ISLAMABAD, Apr 1 (APP):Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) Senator Dr Asif Kirmani Sunday said former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was the most popular political leader in the country and not a single corruption case was proved against him till date.
Talking to a private news channel, he said Nawaz Sharif was a thrice time elected prime minister of the country and not a single corruption case was established against him or his family and if had than evidences should be provided regarding any corruption before the courts.
He said Wajid Zia who was a supreme witness against Nawaz Sharif had admitted before the court that Nawaz Sharif had no link with I/11 fields apartments.
The senator said Pakistan had made on the basis of vote and survival of the country was linked with it, adding that Nawaz Sharif was raising his voice for the sanctity and respect of vote.
Replying to a question, he said meeting between the Prime Minister and Chief Justice was a routine matter and all national institutions should work under their constitutional parameters.
Dr. Kirmani expressed hope that courts would provide justice to Nawaz Sharif and his family and said that peace and love were dire needs of the country.
To another query, he said general elections would be held in time and it should be held on merit, adding PML-N would win the next elections with majority in all over the country.
He said Nawaz Sharif and his family would live in the country and face the cases as bravely.
Nawaz Sharif most popular political leader of country: Asif Kirmani
ECP to continue receiving complaints on electoral rolls till April 24
ISLAMABAD, April 1 (APP):Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) will continue the process of registration of new voters, correction and exclusion of voters’ name from its preliminary electoral rolls-2018 till April 24.
According to the ECP, the commission has included the names of all those in voters lists who received their national identity card from period 2013 to 2018.
The ECP’s display centers have continued receiving complaints of citizens related to their registration, correction or removal of names from the electoral rolls. These 14,487 display centers have been set up across the country where citizens were visiting and submitting their complaints with the respective display center staff.
The commission has established 7,928 display centers in Punjab, 2,585 centers in Sindh, 2,545 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 1,429 centers in Balochistan. 81,00,000 new voters have been registered while the names of 8,00,000 voters have been removed from the voters lists while the draft voter list contains around 104 million voters.
The commission has updated its 8300 short message service (SMS) and asked the voters to check the details of their vote registration by sending SMS with CNIC number to 8300. The provincial governments have been contacted for ensuring provision of facilities to voters particularly women voters in 89,500 polling stations for next general elections 2018.
All polling stations have been linked with the goggle map while the commission has completed the training of lead trainers.
According to statistics of preliminary electoral rolls-2018, total registered voters in the country have reached the figure of 104,267,581 with 58.463,228 male and 45,804,353 female voters.
Out of total registered voters 59,740,095 voters were from Punjab, 22,066,558 voters were from Sindh, 15,239,571 voters from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 4,194,311 voters from Balochistan, 2,296,849 voters from FATA and 730,197 voters from federal capital.
In Punjab, the male voters were 33,294,012 while female voters were 26,446,083. In Sindh the male voters were 12,275,322 while female voters were 9,791,236.
Similarly, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the male voters were 8,690,376 while the female voters were 6,549,195. In Balochistan the male voters were 2,428,370 while the female voters were 1,765,941.
In FATA the male voters were 1,386,032 while the female voters were 910,817. In federal capital the male voters were 389,116 while the female voters were 341,081.
Citizens advised to get corrected voter lists by April 30; registration can be confirmed by SMS on 8300
RAWALPINDI, Apr 01 (APP):The citizens have been urged to get corrected voter lists by April 30 as the Election Commission
of Pakistan (ECP) has displayed the initial voters’ lists for the 2018 general election in ECP office here, offices of Union Councils and a large number of important points of the Division.
According to the ECP, the voting details can be reviewed and corrected by April 30. The forms are available in both English and Urdu.
The voters can change their addresses and remove names of deceased family members from the voters’ list through the forms available at the offices.
Vote registration can also be confirmed by texting the Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) number to 8300.
According to the District Election Commissioner Rawalpindi Malik Saleem Akhtar, people have
been advised to correct and reconfirm their registration of votes before May 1 as after finalizing
the lists it may not be amended.
The voters can confirm their registration by sending a message on 8300, however, if anyone
faces any discrepancy, can visit the office of district election commissioner for the correction, he
added.
ECP has given 36 days from Mar 26 to April 30 for disposal of claims/objections and applications
for corrections which can be submitted until April 30.
The final lists would be displayed in May at the office of District Election Commissioner.
Saleem Akhtar said, the voters verification process being completed to finalize arrangements for
upcoming general elections. All out efforts would be made to complete the campaign by May 20.
According to District Election Commission Office, at the moment, there are over 2.95 million voters
registered in Rawalpindi district including 1.57 million men and 1.37 women.
ECP has appointed 32 Revising Authorities for Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal and Jhelum to
receive objections as the verified voters’ lists have been displayed at the display centres including
schools, colleges of the Division and offices of registration officers, assistant registration officers
and display centers at circle level.
Malik Saleem Akhtar talking to APP informed that the lists have been displayed
for around a month up to April 24.
Total 17 Revising Authorities have been appointed for District Rawalpindi who are authorized to receive
and decide claims, objections and applications for correction of electoral rolls including Principal,
Government Post Graduate College Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi, Principal, Government Post Graduate
College for Boys Said Pur Road, Rawalpindi, Principal, Government Hashmat Ali Islamia College Dhoke
Kashmirian, Rawalpindi, Principal, Government Gordon College, Rawalpindi, Principal, Government College
for Boys, Doultala, Gujar Khan, Principal, Government College for Boys, Chakri Rawalpindi, Cantonment
Executive Officer, Rawalpindi Cantt for Rawalpindi Cantonment, Cantonment Executive Officer, Chaklala
Cantt for Chaklala Cantonment, Principal, Government Boys High School, Kahuta for Tehsil Kahta, Principal
Government College for Boys, Kallar Syedan for Tehsil Kallar Syedan, Principal Government College
for Boys, Murree for Tehsil Murree, Principal Government College for Boys, Taxila for Tehsil Taxila,
Cantonment Executive Officer, Taxila Cantt for Taxila Cantonment, Cantonment Executive Officer,
Wah Cantt for Wah Cantonment. Principal Government Degree College for Boys, Kotli Sattian for
Tehsil Kotli Sattian.
Five Revising Authorities are for Chakwal District including Principal government Post Graduate
College for Boys, Chakwal for Tehsil Chakwal. Principal Government Degree College for boys,
Buchal Kalan, Chakwal for Tehsil Kallar Kahar. Principal Government Degree College for Boys
Choa Saidan Shah for Tehsil Choa Saidan Shah. Principal Government Post Graduate College for Boys,
Talagang for Tehsil Talagang and Principal Government Degree College for Boys Tarhada for Tehsil Lawa.
Four Revising Authorities are for District Jhelum including Chief Officer, Municipal Committee, Jhelum for
Tehsil Jhelum. Chief Officer, Municipal Committee, Dina for Tehsil Dina. Chief Officer, Municipal Committee,
Sohawa for Tehsil Sohawa and Chief Officer, Municipal Committee, Pind Dadan Khan for Tehsil Pind Dadan Khan.
Similarly, six Revising Authorities for Attock District have been appointed including District Education Officer
(Secondary School) Attock for Tehsil Attock. Principal Government Boys High School No.1 Hazro Attock for
Tehsil Hazro. Deputy District Education Officer, Hassanabadal, Attock for Tehsil Hassanabdal. Senior Headmaster,
Government Boys High School No.1, Fateh Jang, Attock for Tehsil Fateh Jang. Deputy District Education Officer,
Pindigheb, Attock for Tehsil Pindigheb. Senior Headmaster, Government Boys High School No.1, Jand, Attock for Tehsil Jand.
Pakistan Railways reduces long-distance fares by 10 per cent
RAWALPINDI, Apr 01 (APP):The Pakistan Railways on the directive of Federal Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique
have announced a reduction of over 10 percent in the long-distance rail fares for the passengers of Rawalpindi
to Karachi.
Divisional Commercial Officer (DCO) Pakistan Railways, Rawalpindi Raza Habib talking to APP
informed that in order to facilitate the rail passengers, Pakistan Railways have
reduced Rs 600 from Rs 5990 to new fare Rs 5390 for the passengers to travel from Margala to Karachi Cantt.
Similarly, the rail passengers of Rawalpindi to Karachi cantt to pay Rs 5390 instead of Rs5990 old fare.
He further informed that due to enhanced security measures, quality service and punctuality, the
rail passengers are increasing day by day and over 42,56,318 passengers traveled through
the rail service during 2017 from Rawalpindi Division. The division earned Rs1864.213 million last year, he added.
To a question he said, Pakistan Railways, Rawalpindi Division have earned Rs1497.362 million against
the set target of Rs1479.389 million during last eight months of 2017-18 financial year.
Raza Habib informed that Rawalpindi division generated Rs17.964 million additional revenue during the
period particularly from passenger service.
The income of Rawalpindi Railways passenger trains remained Rs 1864.213 million, revenue generated by
freight trains was Rs 448.728 million and other heads contributed Rs 290.919 million during last year, he added.
Due to continuous efforts and hardworking of railways management, officers and workers, Rawalpindi
Division’s income increased considerably, he informed.
Raza said, total earnings of Pakistan Railways including passengers, freight and other services were Rs 18
billion in 2013 but, this year during just first eight months of 2017-18 financial year, approximately Rs 31 billion
have been earned.
Many initiatives were taken by the management to facilitate the passengers including
E-Ticketing and duplicate ticket facility, Raza said adding, 16 CCTV cameras had been installed to ensure
foolproof security of the passengers at platforms, while walk through gates, had also been installed at the
entrance points.
Reply to another question, he said that scanners were installed at the station to check luggage, parcels
and other items booked for transportation to other cities of the country.
“Pakistan Railways have stepped up the security of Railway Stations, Trains and strengthened the police force
to ensure the safety of the passengers,” the DCO added.
“Pakistan Railways is treating major stations like closed buildings and allowing the passengers to enter
into Railway Stations only through walk-through gates, while commandos have been deployed at
the stations and in the trains to maintain security and thwart any untoward incident,” he said.
Police also carry out random checks on trains and in stations with the aim to protecting
the thousands of passengers who travel by trains, he added.
The placement of security cameras and deployment of police officers have helped ensure security
of the passengers and the stations.
It is pertinent to mention here that the passengers of Pakistan Railways have expressed their delight
over the reduction of train fares.
The citizens have welcomed the move with many of them saying this would encourage the people to
travel to their destinations on train.
They said, an improvement was observed in Railways operations over the last five years.
Pakistan Railways was one of the neglected departments, but the incumbent government and current
administration had turned things around, they added.
Borao Forum for Asia annual conference to begin in Hainan, China from April 8
BEIJING, Apr 1 (APP):Boao Forum for Asia annual conference will take place in South China’s island province of Hainan from April 8 to 11.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is likely to lead Pakistan’s delegation during the forum.
With a theme of “An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity”, participants are expected to discuss key issues related to globalization, the Belt and Road Initiative and innovation.
According to experts, the upcoming forum will be a platform for global political and business leaders to share insights on China’s economic opening-up, the Belt and Road Initiative and fostering innovation, which will be the fundamental drivers for the creation of new growth engines for the world economy.
Since this year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up policy , the forum is expected to witness a series of new measures, especially for a further opening of the financial sector.
Xu Hongcai, an economist with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, told China Daily that forum participants will likely focus on further pushing globalization and avoiding protectionism.
Policymakers and experts are also likely to discuss domestic structural reform, as many governments seek solutions to energize domestic economies and create more jobs, he added.
Yuan Chenglong, CEO of Up Financial Co, which provides online asset management services, said the forum offers “a significant chance to deepen cooperation between Chinese and foreign enterprises, especially in the new era, when more Chinese financial companies will seek development abroad and an increasing amount of foreign capital will enter the domestic financial markets.”
Noor, Uzair, Abbas Zeb win Wazir Gul National Junior Squash Championship
PESHAWAR, Apr 01 (APP):Noor Zaman, Uzair Shoukat and
Abbas Zeb clinched their respective titles in the Wazir Gul National Junior
Squash Championship played here at PAF Hashim Khan Squash Complex on Sunday.
Known businessman Asif Jamal was the chief guest on this
occasion. Former World Champion Qamar Zaman, Executive Member KP Squash
Association Wazir Gul, Nazim Nawa Khali Sajjiad Khalil, Chief Referee Pakistan
Squash Federation Munawar Zaman, Squash coach Riaz Khan, officials, players and
large number of spectators were also present.
In the first final of the Under-15 category Noor Zaman
defeated Muhammad Hamza in a thrilling four sets battle, the score was 11-9,
12-10, 10-12 and 11-9. Noor Zaman played well and despite losing the third set
he came back strongly by the winning the fourth set. It was the first set in
which Noor Zaman got an easy sailing. Both Noor Zaman and Muhammad Hamza gave
each other a tough fight and were stretched to 12-10 and 10-12 in the second
and third set but overall Noor played well and did not give much time to Hamza
to strike back.
In the final of the Under-17 category Uzair Shoukat
defeated Rashid Daulat in another thrilling match where both were stretched to
3-2 battle lasted for 44 minutes. Uzair Shoukat lost the first two sets at 9-11
and 10-12 but he bounced back quickly and recorded vital victories in the
remaining three consecutive sets at 11-7, 11-9 and 12-10. Thus Uzair Shoukat
won the final 3-2.
In the Under-19 final Abbas Zeb defeated Zeeshan Zeb by
3-1, the score was 8-11, 11-9, 11-7 and 11-7. Abbas Zeb played well and did not
give room to Zeeshan Zeb to maneuver.Zeeshan Zeb did some resistance but
overall Abbas Zeb dominated and marched into victory.
At the end, the chief guest Asif Jamal gave away trophies
and cash prizes to the position holders. He also appreciated Wazir Gul for
sponsoring the event wherein more than 120 players took part in three different
age group categories.
He said Pakistan has achieved great glory in the world of
squash but it was because of the hardworking, dedication, commitment of the
players and advised them to continue their hardworking if they want
to achieve the same in future as well.
ECP to receive objections on delimitation upto April 24
ISLAMABAD, April 1 (APP):Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has said that the process of accepting objections on delimitation from citizens throughout the country will continue upto April 24.
According to the ECP, after expiry of the last date, later these objections will be submitted before the commission under the law. The ECP has so far received 382 objections on delimitation of the constituencies included 191 objections from Punjab and Islamabad, 112 from Sindh, 30 from Balochistan and 49 from FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The ECP has established a facilitation centre at ECP Secretariat for submission of objections and facilitating the people regarding the initial delimitation of national and provincial assemblies. Five teams have been constituted to receive the objections pertaining to all four provinces, federation and FATA in the office hours.
The ECP has continued receiving objections on delimitation from across the country including from Islamabad, Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The commission has also launched the details of objections on proposed delimitation of the constituencies 2018 along with proposed maps by the petitioners on its website for public convenience and transparency.
This facility will be helpful to all stakeholders to understand and get informed about current status and ongoing activities regarding delimitation of constituencies, the ECP maintained.
Prices of Petroleum products decreased for this month
ISLAMABAD, Apr 1 (APP):Government has announced to decrease the prices of petroleum products for this month.
According to a notification of Finance Ministry, price of Petrol has been reduced by 2.07 rupees per liter bringing it to 86 rupees, Radio Pakistan reported.
Similarly, the price of High Speed Diesel has been cut down by 2 rupees per liter, and the new price will be 96.45 rupees.
There is no change in prices of kerosene oil and light diesel.
CPEC to spur insurance industry growth: President
KARACHI, Mar 31 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain Saturday said the insurance industry in the country would get significance in the near future after development of industries and generation of business activities as result of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The president opined that fruits of CEPC could be reaped through effective team work.
He was addressing at a seminar arranged by the Federal Insurance Ombudsman. Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair was also present on the occasion, said a press release.
He underlined the importance of holding of seminars to guide and educate the people and the business community in particular.
The president said during the last few decades, the trade sector in the country had not only strengthened, but also it had made strides in innovations.
The youth equipped with relevant professional education in the trade and investment sectors had introduced new trends, he said and stressed upon further improvements in these sectors.
The president observed that trade centers located in certain areas could be functioning under the old and conventional mechanism due to distance from the main industrial and trade centers and it could be the reason of issues related to insurance.
He said every era was being known due to its progress and successes in human development and our age would be reckoned for unprecedented progress in the shape of CPEC.
Terming the CPEC as ‘monument of 21st century’ the president said it would write new chapter in the annals of history by connecting different regions of the world.
The world would long remember it, he said, noting that Pakistan was at the center stage of this historic moment.
The president stressed the need for the creation of competent and hardworking force to discharge responsibilities emanating from this miracle.
The relevant quarters in the country should also play their role in promotion of business atmosphere which could cater to the need of the countrymen and help compete at the global standards.
The president said against such background, the insurance industry had assumed significant proportions.
The more this sector would become active and solve the complex issues, the more its periphery would increase, he added.
The president opined that its growth would also contribute towards business and investment sectors of the country by attracting confidence.
He termed the insurance sector as vital one in the economic activities of the country.
The president further noted that since Ombudsman office was related to public and business complaints, but it had not been functioning against the insurance industry. Both were assisting and supplementing each other and could contribute towards business activities in the country.
Federal Tax Ombudsman Raeesuddin Paracha also briefed the gathering about the performance of his office.
Punjab govt providing best opportunities to youth: minister
LAHORE, Mar 31 (APP):Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government failed to fulfil its promise to provide playgrounds in every tehsil of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) whereas Punjab government provided dozens of playgrounds, international standard stadiums and gymnasiums in the last five years.
Provincial Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs Jehangir Khanzada said on Saturday that the Punjab government, during its five years tenure, had provided the best opportunities to the youth for taking part in national and international events.
The provincial government, during the last five years, provided more than 14 international standard sports facilities in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Sargodha, Gujranwala, DG Khan, Bahawalpur and Toba Tek Singh, which include state-of-the-art cricket and hockey stadiums, swimming pool, tennis court, gymnasiums and hostels for players, he added.
The minister said at district level, sports hall had been set up in Gujranwala, Nowshera Virkan for promotion of sports.
Playgrounds have been established in various areas of Lahore
including Rora, Gawala, Riwaz Garden, Baddoke, Aseel Suleman,
Chishtian, and Halloki Village whereas cricket ground in
Sagiyan, Mini Sports complex and stadium in Gujranwala have
been provided.
Moreover, more than 75 playgrounds and 34 gymnasiums as well
as missing sports facilities have been provided in different
districts including Vehari, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Jhang,
Nankana Sahib, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Okara, Lodhran, Layyah,
Bahawalpur, TT Singh, Mandi Bahauddin, Rajanpur, Sialkot,
Narowal, Sheikhupur, Muzaffargarh, RY Khan, Samundri,
Tandiyanwala, Vehari, Hafizabad, Khairpur, Kolerkot, Jampur,
Borewala and Mailsi.
He said that in order to provide information related to
international sports and ease in formal education during training, e-libraries
had been set up in various parts of 18 districts
including Rawalpindi, Attok, Sargodha, Mianwali, Gujaranwala,
Gujrat, Narowal and Okara.
Jehangir Khanzada said that playgrounds in 12 districts had
been updated at tehsils level throughout Punjab.
Provision of sports facilities including sports equipment
and playgrounds in schools at tehsils level in 24 districts
and provision of appropriate infrastructure for promotion
of local government was a success of the Punjab government, he
added.