Mr. John A. Rooma, Regional Director for the World Bank South Asia, Sustainable Development (SD) accompanied by Mr. Najy Benhassine, Country Director World Bank calls on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq in EAD
Saudi Crown Prince sponsors restoration of Jakarta Islamic Centre
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman has announced sponsorship to the restoration of the Islamic Center in Jakarta.
According to the Saudi Press Agency report on Wednesday, a fire incident damaged a large portion of the Center last month.
He also expressed his interest in the Islamic Centers in all the brotherly and friendly countries, as they have a significant role in the education of younger generation and spread of a tolerant Islam, based on peace, moderation, and dialogue.
The Jakarta Islamic Center covers an area of 109,435 square meters and consists of many facilities, including a mosque with an area of 2,200 square meters, which accommodates more than 20,000 worshippers, in addition to a research studies center and a conference hall.
Imran, Babar submit replies to SC in contempt of court case
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan and senior advocate Babar Awan on Wednesday submitted separate detailed replies before the Supreme Court in contempt of court case.
Imran Khan, in his reply, also stressed that he remained committed to the rule of law and respect for the judiciary.
He said that he was not made aware of the apex court’s order of May 25 that defined the limits for his party’s long march. He said that he had not knowingly violated any Supreme Court orders.
The PTI chief maintained he was not made aware of the detailed contents of the verbal order made by Supreme Court at about 6:05pm on May 25.
He said that it was clear that the court had directed the Secretary Interior Ministry, Islamabad and Punjab Inspector General of Police and the Deputy Commissioner Attock to facilitate a meeting between the designated PTI leadership in Islamabad.
He claimed that no such meeting was facilitated. He stated that his statements on May 25 while addressing his supporters at 6:45pm and in the following two hours, reflected the communication of the verbal order received by him from political workers.
He said that the jammers were installed in his container and it was not possible to make direct communication through cellular phones. “Any inadvertent overstepping his sincerely regretted,” he stated.
The reply stated that an incomplete recording of Imran Khan’s statements made at Chach Interchange in Attock in May 25 was played in the court and an incomplete transcript of the same was submitted.
He said that he had relayed to the people the good news that Supreme Court had directed removal of obstructions to the exercise of the constitutional rights of the people as regards to movement and assembly.
Any misconception on the part of the answering respondent was entirely inadvertent and caused by the circumstances in which the verbal order passed by the court was understood by various news channels and then communicated by political workers to the answering respondent, he added.
The former prime minister stated at that time he was also under extreme stress because of teargas shelling and violence perpetrated by the Punjab and federal authorities.
He said that the individuals who reacted to the violence did so in their own self-defence. He said that he had later called off the protest at D-Chowk for this reason alone.
“It is respectfully submitted that the respondent remains committed to ensuring balance envisaged by the law and Constitution. There was no preplanned or organized resistance or reaction on the part of the respondent or the PTI to disproportionate violence and aggression that was deployed by the state.”
He prayed that the case should be closed with the indulgence of the court.
PTI leader Babar Awan in his reply, sought the exclusion of his name from the contempt proceedings.
He submitted that he was assisting the courts for the last 40 years. Babar Awan said on the verbal directions from the PTI Secretary General Asad Umar, he assured the court about sticking to the directions of the court on the May 25 protest.
He said “I have not deceived the SC intentionally or unintentionally.”
He said that he assisted the court with good intention.
SC adjourns hearing of presidential reference related to Rekodiq Agreement
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the hearing of the presidential reference on the Rekodiq agreement till Thursday.
A five-member larger bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan, Justice Muneeb Akhtar, Justice Yahya Afridi, and Justice Jamaal Khan Mandokhel heard the presidential reference filed in the case. The president — on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had filed the reference to seek the top court’s opinion on the Rekodiq settlement agreement.
During the course of proceedings, Balochistan government’s lawyer Salahuddin Ahmad said that 25 percent share of the total capital received from Rekodiq project belonged to Balochistan government. Out of 25% of the capital, 15% would be held by the holding and offshore company of Balochistan, he added. He said that Balochistan government would get 25% capital, 5% royalty, CSR and jobs facility.
The Chief Justice asked when would the Rekodiq project be completed?
The counsel said that feasibility studies of the Rekodiq project would begin in two and a half years, and formal work would begin in the next five years. Companies from China, Japan and Russia also approached for the Rekodiq deal but these companies were not ready to pay the $9 billion fine imposed on Pakistan, he added.
Justice Ijaz asked what was the case against Pakistan in International Center for Dispute Resolution and International Criminal Court?
The counsel replied that the International Center for Dispute Resolution had a case against the government of Pakistan for breach of contract while there was a case against the Balochistan government in the International Criminal Court for violation of the agreement. If Pakistan did not sign an agreement by December 15, the company would take legal action, he added.
Justice Yahya Afridi asked other minerals would also be leased apart from gold and copper.
The counsel responded that apart from gold and copper, the lease of all minerals would also be held by Barrack Gold Company.
The Chief Justice asked whether the financial transactions involved in the Rekodiq Agreement would be international in scope.
The counsel replied that transactions in the Rekodiq deal would be through offshore companies. The government of Balochistan would get 32 billion dollars in capital from Rekodiq project in 47 years, he added.
President Alvi terms political stability essential for economic endurance of country
KARACHI, Nov 16 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi, on Wednesday, said that political stability was pivotal for the economic and financial stability of the country therefore he had been trying to develop consensus on major issues.
Talking to Karachi-based journalists here at Sindh Governor House, the president said that he was trying to bring the political and relevant stakeholders to one table to discuss, deliberate and negotiate for achieving consensus on the major issues to normalize the political situation.
He said that an important appointment falling in the month of November should pass exactly as envisaged under the relevant provision of the constitution and relevant laws.
However, in his opinion, the subject appointment might be made in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, he added.
Use and adaptation of agreed upon use of technology in the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections might be deliberated upon by the relevant forums to avoid perpetual allegations of rigging after every election, he said and hoped that with the continuity of the democratic process things would eventually fall into place.
Ultimate aims and objectives of leaders and visionaries were the development of the country and the progress of the people, he maintained and said “I am a humble person and is of the view that only history will determine my performance as a President.”
Dr. Arif Alvi further said that social media had enhanced and amplified people’s reach and provided means to communicate with millions of people without incurring substantial costs.
He said that social media platforms had created their own separate niche and space and we should endeavour to understand its full dynamics, influence, efficacy and effect and embrace its positive aspects and learn to avoid and limit its negative fallout like fake news, disinformation and hearsay.
The president stressed on further strengthening resilience while reacting to everything that was injected in the media and only those things might be taken into proper consideration which were authentic, verifiable, and evidence-based to avoid confrontation and remain focused on the political and economic well-being of the country.
He said “As compared to our neighbours, our nation successfully emerged out of the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to save lives and livelihoods of the people through education and communication.”
Referring to challenges arising of the Russia-Ukraine war and recent catastrophic floods, he stressed on the need of resolving confronted issues without wasting time to put the country on the speedy path of progress and prosperity.
Responding to another question, the president said that he had proposed a high-level advisory body to provide leadership in Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing so that a definite direction was provided to the relevant institutions and departments for moving forward which, he said, took a backstage due to political developments.
He said that in his opinion such developmental projects and initiatives should continue to remain in limelight.
He maintained that the right decisions made at the right time, quality decision-making, intellect and knowledge, trained and capable human resources and persistent efforts in the right directions, just and fair application of laws in all situations and on all persons in its true spirit, intent and purpose would help in accelerated development and prosperity of the country.
On another question, he stressed on immediate and concrete steps to realise the full potential of Gawadar port and other related projects, speed up our work processes and systems to attract and retain foreign investors in large numbers and fully exploit opportunities available to Pakistan in the trade and business sectors for making fast track progress and development.
In reply to a question, the president said that within the confines of the constitution, he wrote a letter to the prime minister, the executive head of the government, in response to the letter received by him from senior journalist, Arshad Sharif (Late) for necessary action as per law.
APP/ali
Nov 16 memorable day in country’s political history: Speaker NA
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has said that 16th November is a memorable day in the political history of Pakistan when the Pakistan People’s Party won the majority in the general elections of 1988, subsequently on 2nd December, 1988, Shaheed Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto was elected as the first woman Prime Minister of Pakistan. She was the first woman leader who led the Muslim nation on path of progress and prosperity,
He said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto has rendered unforgettable services for stability of democracy, supremacy of the Constitution, rule of law and development of Pakistan and prosperity of the people. He said that she is the real model of struggle and determination for all Pakistani women and following her, Pakistani women can lead the country on the way of progress.
Minister of Defence industry of Azerbaijan Mr. Madat Guliyev called on Federal Minister for Defence Production Muhammad Israr Tareen on the sidelines of IDEAS-2022
India requires to answer questions over its conduct as nuclear state: FO spokesperson
ISLAMABAD, Nov 16 (APP): Foreign Office Spokesperson on Wednesday said the firing of BrahMos nuclear capable missile into Pakistan’s territory on 9 March, had raised several questions about India’s conduct as a nuclear state including, whether it was actually an accident.
“India also needs to answer questions about the underlying intentions, technical features and reliability of the missile system, safety, security and nuclear command and control protocols, and the presence of rogue elements in the Indian military,” the spokesperson in a press release commented on a query regarding Indian media reports quoting Director General International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The reports said the firing of BrahMos nuclear capable missile into Pakistan’s territory from India on 9 March 2022 was not a cause for any specific concern for the IAEA.
“The report is a disingenuous attempt by the Indian state-sponsored media to absolve India of its irresponsible nuclear behaviour by directing this question at the Director General IAEA,” the spokesperson said.
The director general’s response could not be purposely misinterpreted to trivialize the incident of a nuclear-capable BrahMos missile fire with grave implications for regional and global security.
The available transcripts showed that DG IAEA responded in negative when asked whether the IAEA had sought information from the Indian government on the incident.
It should have been qualified by stating that IAEA has no mandate on such matters, it was further added.
“India needs to explain several repeated incidents of nuclear and radioactive material theft and illicit trafficking that are more relevant to the IAEA mandate,” the spokesperson said.
It was expected to report these nuclear security related incidents under the IAEA Incidents and trafficking database.
These critical questions, which remain unanswered, should continue to be of concern to the international community, it was added.
President Dr. Arif Alvi in a meeting with the Governor Sindh, Mr. Kamran Khan Tessori, at Governor House
A family busy in selecting and purchasing old toys from a roadside vendor
