GILGIT: January 05 –
Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Nazir Ahmad Advocate in a meeting with the Project Director Ghizir Shandor road Shams Ur Rehman at Assembly Secretariat
GILGIT: January 05 –
Election Tribunal dismisses Swati’s appeal over rejected nomination papers
ABBOTTABAD, Jan 05 (APP): The Election Tribunal in Abbottabad has decided on Friday to dismiss the nomination papers of Azam Khan Swati, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former federal minister.
The decision came as a response to Azam Swati’s challenge against the earlier rejection of his candidacy for the National Assembly seat NA-15 in Mansehra by the Returning Officer.
Azam Swati took the matter to the Peshawar High Court (PHC) Abbottabad Bench, filing an appeal against the decision of the Returning Officer. The appeal underwent a hearing on Friday, presided over by Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel.
The court, in its judgment, supported the decision of the Returning Officer, ultimately rejecting Asad Swati’s appeal.
The Returning Officer had initially disqualified Azam Swati during the scrutiny of his nomination papers. However, the specific reasons for his disqualification were not immediately disclosed to the public.
In light of the Election Tribunal’s decision, Azam Swati’s aspirations to participate in the upcoming National Assembly elections from NA-15 have officially been thwarted. The ruling reinforces the authority and validity of the Returning Officer’s initial judgment on this matter.
Panaflexes displayed as part of election campaign removed
FAISALABAD, Jan 05 (APP): On the orders of District Monitoring Officer (DMO) Muhammad Zubair Wattoo, various panaflexes, installed in connection with the election campaign by candidates, were removed here on Friday being violative of the election code of conduct.
The DMO said the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had issued a code of conduct for candidates for General Election 2024, and display of election banners, posters and pamphlets only in prescribed size was allowed.
He said that under the code of conduct, displaying panaflexes of all kinds were banned.
He said monitoring of all constituencies was being carried out by the monitoring officers on a daily basis.
He urged candidates to ensure implementation of the code of conduct, issued by the ECP for general election schedule for February 8; otherwise legal action would be taken against violators without any discrimination.
He said that the ECP had deployed two monitoring officers for each constituency and they were bound to monitor election campaigns and submit their reports to the DMO and the district returning officer.
Ali Mardan assures to provide missing facilities to SMBZANICQ
QUETTA, Jan 5 (APP): Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki assured that steps would be taken on a priority basis to provide PET scan, nuclear medicine, security, communication, transport and solarization facilities in the Institute of Cardiology Quetta.
Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki visited Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute of Cardiology Quetta (SMBZANICQ) on Friday and reviewed the medical facilities provided to patients and also inspected various departments of the institute.
He said that the Balochistan government will provide all possible support to make the hospital as an exemplary medical institution.
He said that SMBZANICQ is a state-of-the-art hospital that strives to provide quality medical services to the poor people of the province round the clock.
On the occasion, Brigadier Umar Iftikhar, Director SMBZANICQ gave a detailed briefing to the caretaker chief minister regarding the overall performance and the issues.
Ali Mardan said the high-quality institute provides the best healthcare facilities.
He paid tribute to the management of SMBZANICQ for excellent discipline and exemplary management of the institute.
He added that as the Pakistan Army has served the country in extraordinary emergencies including natural calamities and in every difficult hour, in the medical field, such efforts of the Pakistan Army to provide quality medical services to the poor are commendable.
Senate adopts resolution calling to postpone elections
ISLAMABAD, Jan 05 (APP): The Senate on Friday adopted a resolution calling for the postponement of general elections scheduled for February 8 in order to facilitate the effective participation of people across the country in the electioneering process in view of security and harsh weather conditions.
The resolution, moved by independent Senator Dilawar Khan, was passed by the House with a majority vote. However, there was low attendance.
Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi and Senator Afnan Ullah Khan of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) opposed the resolution.
Senator Dilawar, while presenting the resolution, urged the chair to postpone the agenda for taking up the matter of serious concern. He read out the resolution, which maintained that the Constitution of Pakistan “upholds the right to vote for every citizen of Pakistan.”
The resolution read: “The constitutional duty assigned to the Election Commission of Pakistan to conduct free and fair elections is contingent upon inclusivity and ensuring the participation of all regions and people.
“The voter turnout in colder areas remains notably high during moderate weather conditions; January and February are recognized as the coldest months in a majority of the areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Various groups and political parties have expressed significant reservations regarding anticipated difficulties in ensuring the participation of residents in cold areas during the electioneering process.”
It noted that the recent incidents, including the foiled attempts on the lives of Jamiaat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and former MNA Mohsin Dawar, as well as threatening calls targeting Awami National Party’s Provincial Chief Aimal Wali Khan and other political figures, had raised concerns about the safety of political leaders.
“The Ministry of Interior has convoyed serious threats to the lives of prominent politicians, further exacerbating the challenges faced by political parties in exercising their right to free and fair election campaigning,” the resolution added.
There had been a marked increase in attacks on security forces and citizens claiming precious lives particularly in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, it further said.
The resolution read: “The intelligence agencies have warned of militant attack threats on election rallies in the two provinces; increase in attacks targeting both security forces and civilians, resulting in the loss of valuable lives, particularly in the northwestern region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces;
“Alerts issued by intelligence agencies, indicating imminent threats of militant attacks on election rallies within the aforementioned provinces may have potential impact on the safety of citizens and the democratic electoral process;
“Cognizant of the resurgence of the Covid-19 virus in the country and health sector’s concerns about potential further spread;
“Reaffirms that while holding the judgment of the Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding the elections date in the highest esteem for the Upper House of the Parliament, the Senate of Pakistan, being the defender of the rights of all federating units, is obligated to ensure the constitutional guarantees and to alleviate fears of the smaller provinces especially vulnerable geographical territories.
“The Senate of Pakistan hereby resolves that conducting elections without addressing legitimate concerns, facilitating sufficient opportunities for election campaigns, and guaranteeing the safety of politicians and citizens would amount to a violation of the fundamental right to vote and political participation, as safeguarded by the Constitution of Pakistan;
“The elections scheduled for 8th February 2024 may be postponed to facilitate the effective participation of people from all areas of Pakistan and belonging to all political shades in the electioneering process. This delay aims to protect and uphold their constitutional right to political participation;
“The Election Commission of Pakistan is urged to promptly implement the postponement and ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place to facilitate the smooth conduct of elections on the revised date;
“The process of filing of nomination papers and scrutiny shall continue with the revised/extended timelines;
“The Election Commission of Pakistan shall engage proactively with relevant stakeholders, political parties, and communities in to address their concerns and foster an environment conducive to free and fair elections.
“The Senate of Pakistan expresses confidence in the ability of the Election Commission of Pakistan to effectively manage and oversee the revised election schedule, ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.”
Opposing the resolution, Senator Afnanullah said though the current security situation in the country was not good but the elections could not be delayed on that count. The polls were held in 2008 and 2013 despite worst conditions then.
Moreover, two general elections in the past had been held in the month of February, he added.
Afnanullah questioned whether the country of 240 million people could be run without constitutional institutions. The mover probably “don’t want a parliament in the country”, he added.
The United Kingdom and the United States had not deferred elections even during the World War II, but here weather conditions were being cited as an excuse to delay the polls, he regretted.
Some elements wanted delay of elections for their “personal benefits”, he added.
Speaking in the House, independent Senator Hidayatullah said that he had got registered nine first information reports in the past two weeks against threats he had been receiving.
“The provincial candidate of the JUI-F escaped a bomb blast yesterday,” he added.
Balochistan Awami Party’s Senator Manzoor Ahmed Kakar supported the resolution, saying that both security and economic conditions in the country had worsened over time.
Senator Kauda Babar said elections could not be held in many parts of the country because of extreme weather conditions in February.
Later, the session was prorogued sine die after passage of the resolution.
Faculty members of Afghan varsities call on Governor, discuss promotion of education
PESHAWAR, Jan 05 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Haji Ghulam Ali has urged the faculty members of Afghan universities to focus on intellectual orientation of students and divert their attention towards research and modern technology.
He was talking to a delegation of faculty members of Afghan universities, which called on him at the Governor House here on Friday. The delegation was comprised of 38 faculty members of Afghan universities who are getting training in IM Sciences Hayatabad with the financial assistance of Higher Education Commission HEC).
The Governor welcomed the delegation and discussed matters relating to promotion of contemporary education and capacity building of students. He said that capacity building of Afghan youth would further strengthen peace and led the country on course of progress and prosperity.
He also stressed upon faculty members to provide students with knowledge and education enabling them to tap potential of Afghan natural resources.
Haji Ghulam Ali said that Afghan students should be provided education and technology to remove backwardness and induce development. He also highlighted significance of higher education institutions for development of a nation.
On the occasion, governor was told that one month capacity building course is underway in IM Sciences for Afghan professors, assistant professors and lecturers. He was informed that various courses would be arranged for Afghan professionals in second phase.
FTO action results in Rs 12bn refund to taxpayers
LAHORE, Jan 05 (APP): Federal Tax Ombudsman Dr. Asif Mehmood Jah has said that over the last two years, the FTO’s decisions resulted in refund of Rs. 12 billion to thousands of taxpayers and curbing of tax evasion in several sectors including steel, sugar and land development.
Addressing a meeting of the Advisory Committee (Central) here on Friday, he said just one study by the FTO helped find about 60,000 new taxpayers in the sugar sector, and stabilised the sugar prices.
He also highlighted various steps taken to raise awareness among masses about the FTO role, adding that various new offices were opened across the country and an outreach programme was initiated for the purpose.
He said that the steps resulted in increased complaints and now the number of complainants had reached 8,000. He said that any aggrieved person could approach the FTO through a simple application.
Relating various initiatives, he said that the FTO proposed simplified return forms for salaried individuals and pensioners, and it facilitated millions, adding that the FTO’s interventions also attracted government and semi-government organizations, including the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Quetta Electric Supply Company, Punjab Rural Support Programme, Excise and Taxation Department Punjab and Rawalpindi Medical University.
This is a reflection of better performance of the FTO and people’s trust in it, he added.
He said that the FTO’s actions in the real estate sector corrected communication issues and confusion in some Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) between the provincial administration and Federal Board of Revenue officers, which benefited both the public and the government.
The ombudsman said that the FTO’s intervention in the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute led to return of Rs. 660 million deducted as tax. “The FTO addressed pending refunds in Sindh, recommending a single return and web portal for textile sector investors, with plans to include Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir,” he added.
He said that the FTO’s involvement provided relief to many individuals, leading to clearance of Customs warehouses and recovery of billions in the government funds.He said that instances of theft from Customs warehouses were uncovered through spontaneous notices, emphasising the ongoing efforts to address such issues.
DC for success of anti-polio drive
BAHAWALPUR, Jan 05 (APP):Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bahawalpur Zaheer Anwar Jappa has said that all-out efforts should be made for the success of the five-day anti-polio campaign starting from January 8. During the anti-polio campaign, not a single child should be left unvaccinated.
He was addressing a meeting held in his office to review arrangements for the polio campaign. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Executive Officer of District Health Authority Dr. Syed Tanveer Shah, WHO representative Dr. Masood, District Health Officer Dr. Zeeshan Rauf, District Health Officer and District Coordinator Dr. Khalid Chanar, District Coordinator National Program Dr. Khalid Mehmood Arain, Deputy Director of Local Government Khurshid Ahmed and officers of related departments.
The deputy commissioner said that the officers and staff of relevant departments should play their role in keeping children safe from polio. During the anti-polio campaign, the mobile, fixed, and transit team members should perform their services properly. The supervising staff should monitor the teams efficiently and no negligence should be tolerated.
District Coordinator and DHO Dr. Khalid Chanar said that 800,000 children above five will be vaccinated. During the catch-up activity, children who are missed for any reason will be vaccinated on January 11 and 12. He said that 3276 mobile teams, 136 transit, and 195 fixed teams have been formed to complete the anti-polio campaign successfully and team members have also been trained. He said that 667 area in-charges and 132 union council monitoring officers will perform their duties during this campaign
Punjab health minister announces crackdown on harmful beauty products
LAHORE, Jan 05 (APP):Caretaker Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Health, Dr. Jamal Nasir has announced a crackdown on harmful beauty creams and cosmetics.
Operations will be conducted against unqualified individuals administering beauty injections or performing any kind of surgery. Joint teams from the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) and the Drug Control Directorate are being formed for this purpose. The Drug Control will determine the registration status of beauty creams and cosmetics, while experts from the PHC will assess clinical practices.
This information was shared by the minister in a press conference held here on Friday.
He stated that non-standard creams claiming to lighten skin are causing diseases, adding that the use of substandard beauty creams is causing severe damage to the skin of hundreds of individuals. He said that some cosmetics contain dangerous amounts of lead, toxins, and other harmful chemicals, leading to life-threatening diseases such as liver and kidney cancer. Dr. Nasir revealed that drug testing is being conducted on 24 well-known brands in a laboratory, and strict action will be taken against them if harmful chemicals are found.
Emphasizing health preservation principles, Dr. Jamal Nasir mentioned the screening of beauty parlors to ensure compliance with health standards. He expressed concern about the increasing use of harmful cosmetics in Pakistan and urged a zero-tolerance approach against damaging beauty creams and cosmetics. A survey of beauty parlors will also be conducted concerning hepatitis control, with 70,000 barber shops surveyed in Punjab.
DG Health, Dr. Ilyas Gondal, DG Drugs Muhammad Sohail and relevant officials were present.
President grieved over death of Salman Akram Raja’s mother
ISLAMABAD, Jan 05 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday expressed his grief over the death of the mother of renowned lawyer Salman
Akram Raja.
He wrote on the social media platform ‘X’: “The death of parents is a painful moment for the children”, praying for peace of the departed soul.
The president conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, and prayed for patience and strength to them to bear the loss.