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Railways to pursue Royal Palm case in courts: Saad Rafiq

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Railways to pursue Royal Palm case in courts: Saad Rafiq

LAHORE, July 5 (APP): Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq on Tuesday expressed his firm resolve to pursue the Royal Palm and Golf Club case in the courts till justice was done.

Addressing a press conference here at the Railways Royal Palm Golf Club, Saad said the club was constructed on the Railways land under the 15-year-old agreement between the club’s previous management and the then Railways authorities, which had been terminated due to default of over two years payments.

He said the Railways was facing cases regarding the Royal Palm Club in lower and higher courts, besides at the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), and it would defend its rights at all levels in accordance with the law and Constitution.

He said the court, in its recent judgement, did not nullify the club’s possession by the Railways management, however, it had constituted a three-member committee to supervise its (club’s) financial matters. The previous management had been allowed to deal with only its operations, he added.

Saad Rafiq said the Railways would honour the court orders and
present its reservations before them.

The minister said the Railways, a national institution, was fighting with the forces of status quo for the rights of the common man. The department was growing day by day and the nation and other state institutions should support it for the just cause, he added.

Saad Rafiq said he would never allow the status quo mafia to exploit the rights of common man. He said that the previous club management was not only defaulter of the Railways but it had also not paid Rs 120 million to a private commercial bank.

16 dead, 13 missing, 4 injured due to Chitral flash floods: NDMA

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NDMA

ISLAMABAD, July 5 (APP): As many as 16 persons died, 13 went missing and four were injured as a result of flash floods in Chitral district, said National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday.

According to latest NDMA figures, 20 houses were fully damaged while 35 houses were partially damaged due to floods in the area.

NDMA was in touch with Provincial Disaster Management Authority and District Administration regarding relief activities, an NDMA statement said.

First cricket stadium for blind players to be completed in 10 months

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Lahore, AJK to clash in NBP T20 Blind Cricket Trophy final
Lahore, AJK to clash in NBP T20 Blind Cricket Trophy final

ISLAMABAD, Jul 5 (APP): Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) on Tuesday said the first ever cricket stadium for the visually impaired players will be completed in 10 months in Lahore.

Talking to APP, PBCC Chairman Syed Sultan Shah, said the
construction work of the cricket stadium is going out quickly and the cricket stadium is likely to be completed in next 10 months.

“It is the first ever cricket stadium for the visually
impaired players in the World, where the two times World Champs (Pakistan Blind Cricket Team) will do regular practice and play matches at their own will and ease,” Sultan said.

Sultan, who is also the President World Blind Cricket ltd said
the stadium is planned considering the “Universal Design” that it is inherently accessible to people with visual impairment.

“This stadium will also provide access to sports to Blind
Women, blind school kids and visually impaired youth in a conducive
and safe environment. A Blind Cricket training and coaching academy will also commence there,” he said.

Chairman PBCC said he is grateful to the Chief Minister of
Punjab on whom special instruction the scheme for the establishment
of Cricket Stadium for the blind was approved.

“PBCC also appreciates Sports Board Punjab for initiating the
construction of the Blind Cricket Stadium,” he said.

It may be mentioned that the actual proposed piece of land for
the Cricket Stadium for the Blind fell in commercial hub in proposed Master plan of the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) City, so LDA provided a substitute piece of land of same size (44K 10 Marla) at a prime location in the same scheme which is more closer to Ferozepur Road and only 300 meter inside from Canal.

LDA has also built an access road from Canal to project site
to give passage to start construction. Whereas, the documentation of Transfer of land with PBCC is concerned, LDA Negotiation Committee has given approval for the Exchange of Land, now it will put before LDA authority for further approval, thereafter, it will be sent to Board of Revenue for final approval, hopefully the procedure will be completed in few weeks.

Relief operation is in full swing in flood-hit Chitral

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PESHAWAR, July 5 (APP): Relief operation on Tuesday was in full swing
in the rain and flood affected areas of Drosh in Chitral district.

According to Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a Pakistan Army helicopter has airlifted the injured people
to Chitral.

The provincial government has provided 350 tents, two hundred quilts
and kitchen sets to Chitral district administration for distribution among the affected families. Besides, Rs 5 million has also been provided for purchase relief items for the affected people.

Meanwhile, under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, the Punjab government on Tuesday sent ten truck-loads of relief goods for the assistance of the flood-affected people.

The consignment consists of tents, blankets, medicines, 100 food hampers and other articles of relief.

MNA Muhammad Pervaiz Malik, MPA Khawaja Imran Nazir and the Director General of the PDMA, Khalid Sherdil saw off the relief goods caravan of the trucks at the PDMA warehouse, Jallo Park in Lahore.

Talking to the media on the occasion, MNA Pervaiz Malik said the
caravan would reach Chitral on Wednesday, where a representative of the Punjab government would hand over the goods to the administration of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

Ayaz, Abbasi greet nation Eid-Ul-Fitr

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 5 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
on Tuesday extended his warm greetings to the Muslim Parliamentarians and fellow countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In his message, Speaker National Assembly said that he felicitates
his elders, brothers, sisters and children on the joyous occasion of Eid.
“We are thankful to Allah Almighty who gave us the opportunity to
keep fasts, offer prayers and help our needy brothers and sisters during the month of Ramazan,” he said.

“The Eid day brings happiness for us; however the true joy relates with taking care of the needs of our poor brothers and sisters and to include them in our pleasures. Our acts should help to smooth the social irregularities and promote the spirit of sacrifice, mutual harmony and fraternity. Only then we can provide strong foundation for the
establishment of a welfare Islamic society”, he said.

He said that on the day let us renew our pledge and pray for the prosperity and development of entire Muslim Ummah.

He prayed to Allah Almighty to guide all the Muslims to chose
right path and help them follow the true spirit of Islam and protect
them from every evil.

“May Allah help and protect us all. Ameen”, he added.

The Speaker called upon the nation to stand united on every issue
of national importance to overcome the challenges confronting to the
country at present.

Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi also congratulated the fellow Parliamentarians and Nation on auspicious
occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Spectacular fireworks along New York City’s East River mark U.S. Independence Day

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NEW YORK, July 05 (APP): Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers braved tight security to celebrate the U.S. 240th birthday from Britain with the traditional Fourth of July fireworks display Monday night.

More than a million spectators braved a light sprinkle of rain as they watched the annual July Fourth fireworks display, sponsored by Macy’s department store.

The nearly 30 minute long show Monday featured dazzling blues, reds and whites among other colours from the more than 56,000 pyrotechnic shells launched from barges in New York City’s East River.
The 25 minute show was aired live on NBC television network, and organizers said it was the biggest firework display since the millennium show of 2000.

The tight security included police officers searching backpacks and purses. Other officers used hand held radiation detectors to scan baby carriages and large suitcases.

Police dispatched 5,000 officers to oversee the fireworks. That’s the largest detail the New York Police Department has ever assigned on July Fourth.

Authorities said there were no known, credible threats against New York but vowed to remain vigilant.

UN slams Israeli move to advance settlement plans in West Bank, E. Jerusalem

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New Syria peace talks could resume in late August: UN

UNITED NATIONS, July 5 (APP): The United Nations has condemned Israel for demolishing Palestinians’ homes and advancing plans to build new houses for Israeli settlers, amid the prospect of the two-state solution to the Middle East conflict already “slipping away”.

“The secretary-general (Ban Ki-moon) strongly criticizes the decision by Israeli authorities to advance plans to build some 560 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Maale Adumim, as well as the advancement of plans to build 240 housing units in a number of settlements in occupied East Jerusalem,” a statement issued by Ban’s spokesman said Monday.

“This raises legitimate questions about Israel’s long-term intentions, which are compounded by continuing statements of some Israeli ministers calling for the annexation of the West Bank,” the statement said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has allowed the expansion of a West Bank settlement in the wake of the stabbing death of a 13-year-old Israeli-American girl, reports said on Sunday.

The United Nations and most countries regard the Israeli settlements as illegal because the territories they are built on were captured by Israel in a war in 1967 and are hence subject to the Geneva Conventions, which forbid construction on occupied lands.

The Secretary-General “reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and urges the government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement.”

“The secretary-general is deeply disappointed that this announcement comes only four days after the Middle East Quartet called on Israel to cease its policy of settlement construction and expansion.”

On July 1, the Quartet released the first report of its kind, which analysed the impediments to a lasting resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and offered recommendations on the way forward, urging Israel to stop its settlement policy and Palestine to end incitement to violence.

The Middle East Quartet — comprising the UN, Russia, the United States and the European Union — has been working on the report since February.

To promote the peace process in the Middle East, the diplomatic group is seeking a two-state solution — a secure State of Israel to live in peace with an independent State of Palestine.

In the report, the Quartet called on each side to “independently demonstrate, through policies and actions, a genuine commitment to the two-state solution” and to “refrain from unilateral steps that prejudice the outcome of the final negotiations.”

Also on Monday, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) confirmed that the Israeli authorities demolished two homes in Qalandia Refugee Camp in the occupied West Bank in the middle of Saturday night.

“Punitive home demolitions are a form of collective punishment which are illegal under international law,” UNRWA Spokesperson Chris Gunness said. “They inflict distress and suffering on those who have not committed the action which led to the demolition and they often endanger people and property in the vicinity.”

“UNRWA condemns punitive demolitions and reminds Israel, the occupying power, that under international humanitarian law it has an obligation to protect the occupied people and provide services,” the spokesperson added.

 

Nation to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with great religious fervour on Wednesday

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ISLAMABAD, Jul 5 (APP): Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of the Muslims, will be celebrated on Wednesday in the country including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan with great religious fervour and festivity.

Eid is an Arabic term meaning “festivity” or “celebration” while Fitr means “to break the fast”. It falls on the first day of Shawwal Al-Mukarram, following a month of fasting.

Eid is celebrated for three days period. It is a joyous occasion for all Muslims, particularly children. It is a time for spreading peace, sharing with others and giving thanks for completing another period of fasting for the month of Ramazan.

Muslims celebrate not only the end of fasting, but also thanks Allah for the help and strength that He gave them throughout the holy month to help them practice self-control.

On the occasion, the faithful wear clean, neat clothes and offer Eid prayers at mosques, `Eidgahs’ and open places across the country – seeking divine blessings for peace, progress and prosperity.

Following the Eid prayers, Muslims will spend their time feasting with family and friends and feeding those who are less fortunate. Sweets and other special dishes would be prepared for serving the guests. People will also exchange gifts on the occasion.

Special prayers would be offered for the progress and prosperity of the country, unity of the `Ummah’, solution of their problems and liberation of Muslim territories, including occupied Kashmir.

The government has declared Eid holidays from July 5 to July 8.

In the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the `Eid’ congregations would be held at more than 500 places.

In Islamabad, the biggest congregation would be held at the
grand Faisal Mosque, where the high-ups of the government will also
offer Eid prayers. In Rawalpindi, the biggest Eid congregation would
be held at the historic Liaquat Bagh.

The Radio and Television channels have chalked out a series of
special programmes on the occasion of Eid. While newspapers will
publish special supplements, highlighting the significance of the
day.

Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police have devised a comprehensive security plan for Eid ul Fitr and special deployment would be made to guard worship places besides measures of effective patrolling in various areas of the city.

All police officials have been directed to remain on high alert and fully prepared to avert any untoward situation during Eid days.

According to the security plan, police spokesman said that more than 3500 policemen would perform security duties on Eid and would guard religious gatherings at open places, Masajid and Imambargahs.

Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia

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Pakistan strongly condemns terrorist attacks in Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD, July 5 ( APP): Pakistan on Tuesday while expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia, strongly condemned the terrorist attacks
that caused loss of lives and injuries.

The Foreign Office in a statement said the Government and the people of Pakistan were in deep anguish over the tragedy and extend their heartfelt condolences to the brotherly government and people of Saudi Arabia over the loss of innocent lives.

The Foreign Office said Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.

“Our hearts go out to the bereaved families and we wish speedy recovery for the injured,” the statement said.

“The Government and People of Pakistan stand in solidarity with the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia in this hour of grief and reiterate their abiding commitment to the safety, security and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia.”

Ayaz condemns blasts in Madina Munawara

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ISLAMABAD, July 5 (APP): Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday strongly condemned the blasts near Masjid e Nabvi (PBUH), Madina Munawara and other cities of Saudi Arabia.

He said these acts were a conspiracy against the Muslim Ummah to target the sacred places.

“We stand by our Saudi brothers in this moment of grief and sorrow,” he said in a statement.

Ayaz Sadiq underscored the need for the Muslim Ummah to stand united at this critical juncture, adding all Pakistanis condemned terrorism in all its manifestations.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of the injured.

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