Author: The Frontier Post

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Imran devastated KP, Nawaz brought prosperity to country: Shehbaz Sharif

F.P. Report

ATTOCK: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s provincial government devastated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while former prime minister Nawaz Sharif brought prosperity to the country.

Addressing a rally the former Punjab chief minister said that a high turnout of the people has proven that July 25 will be the date for the party.

Shehbaz told the participants of the rally that their leader Nawaz Sharif is in Adiala Jail with her daughter and he returned back to the country not for his personal interest but for the nation.

“Nawaz did nuclear tests despite bearing threats,” he said. “We produced 11,000 MW electricity in five years.”

 

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Federal cabinet approves amendment in Election Act 2017

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The interim federal cabinet on Wednesday approved an amendment to the Election Act 2017, which restricts the number of judges in the election tribunal by two.

In a meeting chaired by interim Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk, the meeting reviewed matters related to transparency in the election, and approved the amendment to constitute election tribunals to tackle complaints regarding rigging.

The cabinet approved amendment in the sub-clause 3 of Clause 6 of the act.

The tribunal members will be appointed with approval by the relevant chief justice of the high court, to tackle complaints regarding national and provincial assemblies as well as Senate.

The clause at the moment allows the appointment of three or more judges, and could present a problem in resolving the complaints in the stipulate time period of 120 days due to the unavailability of more than two judges.

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Over 7,000 Pakistani pilgrims reach Saudi Arabia for Hajj

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Over 7,000 Pakistani Hajj pilgrims have so far reached Madina Munawwara for the annual pilgrimage through 40 hajj flights.

According to an official of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, as many as 393 intending pilgrims have reached Makkah Mukarma. They would leave for Madina Munawwara after performing umrah and staying for 8 days. Pakistani pilgrims have been provided resident facilities at Markazia areas of Madina.

The Hujjaj were being transported to Suadi Arabia from ten gateways including Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Multan, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Rahimyar Khan and Sukkur.

As many as 179,210 would perform the sacred religious ceremony this year. All pilgrims male and female have been asked to affix a Pakistan flag at their `Ahrams’ for identification.

Female pilgrims should carry at least two `Abayas’ preferably black colour.

Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has established facilitation counters in the Hajj directorates to provide round the clock services intending Hujjaj.

The Hujjaj were being provided three times meal a day at their respective building in Makkah, Madinah and Mina.

They were being provided round the clock transport facilities for Haram Sharif to their respective building and vice versa.

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Punjab once again echoing with Bhutto’s slogans: Kaira

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Punjab Chapter President Qamar Zaman Kaira Thursday said Punjab is once again echoing with the slogans of Bhutto with a completely changed political scenario.

In a statement, he said Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has presented comprehensive agenda for the welfare of the masses at gross-root level in its party manifesto.

However, the opponents lack any welfare programme for the common people in their manifestos and their faces reflect disappointment, he said.

PTI chief Imran Khan is habitual of taking U-turns and change 13 statements in a minute. What will be the future of the country if he comes to power? he questioned.

Qamar Zaman Kaira said Shehbaz Sharif has deceived his own brother Nawaz Sharif in his tough time.

He said, “We will purify the politics from dictators and strengthen democratic institutions in the country.”

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Kashmiris observe Accession to Pakistan Day Thursday

F.P. Report

MUZAFFARABAD: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control and the world have observed 71st Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day on Thursday with a renewed pledge to continue struggle till achieving right to self-determination and the whole State’s accession to Pakistan.

The day was observed to commemorate the resolution adopted at the platform of All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar on 19th July, 1947 demanding Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan in accordance with the Partition Plan, two-nation theory and the aspirations of the people of the territory.

To highlight its significance, the day was declared a public holiday with seminars, rallies and functions scheduled taking place across the state.

The main function of the day was arranged in Muzaffarabad, the capital of AJK.

Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners were directed by AJK Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider to observe the day with national zeal and fervor to convey a strong message to the international community that Pakistan is incomplete without accession of whole Kashmir to it.

Special programmes including seminars, conferences and rallies were the hallmark of the Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan Day throughout Azad Jammu Kashmir, occupied Jammu and Kashmir and in other parts of the world. The Kashmiris strengthened and promoted the ideology of accession of entire Jammu Kashmir state to Pakistan.

The historic resolution was unanimously passed by the people of the Muslim-dominated state in a meeting of the All Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference held at the residence of Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, the founder president of AJK this day in 1947 at Aabi Guzer in Srinagar.

They demanded the then Dogra rulers materialise the accession of the Jammu Kashmir state to Pakistan honoring the decision and the categorical viewpoint of the majority population of the Muslim-majority Jammu & Kashmir state.

The people of Jammu Kashmir state launched the struggle under the spirit of the resolution for the liberation of their motherland from the Dogra rule and later from the unlawful and forcible hold of Indian imperialism. The freedom struggle by Jammu & Kashmir people continues with full vigor for over 70 years.

The liberation movement has attained momentum after the people of Indian occupied Jammu Kashmir stood up launching their indigenous struggle against the long subjugation over their motherland.

Special ceremonies were held in all small and major towns and cities of Azad Jammu Kashmir during the Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan week.

In Mirpur, a rally was staged from District Courts premises by various social, political, traders, and public representative organizations. The rally was followed by mass public meeting participated by the people of all walks of life from various parts of the city to reiterate complete solidarity with the people of Pakistan.

The city was decorated with the banners bearing slogans of the Kashmiris’ deep-rooted love and affection with Pakistan, continuation of struggle for liberation of occupied Kashmir.

Speakers at a round table conference organized by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference AJK chapter in Islamabad said that by passing the resolution of Accession to Pakistan, the Kashmiris had expressed their feelings and aspirations about future of Jammu and Kashmir.

They said that the Kashmiris were not only fighting for their freedom but also for the completion of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference, Shabbir Ahmed Dar, and the Acting Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League, Abdul Ahad Parra, in their statements in Srinagar said 19th July is an important day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir as seventy-one years ago on this day, the Kashmiris attached their future with Pakistan.

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Maulana Samiul Haq hails US direct talks offer to Taliban

F.P. Report

AKORA KHATTAK: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Sami head and Difa-e-Pakistan Council Chairman Maulana Samiul Haq has welcomed the United States offer of direct talks with the Afghan Taliban.

In a statement issued from Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak town of the Nowshera district, the JUI-S chief said the announcement by General John Nicholson who is commanding the US forces in Afghanistan that he was ready for direct talks with Taliban was a welcome move.

“The United States should not take back the offer of direct talks with Taliban as the regional peace is linked to the latter who are the biggest military and political power,” he said in the statement pointing out that, according to the general, US President Donald Trump also wished the talks.

The Afghan Taliban, on the other hand, have termed the talks offer an important development. They wished the US should give a proper formal shape to the offer. Maulana Samiul Haq said it was the first time that the US had taken a practical step in the form of the very offer which was based on facts.

The JUI-S chief said talks between the two parties was the only way to restore peace in Afghanistan and the region. He said there was a need for finding a way for honorable US pullout from Afghanistan.

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Army to render duties according to ECP code of conducts: COAS

F.P. Report

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said the armed forces will perform their responsibilities according to the code of conducts of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) during elections on July 25.

Media wing of armed forces, Inter Services Public Relations in a statement said the army chief visited Election Support Center, Rawalpindi, where he was given briefing on coordination with the election commission.

General Bajwa directed to provide all-out assistance for the upcoming elections according to election rules.

“Peaceful and secure environment should be ensured to let masses use their democratic right freely,” he said.

During the visit, he was given detailed briefing about plan for provision of assistance to ECP for free, fair and transparent conduct of General Elections 18.

Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan army shall assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) strictly for peaceful and transparent general elections 2018 within the bounds of given mandate and as per the ECP code of conduct.

He said that working in synchronisation with other elements of security apparatus, all efforts be put in to ensure secure and safe environment enabling the people of Pakistan to freely exercise their democratic right.

Earlier today, a representative of the General Headquarters (GHQ), Director General ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor notified the Senate Standing Committee on Interior that armed forces were merely working on the directions of the ECP to improve the situation of security during polls.

The GHQ representative reiterated before the Senate body that army had no direct role in the conduct of upcoming elections.

Addressing the committee’s meeting, the army’s representative further said that troops were liable to follow the code of conduct of the election commission on the polling day.

Recounting that armed forces had always lent support to civil institutions of the country, the GHQ representative elucidated that there were no obstructions in the communication process with the electoral body.

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NAB approves inquiries against Mayor Karachi, former Sindh speaker

F.P. Report

KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday approved inquiries against incumbent mayor Karachi, Waseem Akhter, and former Speaker Sindh Assembly, Agha Siraj Khan Durrani.

Waseem Akhter, who was elected as mayor while he was in prison in connection with several terrorism related cases and is currently being out on bail, is accused of corruption in Rs36billion funds whereas Durrani is accused of making assets beyond resources and income.

Regional Board Meeting was held at NAB Karachi under the Chairmanship of Director General NAB Karachi Mr. Mohammad Altaf Bawany, According to a handout issued here on Thursday. “The Board was attended by Directors of Investigation Wings and respective Investigating Teams of concerned cases,” it reads.

Consequent upon completion of Complaint Verification process on complaint against Agha Siraj Durrani former Speaker Sindh Assembly, case was deliberated upon by the Regional Board which recommended for authorization of three separate inquiries against him, according to NAB spokesman.

One inquiry pertains to allegations of accumulation of assets beyond known sources of income by former Speaker; second allegation pertains to illegal appointments of 352 appointees; while third allegation pertains to embezzlement of funds for the construction of MPA Hostel and construction of new Sindh Assembly building, including appointment of Project Directors for the said projects. The recommendation was made to the competent authority on the basis of exhaustive verification of complaints.

On completion of Complaint Verification Process on a complaint, recommendation was made to the competent authority for authorizing formal inquiry against Waseem Akhter Mayor Karachi and officers and officials of KMC.

The allegations prima facia verified pertain to budgeted amount of Rs. 36 billion and subsequent releases to KMC during years 2015 to 2018 against which allegedly work in Karachi was not carried out worth that amount.

On conclusion of Complaint Verification process on a complaint, recommendation was made to competent authority for authorization of formal inquiry against iftikhar Qaimkhani, DG Sindh Building Control Authority (CBCA) on the allegations of accumulation of assets beyond known sources of income. The preliminary probe was conducted on the basis of a pointation in one of the raids conducted recently.

An inquiry was authorized against management and owners of M/s Pride Builders & Developers which is one of the allied companies of Rufi Builders and Developers. Inquiry was authorized on the allegations of cheating public at large for booking of more than 1600 residential and commercial plots valuing more than Rs. 5400 million (approx.) in the names of several allottees.

However, the building license and NOC was cancelled by Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), despite that, prima facia, they continued to develop and book the plots. The inquiry was authorized on the basis of complaints lodged by several such allottees who have been cheated.

An inquiry was authorized against Managing Director and other officers of Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) Karachi on the allegations of embezzlement of various funds and revenues of SITE.

Another inquiry was authorized against Managing Director and other officers of Sindh Industrial Trading Estate (SITE) Karachi on the allegations of illegal allotments of plots of SITE particularly on Super Highway.

On completion of inquiry, recommendation was made to the competent authority for authorization of investigation against Pir Fareed Jan Sarhandi SSP on the allegations of illegal recruitment of 378 constables. The inquiry was initiated on the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan.

DG NAB Mr. Mohammad Altaf Bawany, at the end of Board Meeting, appreciated the performance of Complaint Verification Cell particularly for efforts of officers in unearthing major offences prima facie established.

He issued instructions to the Directors heading the investigation wings for expediting the investigative work purely on merit, without any discriminating and as per the guidelines of Chairman NAB Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal.

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India failed to respond to quires of Pakistan regarding Kulbushan: FO

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr. Muhammad Faisal has stated that Pakistan has submitted its rejoinder with the International Court of Justice in response to the Indian statement regarding Kulbushan Yadav case.

He said the rejoinder carries details as to what Kulbushan Yadav was doing in Pakistan. The spokesperson said that Pakistan’s case is very strong as Kulbushan Yadav was arrested on the country’s soil and the Indian side has failed to respond to the queries of Pakistan.

Pakistan has urged India to act as a responsible state and refrain from interference in the internal matters of the country, he added.

Spokesperson has stated this while responding the queries of media persons here on Thursday. He said that case of Kulbushan Yadav exposes the Indian terrorism and espionage against Pakistan.

Expressing concerns over deteriorating situation in occupied Kashmir, the spokesperson pointed out that the UN report on human rights situation in the held valley and its endorsement by the UN secretary general is a success of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

He said that Indian armed forces had martyred as many as 23 Kashmiris during past week and it also imposed ban on media coverage in Indian Occupied Karachi (IOK).

Responding to a question he said that the buildup of conventional and unconventional weapons by India is undermining strategic stability. He, however, said Pakistan is fully prepared and ready to protect its border against any threat.

Responding a question regarding blasphemous cartoons competition in the Netherlands, the spokesperson said Pakistan has taken steps to lodge the protest at all levels.

He said that foreign minister has also written a letter to the Secretary General OIC asking for collective action of Muslim countries to register protest with the Dutch authorities.

He said Pakistan has already conveyed its condemnation to the Netherlands and the European Union on this deliberate attempt to vilify Islam.

Responding to a question about Afghanistan, Dr Muhammad Faisal said that the military led approach has failed in Afghanistan. It has only added to the sufferings of Afghan people. He said flexibility by all sides will help kick start peace process in the war torn country.

Answering another question, spokesman made it clear that Pakistan is not frightened regarding the recently terrorists attacks in the country. “The democratic process would continue in the country and next general election would be held on time’ he added. He said that Pakistan strongly condemned any form of terrorism and war against this evil would continue’ he added.

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ECP issues notices to three more politicians over use of foul language

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: After Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Thursday issued notices to three more politicians over alleged use of foul language in their speeches.

The ECP sent notices to former chief minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak, ex-speaker National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq and Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman for using indecent language during their election campaigns.

The ECP has asked the three politicians to either appear personally, or through their counsels, before it on July 21 and present an explanation in this regard.

According to the ECP, the notices were taken on the basis of media reports suggesting the use of foul language by these figures.

Meanwhile, the ECP also asked PTI leader Firdous Shamim Naqvi to submit his reply over an inflammatory speech by Friday (tomorrow).

Earlier, the election commission had summoned PTI chief Imran Khan over his alleged use of indecent language against rival political parties and candidates during electioneering.

Imran’s counsel Babar Awan appeared before the ECP today, taking the stance that the word ‘donkey’ was an ordinary term.

Awan informed the ECP that the party chief was busy campaigning in Lahore and thus could not appear before it.

The ECP, in a suo motu notice, had directed the PTI chief or his counsel to appear before its four-member bench on Thursday.

Imran, at a political gathering in Narowal, had said that any PML-N worker with a clear conscience would not go to the airport to receive Nawaz Sharif.

“And whoever will go to receive him will be a donkey (fool),” he had said.