pakistan, adding that he has expressed willingness to support development projects in the country.

    “Earlier this year, a team from the Saudi Development Fund visited Pakistan. During a meeting with me, they complained about delays in projects in Pakistan caused by the previous government,” he recalled.

    Shehbaz Sharif said that during his meeting with Prince Salman he had apologised for these delays. “He [Prince Salman] said that the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are closely bound together in a relationship. We are like one family and I am ready to do everything. These were his words,” the Prime Minister recounted to the audience.

    Hence, he added, when the crown prince visits Pakistan, “I want all of you to welcome him warmly because he comes from a brotherly country.”

  • US officials take notice Ishaq Dar’s heckling incident at airport

    The Foreign Office (FO) of Pakistan said that United States (US) officials had taken notice of an incident in which Finance Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar was heckled at the Dulles International Airport in Washington DC.

    FO Spokesperson Asim Iftikhar Ahmad recalled the time when Saudi authorities raised the issue when the government delegation was targeted by certain individuals during the visit.

    On Thursday, Dar was harassed at the airport and people can be heard chanting “chor”. This was followed by an exchange of abusive words from both sides.

    Dar is currently in the US on a four-day visit to attend the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

    It is pertinent to mention that this is not the first time that a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader has been harassed.

    Prior to this incident, Minister of Information Marriyum Aurangzeb was heckled and harassed by a group of PML-N’s political opponents in London while she was in a coffee shop.

    In July, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal was harassed by a group of PTI supporters when he went to a restaurant in Pakistan.

  • Pakistan may be ‘one of the most dangerous nations in the world’, says US President

    Pakistan may be ‘one of the most dangerous nations in the world’, says US President

    President of the United States of America (USA), Joe Biden, has said that Pakistan may be “one of the most dangerous nations in the world” as the country has “nuclear weapons without any cohesion”.

    The remark came during the US president’s address at a democratic congressional campaign committee reception.

    What did the US President say?

    “Did anybody think we’d be in a situation where China is trying to figure out its role relative to Russia and relative to India and relative to Pakistan,” the American President asked during his speech at the reception.

    Talking about his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, the US president termed him as a man who knew what he wanted but had an “enormous” array of problems.

    “How do we handle that? How do we handle that relative to what’s going on in Russia? And what I think is maybe one of the most dangerous nations in the world: Pakistan. Nuclear weapons without any cohesion,” Biden said, adding that despite a lot going on, the US has a hunk of opportunities to change the dynamic in the second quarter of the 21st century.

    Reactions to the US President’s statement:

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif reacting to US President’s statement said that Pakistan rejects the remarks reportedly made by the US President, which are factually incorrect and misleading.

    “Over the past decades, Pakistan has proven to be a most responsible nuclear state, wherein its nuclear programme is managed through a technically sound and foolproof command and control system,” read an official statement from the prime minister’s office.

    “The real threat to international peace and security is posed by ultra-nationalism, violation of human rights in regions that are struggling against illegal occupation, violation of global norms by some states, repeated nuclear security incidents, and arms race among leading nuclear weapon states and introduction of new security constructs that disturb the regional balance.”

    “Pakistan and the US have a long history of a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship. At a time, when the world is confronted by huge global challenges, it is critically important that genuine and durable efforts are made to recognize the real potential of the Pakistan-US relationship while avoiding unnecessary comments. It is our sincere desire to cooperate with the US to promote regional peace and security.”

    “Let no one have any doubts. Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state and we are proud that our nuclear assets have the best safeguards as per IAEA requirements,” tweeted the premier.

    “We take these safety measures with the utmost seriousness,” said the prime minister.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state that is perfectly capable of safeguarding its national interest whilst respecting international law and practices.

    “Our nuclear program is in no way a threat to any country,” he said on Twitter. “Like all independent states, Pakistan reserves the right to protect its autonomy, sovereign statehood, and territorial integrity.”

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said he had two questions regarding the US president’s statement. “On what info has Biden reached this unwarranted conclusion on our nuclear capability when, having been PM, I know we have one of the most secure nuclear command & control systems?

    “Unlike the US which has been involved in wars across the world, when has Pakistan shown aggression esp post-nuclearisation,” he asked.

    Khan claimed that Biden’s statement showed the “total failure of the imported government’s foreign policy and its claims of a reset of relations with the US”.

    “Is this the ‘reset’? This government has broken all records for incompetence,” Imran tweeted, adding that he feared the incumbent government would end up compromising national security.

    The ruling PML-N has held PTI responsible for Biden’s statement, saying, the lobbying firm hired by the Imran Khan-led party is doing what it was paid to do.

    “Make no mistake about it, this is a direct attack on the national security of Pakistan.”

    Minister for Power Khurram Dastgir Khan — a senior member of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s cabinet — has termed the US president’s statement about Pakistan’s nuclear programme “baseless”.

    While answering a question about President Joe Biden’s comments regarding Pakistan during a press conference today, the former defence minister said, “Pakistan’s nuclear command and control system is absolutely safe which has been confirmed by international organisations many times”.

    He said that the US president’s doubts about Pakistan’s nukes are “completely wrong and the statement is baseless”.

    Meanwhile, ex-minister Fawad Chaudhry demanded that Biden should immediately retract his statement, asserting that Pakistan’s leadership may be weak but its people were not.

  • ‘Unless we get substantial relief how can the world expect from us to stand on our own feet? It is simply impossible’: PM Shehbaz

    ‘Unless we get substantial relief how can the world expect from us to stand on our own feet? It is simply impossible’: PM Shehbaz

    In an interview with Bloomberg TV, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the damage caused by floods and urged that the world to pay more attention to the crisis.

    The premier said, “What the world has done is commendable but it is far from meeting our needs. We can’t do it alone”. He stressed that flood losses are estimated to be at $30 billion.

    “Unless the world comes up with billions of dollars for relief, rehabilitation, for building resilient infrastructure, things will not come back to normal. And I need to put the economy back on track and put millions of people back in their homes,” he told Bloomberg.

    “Unless we get substantial relief, how can the world expect us to stand on our own feet”, he asked. “It is simply impossible. The world has to stand by us”.

    He reiterated that although Pakistan contributes very little to carbon emission, the country is among the top ten most vulnerable countries to climate change, adding that around 1,500 people had died in the situation.

    Talking about the economic situation of the country, he said that Pakistan recently signed a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under “very tough” conditions, including taxes on petroleum and electricity.

    He went on to say that several world leaders had talked about the devastation in Pakistan.

    Recalling his meetings with the world leaders, he said that he is “very grateful” to United States (US) President Joe Biden for speaking about Pakistan’s plight. He added that Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and France’s Emmanuel Macron had also done the same.

    The premier was of the view that such action from the world shows the intentions and sincerity of global leaders. While saying that, he added that “But I think it should come very fast because time is running out and we are racing against time”.

  • ‘Here to tell Pakistan’s story to world’: PM Shehbaz arrives in New York

    ‘Here to tell Pakistan’s story to world’: PM Shehbaz arrives in New York

    After attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in London on Monday, Pakistani Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United States (US) on Tuesday ahead of his address to the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which is to be held on September 23 in New York.

    Talking about his trip, the premier said that he is in America to “tell Pakistan’s story to the world, a story of deep anguish and pain arising out of a massive human tragedy caused by floods”.

    “In my address at UNGA and at bilateral meetings, I will present Pakistan’s case on issues that call for the world’s immediate attention,” he said.

    PM Shehbaz is also scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron and will attend the reception of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today.

    On Wednesday, the prime minister will meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank (WB) President David Mills.

    Other engagements of the premier include meetings with Malaysian PM Ismail Sabri Yaakob, UNGA President Csaba Korosi, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, the UN Secretary-General as well as Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai.

    During this visit, he reportedly may have a meeting with US President Joe Biden, however, as yet there is no confirmation of the meeting. Both PM Shehbaz and Foreign Minister (FM) Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari will attend the dinner reception hosted by President Biden for heads of state and governments of countries attending the General Assembly.

    The head of government will be in the US for five days from September 19- 24.