Labourers busy in their work under-construction new bridge at Swan near High Court
Christian community condemns ‘Islamophobic’ Quran burning
QUETTA, Jul 06 (APP): The Christian community in Balochistan Thursday condemned the desecration of Quran terming it worst ‘Islamophobic’ act that displeased billions of Muslims across the globe.
“Desecration of Holy Quran is an unforgivable and heinous crime, Sweden must apologise to the Muslims for the incident,” said Bishop Khalid Rehmat while addressing a press conference here.
Pastor Simon Bashir, Father Inayat Gill accompanied the bishop.
The bishop said that the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden was unacceptable and blasphemous act in the name of freedom of expression.
Playing with the sentiment of any religion and belief on the name of freedom of expression was a great offence, he added.
He said that the entire Christian community was saddened over the incident.
No religion allowed the desecration of holy books of other religions, he added.
“Those who desecrate the Holy Quran do not deserve any leniency and must be taken to task,” he said adding that the religious leader of the Christians, the Pope, had also openly condemned this incident.
The forces with a negative mentality were trying to spoil the peace of the world through such incidents, he added.
Incidents of insulting not only the Holy Quran but also other religions were happening in other secular countries, including Sweden, he pointed out.
He said that if Swedish people by allowing such anti-peace elements showed that they were uncivilized.
In response to a question, Bishop Khalid Rehmat urged the United Nations, the European Union and the world to play their role in punishing the accused.
He demanded for enacting the international laws to prevent such incidents in the future.
Ahmad Jawad felicitates Zaka Ashraf on assuming charge as PCB MC Chairman
ISLAMABAD, Jul 06 (APP): Vice President of Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Chaudhry Ahmad Jawad on Thursday felicitated Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf on taking charge as Chairman of the newly-formed Management Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Jawad, in a statement, said Zaka Ashraf had a vast experience in management, especially in running the PCB’s affairs earlier as its chief. He expressed the hope that Zaka would help develop a strong Pakistan cricket squad as well as assist the government to once again resume the flavour of cricket diplomacy at the level of International Cricket Council (ICC).
He said the formation of new PCB Management Committee was a timely decision as any further delay would have hampered the working of the Board at a crucial time when Asia Cup and World Cup 2023 were about to take place.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting before the groundbreaking ceremony of mega development projects for Torghar and Buner districts
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting before the groundbreaking ceremony of mega development projects for Torghar and Buner districts
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting before the groundbreaking ceremony of mega development projects for Torghar and Buner districts
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif laying the foundation stone of the RCC Bridge on the River Indus that will connect Torghar with Buner District, Torghar, KP
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif laying the foundation stone of the RCC Bridge on the River Indus that will connect Torghar with Buner District, Torghar, KP
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif receiving a briefing regarding infrastructure development projects including construction of the Torghar-Buner Inter-Disrict Road, Bridge on the River Indus connecting Torghar with Buner and Karakar Tunnel projects, Torghar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Canadian High Commissioner calls on Law Minister
ISLAMABAD, Jul 06 (APP):Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon on Thursday called on Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazir Tarar.
According to the spokesperson of the Ministry, both sides discussed the long term benefits of partnership and cooperation between Canada and Pakistan in terms of mining projects in Balochistan.
The Canadian High Commissioner appreciated the Balochistan government for aiding, facilitating and cooperating in the mining projects with Barrick Gold Corporation. She said that steps towards the development of the region through renewable energy projects were also commendable.
While discussing civilian trials under the Army Act, the law minister explained that the Act and rules made thereunder were guaranteeing the rights of the accused such as engaging a counsel of his choice to engage, the right to have access to family members or friends and right to file an appeal etc. Individuals have also the right to move constitutional courts against the judgments of the military court, he added.
The minister mentioned that after the unfortunate Army Public School massacre in 2014, it became indispensable to amend the law and to deal with terrorists organizations under the Army Act.
He also expressed his deep concern about the growing Islamophobia in the world in particular quoting the recent incident of desecretion of Holy Quran in Sweden and said that this was an evident example of Islamophobia prevailing in the West. The Government had decided to take part in the protest to convey its message and to keep things within the bounds, he added.
The High Commissioner also informed the law minister that Canadian government had recently appointed a special representative to combat Islamophobia and she assured that Canadian government would be pushing it to have a special mandate against Islamophobia. Lastly, talking about the political situation, the law minister assured that the elections would be held on time and strengthening the democracy was the top priority of the government.