ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (APP):The Executive Board of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Tuesday authorized various inquiries, investigations and filing of references against accused persons on alleged involvement in corruption and causing multi-billion rupee losses to the national exchequer.
Justice (R) Javed Iqbal chaired the Executive Board meeting here at the NAB headquarters.
The Executive Board authorized filing of a reference against Lt Gen (Retd) Javed Ashraf Qazi, former secretary, Chairman Railways and former Minister for Railways and Communications Lt Gen (Retd) Saeed Uz Zafar, former secretary/chairman railways Major Gen (Retd) Hamid Hassan Butt, former General Manager Pakistan Railways, Iqbal Samad Khan, former Genral Manager (Operations) Pakistan Railways Khursheed Ahmed Khan, former member (Finance) Pakistan Railways Brig (Retd) Akhtar Ali Baig, former director Abdul Ghaffar, former superintendent Muhammad Ramzan Shaikh, Director M/s Husnain Construction Company, Pervaiz Latif Qureshi Chief Executive Unicon Consulting Services, Datu Muhammad Bin Kasa Bin Adda Aziz Director Max Corp Development Malaysia and others for misuse of authority and causing over Rs 2 billion loss to the national exchequer.
The board accorded approval for filing of reference against Tariq Hameed former Chairman WAPDA, Muhammad Anwar Khalid former Member Power WAPDA, Muhammad Mushtaq former Member Water WAPDA, Imtiaz Anjum former Member Finance WAPDA and others for misuse of authority and award of contract to 150MW Rental Power Project to M/s General Energy Pvt Limited in violation of NEPRA, PPRA and ECC rules thus causing billions of rupees loss to national exchequer.
The board authorized Complaint Verification against President of Pakistan Medical and Dental Council and Minister for National Health Services Saira Afzal Tarar for alleged corrupt practices in reorganization of 12 medical colleges and corrupt practices in PMDC matters.
It also authorized investigation against former CDA Chairman Farkhand Iqbal, Member Estate Khalid Mehmood Mirza, former Member Finance Javed Jahangir and others for alleged misuse of authority and selling of plots on
throwaway rates thus causing Rs 494.333 million loss to the national exchequer.
The Executive Board accorded approval for conducting two separate investigations against former Provincial Minister Abdul Rauf Siddiqui, Muhammad Adil Siddiqui and Dr Sarvat Fahim, Mushtaq Ali Leghari, Mehmood Ahmed, Ghulam Nabi Mehar, Abdul Haye Dhamra, Syed Imdad Ali Shah, Syed Umeed Ali Shah and others for misuse of authority and causing Rs 435.4 million losses to the national exchequer. The above mentioned accused persons were alleged for devouring government funds and making illegal appointments in Sindh Small Industry Corporation.
The board approved an inquiry against former Director General Peshawar Development Authority Sahibzada Saeed Ahmed, Syed Zahir Shah, former DG, Sareer Muhammad, Director General, Muhammad Tariq, former General Manager, Abdul. Haleem Piracha, former Director General and others for misuse of authority in allotment of plots and adjacent land in violation of rules causing loss of Rs.75.27 million to the national exchequer.
It approved inquiry against Tehmash Khan, former Nazim/MPA, for having assets beyond known sources of income.
The board authorized an inquiry against Rehmat Baloch, Health Minister Balochistan and others for having assets beyond known sources of income.
The Executive Board decided to send back the inquiry against the management of PESCO to relevant department for legal action as per law.
The board decided to close two inquiries. One inquiry against Dr Muhammad Ishaq Fani, former program distance learning education, Bahauddin Zakaria University, Multan and second inquiry against officers of Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and National Highways Authority (NHA) due to absence of evidence.
At the end, Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB said that eradication of corruption was the top most priority of NAB and its officers should conduct inquiries and investigations on merit and transparently having solid evidence as per law and no discrimination will be made with anyone.
NAB authorizes reference, inquiries against former ministers, officials
Shehbaz vows to launch more mega projects after winning next polls
LAHORE, Feb 20 (APP):Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday said Pakistan needed to be projected as a sovereign, self-respected and self-reliant state and the leadership of Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) had a development vision to move the country towards the road to progress and prosperity.
Talking to President of PML-N Middle East Chaudhry Noor-ul-Hassan Tanveer, the chief minister said that continuous hard work was being carried out to cover the backlogs resulting due to negative politics of agitation in the journey of development.
“In the backdrop of international scenario, Pakistan cannot afford any negative politics,” he added.
He said that expatriate Pakistanis were ambassadors of the country and their strong role in strengthening national economy
could not be ignored.
Pakistanis doing strenuous hard work in different countries of the world had earned a niche and brought laurels home with their commitment and passion. Pakistani professionals have proved their mettle in different sectors across the globe and God-gifted abilities and skills of Pakistanis are recognized the world over.
The chief minister said, the role of Pakistani professionals and skilled workforce in the overall development of Middle East was unforgettable and they had also played an important role in strengthening of national economy.
Shehbaz Sharif said, after winning the elections of 2018, many more mega public welfare projects would be introduced.
He said, Overseas Pakistanis Commission, Punjab was actively working to solve the problems of expatriate Pakistanis and their district level committees are playing their active role in this regard.
President PML-N Middle East Ch. Noor-ul-Hassan Tanveer said, Shehbaz Sharif had set high standards of public service and mega projects of PML-N government had no resemblance in the 70 years history of the country. He said, the expatriate Pakistanis fully appreciated the services of Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and pray for his longevity.
Vice Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Commission, Punjab Khalid Shaheen Butt and Commissioner Afzaal Bhatti were also present on the occasion.
Earth breaking ceremony of Alamabad Welfare project held
ISLAMABAD, Feb 20 (APP):In a landmark event, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in collaboration with Rashidabad Memorial Welfare Organization
(RMWO) launched a welfare project by the name of Alamabad near Swabi on Tuesday, said a press release issued here by directorate of media affairs of PAF.
The mega project has been initiated for the welfare of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) in general and for the local populace of Swabi in particular.
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pervez Khattak along with Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff,
Pakistan Air Force unveiled the plaque of Alamabad to mark the earth breaking of this magnificent project.
The project is in line with the vision of PAF and RMWO, to set up model villages throughout the country by integrating all essential facilities in a well-knit mosaic so as to ensure a positive beneficial outflow to the needy rural folk-all under one roof. One such successful project, by the name of Rashidabad located near Hyderabad, has already created an everlasting
impact on the people of Sindh and is serving the local populace with dignity.
Located near Swabi Interchange, Alamabad has been named after the legendary fighter pilot of PAF, Air Commodore M M Alam (late).
The project will comprise educational, vocational and healthcare centres in close proximity with an aim of alleviating poverty and eliminating illiteracy from the adjacent rural areas of KPK. PAF and RMWO have also teamed up to launch a similar project at Quetta with the name of Yunusabad.
Air Commodore Shabbir Ahmed (Retd), President Rashid Memorial Welfare Organization (RMWO), in his speech
highlighted the success story of Rashidabad Model. Air Marshal Qazi Javed (Retd), CEO RMWO also delivered a speech highlighting the salient features of Alamabad project.
Begum Noshaba Wahab, the sister of late M M Alam also spoke at the occasion and thanked Pakistan Air Force and the government of KPK for paying such a great tribute to the legendary war hero of 1965 war.
Addressing on the occasion, the Air Chief said, “Besides providing an impregnable aerial defence of the country, PAF has always shouldered the responsibility of nation building. In this regard it has initiated welfare projects for the progress of the country which include quality educational institutions and state of the art vocational training centers. Rashidabad, a project by retired PAF officers, is a miracle indeed and a living proof of the fact that lighting such candles would soon illuminate the whole country”.
He further said, “Alamabad has been named after the ace fighter pilot of PAF Air Commodore M M Alam (late). PAF will leave no stone unturned in making this project a success and I am confident that it will help in providing respectable livelihood to the people of this area as well as ensure uplift in the standards of living”.
Chief Minister KPK acknowledged the sincere efforts and personal interest of the Air Chief in this project.
“I hope this project would usher in a new era of prosperity and progress in this area. It would not only equip the youth of this area with technical expertise but also open new vistas of social development and educational betterment,” he said.
He also lauded the selfless contribution of the people of this area for donating one thousand Kanal of land for the
project.
Two documentaries were also shown on the occasion. The first documentary portrayed the life of M M Alam, whereas, the second highlighted the contributions of Rashidabad Welfare Project in interior Sindh. Speaker KPK Assembly, Provincial Ministers, members of Provincial Assembly and high-ranking civil and defence officers also attended the ceremony.
German Ambassador visits CMH Sialkot
RAWALPINDI, Feb 20 (APP):German Ambassador to Pakistan, Martin Kobler visited Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Sialkot on Tuesday, said a statement issued here by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Ambassador met patients, injured due to Indian state terrorism through continued Cease Fire Violations (CFVs), the ISPR
statement added.
Military World Games Village’ construction work continues during Spring Festival
BEIJING, Feb 20 (APP):The construction work at the athletes’ village for the Military World Games, schedule to be held in October 2019 in the Chinese city of Wuhan, continued during the Spring Festival holidays aimed at completing the task by June next year.
“Most of the 2,000-plus workers here have gone home for the Spring Festival holidays from February 15 to February 21. About 200 of them stay and go on working because we are a bit behind schedule due to the strong snowfalls that hit the city in January”, according to Yin Tianming, a project manager involved with the project.
“The construction of the village began in April last year and will wrap up in June 2019,” he added.
The athletes’ village, which is worth 4.5 billion yuan (714 million US dollars) and built to meet the standards of the Beijing Olympic Village, is comprised of 30 high-rise buildings up to 32 stories tall with a total of 2,226 apartments.
The village will accommodate approximately 11,000 people from more than 100 countries and regions during the 7th Military World Games, a multi-sport event for military sportspeople.
The village, situated by a scenic lake on the southern outskirts of Wuhan, capital city of central China’s Hubei Province will be sold as high-end condos after the Games.
The Military World Games, first held in Rome in 1995, is organized every four years by the International Military Sports Council.
The games, the top sports gala for military personnel, comprises 329 competition events of 27 categories including naval pentathlon, aeronautical pentathlon, basketball and swimming are expected to attract around 8000 participants from more than 100 countries and regions.
Murtaza Javed Abbassi congratulates newly elected bodies of HPC, HUJ
ABBOTTABAD, Feb 20(APP)::Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi on Tuesday congratulated newly elected office bearers of Havelian Press Club (HPC) and Havelian Union of Journalists (HUJ).
Murtaza Javed Abbassi in his message to the newly elected President of HPC Haroon Ishaq, Secretary-General, Syed Abbass Trimzi, Senior Vice President Abid, Vice President Abdul Qudous Shah, Information Secretary Zulqarnain Haider Shah, said their election was evidence of the trust and confidence of journalists’ community in their leadership.
The Deputy Speaker also congratulated new office bearers of HUJ including president Qadar Baksh, Secretary General Saqlain Kazmi, Senior Vice president Zahid Qureshi, Vice president, Malik Gulfraz and secretary Information Qazi Uzair and members of governing body, he also extended his warmest felicitation on their success.
He was confident that the new office bearers of HPC and HUJ would work for welfare of journalist community and freedom of press.
Murtaza Abbassi said that freedom of expression was essential for strengthening democracy in the country.
He expressed the hope that under the new leadership, the problems of Journalist’s community would be resolved. Deputy speaker also prayed for their success during their tenure.
Visiting Pakistani students discuss with their American counterparts steps to strengthen bonds
CHICAGO, 20 (APP):A 22-member Pakistani delegation of students and faculty members from Bahria University, Islamabad, on Monday compared notes with American counterparts at Valparaiso University in the U.S. state of Indiana on their leaning experiences and exchanged ideas about promoting cooperation between them.
The occasion was a luncheon hosted by Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler for the visiting 18 students and four faculty members, lead by Admiral Shahid Saeed, pro-rector of Bharia University.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan’s Consul General Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said that exchange visits between students and faculty of educational institutes of Pakistan and United States would help further strengthen the relations between the both countries. In this regard, he stressed the need for increased people-to-people, universities-to-universities and businesses-to-businesses contacts.
He advised the visiting Pakistani students to take advantage of their current visit to the United States and build close ties with students here. He described them as young ambassadors of Pakistan and true depiction of a country which is full of talent.
Heckler, the president of the Valparaiso University, welcomed the future leaders of Pakistan and hoped that they would will carry happy memories of their stay in Indiana and Illinois. He noted that Pakistan was an important country with a population of 220 million, sixty percent of which is under the age of 26 years.
Erik Froelich, the director for International Initiatives at the Valparaiso University, appreciated the role of the Pakistani Consulate in Chicago in forging and strengthening the linkages it established with universities here.
In his brief remarks, Admiral Saeed thanked the faculty of Valparaiso University and the Consulate General of Pakistan for their efforts in building this university-to-university relationship. He vowed to take this relationship to a higher level by an exchange of faculties from both Universities on regular basis, and invited the students and faculty of Valparaiso University for a visit to Pakistan.
Pakistani troops have advisory role in Saudi Arabia: PM Abbasi
ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Monday said Pakistani troops had an advisory role in Saudi Arabia and they were there for the last 30 years with their number changing.
Around 2500 Pakistani troops were imparting training in Saudi Arabia, he said in an interview with a private television news channel.
The prime minister said he would also take the parliament into confidence on the matter. Pakistan would support any other country wishing to take benefit from its expertise in the war against terrorism, he added.
To a question, he said it was being forecasted that the government’s days were numbered but it was now established that it would complete its tenure. However, challenges were always there, which the government would face, he added.
Asked about Iran’s decision to hand over Chahbahar Port to India, he said if it was a fact then it was wrong, and Pakistan would take it up with Iran. But he added that Iran had always termed both Gwadar and Chahbahar ports complimentary ports.
Prime Minister Abbasi said he had not criticized the judiciary rather he had talked of constitutional limits. The country had suffered a lot whenever the institutions crossed their limits.
He said breaching privilege of any institution would lead to a free for all situation. “Such things can never be in the country’s interest. Executive always takes decisions in the national interest but in case they prove wrong, they must not be made culprit,” he added.
The prime minister said the July 28 verdict had been implemented and it were the people to judge that verdict in the July elections. The said controversial decision had no legal precedence as there had not been even right to appeal. The decisions causing instability in the country needed caution, he added.
Asked whether the elections would be held on time, he said it was a constitutional requirement to hold the polls within 60 days and in case of any delay, the constitution also provided for a year’s extension to the government.
He also criticized the controversial decisions made by the courts in the past, which were not accepted by the people.
He said only the people’s elected government could represent them well as no non-elected government had ever delivered in the country.
The prime minister said Chaudhary Nisar’s reservations, which he believed were not justified, would be addressed. Maryam Nawaz neither had any party office, nor she was in government. However, if there were any reservations, such matters should have been taken up in the party meetings, not publicly, he added.
He clarified that Chaudhary Nisar would never quit the party as he knew him for a long time. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had delivered and no one would want to leave the winning party, he added.
To a question, he said Shehbaz Sharif’s name was not final for the prime minister’s slot.
After getting majority in the polls, the central executive committee of the party would decide about it, he said, adding that Nawaz Sharif would be his choice for the premiership.
About the Balochistan situation, he said the parliamentarians would have to answer to the people as their actions were apolitical and unjustified.
He criticized those planning to win the Senate election through horse-trading or using their riches. The venal politicians would be exposed and boycotted, he added.
Asked about arrest of Nawaz Sharif the prime minister said Nawaz was ready for that though he could not be convicted as he was fair and there was no evidence against him in any of the cases. Nawaz Sharif appeared before the courts but no one could furnish any evidence of corruption against the thrice elected prime minister, he added.
About Rao Anwar, the prime minister said it was a provincial subject and the Supreme Court had taken up the case.
The prime minister questioned as to why only in Nawaz Sharif’s case, the accountability court was conducting two hearings in a month. Was Nawaz Sharif the only accused in the country, he asked.
To a question, he said if there was any need to put Nawaz Sharif’s name on the exit control list, the government would do so. But was there any such need, as he was willing to appear in the courts, the prime minister asked.
Prime Minister Abbasi wished Imran Khan well, saying that his private matter should not be made part of media debate.
Country witnessing completion of decade long continuous democracy for the first time: Marriyum
ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP):Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage, Marriyum Aurangzeb Monday said the country was witnessing completion of decade long continuous democracy for the first time in its seventy years history and those who had been announcing date after date for its derailment and fall of the government had to eat dust.
She was speaking on the eve of inauguration of a cricket tournament here at National Ground.
Just like the senate elections, general election would also be held on time, she added.
The minister said that due to the steps taken in line with the vision of the former prime minister and sacrifices by the armed forces, police and law enforcing agencies the scourge of terrorism had been brought under control to a great extent. As a consequence the sports activities, cultural events, films and PSL were being revived, she added.
She revealed that the prime minister would soon announce a package for the revival of the film industry.
Marriyum said that through the personal efforts of Shahbaz Sharif sports activities had been revived and promoted up to the union council level besides development of playgrounds adding that other provinces needed to emulate his example.
The minister said that the amount of electricity produced during the last four and a half years was more than the produced in the last 66 years, whereas in some provinces it was being produced through feasibility reports and MOUs.
Marriyum said that the Ministry of Information was in the process of bringing legislation for protection of the rights of the working journalists as well as media workers. She said that the decisions of the Supreme Court concerning journalists would be implemented in letter and spirit.
Responding to a question she said that Wage Board Award was an old issue and the government held consultations with the media persons and their representative bodies, and made sincere efforts to resolve it. She however reiterated that the journalists and media workers should also take the issue with the owners of their respective media houses.
The minister while paying tributes to the media for its positive contribution in the society said that media and freedom of expression were gaining strength in the country. She said that media should contribute for stability of the country and democracy with collective thinking.
She said that while disseminating news the media should give due consideration to truthfulness, ethics and self accountability.
Marriyum said that the phenomenon of terrorism during the last 35 years badly affected sports, culture, music and films like other spheres of national life. The minister said that the former prime minister in line with his vision never made indiscriminate efforts for establishing peace.
She said that the former Prime Minister had redeemed all the pledges that he made with the masses and would also fulfill the promise for restoration of the sanctity of vote, respect and justice.
The minister said that arts and artists were being encouraged for the revival of the film industry whereas at the local level measures were also being adopted that would prove a milestone in promoting international tourism. She said all segments of the society would have to contribute towards projecting positive image of the country at the global level.
Marriyum said that the present government was working for the posterity under the leadership of the former prime minister adding that CPEC would herald the arrival of economic prosperity for the future generations of the region.
The minister said that the PML (N) government worked on emergency basis to confront the twin challenges of energy shortages and tackling terrorism. The government not only announced development projects but also ensured their timely completion and the people were enjoying the dividends of those efforts, she added.
The former Prime Minister initiated national health programme and education reforms, she said.
Referring to the third marriage of Imran Khan she expressed good wishes for him and prayed to Allah Almighty to bring peace and more festivities in his life, observing that he badly needed rest and peace.
Answering a question, the minister said that the process for consultation with the opposition leader for setting up caretaker government was yet to take place. Marriyum said that the present government would complete its tenure.
She said people had great expectations from democracy but night raids were conducted against it repeatedly. Marriyum observed that it would not be repeated because the country could not afford such adventures any more.
Conflict among institutions always hurts country: PM
ISLAMABAD, Feb 19 (APP):Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Monday said with their jurisdictions predefined by the constitution, all the state pillars must perform within their parameters as any conflict among national institutions always hurt the country.
Addressing the National Assembly session chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the prime minister quoted the media reports that the courts summoned the parliamentarians, labeled them as mafia, thieves or dacoits, and sometimes threatened to nullify the legislation made by them. “These are the media reports and I wish the same were wrong,” he remarked.
He questioned the members from both sides of the aisle if they had a right to legislate or needed any prior approval for it.
He said the constitution had defined the limits of all institutions and they would have to act within that purview else the country would suffer. It had been witnessed repeatedly that in case of any conflict, it was the country that suffered, he added.
“To avoid any conflict, the House should hold a debate. This is not a partisan debate. This is not a party’s debate. This is the House’s debate,” he added.
“As far as executive is concerned, government officers are summoned to court, insulted, policies are negated (and) people are ousted. How long this will continue. Who will bear its brunt? The country will suffer the loss,” the prime minister remarked.
“Today, for a government functionary, the easiest way is to make no decision or work. No one will question him. As you will carry out any work, it will bring insult to you tomorrow,” he remarked.
He said there must be a questioning but it must not hurt the country and also criticized the courts’ controversial decisions made in the past.
“These things need to be ascertained. This is not criticism against any institution. I am presenting facts before you” he said and urged the House to debate as to whether it had the right to legislate and the government had powers to make decisions and appointments.
The prime minister questioned whether it was a person’s liability if any of the House’s decisions proved wrong and had any negative impact.
He advised the Leader of the House not to make the issue a partisan as it was the parliament’s issue.
To another point, he said it was a moment of thought for the members that the parties with no member in a provincial assembly had fielded their candidates for Senate election and even some independents were also in the race.
“How will they be elected? These issues will not be resolved until the House debates. We have seen all such gimmicks in the past. We need to end this today,” he concluded.