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Daily VOICE OF MASSES Simultaneously published from Islamabad, Quetta, Gwadar, Hub, Karachi, ABC Certified

dailyindisb@gmail.com
Vol.IX No. 359
Independent
Reg. mails-B / ID-445
Chief Editor: Syed Farooq Shah
Monday, 13 May, 2019, Ramazan 07, 1440 A.H.
Islamabad
Pages 4: Rs. 07

Pakistan, IMF reach $6 billion

Extended Fund Facility agreement
ISLAMABAD (APP): Pakistan and the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) Sunday reached an agreement under which the Fund
would provide $6 billion Extended Fund Facility over the period
of three years, Prime Minister’s Advisor on Finance Dr Abdul
Hafeez Shaikh said.
Talking to state media after the talks between the technical
team of the Government of Pakistan and the IMF Mission, the
advisor said after months of discussions, a loan programme had
been finalized with the International Monetary Fund.
He said Pakistan would get $6 billion assistance in three
years, while an additional amount of two to three billion dollars
was likely to come from World Bank and Asian Development
Bank on less interest rate. Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said the
IMF programme would be implemented after its formal approval
by the Fund’s board. The agreement would improve the debt
situation and send a positive signal to the world to attract foreign
investment, he added. The advisor said the IMF programme
would provide an opportunity to bring structural changes to handle
issues pertaining to loss­making state owned enterprises, ex­
ports, and to enhance revenue.
He said the country’s economy was passing through hard
times for the last couple of years, stressing the need for struc­
tural reforms to promote sustainable growth.
The subsidies would have to be withdrawn from the rich
segments of the society, he said, adding the government was
determined to provide relief to the vulnerable segments. The
burden of electricity tariff increase would not be put on the poor,
he said. Meanwhile, the IMF, in a statement, said the Extended
Fund Facility arrangement was aimed at supporting the authori­
ties’ strategy for stronger and more inclusive growth by reduc­
ing domestic and external imbalances, removing impediments to
growth, increasing transparency, and strengthening social spend­
ing. An ambitious structural reform agenda would supplement
economic policies to rekindle economic growth and improve liv­
ing standards, it added. Financing support from Pakistan’s inter­
national partners would be critical to support the authorities’ ad­
justment efforts and ensure that the medium­term programme
objectives can be achieved. According to the statement, an IMF
Mission led by Ernesto Ramirez Rigo visited Islamabad, Paki­
stan from April 29 to May 11 to discuss the IMF’s support for
the authorities’ economic reform programme.
At the end of the visit, Ramirez Rigo stated, “The Pakistani
authorities and the IMF team have reached a staff level agree­
ment on economic policies that could be supported by a 39­month
Extended Fund Arrangement (EFF) for about US$6 billion.”
This agreement, he said, was subject to the IMF manage­
ment approval and to approval by the Executive Board, subject
to the timely implementation of prior actions and confirmation of
international partners’ financial commitments.
“The programme aims to support the authorities’ strategy
for stronger and more balanced growth by reducing domestic
and external imbalances, improving the business environment,
strengthening institutions, increasing transparency, and protect­ GWADAR: A view of dead body of one of three terrorists killed by security forces during operation at
ing social spending,” he added. PC Gwadar.

Pak to not blame any country
regarding Gwadar attack
without investigation
MULTAN (Agencies): Foreign
Minister Shah Mehmood
Qureshi says some forces
want to destabilize Pakistan
and harm China­Pakistan Eco­
nomic Corridor (CPEC).
Talking to newsmen in
Multan on Sunday, he said foes
of Pakistan cannot see CPEC
making progress, offering
greater connectivity and com­
mercial activities to the region.
Referring to Gwadar ter­
rorist attack, the Minister said
Pakistan will not blame any
country without proper inves­
tigation.
Responding to a question,
he said Pakistan Air Force will
respond befittingly in case of
any misadventure by India.
APP adds: Foreign Minis­
ter Shah Mehmood Qureshi
Sunday said the Pakistan
Tehreek­Insaf (PTI) govern­
ment was striving hard to en­
hance the tax net base.
The past regimes remained
dependent on indirect taxation,
however, the incumbent was
trying bring more people into
Eight ´terrorist´ suspects
killed in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH (Online): Eight mem­
bers of a “terrorist” cell were
killed on Saturday in a police raid
in Saudi Arabia´s eastern Qatif
region, a Shiite minority strong­
hold, state media reported. The
recently­formed cell was pre­
paring to carry out “terrorist”
activities against the security of
the country, the official Saudi
Press Agency reported citing a
state security spokesman. He
said the men were killed after
they fired shots at security
forces, who had surrounded a
residential apartment in the
Sanabis neighbourhood.
“They were called on to
surrender, but they did not re­
spond and opened fire at the
Two more youth
martyred in IOK
SRINAGAR (INP): The Indian troops in their fresh act of the Chinese government and the
state barbarism on Sunday martyred two youth in Shopian people expressed condolences
district of the Indian Occupied Kashmir.
According to media sources, the youth were martyred guard who sacrificed his life and
by Indian troops during a cordon and search operation in two security men who were in­
Satipora area of the district.
Soon after the martyrdom of the youth, the authorities and other foreigners staying in
snapped the Internet services in the southern district.
The Indian troops are continuing their act of terrorism pened, said the police. Apart
and martyring youth, in a bid to silence the freedom struggle from the sacrifice of one guard
of the Kashmiri, who have been demanding the right to self and two injured, there was no
determination since long.
LAHORE: People are enjoying swimming at Dharam Pura Canal in outskirts
area of the city during their fasting on holiday Sunday as city government
banned swimming in canals
Forces kill three terrorists, five embrace
martyrdom as Gwadar operation is over
RAWALPINDI (APP): Security forces have completed the clearance operation at Pearl Conti­
nental (PC) Gwadar during which all three terrorists, who attempted to make forced entry in the Nation united against terrorism: President
hotel, have been killed.
Bodies of the terrorists have been held for identification, an Inter Services Public Rela­ Nation, security forces
tions (ISPR) press release said Sunday. During the operation, as many as five individuals
embraced martyrdom including four hotel employees and a Pakistan Navy soldier. While, six shall defeat terrorists: PM
individuals got injured including two Army Captains, two Pakistan Navy soldiers and two ISLAMABAD (Online): Prime Minister Imran Khan has cat­
hotel employees. According to details, the terrorists had attempted to enter the hotel aimed at egorically stated that Pakistani nation and its security forces shall
targeting/taking hostage the guests present in hotel. At the entry, security guard challenged the defeat the terrorists and the government will not allow these
terrorists denying them entry into main hall and the intruders went to staircase, which was leading agendas to succeed. In a statement, while condemning the ter­
to upper floors. “Terrorists opened fire resulting into martyrdom of security guard Zahoor. Enroute rorist attack on a hotel in Gwadar, the Prime Minister appreci­
to stairs, terrorists kept firing indiscriminately resulting into martyrdom of three more hotel em­ ated the initial response by security guard and security forces in
ployees Farhad, Bilawal and Awais while two got injured,” the press release said. foiling greater loss to human lives. He also paid rich tributes to
Quick Reaction Forces of Army, Navy and Police immediately reached the site, secured Shaheeds and injured security personnel during the operation.
guests and staff present in the hotel and restricted terrorists within corridor of fourth floor. The Prime Minister said such attempts especially in Balochistan
After ensuring safe evacuation of guests and staff, clearance operation was launched to take are an effort to sabotage our economic projects and prosperity.
on terrorists. Meanwhile, terrorists had made close­circuit television cameras dysfunctional and While condemning the terrorist attack in Gwadar, Special Assis­
planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on all entry points leading to the 4th floor. tant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr
The security forces made special entry points to get into 4th floor, shot down all terrorists and Firdous Ashiq Awan said the nation is united against terrorism to
cleared the planted IEDS. In exchange of fire, Pakistan Navy soldier Abbas Khan embraced defeat it. In a message, she said the enemies of Pakistan’s peace
Shahadat, while two Army Captains and two Pakistan Navy soldiers got injured. Director Gen­ and progress will never succeed in their nefarious designs.
the tax net as it would help re­ imports and exports. There eral ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor thanked entire media for responsible reporting and cover­ Meanwhile President Dr Arif Alvi Sunday strongly con­
duce burden on the common was no investment as well age of the operation. “This actually denied terrorists of possible live updates thus facilitated secu­ demned the terrorist attack in Gwadar terming such incidents as
men, he said while talking to while there were no avenues rity forces in smooth execution of the operation.” Meanwhile A 35­year­old Baloch from the grave conspiracy against national development projects.
newsmen. for creation of jobs. The PTI Marri tribe of Balochistan, who was earlier claimed to be a ‘missing person’, has turned out to be In a statement, the President said the whole nation stood
Qureshi said the govern­ government tried its best to a terrorist who took part in Saturday’s attack at a five star hotel in Gwadar city, sources said. united in war against terrorism.
ment pursued the International settle financial issues without
Monetary Fund (IMF) to soften
its terms and conditions for the
the IMF, he added.
Qureshi said the PTI gov­
CM satisfied with successful
financial package.
He said when the PTI
ernment reduced sales tax on
petroleum products to 17 per
operation against terrorists
came to power, there was dif­
ference of 19 billion dollars in
cents from 56 per cent during
the PML­N tenure. in port city of Gwadar
Grieved over loss of precious lives in
China lauds terrorist attack in five star hotel; vows to
Pak Army’s foil every conspiracy against development
heroic action Independent Report that no one sitting outside the
security forces... which re­ country can decide the fate of
sulted in their killing,” said the against attack QUETTA: Chief Minister
Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan people as they are holders of
spokesman. No civilians or se­
curity forces were injured in the
at PC hotel has expressed his satisfaction the same. He also expressed
condolence and sympathy with
BEIJING (INP): China highly over successful completion of
operation, he added. Saudi the operation conducted against the bereaved families of the
appreciates the heroic action of
Arabia´s Eastern Province—
Pakistani Army & law enforce­ the terrorists in the five star martyred. Earlier, a meeting
which includes Qatif—has hotel of Gawadar. was held to discuss the secu­
ment agencies against the ter­
seen bouts of unrest since 2011
rorists who attacked the PC In an official statement is­ rity situation in Gawadar with
when protesters emboldened sued here on Sunday, the Chief the Chief Minister Jam Kamal
hotel in Gwadar. China Eco­
by the Arab Spring uprisings
nomic Net reported from Minister paid tributes to the in the chair the other day night.
took to the streets. security institutions for taking The meeting particularly
Gwadar, four terrorists who
The demonstrators have
stormed Hotel at afternoon of the terrorists to task. discussed the motives behind
demanded an end to what they Moreover, the Chief Min­ the terrorists attack and re­
the 11th May have all been
say is discrimination by the SIALKOT: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broad-
killed. Thanks to the immediate ister also expressed deep and viewed its various aspects in
Sunni­dominated government, a grief over the loss of precious detail. The Provincial Minister casting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan listing the problems of people.
and strong action against the
charge Riyadh denies. One of
attack from the Pakistani army, lives of five people in the ter­ for Home and Tribal Affairs,
the leaders of the protest move­
there is no Chinese casualty. rorists’ attack on the hotel. Mir Ziaullah Langove, Chief Punjab Local COAS pays tribute to
ment, prominent Shiite cleric
Nimr al­Nimr, was executed inAccording to the Eco­ He said that every con­ Secretary Dr. Akhtar Nazir, Government
2016 for “terrorism”. nomic Net’s report, the Chinese
Embassy strongly condemned
spiracy would be foiled against
development of the country and
Secretary Home, Inspector
General of Police and other Act to bring mothers for their
province. He said that the de­ concerned high ups attended revolution: Awan
terrorist attack. It said, the he­
roic action of Pakistani Army velopment of Balochistan and
that of Gawadar is a reality,
the meeting. It may be men­
tioned here that three terroristsISLAMABAD (APP): Special
sacrifices
& law enforcement agencies Assistant to Prime Minister on
is highly appreciated.
The embassy, on behalf of
which can’t be annulled.
He said that the enemies
had attacked the (PC) hotel in
Gawadar on Saturday evening. Information and Broadcasting
RAWALPINDI (INP): Chief
of Army Staff (COAS) Gen­
eral Qamar Javed Bajwa paid
“Mother is not just a physi­
cal entity. If so, their departure
to heaven would’ve been an
of the country don’t want its However, they were tracked Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said on
progress for they back terror­ down and killed in the retalia­ Sunday that Punjab Local Gov­ tribute to the mothers of mar­ end to the relationship. Mother
ism. However, the patriotic tion. Five persons including a ernment Act 2019 would bring tyrs for their sacrifices on is name of an eternal feeling
to the families of the security Mother’s Day, and said no one of love, care, security and self­
people of the province hate the Navy solider were martyred a revolution through resolving
terrorists and their sponsors, while six were injured in the can defeat Pakistan until such lessness.” Mother is not just a
problems of the masses at their courageous women are present physical entity. If so, their de­
jured. There were no Chinese the Chief Minister said adding exchange of fire took place.
door step and would ensure in this country. parture to heaven would’ve
the hotel when the incident hap­
May 12 carnage availability of resources at The army chief acknowl­ been an end to the relationship.
grass roots level. edged that the progress that Pa­ Mother is name of an eternal
Lawyers observed In a tweet, the Special As­
sistant to PM said that the act
kistan has made is due to the
mothers of this nation.
feeling of love, care, security
and selflessness. Love and re­
any other casualties. Black Day was a fulfilment of Pakistan
Tehrik­e­Insaf government
Director General of Inter­
Services Public Relations
spects for all Mothers esp brave
Mothers of our brave
KARACHI (INP): Lawyers on the day despite the fact promise of tranfer of power to (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor Martyrs.#MothersDay
across the country on Sunday that several roads were off grass roots level and empow­ took to Twitter and wrote, “Sa­ “Love and respects for all
observed ‘Black Day’ to mark and all routes to the airport ering the people. lute to brave mothers of our Mothers esp brave Mothers of
the tragic incident of May 12 were blocked to avoid brave martyrs.” our brave Martyrs.”
(2007) as bereaved families clashes between groups. In
of the victims still waiting for the carnage, more than 50 Four people Pakistan, China working
justice after 12 years of the people were killed with sev­ electrocuted to
mayhem.
The day when a series of
eral hundred injured and ar­
rested. The violence contin­ death in Lodhran closely to resolve issue of
violent clashes between rival
political activists came on the
ued for several days. LODHRAN (INP): Four
It is to be mentioned here members of a family including
marriages of Pak women
front in Karachi and leftover that the then deposed CJP was couple and children were elec­ ISLAMABAD (APP): Paki­ Missions in China are closely
50 people dead and hundreds to address at SHCBA function trocuted to death when a high stan and China are working monitoring the situation and
injured. The unrest began as and he flowed to the port city. tension power line falls on bull closely to resolve the issue of extending all possible assis­
Former Chief Justice, Iftikhar But he was not allowed to cart here on Sunday. marriages of Pakistani women tance to Pakistani citizens who
Muhammad Chaudhary, ar­ leave Karachi airport for at­ According to details, a and human trafficking by some may have any complaints on
rived at the Jinnah Interna­ tending the event and wide­ peasant couple along with their Chinese nationals. the subject.
This was stated by Foreign Faisal said all other rel­
tional Airport 0n 12 May 2007. spread violence and arsons hit two children, riding bull cart Office spokesperson Dr. evant departments of the gov­
was heading to field for rou­
Gunfights and clashes the city. A number of petitions, tine work when high tension Muhammad Faisal in a state­ ernment and the concerned
erupted across the provincial including a suo­motu, were power line broke and fell on the ment issued here on Sunday. Chinese authorities will con­
capital as supporters and op­ filed over the incident but pro­ cart in Hasilwala of tehsil He said that the relevant tinue to coordinate on the mat­
ponents of the judge, belong­ ceedings were subsequently Kahror Pakka in Lodhran. Due authorities from both Govern­ ter to address the grievances
ing to different political parties, dropped after Musharraf de­ to electrocution, the peasants ments are in close contact on of the affected individuals,
took to the streets against clared an emergency in the Ghulam Yaseen, his wife this issue. bring the culprits to justice, and
each other. country and suspended the Sughran Bibi, a daughter and a He, said the Ministry of ensure that such incidents do
City­wide riots escalated constitution. son died on the spot. Foreign Affairs and Pakistan not recur in future.

Page 02
Monday May 13, 2019
Gwadar attack, successful operation,
missing persons
Baseless allegation
& the truth?
Last night, three terrorists tried to
enter Gwadar’s Pearl Continental Ho-
tel, while the security guards at-
tempted to stop them, during which a
guard was martyred, but the security
forces foiled the attack while taking
timely action and the three terrorists.
It was surprise to know that one of the
three armed attackers, namely Hamal
Khan Marri was one of missing per-
sons. Who was declared missing in the
year 2016 on a Baloch nationalist
website. However, involvement of
Hamal Khan Marri in the terrorist at-
tack has proved that he had been re-
ceiving training outside Pakistan for
three years. The anti-state propaganda
which is being spread, on the subver-
sion and instigation of external ele-
ments, is against the interests of coun-
try and nation and is weakening our
national security and law enforcement
agencies. Our so-called nationalists,
some flopped political activists and re-
ligious mullahs, in their statements
and speeches, have started accusing
and levelling baseless allegations on se-
curity institutions. They forget that the
institutions consists on individuals and
they have to perform their duties. It is
included in their charter of duty to
work for national security. Sometimes,
it is required to take or call some sus-
pect or person with suspicious activi-
ties for some necessary investigations,
does not mean that all the missing per-
sons had been nabbed and disap-
peared by Government agencies or Law
enforcement institutions.
There are many of missing persons
who left the country with their own
desire, some of them went to Afghani-
stan and Kashmir and were captured
through religious benefits instigations
by Taliban in the name of Jihad. When
the youth goes to the training camps
and understands the realty and asks
to return or try to leave the training
camps of those jihadists, they are
stopped by force or even killed and
made missing. Under any law, rule or
regulation no any Government agency
is allowed to kidnap any Pakistani nor
kill him. So, any blame on them is not
more than some assumption. We re-
quest with regard to missing persons.
If the family person or relatives are
missing, they should find them with full
responsibility and avoid waste and un-
necessary allegation on the institutions
as well as avoid collision with law en-
forcement agencies.
The actual position of Missing per-
sons has unveiled after yesterday’s
terrorist attack. Indian intelligence
promote provocative thinking of our
nationalist minded youth on the ba-
sis of so called sense of deprivation.
They recruit them on monthly salary
and they are taken to the neighboring
countries of Pakistan for training,
where they are trained for years, than
sent to different Ferrari camps estab-
lished in various parts of Pakistan, es-
pecially in Baluchistan. Where they
have perform terrorist activities ac-
cording to the instructions of Indian
supervisors. According to a reliable
reports, these terrorists are paid 30
to 50 thousand rupees monthly along
with food and other facilities. We have
opened the fact for the information and
knowledge of all concerned especially
for the family members of the disap-
peared and missing persons. Hope-
fully they will find their relatives with
responsibility and Indian agents who,
after subversion, brought them out-
side Pakistan. Else avoid levelling al-
legation on national security agencies.
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OPINION Daily Independent
By Munir Akram agreed transnational projects,
Pakistan’s long, close and tur­
bulent relationship with the US
has had a pervasive impact on
Future of Pak-US relations such as the TAPI and CASA­
1000 ventures.
Pakistan’s revived rela­
this country’s history. The last have no responsibility for the an equitable relationship with For the longer term, Pakistan Pakistan’s prime export mar­ tionship with Saudi Arabia and
phase of that relationship, the talks’ outcome, it is now ask­ the US, it will have to build the should join the nascent efforts ket. Pakistani exports are held the UAE offers another av­
‘war on terror’ alliance, ended ing that Pakistan play an im­ capability to resist India­US of China, Russia and some back due to lack of competi­ enue for indirect economic
in August 2017, when Donald portant role in achieving a suc­ military, financial and domes­ other countries to construct al­ tive capacity. Pakistan’s cur­ Pakistan­US cooperation.
Trump announced a punitive cessful conclusion of the tic pressure. To do so, it needs ternate or supplementary ar­ rent industrialization drive Significantly, Saudi and UAE
policy towards Pakistan, sus­ ‘peace process’. strong and nationally­oriented rangements to the US­domi­ should target production for investments in the energy and
pending high­level contacts, US demands have been governance and China’s unre­ nated financial system. exports to the huge US as well petrochemicals sectors, be­
freezing Coalition Support extended to the eastern front. served cooperation. Likewise, Pakistan is not as Chinese and Asian markets. sides potentially building
Funds repayments and de­ During and after the Pulwama Pakistan is well placed to fully equipped to fight the ‘hy­ Similarly, even though Pakistan’s bridges with US
manding Pakistan’s coopera­ mini­crisis, US pressure was resist military pressure. The brid’ war being waged by In­ US official assistance to Pa­ corporates, will also link them,
tion on Afghanistan. ratcheted up — directly and Pulwama mini­crisis demon­ dia and others in Balochistan, kistan will be minimal and con­ via oil and gas exports, to
Over the next 18 months, through the UN and the FATF strated two things: one, that ex­Fata, sections of the me­ ditional, Pakistan should make China and Central Asia
America’s initially coercive — to demand actions against Pakistan can defend itself by dia and politics to destabilise a concerted effort to invite US through Pakistan.
demands on Afghanistan be­ the Lashkar­e­Taiba and conventional means; two, that the country domestically. Us­ private investment into the vast Hope resides in the
came progressively realistic, Jaish­e­Mohammad and the nuclear deterrence worked ing all the tools of modern and untapped economic op­ possibility that the US will
inclusion of JeM’s Maulana once again to moderate mili­ technology, Pakistan must de­ portunities that exist in almost
eventually asking Islamabad perceive the economic mo­
to help start direct talks be­ Azhar on the UN Security tary behaviour on both sides. velop a sophisticated intelli­ every sector of the Pakistan mentum in Asia, unleashed
tween the US and the Afghan Council’s ‘terrorism’ list. Yet, India is embarked on a gence, counter­insurgency and economy, including the SEZs by the Belt and Road Ini­
Taliban. Islamabad has seen it in major arms acquisition and political action capability for and the privatisation tiative and Asian economic
Pakistan has delivered its own interest to comply with modernisation process which defence. programme. Apart from fi­ integration, as a strategic
on this request. Several the demands to proscribe the Pakistan will have to continue ‘Defensive’ measures do nance, such investment will opportunity rather than a
rounds of US­Taliban talks, activities of the LeT and JeM. to neutralise if not match. not imply systemic hostility with bring advanced management challenge. US participation
It has also continued its coop­ Most importantly, Pakistan the US. There are vast areas techniques and production
held mostly in Doha, have re­ could transform the Belt
portedly led to draft agree­ eration on Afghanistan. How­ must disabuse India of any for mutually beneficial coop­ technologies to Pakistan. and Road endeavour into a
ments for withdrawal of US ever, this may not prove suffi­ presumption that, under a US eration which can be pro­ Pakistan and the US also globally beneficial enter­
troops from Afghanistan and cient to restore friendly ties umbrella, it could ‘test’ moted as long as the US does agree that there are vast op­ prise.
to prevent Afghanistan’s terri­ with the US. Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence not threaten Pakistan’s core in­ portunities for regional eco­ Indeed, faced by global
tory from being used as a base America’s new hostility or resort to a pre­emptive terests and positions, espe­ nomic cooperation and inte­ threats of climate change,
for global terrorism in future. towards Pakistan is due strike against Pakistan’s stra­ cially its rejection of Indian gration, although their respec­ poverty and nuclear annihi­
However, the Taliban have mostly to its emerging global tegic assets. A Pakistani ‘sec­ domination and support for tive regional priorities are not lation, and offered the alter­
refused to talk to what they call rivalry with China, in which ond strike’ capability will Kashmiri self­determination. yet fully convergent. native of a cooperative,
the ‘puppet’ government in India has been chosen as eliminate this danger. Counterterrorism, re­ Despite the new Cold knowledge­driven future of
Kabul or to accept a ceasefire Washington’s strategic partner Pakistan’s financial de­ gional arms control and glo­ War, the US may find it expe­ growth and prosperity, the
whereas Pakistan is listed on fences are vulnerable. The na­ bal non­proliferation are iden­ dient to cooperate with China
until US troop withdrawal is US, China, Russia and other
under way. China’s side of the power tion needs to come together to tified issues for continued co­ and Pakistan to stabilise the powers, including India, ul­
The US has not offered equation. The recently an­ implement the politically diffi­ operation. Afghan economy in a post­ timately would be wise to
Pakistan any tangible conces­ nounced US South Asia cult yet vital tax and other mea­ Trade and investment are settlement scenario, including opt for ‘win­win’ coopera­
sions in exchange for its assis­ Policy is predicated on India’s sures required to ensure a sus­ the most promising areas to through Afghanistan’s integra­ tion rather than ‘lose­lose’
tance. Contrary to earlier as­ regional domination. tained balance in the country’s build a future Pakistan­US re­ tion into CPEC, and collabo­ confrontation. Courtesy
surances that Islamabad would If Pakistan is to establish fiscal and external accounts. lationship. The US is rative execution of several Dawn
A mispronounced life Empowering the local
By Malik Muhammad Ashraf
By Ghazi Salahuddin The constitution of Pakistan Sindh and Punjab in many re­
stipulates a three­tier system of spects. Power was devolved
It is becoming obvious that they, our rulers, are incredibly more point, I am distracted by the power that is exercised by religious
confused about how to bridge our social deficits than they are extremists and the bigots who readily resort to violence when
governance with a pivotal role beyond the district level to even
for local governments in con­ the lower tiers of village coun­
about the economy. And the truth is that the task of fixing the they are confronted by ideas of enlightenment and humanistic formity with the cardinal prin­ cils. An unprecedented move
economy may be far easier than healing a deeply wounded soci­ pluralism. ciple of empowerment of the was to allocate 30 percent de­
ety. Even if you are somehow protected from the reality of our Our security agencies may have scored victories against people and delivery of services velopment funds of the total
existence – and that would be almost impossible – you should terrorist outfits and violent extremists but the popular mind re­ to them at their doorstep. But provincial PSDP to the local
still feel the tremors of a particular kind of seismic activity un­ mains afflicted with intolerance and obscurantism. We had one unfortunately the so­called governments.
derneath the surface. glaring reminder of this state of mind when Aasia Bibi, who had elected and representative gov­ The local bodies system
Yes, the immediate focus is on the economy and the im­ been accused of committing blasphemy ten years ago, was re­
pact it has on the lives of ordinary citizens. The IMF mandarins ported to have quietly left Pakistan on Wednesday. It is believed
ernments that should have laid introduced in Punjab is an im­
more emphasis on the estab­ proved version of the Khyber
have been at work and the alarm bells are ringing. It is going to that she has found refuge in Canada where her family had al­ lishment of strong and effec­ Pakhtunkhwa model. Elected
get worse before – and if – it gets better. Meanwhile, the politi­ ready migrated. tive local bodies have never village councils with powers to
cal temperature is also rising and the mud­slinging in the Na­ Aasia’s has been, as one editorial noted, “a shameful chap­ ever made a sincere effort to determine and supervise devel­
tional Assembly is becoming more strident. ter in this country’s history”. Without going into any detail or
But my sight is set on something else. It has been my re­ recalling the assassination of Salmaan Taseer by his own guard,
fulfill that constitutional obliga­ opment work in their respec­
tion. Vested interests like tive areas will give the people
frain that Pakistan’s crisis is not so much political and economic consider the ignominy of the Aasia case. A poor Christian woman MPAs and the bureaucracy in­ enhanced control over their
as it is social, moral and intellectual. Our society is in disarray whose death sentence was overturned by the Supreme Court
and seems increasingly incapable of dealing with the challenges cannot live freely in this country. Our society, in a collective
variably acted as a stumbling lives besides immensely con­
block in that regard. Provincial tributing to the dilution of the
that have put the country’s survival at stake. To my distress, sense, is so sick that it would not even welcome Malala, who is governments also showed re­ existing power structures
every week provides some fresh evidence of the fearful decline truly the pride of Pakistan. luctance to devolve power to which were inimical to the
and fall of the Pakistani society. Now, let us turn to the speech that Imran Khan had made the grassroots level. spirit of the constitution. Like
So, what are my pickings for this week? Well, there has on Sunday. I would like to ignore that remarkable statement he
been a rush of headlines against the backdrop of some interest­ made, promising to make spirituality a super science. Instead,
The credit for setting up Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 30 per­
local governments actually cent development funds will be
ing developments. However, I have chosen as my peg a few my attention was diverted by his struggle to pronounce the Urdu goes to the dictatorial regimes given to the local governments,
stories that, in my view, project a social drift that our rulers are word ‘roohaniyat’. Perhaps it reflected, in an esoteric way, the that laid greater emphasis on a laudable move which hope­
unwilling or unable to check. Unfortunately, this deadly drift was problem that the Pakistani society would confront in accepting this missing component of gov­ fully would play a significant
largely inspired by the ruling ideas or, in other words, the sancti­ ‘roohaniyat’ as a prescription for a good life. ernance – though for different role in removing regional dis­
fied national security narrative. Intolerance and extremism have There is this Robert Morley quote: “Life is a foreign lan­ reasons than strengthening parities also.
permeated through the national psyche. guage; all men mispronounce it”. So, can we say that spiritual­ democratic governance in the The biggest radical and
What must have been heard above the consistent din of ism is a foreign language for us? Or is it that we are mispro­
our politics this week was the bomb blast near Data Darbar in nouncing our life with reference to spiritual values and prac­
country. Notwithstanding some positive initiative taken in the
flaws, local governments en­ Local Government Act for
Lahore on Wednesday. It was a major act of terror in which 12 tices? In any case, it is good to see a leader who had earned the joyed much greater administra­ Punjab is the holding of direct
lives were lost. This blast has jolted us at a time when the cam­ sobriquet of Taliban Khan to talk, albeit with a fumble, about tive and fiscal powers under elections for town and city
paign against terrorism and militancy is seen to have made sig­ spirituality. Gen Musharraf’s military­led mayors which is very similar to
nificant gains. Still, there have been some acts of terror recently What is crucial now is whether he is able to absorb the dispensation. Instead of remov­ the system prevalent in well­
in Balochistan and tribal areas. spirit of it and also make it the foundation of the ‘Naya’ Pakistan ing those shortcomings and established democracies. The
Is there a message here that we need to ponder? It is pos­ he talks about. In some ways, it would be a more challenging building on the foundation laid step would ensure the strength­
sible to find some significance in its timing. The large PML­N task than becoming the prime minister. Sadly, his performance
demonstration was held just a day before the blast at Gate 2 of in these nine months is not very inspiring.
for the local governments for ening of participatory democ­
bringing them in conformity racy. Powers for taxation and
the shrine. We have a tragic history of how terrorists have inter­ It is interesting that despite his slip­ups, he thinks that gov­ with the constitutional require­ control over development work
fered with our political process. Think of Benazir’s return to erning this country is no big deal. This newspaper had this front­ ments, the PML­N and PPP by the elected mayors will
Pakistan in October 2007 and her assassination in another rally page headline on Thursday: “Opposition is difficult, governing is governments disempowered make their office much more
in Rawalpindi in December of the same year. easy: Imran”. He may have said this in jest but it brought to my
But, for the purpose of the argument that I am trying to mind a similar statement made in earnest by another leader of
them. Punjab and Sindh had effective and powerful than
highly centralized power struc­ previous mayors.
build, I see a different connection here. On Sunday, Prime Min­ Pakistan who may also be in Imran Khan’s list of role models. tures. The deterioration of civic Another hallmark of the
ister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone of Al­Qadir Univer­ After his election as the president, a number of interviews amenities in big cities like proposed system is that it en­
sity in Sohawa in Jhelum district. This obviously portrayed a of Ayub Khan were recorded with a plan of compiling a biogra­ Karachi and Lahore as well as visages elimination of the role
resolve to promote sufi ideology in Pakistan. The attack on Data phy. In one such interview, he said: “Sometimes people ask me other major urban centers is a of MNAs and MPAs develop­
Darbar, verily a shining symbol of the sufi tradition in this region, whether I find it easier to run the country or the army, and, quite sequel to local governments not ment work, which was actually
could be seen as an assertion of the elements that are opposed frankly, I find it easier to run the country”. having full control of their re­ a serious deviation from the
to the message of peace and social harmony that our sufi saints What is definitely not easy is to live with the consequences
have expounded. of how this country has been governed. Governance, too, is a
spective domains with regard constitution. They will now be
to development and provision free to focus on their real role
I have to refer specifically to the speech that Imran Khan foreign language for our leaders. They have always mispro­ of other civic services. of legislation as representatives
made on Sunday but I will come to that a littler later. At this nounced it. Courtesy The News Both the PPP and the of the people. Although some
PML­N were reluctant to hold of the allies of the PTI govern­
Double trauma local bodies elections in the
first place. However, they
were left with no choice when
ment in Punjab and the opposi­
tion have expressed reserva­
tions over the newly introduced
By Bina Shah During the interview, on women’s mental and physi­ In Pakistan, girls and
the Supreme Court ordered system, the fact remains that
them to do so to fulfill their con­ their objections are politically
Sexual harassment is big in the Khanzada was respectful of cal health, whether subtle or women who are harassed don’t stitutional obligations. Never­ motivated. Instead of giving a
news these days, with the high­ Shafi’s emotional safety, fre­ overt, whether a woman is ha­ just become mentally ill over­ theless, the local bodies system nod of approval for something
profile case of Ali Zafar, ac­ quently asking her if she was rassed by a superior, a col­ night. First is a long period of set up by the PPP and PML­N which has brought a much re­
cused by Meesha Shafi of ha­ all right with answering certain league or even a subordinate. processing the trauma, where governments in their domains quired improvement in the sys­
rassment, going as far as the questions, and emphasising Numerous studies have shown the victim questions herself, of responsibility unfortunately tem of local government they
Supreme Court. Karachi Uni­ again and again that how long that sexual harassment at the internalises a great deal of guilt, did not prove to be instrumen­ still seem stuck into the old
versity also had to respond to a victim takes to bring up workplace causes anxiety and and must face the censure of tal to the empowerment of the model of politics of opposition
allegations that two faculty charges is the victim’s decision depression, high blood pres­ society if she eventually comes people since the elected gov­ for the sake of opposition. It
members have been harassing alone, whether that is weeks, sure, loss of sleep, and many out with what happened to her. ernments at different tiers en­ seems to be a futile attempt on
students with inappropriate months or even years after the other mental disorders and is­ The more subtle and nuanced joyed very limited powers and their part to divert the attention
texts and WhatsApp messages. event. Having these conversa­ sues, such as post­traumatic the harassment, the more a the local MNAs and MPAs of the people from their own
Sexual harassment has now tions on national television, in stress disorder, self­harm, or woman will gaslight herself, maintained their upper hand in inadequacies in that regard.
Urdu, is a vital shift in how we turning to drugs and alcohol to development projects in their The PPP government in
become part of the national says a mental health profes­
respective areas for which they Sindh, which boasts of having
conversation in Pakistan, in line speak about sexual harassment cope with the trauma. sional, Jannat, working with the
with the global #MeToo move­ in our country. Khanzada is to Let’s not forget that a Digital Rights Foundation.
were allocated funds by the introduced the Eighteenth
respective governments. The Amendment for giving au­
ment, which has seen many be commended for how he is workplace isn’t just an office Even victims believe that ha­ bureaucracy also enjoyed an tonomy to the provinces, needs
powerful men forced to an­ being a true ally to women and or a music studio. For the thou­ rassment doesn’t happen to ascendant position over the lo­ to give a serious thought to ap­
swer for their abuse of that their causes, and also how he sands of women who work in good girls; if it does, she must cal governments. Finance­ plying the same principle in em­
power. is educating the public about agricultural labour, in factories, have done something to bring wise, local governments were powering the local government.
It’s the start of a sea sexual harassment. or even in homes as domestic it upon herself. entrusted with very little pow­ It is time to rise above vested
change: Pakistan’s women Statistics show that at helpers, their workplaces are Our society is still un­ ers and the funds provided to political interests and give the
have found the courage to least two million people suffer also unsafe because of sexual aware of what sexual harass­ them from the provincial gov­ people their due right. The
speak up instead of suffering from mental health issues in harassment. Many, unable to ment is and how it manifests ernments were nothing more tussle between the provincial
in silence when they are being Karachi. The number of people confide in a friend or bring a in our country. But just as time than peanuts to say the least. government and local govern­
harassed in the workplace or suffering from depression has complaint to their bosses, be­ is up for sexual harassers, it’s It was never a devolution of ment in Karachi has already
power as envisaged by Article done irrevocable damage to the
in their schools and universities. risen from 2pc to 20pc, and come depressed. Some be­ time we let go of our outdated,
However, when victims come women make up roughly 55pc come so anxious or depressed, sexist way of turning sexual 140­A of the constitution. infrastructure and state of civic
forth, everything about the vic­ of those afflicted. Endogenous they cannot function. Their harassment victims into crimi­ As they say, credit must amenities extended to the
be given where it lies; I feel no people.
tim is still up for discussion — biochemistry as well as job grades fail, they underperform, nals. It’s unacceptable to
scruples in eulogizing the PTI Though the real test of the
and her motivations are consid­ stress, money matters and fam­ they start to skip school or cause double mental and psy­ government and Prime Minis­ envisaged system in Punjab will
ered suspect if some period of ily issues are usually pinpointed work. Eventually, they leave chological trauma for ter Imran Khan for the local come when it is formally imple­
time has elapsed between the as causes of anxiety and de­ work or school for good. Imag­ Pakistan’s girls and women. government system that they mented and elections are held
event and her breaking her si­ pression. But unnamed as a ine the thousands of hours of Complaints of sexual harass­ have introduced in Khyber under it, conceptually nobody
lence. But these shibboleths precipitator of mental illness in lost productivity and a ment must be brought up, ad­ Pakhtunkhwa and now in in his right mind can take issue
can change, as evinced by a women is sexual harassment traumatised female labour dressed, and resolved fairly Punjab. The Punjab Local Gov­ with the initiative taken by the
recent television interview of and sexual violence, which ac­ force and you begin to realise and justly, but we also must ernment Bill is surely a radical PTI government. There is al­
Meesha Shafi in which Geo count for a high number of the cost of sexual harassment support the victims. When we improvement over the existing ways room for improvement
TV anchor Shahzeb Khanzada cases of mental health issues — not just to the individual, but do so, we place power back system of local government as and it will surely have its de­
refreshingly gave space to throughout the nation, and the to the entire country. Yet all this in the hands of the powerless, far as bringing governance tractors. However, that should
Shafi to speak and respond to rest of the world. remains undiscussed and unre­ which is the best safeguard of closer to people is concerned. not be a deterring factor for the
many of the rumors and false­ Sexual harassment has ported because of the shame a victim’s mental and emo­ They system introduced in PTI and supporters of devolu­
hoods circulating about her. clearly­proven negative effects factor. tional health. Courtesy Dawn Khyber Pakhtunkhwa compa­ tion of power to the grassroots
rably was much better than level. Courtesy The News

Battle against corruption topmost
agenda of PTI: Sadaqat Abbasi
ISLAMABAD (APP): Paki­
stan Tehreek­e­Insaf (PTI)
Leader Sadaqat Ali Abbasi
Sunday said that it is time to
unite against corruption and
eliminate the menace from the
country as battle against cor­
ruption was the topmost pri­
ority of the present govern­
ment.
Talking to a private
news channel, he said in
country the fight against cor­
ruption is one of the major
priorities of present govern­
ment as corruption in both the
private and public sector has
a detrimental effect on
government’s effort to de­
liver effective services to the
people.
PTI government will con­
ISLAMABAD: Director Turk Maarif Foundation Pakistan Selahattin Batur
speaks during a press conference.
Construction of 5 million 28 students benefit from
housing units can create jobs exchange agreement
for 25 pc unemployed youth between NUST-METU
ISLAMABAD (APP): Con­
struction of 5 million housing
units for homeless Pakistanis
can create job opportunities
for 25 percent unemployed
youth of the country.
Talking to APP Chief
Executive Officer of well­
known construction firm
Habib Rafiq Construction
Malik Muhammad Aslam said
that with the utilization of
modern technology a housing
unit for family of five persons
could be constructed in Rs 1.5
million.
He said that by getting
vacated one per land allo­
cated for government offices
in all housing societies, the
dream of cheap houses for the
poor could be realised.
He proposed that in­
Over 700 faithful apply
online for observing
Aitekaf in Faisal Masjid
ISLAMABAD (APP): Over
700 faithfuls have sought per­
mission online to observe
Aitekaf in Faisal Mosque dur­
ing the last 10 days of
Ramazan this year, under the
supervision of Dawah Acad­
emy of the International Is­
lamic University, Islamabad,
said an official of the Acad­
emy. Talking to APP, he told
that Dawah Academy had
completed the application re­
ceiving process on first come
first serve basis as a limited
number of persons would be
selected to observe Aitekaf in
Faisal Masjid.
The scrutiny of applica­
tions were being conducted
now a days, he said adding that
the final list of the selected
‘Moatakifeen’, who wish to
observe ‘Aitekaf’,would be
displayed after fifteen
Ramazan­ul­Mubarak at
Faisal Masjid. The
‘Moatakifeen’ would be re­
quired to deposit Rs6,500 as
their expenditures of ‘Sehr’
Fitrana fixed at
Rs 100 per head
ISLAMABAD (APP): The
minimum amount of Sadqa –
e­ Fitr has been fixed at Rs 100
per head this year, said Cen­
tral Ruet­e­ Hilal Committee
Chairman Mufti Muneebur
Rehman.
Talking to APP, he said
according to the market price
of 2.25 kilograms of flour, the
amount for Fitrana is calculated
as Rs 100 per head. The faith­
ful who want to pay Fitrana
equal to the price of barley,
dates, raisins and cheese should
pay Rs 400, Rs 1,600, Rs 1,920
and 2,940 per head, respec­
tively. A Muslim, who pos­
sesses food in excess of his
needs, must pay Sadqa­e­Fitr
before the Eid prayers. If the
person is a breadwinner, he
should also pay Sadqa­e­Fitr
for his dependants, such as
wife, children, dependent rela­
tives or servants. Mufti
Muneeb also advised the
people to pay the amount to the
Monday May 13, 2019
tinue its efforts to eliminate
fraud and corruption from the
country, he said.
He also invited the citi­
zens and organisations of the
country to play their part in
preventing and fighting corrup­
tion.
He said the corrupt big­
wigs, who amassed huge na­
tional wealth by using unfair
means would be dealt with iron
hands and exemplary punish­
ment should be awarded to the
corrupt mafia.
He said that all institu­
tions of the state are working
without any pressure and
crackdown would continue
against the corrupt.
“Corruption is the largest
issue of the country after ter­
stead of imposing ban on
launch of housing societies on
agricultural land, law should
be introduced for allocation of
10 per cent land of each unit
should for agricultural pur­
pose.
He said that foreign
construction firms could be
involved in joint venture hous­
ing projects with local firms
which would also prove help­
ful in transfer of technology.
He said that in big cities of
Lithuania the consumers do
not purchase fruits and veg­
etables from the market as 10
per cent land of housing units
has been allocated for pro­
duce of fruits and vegetables.
He said introduction of a simi­
lar law in Pakistan could en­
sure provision of fresh fruits
and ‘Iftar’ after confirming
their names in the list. The
amount should be deposited in
Habib Bank Limited, Dawah
Account # 50067900774203.
The selected Moatakifeen
would issued special identity
cards and allotted the place set
aside for them for ‘Aitekaf’.
He said the Muslims who ob­
served Aitekaf consecutively
in last three years at Faisal
Mosque won’t be selected this
year. Likewise, under 18­year­
old boys, disabled, aged, ailing
persons and those suffering
from infectious diseases won’t
be registered for Aitekaf at the
mosque as well.
Over 800 faithfuls from
twin cities of Rawalpindi and
Islamabad observe Aitekaf at
Faisal Mosque every year.
Faisal Mosque management
makes special arrangements to
impart ‘Moatakifeen’ (Aitekaf
observers) education about
‘’Fiqh’’ problems besides ar­
ranging lectures of religious
scholars.
poor before Eid­ul­Fitr so that
they could also celebrate the
festival. The most deserving
people for Sadqa­e­Fitr are
close relatives followed by
neighbours and the poor.
Mufti Munibur Rehman said
real spirit of Fitr and Fidya is
two­time meal of a destitute
person, so it is better to pay the
meal cost of a hotel. However,
those who are wealthier, they
should try to pay more to ex­
tend assistance to the poor in
this time of skyrocketing infla­
tion. If any one had been un­
able to keep fast for the whole
month of Ramadan, he or she
should pay Fidya as compen­
sation worth Rs 3,000 in pro­
portionate to flour price, Rs
12,000 for barley, Rs 48,000 for
date, Rs 57,600 for raisin and
Rs 88,200 for cheese. Kufara
(compensation) for leaving 30
fasts in wheat would be Rs
6,000, barley Rs 24,000, dates
Rs 96,000.
rorism and the PTI govern­
ment is determined to root it
out at all cost”, he added.
The g o v e rn m e n t i s
taking a raft of measures
t o pr e v e n t a n d c om b a t
f r au d i n v o l v i n g p u bl i c
fun ds more effectively, he
mentioned.
To a Question, he said if
we analyze the policy of PTI
government in broader line,
poverty alleviation is the top
priority of government, add­
ing, during the tenure of pre­
vious government, the devel­
opment projects were only lim­
ited to Lahore.
He said current govern­
ment has introduced local body
system so that development
could be carried out in all ar­
and vegetables for the resi­
dents of big cities. He said as
per law one per cent land of
each housing society in Paki­
stan is earmarked for public
sector offices. However this
land is often occupied by land
mafia and people involved in
China cutting. He said if the
government prepared a plan
for taking possession of this
land from all societies, this
land can be utilised for con­
struction of housing units for
low income groups.
He said that in many
parts of the world housing
projects have been launched
on prefabricated built in tech­
nology and this technology
can also be used in Pakistan
to provide shelter to low in­
come groups.
IESCO
Power
suspension
schedule
ISLAMABAD: Accord-
ing to Islamabad Elec-
tri c Supply Company
(IESCO)’s spokesman,
due to inventible system
up gradation/ mainte-
nance on 13 May 2019
electricity supply to be-
low mentioned feeders/
areas will be suspended
according to the men-
tioned schedule:
On 13 May 2019,
06:00am to 11:00pm,
KTM-2, RTM & Gulyana
feeders, 06:00am to
12:00pm, Jakkar,
Pakhwal, Borian, COD
Kala feeders, and sur-
rounding areas will be
affected, In case of early
completion of work elec-
tricity supply will be re-
stored before time given
in schedule. PR
Woman was put
on fire over
refusing marriage
proposal in
Muzaffargarh
ISLAMABAD (APP): A girl
was allegedly doused in petrol
and sustained serious wounds
as her family refused to a suitor
in Muzaffargarh. According to
a police official the alleged cul­
prit was angry as his marriage­
proposal was turned down by
the victim’s family, a private
news channel reported.
He further said the al­
leged identified as Yusuf to
calm his wrath drenched the
girl in petrol and set on fire
which put the victim’s life in
serious danger, adding most of
the body including face and
limbs were burnt badly. The
culprit later dropped a threat­
ened letter to the victim’s house
to horrify the family, the offi­
cial revealed. Fire victim was
shifted to the burn unit of a
nearby hospital where her con­
dition was declared critical by
the doctors, the official stated.
eas without any discrimination.
Sadaqat Abbasi said the
Naya Pakistan Housing
project initiated by the govern­
ment will provide shelters to
homeless people.
The government is mak­
ing all out efforts to improve
the economy of the country
and taking right steps in right
direction in this regard, he
concluded.He said current
government has introduced lo­
cal body system so that devel­
opment could be carried out in
all areas without any discrimi­
nation.
Sadaqat Abbasi said the
Naya Pakistan Housing
project initiated by the govern­
ment will provide shelters to
homeless people.
Tackling ‘curse of CDA chief inspects progress of
poverty’ tops PTI’s Ata Turk avenue widening project
agenda: Senator Waleed
ISLAMABAD (APP): Sena­
tor Waleed Iqbal Sunday said
the current government was
working for affective poverty
alleviation programmes to
benefit poor segment of the
society as the complete eradi­
cation of poverty was the top­
most priority of Prime Minis­
ter Imran Khan’s govern­
ment.
The policies of the
present government are re­
volving around certain devel­
opment projects, he said while
speaking to Radio Pakistan.
He said the best devel­
opment in any country is hu­
ISLAMABAD (APP): Around
28 students have benefitted
under Memorandum of Under­
standing (MoU) for collabora­
tion in research and exchange
of students between National
University of Science and
Technology (NUST) and the
Middle East Technical Univer­
sity (METU).
NUST was in collabora­
tive partnership with Middle
East Technical University
(METU) since 2010 and the
focus of this collaboration was
student mobility, an official in
the Ministry of Science and
Technology told APP.
He said that four MoUs
were signed between NUST
and METU first in 2010­2015,
2013­2018, 2014­2019 and
Int’l Nurses Day”
celebrated in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD (APP): Like
other parts of the world, the
“International Nurses Day”
was observed in Pakistan Sun­
day to mark the contributions
of the nurses in the society
The ‘International Nurses
Day’ is observed on May 12
annually to highlight the con­
tributions made by nurses in
the society.
Nurses are considered to
be the backbone of health sec­
tor. This day was being ob­
served and celebrated on birth
anniversary of the founder of
modern nursing Florence
Nightingale.
The theme for the inter­
national day titled “A voice to
lead, Health for All”.
The history of Interna­
tional Nurses Day dates back
to 1965 when the Interna­
tional Council of Nurses
(ICN) celebrated it for the first
time. Dorothy Sutherland, an
official with the US health de­
partment proposed the idea of
this day to be celebrated in
1953.
However, President
Dwight D. Eisenhower, did not
approve of celebrating
“Nurses Day.” Finally, in
January 1974, the birth anni­
versary of Florence Nightin­
gale 12 May was chosen to
NHA spent Rs136m
on maintenance of
M-1 green belts
ISLAMABAD (APP): Na­
tional Highways Authority
spent Rs 136 million on cutting
of grass in median, removal of
wild plants in shoulders and
overall maintenance of green
belts on Peshawar­ Islamabad
Motorway during last five
years. An official of NHA told
APP Sunday that grass has
been planted in median and
other plants and trees have
been planted from shoulder to
fence on M­1. These plants are
maintained by NHA in its rou­
tine maintenance contracts
awarded on yearly basis, he
said. Moreover flowery and
other plants are planted in the
median and shoulders of M­1
by Forest Department Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa in close coordi­
ISLAMABAD: Volunteers distributing free food among the faithful to break their fasting during
Holy Fasting Month of Ramzanul Mubarak.
man resource development
and PTI government strongly
believes in it.
“We have been trying to
work in areas that were ne­
glected by the previous gov­
ernments including basic
health facilities, provision of
quality education and others”,
he added.
Senator further said so­
cial justice is utmost impor­
tance if we want a welfare
state, adding, I am hopeful
that PTI will definitely ful­
fill its commitment accord­
ing to expectation of the
people.
2015­2021 with purpose to fa­
cilitate students and faculty
exchange.
As a result of these
MoUs, each year approxi­
mately four undergraduate stu­
dents avail exchange opportu­
nities to study two semesters
at METU as exchange stu­
dents, he added.
The official said that
NUST would like to increase
inbound student mobility by in­
viting Turkish student to study
as exchange and full time stu­
dents at NUST.
He said this will be pos­
sible if government extends
support to international stu­
dents in terms of scholarships
and bursaries similar to the
Turkish universities.
celebrate International Nurses
Day.
The ICN gives away In­
ternational Nurses’ Day Kits
for all the nurses around con­
taining educational and public
information materials.
On International Nurses
Day, go ahead and thank a
nurse for doing what they do
and for all the care they have
given in their lives.
A nurse’s main goal is to
help you get through treatment
and get better, so just knowing
he or she succeeded is a re­
ward in itself. Regrettably,
many people seem to think that
the most important people in the
healthcare system are the doc­
tors, but this is simply not true.
Nurses play a key role in all of
our medical institutions, being
responsible for the welfare,
safety and recovery of pa­
tients.
Nurses have an enormous
amount of knowledge and
many diverse skills they spend
years perfecting and develop­
ing, all the time working in de­
cidedly tough environments
where extreme stress is just a
part of the job. Nurses’ help in
bringing new life into the world,
care tirelessly for the sick and
injured, and sometimes watch
the patients.
nation with Afforestation Wing
of NHA. The official said that
Islamabad­Lahore Motorway
has been given on Built Oper­
ate Transfer (BOT) agree­
ment to FWO and its planta­
tion and maintenance of green
belts area is a part of the agree­
ment. About Pindi Bhattian­
Faisalabad Motorway, he said the
cost incurred on removal of
un­wanted growth and weeds
during oast fice years stood at
Rs. 31,792,883 for Pindi
Bhattian­Faisalabad section and
Rs. 4,640,000 for Faisalabad­­
Gojra section. About Pindi
Bhattian­ Multan Motorway,
he told that 11 contacts were
awarded in July 2018 for one
year plantation and four years
maintenance.
ISLAMABAD (APP): Chair­
man Capital Development Au­
thority (CDA) visited the
Ataturk Avenue, sector G­6 to
inspect progress on the project
of widening of road.
Chairman directed the
concerned formation that till
such time road work is com­
pleted, temporary arrange­
ment for traffic flow must be
made at G­6 intersection
leading to State Bank Chowk.
Senior officers of con­
cerned formations were also
accompanied him during the
visit.
Ataturk Avenue is one of
the major roads being utilized
by several commuters to ap­
proach the offices located
along the Avenue. In order to
maintain uninterrupted traffic
flow on the road, the Director
Biometric
verification
of left over
pilgrims from
Ramzan16
ISLAMABAD (APP): The
mandatory biometric verifica­
tion of the intending pilgrims of
Government Hajj Scheme, who
missed their scheduled verifi­
cation, would be started from
May 22 (Ramazan 16),said
Muinistry of Religious Affairs
and Interfaith Harmony offi­
cial. Talking to APP, he said the
pilgrims who have failed to
conduct their biometric verifi­
cation as per schedule time and
date, should contact their near­
est Eitemad biometric visa cen­
tre for mandatory verification.
The biometric verification of the
intending pilgrims of Govern­
ment Hajj Scheme was started
from first week of April. The
schedule of conducting verifi­
cation had already been shared
with the pilgrims through
SMS,website of ministry
www.hajjinfo.org or
ministry’s help lines (042) 111
725425; (051) 9205696, (051)
9216980­82 and through Haji
camps to ensure biometric veri­
fication before submitting their
passports.
ISLAMABAD: Old women sitting outside Ramzan sasta bazaar for selling food item.
Thousands of Kashmiri mothers
awaiting disappeared sons
ISLAMABAD (APP): When
most parts of the world ob­
served Mother’s Day, thou­
sands of Kashmiri women con­
tinue to wait for the return of
their sons subjected to disap­
pearance in custody by Indian
troops in Indian occupied
Kashmir over the past 30
years.
A report released by the
Research Section of Kashmir
Media Service on Mother’s
Day, said that the continued
Indian state terrorism had re­
sulted in the killing of 95,353
Kashmiris including women
and children from 1989 to 11th
of May 2018. As many as
22,901 women have been wid­
owed by the Indian forces and
11,120 women were raped, dis­
graced or molested during the
period.
57­year­old resistance
leader, Syeda Aasiya Andrabi,
Fehmeeda Sofi, Nahida
Nasreen are illegally detained
in India’s infamous Tihar Jail
Dehli in India on false cases.
The report pointed out
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Roads was also instructed to
introduce traffic management
solutions at State bank chowk
also. Furthermore, Director
Traffic Engineering and Traf­
fic Planning was given one
(01) week to come up with
design and commence work
on the same.
Meanwhile in a meeting
with Engineering and Planning
section, instructions were also
issued that notices for next
Capital Development Author­
ity meeting be issued by com­
ing Tuesday so that Develop­
ment Project of sector E­12
and Park Enclave can be got­
ten approved after the need­
ful has been done. During the
meeting it was also informed
that PC­I of sector I­15 is also
ready and shall be placed in
the next meeting of (CDA­
People honor motherhood
on World Mother’s
day celebrations
ISLAMABAD (APP):
People across the globe, in­
cluding Pakistan celebrated
Mother’s day on Sunday to
share their sentiments and ex­
press profound love for their
mothers.
The day to honor moth­
erhood is celebrated on sec­
ond Sunday of May and it is a
time to appreciate mothers
and mother figures, express­
ing gratitude for the hardships
they bear in bringing up a
child.
The day was marked
with the old spirit and enthusi­
asm and public and private
organisations as well as
schools arranged colorful pro­
grams in connection with the
Mother’s Day celebrations.
Though Mother’s Day
celebrations take place at dif­
ferent times in the world but
what is remarkably same are
the feelings with which people
celebrate the day.
Several other countries
celebrate their Mother’s Day
on different dates depending
upon what they have decided
about the specific day.
that the troops had subjected
over 8,000 Kashmiris to custo­
dial disappearance during the
period and the mothers of ma­
jority of these disappeared
people had been waiting for
their return.
Second Sunday of May is
observed as Mother’s Day
since 1914 as a result of con­
tinued efforts by Anna Jarvis,
daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis,
a peace activist in, West Vir­
ginia, the United States, for her
mother’s contributions towards
the society.
Meanwhile, several moth­
ers including Haseena Begum
died whose son Syed Anwar
Shah a wall painter by profes­
sion disappeared on 21 July
2000, when he was arrested by
Indian troops in Srinagar.
Mahtaba Begum hailing
from Kashmir’s far­off village
Karhama died while looking for
her son who was arrested dur­
ing a crackdown in 1990.
Her son Mohammad
Yaqub Khan was a laborer.
Misra begum of Bemina’s
Page
03
DWP) which is likely to be
scheduled within ten days.
Engineering Wing has
been further tasked to en­
sure commencement of the
development work on Sec­
tors I­15 and E­12 before 30 th
June 2019.
The Chairman also di­
rected the concerned forma­
tions that tenders for those
projects that stand approved
like the G­7/G­8 underpass,
Rawal Dam Chowk and IJP
Road Traffic Management
Solutions should be issued in
coming week.
During the meeting it
was discussed that as fi­
nances of CDA are being
gradually improving more
pending projects particularly
those of sector development
shall be taken up on priority.
Mother Day is being cel­
ebrated in Pakistan and sub­
continent for the past few
years with zeal and zest.
People exchange Moth­
ers day cakes, cards, Mum
Mugs, flowers, Bears, Small
Fruit or Gift basket and Spe­
cial mother’s day sweets.
According to citizens, in
the recent years, the most
dedicated gifts for Mother’s
Day were Flowers, Perfumes,
Cake and special sweets.
Mothers are actually the
guiding force and are respon­
sible for developing the char­
acter and personality of chil­
dren said Komal Tahir a Young
girl while purchasing bouquet
for her mother.
Mothers day is the op­
portunity to pay tribute to
them for their contribution,
said an ot h er girl Zainab
Hashim.
The tradition of the day
started with the ancient
Greeks who celebrated their
annual spring festival in honor
of Rhea, the mother of many
gods and goddesses in the
Greek mythology.
boatman colony died in the
desolation of her only son
Shabbir Hussain Gasi who
was arrested by Indian army
on 21 January 2000.
Hameeda Parveen died in
2012 after searching from pil­
lar to post with the hope that
her son would one day return
to home. Details informed
that her son, Abid Hussain,
was a student.
Zoona Begum hailing
from Raj Bagh whose son dis­
appeared in May 1996 when
he was detained after forces
raided his house. Her son
Imtiyaz Ahmad was a for­
ester. Zoona died in 2011
while waiting for her son to
return home.
Haleema Begum hailing
from Batamaloo area died in
February this year. She
struggled for the last 23 years
in search of her son, Basharat
Ahmad Shah, who was study­
ing at Aligarh Muslim Univer­
sity, India. Basharat was ar­
rested on 7 January 1990 by
CRPF from Sopore area.
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Daily Independent, Islamabad Monday May 13s, 2019

Imran striving for grant of 1126 inmates

rights to deprived segments
of society, says Firdous
SIALKOT (AP P): Special
Assistant to the Prime Minis­
ter on Information and Broad­
casting Dr Firdous Ashiq
Awan on Sunday said Prime
Minister Imran Khan had been
striving for grant of rights to
the deprived segments of the
society.
Addressing notebales here
at Koobe Chak, she said the
prime minister wanted su­
premacy of law and the Con­
stitution in the country. He had
waged a struggle for the cre­
ation of Naya Pakistan and in­
troduction of new local govern­
ment system would be the first
step towards that. The Local
Government Act 2019 would
ensure resolution of the
people’s problems at their door­
PTI will not give NRO to anyone
step, besides availability of re­
sources at the grassroots level.
Firdous said under the new
LG system, powers would be
devolved to the grassroots level
to resolve the problems of the
people at their door step.
She said in the past rulers
restricted power to their fami­
lies but the new system would
empower the common people
as its fruits would be enjoyed
at the village level as well.
Firdous said the dream of
creation of State of Madina
could not be realised without
empowering the grassroots
people. In the State of Medina,
under­privileged classes were
empowered and their welfare
was ensured. The new LG sys­
tem would empower the people
and ensure their welfare.
She said when the Paki­
stan Tehreek­e­Insaf came to
power, the national economy
was in a shambles. The eco­
nomic policies of present gov­
ernment would bring a revo­
lution with far reaching wel­
fare impacts for the people,
she added.
She said Imran Khan was
fighting for the rights of 220
million people of Pakistan and
not his own children. He was
was fighting against the status
quo and he would win that war
with the support of the people.
She said the government was
aware of the problems being
faced by the public due to in­
flation. The problems would be
overcome soon, she added.
died in jails
across Pak in
last three years
ISLAMABAD (Online): A to­
tal of 1126 inmates have been
died in jails in different parts of
the Country during the last
three years. Most 883 inmates
had been died in Punjab prov­
ince. However, as per detail,
45871 inmates were provided
medical attendance and treat­
ment.
According to the available
documents, most 883 inmates
had been died in Punjab prov­
ince and 10364 inmates were
given medical treatment. In
Sindh as many as 80 inmates
had been died and medical fa­
cility was provided to 7745
prisoners.
In KP 150 inmates had lost
lives during the past three
years and medical treatment
was provided to 25185 inmates.
In Balochistan 13 inmates had
LAHORE: A son carries elderly mother on his shoulder in outskirts area of the city at Batapur area as died and medical attendance
12th May observed World Mother's Day which is a celebration honoring to mothers and celebrating and treatment was provided to
motherhood, maternal bonds and the influence of mothers in society. 487 prisoners.

Sincere efforts being made to take country PM, FM to discuss IMF agreement should be
out of economic crisis ambassadors, council
LAHORE (APP): Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said sincere efforts are being
made and the country will be taken out of economic crisis in two years. He said this while Generals’ appointments
conditional with parliament’s
addressing a press conference at a local hotel on Sunday.
The National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) would not be given to corrupt people what­ ISLAMABAD
ever the circumstance might be, he maintained. He said economic crisis in the country was Prime Minister Imran Khan
(Online): cluding India, China, Japan,
Geneva, New York and impor­
approval: Siraj ul Haq
created by Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari. The minister said those,who were making hue and would hold consultation with tant African countries. Cur­ LAHORE (INP): Ameer, would have to hand over all its economic crisis was to aban­
foreign minister Shah rently there is no ambassador Jamaat e Islami, Pakistan, national institutions to the Fund don the interest based
Mehmood Qureshi regarding in Portugal for past two years. Senator Sirajul Haq, has said after two years. economy and loans, and seek
the appointment of ambassa­ The sources stated that an that the agreement with the Continuing, the JI chief said forgiveness from Allah Al­
dors and council generals in important development has IMF should be conditional with that conflict between the US mighty. He said that the state
different foreign countries. been happened on this mat­ the parliament’s approval and and Iran in the Arabia Sea of Madina and interest based
The inner sources stated ter soon after the appointment the parliament should be taken would be disastrous for the economy were contradictions
that both foreign Minister and secretary foreign affairs into confidence regarding the entire region. He said that wars and could not go together.
secretary foreign affairs have Sohail Mehmood. Names for talks with the Fund so far. resulted in hunger and poverty The JI chief said that the
so far failed to take any deci­ appointment of counsel gen­ He was speaking at an on a large scale while the arms rulers were admitting that
sion regarding appointment of erals in New York and Frank­ Iftar dinner hosted in his factories continued rolling out there was price spiral but
ambassadors and council gen­ furt have not also been de­ honour by JI group leader for arms and ammunition. were not prepared to take any
erals. Sources stated that cided so far. NA. 128, Ch, Manzur Husain He said the US was delib­ remedial steps. He said that the
Prime Minister has sought all Sources said that incum­ Gujjar. erately thrusting a war on Iran poor people were unable to
detail from foreign minister bent government has failed to Sirajul Haq said that the while Pakistan had cancelled its arrange simple Iftar and Sehri.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi and name heads of embassies of 45 IMF’s strategy was to grab the agreements with that country He said the government
will make consultation on this important countries including resources of the countries under pressure which was the had announced substantial sub­
important matter. India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, without going to a war. He said worst example of US slavery. sidy on Utility Stores but the
The inner sources stated Portugal, Japan, Singapore, if an agreement was reached Sirajul Haq said that the Utility Stores were lying
that ambassadorial appoint­ Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Alge­ on the IMF terms, Pakistan only way out of the current empty.
ments should have been an­ ria, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia,
nounced in November 2018
however it could not be final­
Greece, Kenya and so on.
Names for appointment of Trump, President Xi could meet
ized until May 2019.Incumbent counsel generals in New York
government has so far failed to
cry, would have to face accountability. He said: “One or two years are difficult and we are name heads of embassies in­
and Frankfurt have not also
been decided so far.
next month on trade
standing by Prime Minister Imran Khan.” Sheikh Rashid said the US elections were near and WASHINGTON (AFP/APP):US President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping could meet
election was in progress in India as well, and in such circumstances there was a need for stabilised next month on the sidelines of the G20 summit to hash out their differences on trade, but no new
politics in the country. Responding to a question about presidential form of government, he said
the parliamentary form of government should continue in the country.
NAB prepares talks are scheduled, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow said Sunday.
The world’s top two economies ended two days of negotiations in Washington on Friday with
To another question about Chaudhry Nisar, Sheikh Rashid said he was active in the PML­N.
He said the Pakistan Tehreek­e­Insaf (PTI) government would complete five years of its tenure
response against no deal. While making it clear that the US was unwilling to settle, Kudlow sought to tamp down
concerns, insisting the process was ongoing.
“We need to see something much clearer and until we do, we have to keep our tariffs on,”
and the PML­N would face tough time. He said with the grace of Allah Almighty Main Line­1
project would definitely be a great breakthrough for the railways. Zardari’s bail petition Kudlow said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” adding: “We can’t accept any backtrack­
ing.” As for future negotiations, while there are “no concrete, definite plans yet,” Kudlow said
Shaukat Khanam Hospital fundraising ISLAMABAD (INP): The Agency (FIA) is investigating
Four killed, two National Accountability Bureau more than 30 people in relation
China had invited Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert
Lighthizer to Beijing—and higher­level discussions could be on the cards.
PM thanks donors for injured over (NAB) has prepared its re­
sponse against fake bank ac­
to money laundering from fic­
titious accounts, including
The chances of Trump and Xi meeting during the Group of 20 summit in Japan in late June
“are probably pretty good,” the top White House aide said.
record Rs 200 mln charity love marriage counts and money laundering Zardari and his sister Faryal The G20 summit is scheduled to take place in Osaka on June 28­29.
case against former president Talpur. Zardari’s close aide
ISLAMABAD (APP): Prime Peshawar had been equipped dispute Asif Ali Zardari. Hussain Lawai was arrested in
Trump had accused Beijing of reneging on its commitments in trade talks and ordered new
punitive duties, which took effect Friday, on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, raising them to
Minister Imran Khan Sunday with radiation facility making it BAHAWALPUR (Online): According to sources, the July 2018 in connection with the
Four persons were killed and 25 percent from 10 percent.
thanked all the donors who do­ the best hospital in upper re­ list of cases and inquiries has probe.
nated record Rs 200 million at gion of the country. two injured over a marriage been submitted by the account­ The former president’s
a fundraising Iftar dinner of He said the dispute in Bahawalpur. ability watchdog in the other close aide and Omni
Shaukat Khanam Memorial groundbreaking for SKMCH of According to the media Islamabad High Court. Group chairman Anwar
Trust in Lahore. In a tweet, the Karachi would soon be held reports, the details suggest that The accountability watch­ Majeed a close aide and Omni
prime minister said all zakat that would be built as a hospi­ the girl’s – Sonia – relatives dog further said investigation Group chairman and his son,
donations were only used to tal of international standard. stormed into the boy’s Rashid against Zardari in Nooriabad Abdul Ghani, were arrested by
give free treatment to the poor He said at SKMCH, both home and opened fire killing Power Plant Project, Thatta FIA in August 2018.
cancer patients. the poor and rich patients were Rashid’s father, brother and and Dadu Sugar Mills is under Several ‘benami’ accounts
Addressing the event on treated equally and resolved uncle. Sonia and another girl way, while four references at multiple private banks were
Saturday, the prime minister that the government hospitals were injured. have already been submitted opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015
had said that Shaukat Khanam would also be uplifted to the The police reached the in­ against the former president in from where transactions worth
Memorial Cancer Hospital in same standards. cident spot and the injured the accountability court. billions of rupees were made,
were shifted to the hospital. NAB sources further said, according to sources.
Pakistan responds to The dead bodies have been
shifted to Khairpur Tamewali
22 inquiries in the fake bank
accounts case are under way
The amount, according to
FIA sources, is said to be black
hospital for post­mortem, and against Zardari, while he has money gathered from various
Iran’s notice over delay later dead bodies handed over
to the family members after
obtained bail in five cases.
The Federal Investigation
kickbacks, commissions and
bribes.
in gas project completion official procedure.

ISLAMABAD (INP): Paki­

stan has responded to the legal
notice from Iran over delay in
completion of Pakistan Iran
Gas Pipeline project, sources
said on Sunday.
According to sources,
Prime Minister Imran Khan
has directed concerned au­
thorities to tackle the gas line
project issue with Iran in a con­
ciliatory manner.
Pakistan’s reply to Iran’s
February 28 legal notice, told
the country in writing that there
were obstacles in execution of
the Iran­Pakistan gas pipeline
project as Tehran is under
United States sanctions regime,
sources said. Pakistan is still
committed to executing the
project, but only if international
sanctions on Iran are lifted,
Pakistan’s reply said.
Tehran in February this
year formally issued a notice
to Islamabad and said it is mov­
ing an arbitration court against
Pakistan for failing to lay down
the pipeline in Pakistani terri­
tory in the time frame stipu­
Let it be known that Rashid
lated in the bilateral agreement had married Sonia – belonging Modi ridiculed for ‘radar
over the gas pipeline project. to Sambrial – three months ago
A meeting chaired by against the will of her family. and clouds’ comments
Prime Minister Imran Khan
considered the notice and di­
rected the Ministry of Foreign
Israel reopens on Balakot incident ABBOTTABAD: Speaker KPK Assembly Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani & MPA Momina
Affairs to take steps to iron out Gaza crossings NEW DELHI (INP): Indian he was not an expert on the Basit offering dua after the inaugurating of PANAHGAH/Shelter home
opposition leaders criticised and matter.
the differences with Iran ami­
cably, sources further said.
as calm restored ridiculed Prime Minister India’s opposition parties Youth kills Trump to build Mexico
The prime minister directed JERUSALEM (INP): On Sun­ Narendra Modi for remarks he wasted little time picking up on mother for
to follow a conciliatory path day Israel reopened its cross­
over the project with Iran and ings with the blockaded Gaza
made on clouds and radars in
relation to the Balakot airstrike,
Modi’s gaffe. “On PM Modi’s
radar and clouds comment, it honour border wall with funds
search the way out jointly with Strip after closing them during
the country for implementation a deadly escalation earlier this
India Today reported.
In a recent TV interview,
seems no one clarified for the
PM how radars work,” said
DERA MURAD JAMALI
(INP): A pitiless youth gunned meant for Pakistan, others
on the gas project. month, an official said, as a the Indian prime minister de­ Salman Soz, an Indian Con­ down his mother for honour WASHINGTON DC (INP): military money to fund Repub­
Prime Minister also di­ fragile truce held. scribed how he believed that gress party member. “If that is here on Sunday and escaped The United States has redi­ lican President Donald
rected for launching a process Indian jets could escape radar the case, then it is a very seri­ the scene. According to po­ rected $1.5 billion meant for Trump’s wall. “The funds were
Both the Erez crossing for lice, the incident took place in
to seek review on the purchase people and Kerem Shalom detection due to increased ous national security issue. No Pakistan and Afghanistan to drawn from a variety of
price of gas with Iran. cloud cover at the time of the laughing matter!” Gandava area of Dera Murad fund US President Donald sources, including cost savings,
crossing for goods were open aerial operation. His party also composed Jamali where an accused who
According to the agree­ and operating, a spokesperson Trump’s Mexico border wall. programmatic changes and re­
ment signed between Pakistan for COGAT, the defence min­ IAF tacitly admits Balakot poetry and shared via party was suspicious about charac­ Acting US Defense Sec­ vised requirements, and there­
and Iran in 2009, the Iran­Pa­ istry unit that oversees the airstrike did not go according twitter handle. ter of his mother exchanged retary Patrick Shanahan ap­ fore will have minimal impact
kistan gas pipeline project was to plan “Pakistani radar doesn’t hot words with her. proved the transfer of $1.5 bil­ on force readiness,” Shanahan
to be completed by December crossings, said in a statement. Modi claimed the conun­ penetrate clouds,” said a sar­ The verbal clash turned lion to build more than 80 miles said in a statement.
2014 and would deliver 21.5 Both had been closed on drum of whether or not to castic Omar Abdullah, vice­ violent after which the accused (130 km) of barriers on the Shanahan said that the US
million cubic meters of gas per May 4, when Gaza rulers change the date of the opera­ president of Indian occupied shot dead his mother and es­ border with Mexico, US offi­ military had more than 4,000
day to Pakistan. Under the gas Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad tion was settled when he ulti­ Kashmir’s National Confer­ caped the scene. The body was cials said on Friday, including service members on the bor­
pipeline deal Iran having to lay fired hundreds of rockets at mately made the decision to go ence party. “This is an impor­ shifted to hospital for postmor­ taking about $600 million from der, along with 19 aircraft.
down the pipeline on its side Israel, with the army striking ahead with it. tant piece of tactical informa­ tem and the police after regis­ an account meant for Afghan All 10 Democrats on Sen­
and Pakistan to build the pipe­ dozens of targets in Gaza in The Indian prime minister tion that will be critical when tering a case into the incident security forces. ate appropriations subcommit­
line on its territory. response. did, however, acknowledge that planning future airstrikes.” have started an investigation. The latest move was op­ tees that handle defense, vet­
posed by congressional Demo­ erans affairs and related
Fake marriages crats, who also criticised a spending, wrote to Shanahan to
79 suspects, including March transfer of $1 billion in oppose the decision.

Chinese nationals arrested Opium worth millions of

LAHOREINP): In a crack­
down against transnational
Chinese gang in Pakistan sus­
pected of involvement in fake
marriages and human traffick­
ing of girls, 79 people have
been detained by officials in
Islamabad and other districts
of Punjab.
In this regard, an investi­
gation team from Beijing ar­
rived in Islamabad to probe the
matter. The team has assured
Islamabad for “all possible co­
operation.” The Federal Inves­
tigation Agency (FIA) has over
the past fortnight arrested
scores of Chinese nationals
RAWALPINDI: A vendor displaying and selling traditional food stuff for sehri and their suspected local abet­
at Kartarpura during Holy Fasting Month of Ramzanul Mubarak. tors from various parts of the
Chief Editor: Syed Farooq Shah, Editor: Syed Rizwan Shah, Printed by: Rohani Art Press, Mohammadi Town, Sohan, Islamabad and Published from 4 Shahzed Plaza Lehtrar Road, Islamabad Ph: 051-2607592, 2607064, 2607047, 0331-8383955 Email: dailyindisb@gmail.com
country in connection with its
investigation into a transnational
gang allegedly involved in con­
tracting fake marriages be­
tween Chinese men and Paki­
stani women, who are later
forced into prostitution and the
illegal organ trade.
In Lahore, FIA officials
raided the hideouts and arrested
21 Chinese nationals and their
two Pakistani abettors, believed
to be involved in the matter.
Meanwhile, a Pakistani girl re­
turned back home from China.
In Faisalabad, 34 people
were arrested, including 33
Chinese men, who were sent
on judicial remand. During in­
vestigation, they have con­
fessed that they used to take
money for contracting mar­
riages of Pakistani girls.
In Islamabad, 20 people
were taken into custody by the
concerned authorities, while 14
of whom were sent on judicial
remand. Six other people are
under the custody of the Fed­
eral Investigation Agency
(FIA).
In Mandi Bahauddin, au­
thorities conducted joint inquiry
and detained a woman, hailing
from Lahore, a Chinese man
and their alleged facilitator.
Five families had contracted
marriages of their girls with
Chinese men for ‘bright future’,
but their dreams faded away.
rupees seized in Balochistan
Independent Report
CHAGHI: Security agencies
on Sunday seized opium worth
millions of rupees from three
single cabin vehicles in Chaghi.
130 kilogram high quality
opium was recovered during
snap checking. On May 11,
Customs officials had seized
975 kilogram narcotics and 495
kilogram coconuts smuggled
from India during a raid on
Islamabad Motorways.
Customs officials had said
one suspect was arrested in
this operation. They said the
smuggled coconuts and drugs
were concealed in secret por­
tions of the truck.
On April 30, a group of
drug peddlers had attacked a
police team and snatched their
official weapons in Lahore.
Sources said that the inci­
dent took place at Shah Jamal,
Ichra area of Lahore, where
the police team raided to arrest
drug peddlers. Upon seeing the
police, the drug peddlers had
attacked the cops and snatched
their official weapons.
In a footage available on
private TV channels, drug ped­
dlers could be seen chasing and
aiming at the police officials in
a broad daylight on a street with
an automatic gun, snatched
from the police officials.