Onslaught on Islamabad to be dealt with iron hand: Coalition govt

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Thu, 6 Oct 2022, 1:05 AM

Onslaught on Islamabad to be dealt with iron hand: Coalition govt

ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP): A meeting of all the political leadership of the federal coalition government that met under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday resolved that no one would be allowed to mount an assault on Islamabad while trampling the basic core of the constitution and relevant laws.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf chief Imran Khan’s call for converging his supporters in Islamabad, the meeting also cautioned the provincial governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to desist from becoming the second fiddle to PTI leader’s in the creation of chaos and anarchy in the country.

Those who would cross the red line, would be liable to be dealt in with the relevant laws, it was declared.

The meeting strongly condemned the attacks on the national institutions and warned that anyone who would try to cross the red line, would face the resistance of 220 million people of the country and the strength of law.

“The one who tried to sidetrack the institutions is a renegade, conspirator and mischievous”, the meeting agreed and opined that the person(s) who had been instigating the institutions to breach the constitution was hell-bent upon pushing Pakistan into serious crises.

To legally bridle such a violator of the constitution, was a requirement of the constitution, it was added.

During the meeting, the overall political, economic, internal and external fronts situation were discussed in detail. The meeting also approved the future strategy.

The meeting offered Fateha for the departed souls and expressed condolences with the bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones in the historic floods that devastated parts of the country after June 14.

The prime minister expressed his satisfaction over the constitution of the National Flood Response and Coordination Center as a prompt step and the subsequent rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts of the flood-affected people.

The meeting appreciated the leading role, passion, focus and the untiring efforts of the prime minister in this regard. They also lauded the role of federal, provincial governments and institutions, especially army, navy and air force for their role in the natural catastrophe.

The participants also acknowledged the donations and humanitarian assistance provided by the philanthropists during the period.

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs senator Ishaq Dar apprised the meeting of the talks with the IMF and other financial institutions and the steps taken for the revival of the economy.

He said that during the previous government’s four years of economic disastrous policies, the national economy did not witness any positive indicator.

The debt of Rs20,000 billion taken during the previous government’s tenure had pushed the country on the verge of being declared as default, he added.

He said the rupee had gained against US dollar during the last Monday and expressed the hope that a US dollar would trade below Rs200.

Sharing further details, he said during their previous rule, inflation was recorded at 3 percent whereas the growth rate was hovering around 6.3 percent.

Ishaq Dar stressed upon pursuance of a robust and continuity of economic discipline for the achievement of economic stability.

The meeting expressed its confidence in the measures of the finance minister and appreciated his performance.

They also decided to cut down the prices of power and stressed upon all the possible and immediate measures to reduce the burden on the masses which were put by the previous regime.

The meeting also expressed its deep concern over the audio leaks of the former prime minister over the diplomatic cipher and strongly condemned the grave ploy to play with the national solidarity and the national interests.

In this connection, the meeting also fully endorsed and supported the cabinet’s decisions and the government’s steps of September 30.

They called for immediate completion of a probe by the FIA into the serious crimes committed against the state and the national interests and proceed against the responsible in accordance with the law.

At UN, Indian and Pakistani delegates spar over Kashmir, other issues

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NNPS Desk

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Thu, 6 Oct 2022, 12:58 AM

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UNITED NATIONS, Oct 05 (APP): Pakistani and Indian delegates engaged in a fresh verbal duel at the United Nations on Tuesday, after Pakistan’s Ambassador Munir Akram drew world community’s attention to the threat posed to South Asia’s peace and security by India’s ‘aggressive and expansionist’ regime, and highlighted New Delhi’s grave human rights violations in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

At UN, Indian and Pakistani delegates spar over Kashmir, other issues#APPNews #Kashmir @PakistanUN_NY https://t.co/b7eOB6Qb4D pic.twitter.com/NCSxoVKLdJ
— APP 🇵🇰 (@appcsocialmedia) October 6, 2022

Indian delegate, Ms. Subashashini, reacted to Ambassador Akram’s sharp statement during a debate in the UN General Assembly’s First Committee, which deals with disarmament and international security matters.

The Indian delegate claimed that Jammu and Kashmir was an internal matter of India, and accused Pakistan of involvement in terrorism. She also urged Pakistan to concern itself with “disturbing conditions” of minorities and women in its country.

Exercising his right of reply, Pakistan’s delegate Gul Qaiser Sarwani, rejected India’s claim that Jammu and Kashmir was its part, saying the United Nations maps show the territory Kashmir as a “disputed territory.”

“The biggest falsehood that we just heard is that Jammu and Kashmir is a part of India,” the Pakistani delegate said, adding, “This is a legal fiction.”

Under the terms of the U.N. resolutions, the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir is to be determined by its people through a UN-supervised plebiscite, Sarwani said, pointing out that India had accepted this resolution and was bound to comply with it in accordance with UN Charter’s Article 25.

In Kashmir, he added, the oldest United Nations peace-keeping force (UNMOGIP) is deployed along the Line of Control (LOC) in the disputed region..

“If India has any respect for international law and moral courage, it will end its reign of terror, withdraw its troops and let the Kashmiris freely decide their future in accordance with the Security Council resolutions…”

Aggressors, colonizers and occupiers often attempt to justify their suppression of legitimate struggles for self-determination and freedom by portraying them as “terrorism”, Sarwani said.

“India,” he said, “is the very epitome of this approach.”

Noting that the Indian delegate did not address the facts presented by Pakistan regarding its destabilizing arms build-up and aggressive military policies, Sarwani said, “Let me r-emphasize that the issues my delegation raised are completely relevant to this Committee’s work, as they carry grave implications for regional and international peace and security. “
But obviously the Indian delegation, he said, would not want this body to scrutinize the overwhelming deployment of India’s conventional and non-conventional capabilities against Pakistan.

“Pakistan has been and will continue to highlight these issues and India’s ‘state terrorism’ against the people of Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).”

“India,” he said, “is the very epitome of this approach.”

As for comments regarding minorities, Sarwani said India would do well to reflect on the deeply troubling trajectory their state is embarked upon, rather than indulging in “patent falsehoods” about Pakistan.

“Today,” he said, “India is being guided by a supremacist ideology that has mainstreamed Islamophobia and bigotry against minorities, particularly Muslims in its political discourse.

“In today’s incredibly intolerant India, the 200 million strong Muslim minority faces frequent lynching by ‘cow vigilantes’; pogroms by RSS thugs, with official complicity; discriminatory citizenship laws to disenfranchise Muslims; and a concerted campaign to destroy mosques and the rich Muslim heritage of India.”

Linking Thar coal mines with railways to usher in an era of economic revolution: PM

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Irfan Khan

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Thu, 6 Oct 2022, 12:07 AM

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Linking Thar coal mines with railways to usher in an era of economic revolution: PM

ISLAMABAD, Oct 5 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that a memorandum of understanding between the ministry of railways and Sindh government to link Thar coal mine reserves with the railways system would ensure its efficient transportation and help generate inexpensive power.

Addressing an MoU signing ceremony between Ministry of Railways, Government of Pakistan and Government of Sindh with regards to the connectivity of Thar coal to the existing network of Pakistan Railways, the prime minister said through an expansion of an efficient railway network, supply from the coal mines would be ensured to the coal-fired power plants and other related plants like cement manufacturing units.

It would save billions of rupees spent annually on the import of costly coal to meet the requirements of the energy sector, he said, expressing the hope that the project would play an important role in the supply of inexpensive power.

The prime minister further observed that on the occasion whatever was ‘more significant is the display of the power of unity, of national cohesion and national brotherhood, signifying our national identification’.

He said the federal and Sindh governments came togethter to ink the MoU and expressed the hope that it would be implemented by March 2023, enabling the transportation of coal to all parts of the country.

The prime minister terming the project as harbinger of economic revolution across the country, said such development ventures were pursued during the tenures of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari.

If it was pursued by the past government, Pakistan would not have faced such difficulties at the internal and external fronts, he said and regretted that economic shocks were severe.

If the previous government had promoted unity among the provinces and the federal government, there would be a change, he added.

The prime minister expressed that however, it was never too late to mend and mentioned that the signing of the MoU was a testament to a living nation and stressed that they needed to move above their personal likes and dislikes and serve the country.

He said that Thar reserves were a treasure for the country and according to an estimate, these were capable of producing millions of MW power for the next 300 years.

It would ease out the burden on the foreign reserves as the country was importing costly coal and spending billions of rupees each year, he added.

Minister for Railways Saad Rafique, on the occasion, said that it was a historic day as the MoU would pave way for Thar coal link connectivity.

He said that it was encouraging that the federal government and the provincial government agreed to participate and generate funds for the project despite the current difficulties.

The minister said Thar coal reserves were among the world’s ranking and would meet the country’s requirements.

He said that 105 kms green link connecting the coal mines with Port Qasim, Jamshoro power plant and other power plants would save billions of dollars.

He further assured that they would strive to complete the project in the earliest, adding that its initial cost was estimated at Rs55 billion, but they would work over cost-cutting.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that Thar coal project was started during 90s by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s government and then revived by the PPP provincial government.

He said Thar coal reserves were a future and precious energy source of Pakistan.

He assured that the provincial government fully owned this project and it would produce low-priced power than anything else.

Earlier, Sindh chief minister and minister for railways signed the documents in the presence of the prime minister and other federal ministers.

Inland Study Tour of 52nd Pakistan Navy Staff Coures at Ministry of Maritime Affairs Islamabad

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Zia Ur Rehman

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Wed, 5 Oct 2022, 11:55 PM

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Inland Study Tour of 52nd Pakistan Navy Staff Coures at Ministry of Maritime Affairs Islamabad — APP46-051022 ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan ranks second as more than 1.2 mln people offered Umrah in ongoing season

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 5 Oct 2022, 11:52 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 05 (APP): A total of 1,267,490 Umrah pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom since the beginning of the Umrah season commenced on Muharram 1, 1444 Hijri (July 30) as Pakistan came second with 195,224 pilgrims.

An overwhelming majority of 880,929 Umrah pilgrims came by air, according to a report of the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Pilgrims from Indonesia, the most populous Muslim nation, ranked first among the countries which had sent the highest number of pilgrims.

A total of 317,200 Indonesian pilgrims arrived in the Kingdom to perform Umrah during the current season.

There are 470 Saudi companies and establishments that are licensed to provide services to the Umrah pilgrims and visitors during the 10-month Umrah season that will end on Dhul Qaada 29, just before the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, Saudi Gazette reported Wednesday .

Saudi Arabia has extended the Umrah visa period from one month to three months and the pilgrims are allowed to travel throughout the Kingdom during their visa period. The visa period will end before the three-month if it overlaps the Hajj season.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stressed the need for Umrah companies and establishments to commit to provide all the required service packages to the pilgrims with the aim of raising the quality of services in the sector, and facilitating the journey of the pilgrims so as to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Saudi ministry clarified that all Umrah companies and establishments are obligated to issue permits for performing Umrah and prayer at the Rawdah Sharif in the Prophet’s (SAWW) Mosque in Madinah for their pilgrims, and facilitate sending them to the Grand Mosque, strictly in line with the times approved in the permits. This procedure also includes those who wish to repeat Umrah during their stay in Makkah.

The ministry said it follows up on the level of quality of services, and the commitment of companies and establishments to make the pilgrims available the best ever possible services through continuous field inspection tours, and intensive automated monitoring. The ministry’s field teams were directed to monitor committing of any violations and take deterrent legal measures against the violators.

Sardar Tanveer apologizes to Raja Farooq

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 5 Oct 2022, 11:46 PM

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MUZAFFARABAD, Oct 05 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan on Wednesday tendered an apology to former prime minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan over Monday’s unruly incident in the AJK Legislative Assembly.

Speaking on a privilege motion moved by Raja Farooq Haider and Leader of the Opposition Chaudhry Latif Akbar in the House, he said,”I sincerely apologize for the incident that happened in the House with Raja Sahib.”

Raja Farooq was among the most senior and seasoned parliamentarians, whom he respected from the core of his heart, he added. The sanctity of the legislature was due to the great personalities like Raja Farooq, the AJK PM said.

Sardar Tanveer said Chaudhry Latif Akbar was his brother, and he also apologized to him.

He said difference of opinion was the beauty of democracy and the essence of a progressive and tolerant society. He, however, stressed that every member of the House must be respected.

He said there was the need for maintaining the order and decorum in the House during debates. “We come to the House to legislate and it is incumbent on every lawmaker to act and speak the language that suits a parliamentarian.”

Sardar Tanveer also apologized to former prime minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi.

Respite for citizens as Quetta gets its first ever allergy centre

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 5 Oct 2022, 11:39 PM

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QUETTA, Oct 5 (APP): The National Institution of Health has recently established its first-ever allergy centre, here, in the city.

Earlier, poor patients had to be referred to Islamabad to spend hundreds of thousands rupees for the treatment of allergic disease as with the establishment of the allergy centre it is expected that the people would get best treatment to their ailments.

Hundred of patients facing allergy, hailing from different parts of Sindh and Balochistan, especially from neighboring countries are being provided treatment in the newly established center.

In charge of the allergy center Abdul Quddus Kehtran said that the center was providing vaccines, besides also ensuring timely treatment to the patients infected with dust, pollen and protein allergy.

Civil Societies have appreciated the establishment of the centre and held it as a great news for the people of Balochistan who had to travel thousands of kilometers to other cities for medical treatment.

India cannot suppress Kashmiris’ struggle by the dint of force: AJK PM

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NNPS Desk

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Wed, 5 Oct 2022, 11:28 PM

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MIRPUR [AJK]: Oct 05 (APP): Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan has said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) influenced regime led by Narendara Modi has broken all records of state-terrorism and savagery to suppress Kashmiris’ legitimate struggle for right to self-determination.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the prime minister while lauding the Kashmiris’ years long struggle said that India must bear in mind the fact that it cannot suppress the ongoing liberation struggle by the dint of force.

He said that the shutdown in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on Amit Shah’s visit speaks volumes about Kashmiris commitment and allegiance to the noble cause of freedom and their outright rejection of illegal actions India had taken unilaterally on Kashmir.

The prime minister said the valiant people of the IIOJK have time and again rejected the so-called economic packages offered by the Indian rulers and made it absolutely clear that the economic packages were not an alternative to the right of self-determination guaranteed to them by the international community.

Stressing the need for resolution of Kashmir dispute in line with the UNSC resolutions, the prime minister warned that the future of one and a half billion people of South Asia was inescapably linked to resolution of the Kashmir conflict. While referring to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) nefarious ambitions, the PM said that the Hindu supremacist party only agenda was to divide people on communal lines.

PM Illyas said, “People are being humiliated and harassed by police and secret agencies, civil society activists, rights defenders and politicians are being jailed under black laws, and thousands of Kashmiris are enduring the hardships of imprisonment.”

It would be a great travesty of justice If the world does not listen to the voices of hapless Kashmiris who are sacrificing their lives, wealth and dignity to achieve their cherished goal of freedom, he added.

He said that on one hand India has been committing serious violations of human rights in IIOJK while on the other it has consistently denied entry to foreign observers and human rights groups in the region.

Citing a letter published in New York Times, he said that American citizens have also criticized Modi government for its persecution, discrimination and deadly violence against religious minorities in India.

The letter, he said, was sufficient enough to stir world conscience and open the eyes of the world that has chosen to stay silent on the India’s apartheid regimes anti-Kashmir and anti-minority policies.

The prime minister said that it was a high time that the world should help-stop rights violations in IIOJK and play its role in settling the Kashmir dispute that has been the main cause of violence in the region.