Trump tells advisers he wants U.S. out of Syria: senior officials

President Donald Trump has told advisers he wants an early exit of U.S. troops from Syria, two senior administration officials said on Friday, a stance that may put him at odds with U.S. military officials who see the fight against Islamic State as nowhere near complete.

A National Security Council meeting is set for early next week to discuss the U.S.-led campaign against Islamic State in Syria, according to U.S. officials familiar with the plan.

Two other administration officials confirmed a Wall Street Journal report on Friday that said Trump had ordered the State Department to freeze more than $200 million in funds for recovery efforts in Syria while his administration reassesses Washington’s role in the conflict there.

Trump called for the freeze after reading a news report that the U.S. had recently committed an additional $200 million to stabilize areas recaptured from Islamic State, the paper said.

The funding was announced by departing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in February at a meeting in Kuwait of the global coalition against Islamic State.

The decision to freeze the funds was in line with Trump’s declaration during a speech in Richfield, Ohio, on Thursday, where he said it was time for America to exit Syria.

A spokesperson for the White House’s National Security Council said that “in line with the President’s guidance, the Department of State continually re-evaluates appropriate assistance levels and how best they might be utilized, which they do on an ongoing basis.”

Trump is spending Easter weekend at his Palm Beach, Florida, estate.

“We’ll be coming out of Syria, like, very soon,” Trump said on Thursday, based on allied victories against Islamic State militants.

“Let the other people take care of it now. Very soon, very soon, we’re coming out,” Trump said. “We’re going to get back to our country, where we belong, where we want to be.”

Trump’s comments came as France said on Friday it could increase its military presence in Syria to bolster the U.S.-led campaign.

While the Pentagon has estimated that Islamic State has lost about 98 percent of the territory it once held in Iraq and Syria, U.S. military officials have warned that the militants could regain the freed areas quickly unless they are stabilized.

Trump still needs to be convinced of that, said the U.S. officials with knowledge of the NSC meeting.

U.S. DELIBERATIONS

The two administration officials who confirmed the Wall Street Journal report and spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said Trump’s comments on Thursday reflected internal deliberations with advisers in which he has wondered aloud why U.S. forces should remain with the militants on their heels.

Trump has made clear that “once ISIS and its remnants are destroyed that the United States would be looking toward having countries in the region playing a larger role in ensuring security and leaving it at that,” one official said.

Such a policy is nowhere near complete, however, the official added.

The second official said Trump’s national security advisers have told him U.S. forces should stay in small numbers for at least a couple of years to make sure gains against the militants are held and ensure Syria does not essentially become a permanent Iranian base.

Top national security aides discussed Syria in a White House meeting recently but have yet to settle on a strategy for U.S. forces in Syria to recommend to Trump going forward, the official said.

“So far he has not given an order to just get out,” the official said. About 2,000 U.S. troops are deployed in Syria.

Trump last year went through a similar wrenching debate over whether to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan, ultimately agreeing to keep them there but only after repeatedly raising questions of why they should stay.

Trump’s view on Syria may put him at odds with those of former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, named by Trump a week ago to replace H.R. McMaster as White House national security adviser.

Nisar may quit PML-N 'if party becomes housemaid'

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has made it clear that he wants to continue his association with the party only if it is not made a housemaid.

The former interior minister also said he would soon choose a party through which he would contest the general elections.

He said, “Misunderstandings were being spread about the stay of Shehbaz Sharif in London. If he is given the mandate to truly work as the president of the party, there may be many improvements.”

However, Nisar feared that Shehbaz would not be given space and mandate to work.

He said that the decision about his ticket would not be made by any party or a parliamentary board; instead, he would decide himself in the next week that from which party’s platform he would fight the election.

He said that he had no contacts with Nawaz Sharif like before but he “is still associated with the PML”.

Nisar said that he founded the party 34 years back with Sharif and other leaders and he belonged to the party.

He clarified that he was friends with Imran Khan since childhood but never had any political association.

“There has been no contact directly or indirectly with Imran for the last three and a half years,” he added.

About the nexus of PTI and PPP during the Senate elections, he said, “It is not unusual for Imran and Zardari to join hands. Sharif had said many things about Benazir in the past but he shook hands with her at one time and signed the Charter of Democracy.”

Nisar said, “The handshake between Imran and Zardari is a good omen. There is no harm in sitting together if the ideas of the two match.”

He said, “Misunderstandings are being spread about Shehbaz’s stay in London, but he is in London because of his health issues and will return home today.”

He said that he thought that accountability could not be done under the current situation in Pakistan. “No one is serious about it. The uncertainties have not reduced by the PM-CJP meeting. They have rather increased. If the purpose of the meeting was to create soft corner in the institutions, then it is the very thing I have been pointing out for the whole year that blaming the institutions should stop.”

He said, “Had this path been adopted earlier, the PM-CJP meeting would not have been required.”

He recommended the government and the Supreme Court to work together to remove suspicions.

Nisar expressed his reservations over the PM’s visit to US and meeting with VP. He said such meetings would promote the negative American narrative.

“The purpose of this meeting is beyond my understanding,” said Nisar. “We should not give the US authorities any chance to lecture our leadership. The one-sided US narrative should be discouraged.”

NAB is itself a conspiracy, carries probe when elections near, Ahsan Iqbal

LAHORE: Federal Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Saturday said National Accountability Bureau ‘itself’ is one conspiracy as it questions accountability only when elections are near in Pakistan. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of ...

Nobel winner Malala visits hometown

Education activist Malala Yousafzai on Saturday arrived in her hometown Swat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa five years after she was shot and injured by a Taliban gunman.People  welcomed the Nobel laureate who broke into tears after landing in her...

'Back with eyes open': Malala's first visit to native Swat in pictures

MINGORA: Malala Yousafzai visited the Swat valley Saturday for her first trip back to the once militant-infested region where she was shot in the head by the Taliban more than five years ago."I left Swat with my eyes closed and now I am back with...

Three cops martyred as DPO's squad targeted in DI Khan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least three policemen embraced martyrdom and two others sustained wounds after a roadside bomb targeted a convoy of district police officer here on Friday.As per details, the incident took place on Hathala Road in DI Khan...

Fragile peace at girls´ school Malala built in Pakistan

SHANGLA: Dozens of girls in grey-and-white uniforms trooped into a building beneath a pine-covered ridge in Pakistan´s mountainous Shangla district Friday for classes at the school built with Malala Yousafzai´s Nobel Prize money.The...

5.2 magnitude earthquake jolts parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

PESHAWAR: An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale jolted several parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa late on Friday.According to details, the epicenter of the earthquake was located in the border region of Afghanistan and Tajikistan at a depth of...

Three police martyred as roadside bomb targets DPO's convoy in DI Khan

Three police embraced martyrdom and two were wounded late Friday after a bomb blast targeted a convoy of District Police Officer (DPO).

Reportedly, a bomb planted along a road bank exploded as the convoy approached leaving two cops wounded and two killed. The DPO was travelling back to Dera Ismail Khan from Kulachi.

Regional Police Officer (RPO) Kareem Khan said that the attack was executed when DPO’s convoy was travelling through the area however, the police officer survived the attack.

Two bodies and the wounded were shifted to a nearby facility for medical treatment.

Security forces cordoned off the attack site and shut the area at its entry and exit points to launch a search operation.

'I've never been so happy', says Malala in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai says she has pined for her home in Pakistan’s picturesque Swat Valley, even as she recalled two years living in fear under the Taliban’s harsh interpretation of law.Visiting her...

ACLC detains motorcycle lifting gang in Landhi

KARACHI: Anti-Car Lifting Cell on Friday arrested a motorcycle-lifting gang in the locality of Landhi, and retrieved fourteen motorcycles from their possession.Under supervision of SSP ACLC Asad Raza, the ACL Police Landhi Division raided a...

PSX Closed Week on Flat Note

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) landed flat on Friday with the benchmark KSE-100 index gaining 71 points to close at 45,560.

The index floated in the positive range in the first half of the session, however, it shed points after opening for the second half before touching the day’s low of 45,392 points.In all, 230 million shares worth Rs9.5 billion were traded on the exchange. Of the 357 traded scrips, 146 advanced,194 declined and 17 remained unchanged.

The chemical sector dominated trading with 39 million shares traded while technology and commercial banking sectors followed with 30m ad 29m shares traded respectively.

India, Pakistan agree to resolve matters related to harassment of diplomats

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and India have mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises.According to Foreign Office, India and Pakistan have agreed to resolve such matter in line with the 1992 ‘Code...

French Envoy, Janjua Discuss Regional Security Situation

French Ambassador to Pakistan, Marc Barety, Friday called on National Security Adviser (NSA) Lt. General (R) Nasser Khan Janjua and discussed matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation and regional security situation.

NSA warmly received the guest and said that France was a great country with positive outlook.

The envoy applauded Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and acknowledged civil and military sacrifices offered by the nation in this regard. He expressed desire to have long-term cooperation with Pakistan in this war against terror.

He also highlighted the importance of collective efforts against terrorism and said that France was willing to strengthen defence and intelligence cooperation in a comprehensive framework.Both sides recognized that the threat of terrorism and particularly Daesh was not yet over and efforts were required to effectively curb this menace in the region.

NSA’s opinion was sought on Pak-India relations and on Afghan peace prospects. NSA reiterated that Pakistan was willing to have friendly ties with all neighbouring countries.“India, by refusing dialogues, has defeated the spirit of bilateralism. And this will not lead us anywhere. Irrespective of prevailing impasse, both the countries can not escape dialogue and resolution of their disputes,” he said.

All mature nations sought to resolve their issues by way of dialogue and Pakistan would always insisted upon it while maintaining its National dignity and honour, he added.

Monetary policy: Contrary to expectations, SBP keeps key interest rate unchanged at 6%

Contrary to market expectations, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has left the key interest rate unchanged at 6% for the next two months, arguing that the recent rupee devaluation would manage to offset external pressure on the economy.

The move comes as a surprise to market followers and analysts that expected an interest-rate hike after the rupee underwent a second massive round of devaluation on March 20. The development took the overall plunge of the rupee to over 9% against the US dollar in the last three months, stoking fears of inflation and a corresponding hike in the interest rate.

However, the SBP, in a statement released on Friday evening, said “the Monetary Policy Committee is of the view that some time may be allowed for the impact of recent policy developments to unfold and has therefore decided to maintain policy rate at 6% for the next two months”.
It said that inflation has yet to pick pace due to subdued food prices and lower-than-anticipated increase in house rents.

“CPI inflation has remained moderate during Jan-Feb FY18, averaging 4.1% mainly, because of subdued food prices and lower than anticipated increase in house rents.
Going forward, a sticky core inflation along with a moderate outlook of food prices amid abundant grain stocks and the recent increase in policy rate are expected to contain average inflation well below the FY18 target of 6% and close to it for FY19.

“This assessment takes into account the lagged impact of exchange rate flexibility and its second-round effects (specifically through adjustments in fuel prices), demand pressures, and volatile global oil prices.”

The central bank had earlier jacked up the interest rate in January by 25 basis points to 6%, after maintaining the status quo for 20 months. Previously, the rate had stood at a four-decade low of 5.75% since May 2016. It was in double digits at 10% in the first half of fiscal year 2012-13 before inflationary pressures started easing.

The SBP announces a target rate every two months, which serves as the benchmark interest rate for overnight funds in the interbank market. It is one of the tools the central bank uses to ensure price stability in the economy.

Decreasing the target rate poses the risk of high inflation, but also stimulates economic growth by making credit cheaper. In contrast, raising the target rate restricts the level of liquidity, which subdues consumer prices in the economy. The central bank tries to strike a balance by targeting the overnight cost of funds at a level that promotes maximum economic growth without causing high inflation.

 

I went to CJP as 'faryadi' of my country: PM Abbasi

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that he visited the CJP office as “Faryadi” of Pakistan.

Addressing public gathering in Sargodha, PM Abbasi said that the Nation was facing acute shortage of electricity, when PML N resumed power in 2013 but PML N government dealt the issue with mission to end the energy crisis from the county.

PM said that PML-N government has completed record development projects in different sectors across the country during current tenure.

 

He said that PML-N government has completed record development projects in different sectors across the country during current tenure.

He said we have been able to achieve five point seven growth rate despite challenges.

The Prime Minister said loadshedding has been overcome there will also be no gas shortage from now on.He said we have been able to achieve five point seven growth rate despite challenges.

The Prime Minister said loadshedding has been overcome there will also be no gas shortage from now on.

He said that his party had made efforts to end the gas and electricity deficit in Pakistan.

“Our government was faced with a lot of issues when we came to power,” he said. “Electricity and gas load-shedding were realities that Nawaz told me to tackle when I first became the prime minister.”Lashing out at his political rivals, Abbasi said former presidents Pervez Musharraf and Asif Ali Zardari, both, had done nothing to improve the country’s condition.

He alleged that the former governments had only worked to fill their own pockets, but the Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) had addressed the issues faced by the country.

“We continued on the road to development,” he said, adding that those who had created problems for the country were making speeches every day.

“Imran has forgotten how he used to lament that Asif Zardari had bought fourteen PTI MNAs. And when the time to elect the chairman of Senate, he voted for Zardari’s candidate.”He said he had visited the Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar as a ‘faryadi’ of the country.

He was referring to the reported remarks of Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar during a hearing on Thursday wherein he had said his job was to listen to the pleas of every ‘faryadi’ (complainant).

“The prime minister came with a plea, and it is my duty to hear everyone’s requests. I didn’t go to the PM house or the Secretariat. They came to visit me,” Justice Nisar was quoted as saying.Abbasi said his opponents had a problem with his meeting with the chief justice and have leveled allegations that he visited him as a ‘faryadi’.

“They said I visited the chief justice as a ‘faryadi’ [complainant],” he said, “so yes, I did go to him as a faryadi…as a ‘faryadi’ of this country.”

“My witness is the chief justice,” he said. “I don’t want to discuss the meeting but I can tell you that we did not discuss any personal issues.”Abbasi said he had contacted Justice Nisar to discuss issues faced by the country.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi laid the foundation stone of 100-bed Ch Abdul Hameed Cardiology Ward in DHQ Teaching Hospital.

He has also inaugurated the newly-installed MRI machine in the DHQ Hospital.

Besides, PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will also inaugurate a Sui gas project completed with a cost of Rs1.2 billion to improve gas supply with appropriate pressure in and around Sargodha city.

It has been learn that the Cardiology Ward will be completed with an estimated cost of Rs250 million. The district and law enforcement agencies have finalised all arrangements for the PM’s visit.

Nawaz Sharif Will Go Straight to Adyala Jail: Fawad Claims

The spokesperson Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) claimed that the money trail submitted by Nawaz Sharif before Supreme Court was forged and he would have to go straight to Adyala jail.

Addressing press conference in Lahore on Friday, he said that the statement of former Panama JIT head Wajid Zia’s is being presented by without context, however his statement did not give the Sharif family a clean chit.

“Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz have failed to defend themselves and even failed to tell the SC about their means of income in 134 days, now they don’t have any way to escape from punishment while Hassan and Hussain Nawaz are at large and they have to be punished minimum three years,” he said.

Pakistan saw 65% increase in use of antibiotics over 16 years: study

Global consumption of antibiotics has soared since the year 2000, stoking calls for new policies to rein in usage -- and fueling fears that the worldwide threat posed by drug-resistant superbugs will spiral out of control, researchers say.

A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) -- based on sales data for 76 countries -- shows that consumption of antibiotics increased 65 percent from 2000 to 2015, driven by users in low- and middle-income countries.

Over the 16-year period studied, the increase in antibiotics consumption was marginal in the three countries with the highest usage -- the United States, France and Italy.

But it was a different story elsewhere: in Asia, consumption of antibiotics more than doubled in India, skyrocketed 79 per cent in China and rose 65 per cent in Pakistan.

The three countries are the biggest users of antibiotics among the countries deemed low and middle-income for the purposes of the study.

The research team headed by scientists from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy in the US capital said countries needed to invest in alternative treatments, sanitation and vaccination.

"With antibiotic consumption increasing worldwide, the challenge posed by antibiotic resistance is likely to get worse," said the authors of the study, which was published in Monday´s edition of PNAS.

"Antibiotic resistance, driven by antibiotic consumption, is a growing global health threat," it said.

"As with climate change, there may be an unknown tipping point, and this could herald a future without effective antibiotics."

In the 76 countries studied, the number of so-called "defined daily doses" consumed rose from 21.2 billion in 2000 to 34.8 billion in 2015.

Eili Klein, a researcher at the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy and one of the study´s authors, said the jump signifies "increased access to needed drugs in countries with lots of disease that can be effectively treated with antibiotics."

But, Klein warned: "As more and more countries gain access to these drugs, these rates will only increase and that will drive resistance rates higher."

One group of experts formed in the United Kingdom in 2014 estimates that in 2016, there were at least 700,000 deaths related to drug-resistant infections.

They are also countries that suffer in some areas from poor sanitation, irregular access to vaccines and a lack of cleaning drinking water -- all conditions that allow infectious diseases and drug-resistant infections to spread.

"Radical rethinking of policies to reduce consumption is necessary, including major investments in improved hygiene, sanitation, vaccination, and access to diagnostic tools both to prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and to decrease the burden of infectious disease," the study says.

For Klein, eliminating overuse of antibiotics should be "a first step and a priority for every country" especially given the alarming projection that by 2030, consumption may have increased by another 200 percent.

"Estimates are that 30 per cent of use in high income countries is inappropriate," Klein told.

Visited Chief Justice as ?Faryadi? of Pakistan, says PM Abbasi

SARGODHA: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that he visited Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar as ‘Faryadi’ of Pakistan.Addressing a public gathering in Sargodha here Friday, PM Abbasi said our opponents had a problem with my...

Mahira, Sheheryar to share screen for third time in Asim Raza's next film

The film, Paray Hat Luv, will star Mahira Khan and Sheheryar Munawar and will release on Eidul Azha 2019.

Mahira and Sheheryar also appeared in Raza’s debut film, but the director promises the romantic comedy will be “very different” from Ho Mann Jahaan.

“A director has a signature style so that’s that but Paray Hat Luv is very different from Ho Mann Jahaan,” Raza said while speaking to Geo News.

“Ho Mann Jahaan was a serious drama film with a very different story and characters,” he continued.

The director further said this time, Mahira and Sheheryar will be paired together unlike in Ho Mann Jahaan where Mahira was seen with Adeel Hussain.

Raza added that Paray Hat Luv is “is young, fresh and vivacious”. “The content of the film is engaging and the canvas is larger and vibrant.”

"The story plays on an underlying fear of today’s generation to commit to anything in life. The story promises to be a journey of romance, emotion, drama and witty puns," he continued.

Regarding why he chose Mahira and Sheheryar, the director said, “Mahira first worked with me when she was very young and I have seen her grow as an actor and she’s someone I can work with well.”

“As a director, you choose stars according to who you can work with easily and who you know will deliver and fully commit to work over a period of six months,” he added.

The director further said that the film will be produced by Sheheryar Munawar and has been written by seasoned writer Imran Aslam.

Azaan Sami Khan has been given the responsibility of music.

The cast of the film also includes Nadeem Baig, Hina Dilpazeer, Ahmed Ali Butt, Zara Noor Abbass, Rachel Viccaji and others.

Malala says will return to Pakistan permanently after completing education

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Lady Health Workers end Lahore protest after demands met

The protesting lady health workers (LHW) ended a five-day long strike after the government accepted their demands on Friday.

The protesters had earlier warned of halting the metro bus if a notification for their service structure is not issued.

A spokesperson of the lady health workers announced to end the strike, stating that their demands had been accepted by the government and a notification of the same had been issued — a condition the protesters had put forth earlier on.

The health workers, who had been spending nights and days on Mall Road in protest, had said they would not end their sit-in until their demands are met.

The protest has disrupted traffic in Lahore as the protesters have occupied the main thoroughfare of the city.

The sit-in near Charing Cross had also polluted the area with trash all around that the protesting health workers have been clearing and burning on their own.

Police arrests seven suspected terrorists in Lahore operation

At least six suspected terrorists and an alleged suicide bomber were arrested on Friday when the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) (CTD) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) foiled a major terrorist plot during a joint operation in Lahore.

According to Express News, the accused were identified as Islam-ul-Haq, Jahangir Shah, Imran, Waqar and Aleem whereas Luqman was the suspected bomber.

CTD officials claimed the alleged terrorists were involved in attacks on Bedian and Ferozpur roads and were plotting attacks from a seminary they took refuge in.

The arrested terrorists had also allegedly planned to attack the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches but were not successful.

They were shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation shortly after their arrest.

Behaviour in cricket has sunk to 'abysmal' levels: Pakistan coach Arthur

Former Australia coach Mickey Arthur said he expected Steve Smith to recover from the ball-tampering scandal which has left him with a lengthy ban -- but added that he wasn´t so sure about co-conspirator David Warner.

Arthur, now coach of Pakistan, also told that behaviour had sunk to ‘abysmal’ levels in world cricket and needed rapid improvement, after a series of flare-ups in recent months.

Smith and Warner, Australia´s captain and vice-captain, were banned for 12 months for a ball-tampering incident in South Africa also involving Cameron Bancroft, who was suspended for nine months.

It has been a dramatic fall for Smith, 28, who was being compared with the legendary Donald Bradman just a few months ago but who broke down in tears during an apology on Thursday.

"I feel desperately sorry for Smith. I know he eats, sleeps and drinks cricket," said Arthur.

"He loves cricket and everything he did. He loved the job, he was passionate about the job. I think he was a very good leader and an unbelievable cricketer."

However, Arthur wondered whether there would be a way back for Warner, who has been blamed for hatching the plot and has cut an isolated figure as the scandal unfolded.

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur slams ´boorish´ Australia cricketers

The 31-year-old batsman, who has issued a statement admitting responsibility for the incident, is due to face media for the first time on Saturday.

"I definitely see the return of Smith, without a doubt. He will be there, he will serve his time, he will train hard and he will come back stronger," Arthur said.

"Davey Warner, I am not a hundred percent sure."

‘Above everybody else’
Arthur, who was sacked as Australian coach in June 2013 after just 19 months in charge, said he had been concerned about the team´s behaviour for some time.

The South African tried to address Australia´s culture when he banned four players for failing to complete a "homework" assignment, but then fell out with Cricket Australia.

"I have been disappointed at the behaviour of the Australian team over a last couple of years, to be honest," Arthur said.

"I think that they felt they are almost above everybody else so that´s been disappointing because they are a good enough cricket team, they are skilled enough cricketers to win games without resorting to the kind of tactics they have."

He added: "I am disappointed for the knock that Australian cricket is taking at the moment and world cricket in general, so it´s a disappointing and sad time for world cricket."

But Arthur also said the "reality check", which comes after a number of untoward incidents on the South Africa tour, could do Australia some good.

"They need to play hard but they need to play fair. The verbal sledging and we have seen scuffles in tunnels and faux pas on the field and now the ball-tampering, and I think that has just gone a little bit too far," he said.

"I think this is a reality check for them and hopefully it does Australian cricket some good and they rebound back from it, because the cricket world needs Australia fit and firing because they are a hell of a good team when they are."

Broken window, scuffles
The International Cricket Council has announced a review into player behaviour and the spirit of the game, with chief executive David Richardson warning "cricket is itself in danger".

During Australia´s tour of South Africa, Warner had to be restrained during an angry confrontation with Quinton de Kock, and South African bowler Kagiso Rabada was charged for brushing shoulders with Smith.

Australia´s Nathan Lyon was also fined for dropping the ball next to a sprawling AB de Villiers. There were also a number of flashpoints during last month´s tri-series between Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India.

"I think over the last few months the behaviour has been abysmal in international cricket," Arthur said.

"We have seen Bangladesh captain (Shakib Al Hasan) calling players off the field, we have seen Bangladesh breaking a window in the dressing room, we have seen dances on the ground," said Arthur, referring to the tri-series.

"We have seen tunnel scuffles (between Warner and de Kock), we have seen Rabada... we have seen a ball dropped on AB de Villiers´s head, so I think behaviours certainly need to be addressed.

Bestway Group chief Zameer Choudrey receives Sitara-e-Imtiaz

Bestway Group Chief Executive, Zameer Choudrey has been awarded the Sitara-e-Imitiaz , conferred on him by the President of Pakistan, on March 23 in recognition of his contributions to advancing Pakistan through his services and the wide array of...

Protest Over GC University Girl Killing After Rape

The university friends of a Government College University female student Abida who was killed after being raped in Faisalabad on Friday staged protest over the gruesome incident while the social media was also abuzz with trends of Justice for Abida.

According to details, the body of a girl who had gone missing earlier this week was found in a canal on Wednesday.

According to a doctor at the hospital where autopsy was conducted, she was subjected to rape and violence before being strangled to death. The victim was a student of English literature at the Government College University, Faisalabad.The students of the university staged protest over the incident despite the security at the varsity rooting out the protest camp. The students expressed their anger over the incident and said that if such incidents continue to occur then how could they focus on their education.

They demanded of the authorities to trace the culprits involved in it and said that they would not sit quietly unless those behind it are not nabbed.The social media also reacted with anger over the gruesome incident with the GC University Student and Justice for Abida became the top trend in Pakistan on Twitter after people raise the issue on the micro-blogging website.

Suspects Arrested

They demanded of the government and the concerned authorities to not only arrest the culprits behind this heinous crime but also ensure security for the women.

Meanwhile, the police had arrested three persons over suspicions of their involvement in the case and all of them lives in the neighborhood of the murdered female student.

They are shifted to undisclosed location for further investigation.

Father Statement

The girl’s father, told the media on Thursday that his daughter had left the university after attending her classes, but did not return home.

“I and my relatives got worried and launched a search for her, but to no avail. I then approached Gulberg police for registration of a case, but the SHO not only refused to entertain my application but also used objectionable language.“I then sought assistance from City Police Officer Athar Ismail. But the CPO neither bothered to take action against the SHO nor ensured registration of a case,” Ali said, overcome with emotion while recalling his helplessness.

The girl’s father quoted eyewitnesses as saying they had seen some people bundling her into a car near the university.

SHO Suspended, Inquiry Ordered

The CPO has suspended the Gulberg SHO over the delay in registration of the case. A departmental probe into the incident has also been initiated against him. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has sought a report on the matter. The CPO has formed two teams to trace and arrest the culprits.

OGRA recommends decreasing petrol price by Rs5.26 per litre

After facing an increase in the price of petrol for the past several months, consumers are likely to get some relief as rates may now be reduced, with the changes due to come in effect from April 1.

The regulator has recommended in a summary to the Petroleum Division that the price of petrol be reduced by Rs5.26 per litre (6%), which would bring the rate down from the existing Rs88.07 to Rs82.81 per litre. Petrol is the primary fuel for vehicles and with the suspension of indigenous gas supply to CNG stations, especially in Punjab, its consumption has gone up.

However, other than petrol, the summary has recommended minor increases in the rates of other petroleum products for April.
Consumers of high-speed diesel may face an increase of Rs0.65 (0.7%), which would take its price to Rs99.10 per litre from the existing Rs98.45 per litre.

The price of kerosene may be increased from Rs76.46 to Rs76.59 per litre with an increase of Rs0.13 per litre (0.2%). Kerosene is used in remote areas for cooking purposes, where Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is not available.

Similarly, LDO, which is mainly used for industrial purposes, may witness a hike of Rs0.55 (0.8%), increasing from Rs65.30 to Rs65.85.

The Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) received the summary from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) on Friday that recommended revision in oil prices. Prices of all petroleum products, except for kerosene, are deregulated, with Ogra only monitoring the prices.

At present, two types of taxes are being charged from consumers — petroleum levy and general sales tax. The government is charging higher rate of general sales tax at 31% on high-speed diesel (HSD), which is widely used in agriculture and transport sectors, while 17% is being charged on other petroleum products. In addition, the government is charging Rs8 per litre petroleum levy on HSD, Rs10 per litre on petrol, Rs6 per litre on light diesel oil (LDO) and Rs3 per litre on kerosene oil.

SC to take up contempt petition against Imran next week

The petition against Imran states that the PTI chief used derogatory language against former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar will hear the petition on April 4. The chief justice has recently been disposing of several old contempt petitions which have been gathering dust in the apex court.

Another petition, filed against the appointment of Justice Qazi Faez Isa, has also been fixed for hearing on April 4. The petitioner had challenged Justice Isa’s appointment as the chief justice of Balochistan High Court.

However, the registrar’s office had overruled the objections and returned the petition. But a three-member bench will take up the petition to see whether it is maintainable or not.

The Supreme Court has fixed for hearing a contempt of court petition against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairperson Imran Khan.

The petition against Imran states that the PTI chief used derogatory language against former chief justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry.

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar will hear the petition on April 4.

The chief justice has recently been disposing of several old contempt petitions which have been gathering dust in the apex court.

Another petition, filed against the appointment of Justice Qazi Faez Isa, has also been fixed for hearing on April 4.

The petitioner had challenged Justice Isa’s appointment as the chief justice of Balochistan High Court.

However, the registrar’s office had overruled the objections and returned the petition. But a three-member bench will take up the petition to see whether it is maintainable or not.

ECP decides to hold general elections under lower courts' supervision

Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday has decided to arrange upcoming General Elections 2018 under the supervision of subordinate courts.

In a statement issued by the commission, the appointments of district returning officers will be carried out by judicial officials for which, letters have been dispatched to the registrars of high courts.

The commission has also sought lists of district and session judges and civil judges from the registrar under section 50 and 51 of Election Act.

Earlier, ECP had issued a preliminary list of fresh delimitation of constituencies of provincial and national assemblies for forthcoming General Elections 2018.

Reportedly, constituency number one is chalked out in Chitral while NA-55 in Attock is to be the first constituency in Punjab. Islamabad and Lahore have an additional seat this time while objections over the draft can be filed until April 3.

There are going to be three constituencies in Islamabad from NA-52 to NA-54. Rawalpindi is to comprise NA-56 to NA-63 while constituencies in Faisalabad are going to be from NA-101 to NA-110.

Lahore is going to have as many as 14 seats in General Elections 2018 after an addition of a seat.

NA-239 to NA-256 are to cover Karachi, Sindh’s densely populated capital that is home to over 20million people.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province is to have four new constituencies taking the number of 39 while seven seats have been dissolved in Punjab province pulling the number down to 141.

Sindh and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have retained number of seats, 61 and 12. Balochistan province now has 16 constituencies of National Assembly (NA) from the previous figure of 12.

CJP should stick to his words if he called PM Abbasi 'faryadi': Nawaz

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday said that if the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar did pass remarks and called the incumbent prime minister ‘faryadi’ or supplicant he should not backtrack from his statement now.

Talking to the media in Islamabad, Nawaz said that the comments made by CJP do not suit his stature and saying that ‘the PM walked to me with a plea’ is disgraceful. Nawaz said that if the CJP did make such comments he should stand by them now.

The rebuttal given by CJP on March 29 categorically stated that the attribution of using the word ‘faryadi’ (complainant) by the media for the prime minister is completely wrong and malicious.
“The Chief Justice holds the prime minister in high esteem, being the head of the government, and has never used the word faryadi for him,” the clarification from the Supreme Court read, “any misgivings in this regard should, therefore, be put to rest.”

Earlier, addressing the media inside the accountability court in Islamabad, Nawaz Sharif said that Abbasi can clarify about his meeting with the CJP if he deems it to be appropriate. He added that PM Abbasi had neither discussed anything with him before the meeting nor was he briefed about it afterwards. Sharif said that he would soon meet with PM Abbasi. “Such remarks should not have been made,” he said when asked about CJP’s alleged remarks.

When asked about the bench being reconstituted for former president Pervez Musharraf’s treason case, Nawaz said that he knows one thing for sure that the Musharraf case will reach its logical conclusion. “I am certain that everyone will be held accountable for their actions. Even though Musharraf is away right now but a day will come when he will have to come back and face the courts.”

“They keep repeating the same thing of assets, blame me for corruption but they have not been able to prove anything,” he stated.

“Hassan and Hussain Nawaz have never been prime ministers or ministers. Show me another reference in which there is no accusation of corruption and then look at mine. Where is the mention of corruption? The entire case revolves around our family business. National Accountability Bureaus’s star witness Wajid Zia has dismissed all the allegations himself. If convicting me of a crime is the prime motive, then nominate me in the National Logistics Cell (NLC),Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and Rental Power cases so your wishes may come true. According to the reports, there is nothing in this case,” Nawaz stated conclusively.

Prosecution Witnesses Testify In Daniyal Contempt Case

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday adjourned the hearing into contempt of court proceedings against PML-N Leader Daniyal Aziz till April 16 and two prosecution witnesses were on cross-examined in the case today.

Three-judge bench, headed by Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh, resumed the hearing on Friday.

Additional Attorney General (AAG) Waqar Rana, the prosecutor in the case, produced Director Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) Haji Adam and Sajid Chaudhry, a reporter in local newspaper as the two witnesses.Adam admitted before the bench that the minister had given a statement regarding Justice Ijazul Ahsan, but the regulatory authority did not issue any notice to Dawn News for airing the statement on December 19.

Recording his statement, Chaudhry stated that Aziz’s press conference had given him the impression that the minister said the references against the Sharif family were prepared by Justice Ahsan.Both witnesses were crossed examined by Aziz’s counsel Ali Raza. Later, Raza sought time to submit a list of defence witnesses in order to produce them on April 16, which the bench allowed.

Judicial officers to be appointed as ROs for elections 2018

Pakistanis among 17 dead as bus with illegal migrants crashes in Turkey

ANKARA: At least 17 people have been killed and another 36 wounded after a bus carrying illegal immigrants hit a lighting pole in eastern Turkey and burst into flames, local media reported on Friday.

The bus, which crashed late Thursday on the Igdir-Kars highway, was carrying nationals from Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.

Images in Turkish media showed smoke rising from the charred bus with its front smashed and migrants lying on the road with bloodied faces.

"When we arrived at the scene we found a... migrant tragedy," Igdir province governor Enver Unlu told reporters at the scene.

"We are deeply saddened that the frequent smuggling of migrants, which goes on in our province, has ended in a traffic accident."

Health officials said some of the injured were in a serious condition.

The bus had capacity for 14 people but over 50 people including women were on board, according to Anadolu.

The Igdir public prosecutor has opened an investigation into the incident while officials sought to identify the driver.

Thirteen illegal migrants were detained by security forces inside another bus, which Anadolu said had been on the same journey as the one involved in the crash.

Road accidents are common in Turkey. Turkish state broadcaster TRT said last month that 3,530 people were killed on the roads in 2017.

Tearful Steve Smith accepts full responsibility for ball-tampering scandal

Distraught former Australia cricket captain Steve Smith was in tears Thursday as he accepted full responsibility for a ball-tampering scandal that has shaken the sport, saying he was devastated by his "big mistake".

"I take full responsibility, I made a serious error of judgement and I understand the consequences. It was a failure of leadership," he said before breaking down at a press conference after his arrival in Sydney from Johannesburg.

"I will do everything to make up for my mistake.

"If any good can come for this... it can be a lesson for others. I hope I can be a force for change," he added.

"I know I will regret this for the rest of my life. I am absolutely gutted. Cricket is my life and hope it can be again. I'm sorry. I'm absolutely devastated."

Smith and David Warner were stripped from their roles as captain and vice-captain and banned from all international and domestic cricket for a year over their behaviour during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town last weekend.

Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months.

Warner was charged by Cricket Australia with developing the plan to use sandpaper to alter the ball to their bowlers' advantage and instructing Bancroft to carry it out.

Smith, who made a statement then took a handful of questions before breaking down in tears and the press conference ending, had effectively turned a blind eye to the plot.

"For me, my weakness ... I have made a big mistake for allowing this to happen," said Smith.

"This is the first time I have seen this happen and it will never be happening again.

"I don't blame anyone, I'm the captain of the Australian team and I take responsibility for the actions that happened."

Smith, a golden boy who has been compared to the legendary Australian Donald Bradman for his batting exploits, added: "I just want to say sorry for the pain I've brought to Australia, to the fans and the public."

Warner also broke his silence Thursday, apologising and accepting his role in the cheating storm.

Bancroft asked for forgiveness on his return to Perth, saying he was ashamed of himself.

Cricket legends Warne, Akram ´blown away´ by Pakistani child bowlers

Children among six dead after boat capsizes in Nawabsha

Chief Justice says he did not call PM "Faryadi"

Pakistan asks Afghanistan to take effective action against terrorists? hideouts

Pakistan successfully test-fires Submarine Launched Cruise Missile ?Babur?

Pak, US reiterate firm resolve to act against all groups that target Pakistan, Afghanistan

Five Pak entrepreneurs selected for Alibaba ?eFounders Initiative?

Maryam Nawaz applies for extension in UK visit visa for 10 years

PML-N govt opposed including Keti Bandar into CPEC: Bilawal

Graduation ceremony of PAF?s 120th Combat Support Course held

Vespa in Pakistan

Panama JIT could not decide on sending questionnaire to Qatari prince: Wajid Zia

?Brave and resilient?: Pakistan overjoyed on Malala?s return

Malala: global icon of girls´ education

Death toll rises to 11 in Sukkar roof collapse

Malala Yousufzai to arrive in Pakistan tonight: sources

Pakistani Nobel laureate Malala Yousufzai is likely to arrive in the country early Thursday, sources.

Malala will be staying in Pakistan for four days, sources said. She would be reaching Islamabad from Dubai via foreign flight no. EK-614.

She will hold meetings with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and other important figures.

In October 2012, Malala — then fifteen-years-old — was shot in the head at point blank range by Taliban gunmen as she was returning from her school in Swat valley. She suffered bullet injuries and was admitted to the Military Hospital Peshawar and then taken to London for further treatment.

The shooting drew widespread international condemnation.

She has become an internationally recognized symbol of resistance to the Taliban's efforts of denying women education and other rights and was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her activism.

 

Whatsapp-influenced report easy to make but difficult to defend in court: Maryam Nawaz

Ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday said she was always sure that head of Panama Joint Investigation Team (JIT) Wajid Zia will record statement in the favor of her father.

In a chain of tweets, Maryam Nawaz asserted that she had asked the opponents to wait for a few days for Wajid Zia’s statement supporting Nawaz Sharif.

Responding to a report filed by JIT regarding Panama case, Maryam Nawaz said that it’s easy to make a Whatsapp-influenced report but very difficult to prove it in the court.

She also said that few days back, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) declared Nawaz Sharif as owner of London flats in supplementary reference.

Earlier today, during the hearing of Avenfield reference against Sharif family, Waid Zia revealed that no documents proving Nawaz as beneficial owner of London flats were found.

Malala likely to arrive in Pakistan tonight: sources

Transgender among two killed in Peshawar

Federal Cabinet approves signing of extradition treaty with China, Saudi Arabia

Regional development is common agenda of Pak-China: Sanjrani

Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani has said regional development is the common agenda of Pakistan and China.

Talking to Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing in Islamabad today (Wednesday), he said China Pakistan Economic Corridor will change the fate of the people of Asia.

The Chairman said One Belt One Road project will play a pivotal role in development of the region.He said parliamentary cooperation is important for development and prosperity of China and Pakistan and emphasized on enhancing collaboration in the field of education.

Sadiq Sanjrani urged China to invest in metal refinery in Balochistan. He thanked Chinese ambassador for his offer in development of sports infrastructure in Makran.

2 minor girls among 10 killed as roof of warehouse collapses in Rohri

At least ten people, including two minor girls and six women, were killed when the roof of a warehouse collapsed at a local dates market in Rohri on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at Agha Qadirdad Agricultural Market where over 80 labourers were present at the warehouse, eyewitnesses said. Four of the deceased belong to the same family, they added.

Edhi and other rescue organisations are being assisted by the security forces in carrying out rescue efforts, while the death toll is expected to rise as a large number of labourers are still trapped under the rubble.

According to initial reports, a large number of date sacks were being stored on the roof off the warehouse when a blast occurred in a placed below.

Two men killed in premises of Judicial Complex in Rawalpindi

9 die as roof of a warehouse collapse in Sukkur

Sattar, Sabzwari Discuss Formation of New Rabita Committee

The member of MQM-Bahadurabad, Faisal Sabzwari contacted Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) former convener, Farooq Sattar after the final verdict of ECP and have the stance to remove the issues with mutual consultation.

According to the details, The member of MQM- Bahadurabad, Faisal Sabzwari called Farooq Sattar via telephone after the final verdict of election commission of Pakistan (ECP) was announced to sack Sattar from the Position of Party Convener-ship.

During the conversation both the leaders of the party emphasized to form new Rabita Committee and to propose names of the members of Rabita Committee collectively. however, Sattar also demanded the equal representation in the Rabitta Committee.

PSX lands in green as benchmark index gains 169 points

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) landed in the green on Wednesday with the benchmark KSE-100 index gaining 169 points to close at 45,173.

Trading at the index remained in the negative early in the session but later went on an upward trajectory hitting the day's high of 45,233 points and low of 44,900 points during the day.

In all, 248 million shares worth Rs10.5 billion were traded on the exchange, with 177 of 356 traded scrips advancing, 162 declining and 17 remaining unchanged.

The technology and communication sector dominated the trading with 29.3m shares traded, while cement and chemicals followed with 26.1m and 25.3m shares traded, respectively.

FB To Give More Control On Personal Information To Users

Facebook, following the scandal over a breach that exposed the personal information of millions and was allegedly used by a political consultancy, is now giving the more control to the users over their privacy, the company stated on Wednesday.

The company will be giving more control to the users by making data management easier and redesigning the settings menu.Facebook management also said it would propose in the coming weeks updates to the social media website’s terms of service and data policy to better spell out what information it collects and how it uses it.

The company has faced a global outcry after a whistleblower said that data from millions of users was improperly harvested by consultancy Cambridge Analytica to target US and British voters in close-run elections.Facebook shares are down nearly 18 percent since March 16, when it first acknowledged that user data had been improperly channelled to Cambridge Analytica, eating away nearly $100 billion of the company’s market value.

Pakistan?s first transgender news anchor gets positive public response

CNS Admiral Zafar Abbasi visits naval installations at Gwadar

1st Women T20: Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by one wicket

Pakistan Women Cricket Team won the first T20 match by 1 wicket at Colombo on Wednesday.

Batting first after Pakistan won the toss and elected to field, Sri Lankan Team scored 124 runs for the loss of six wickets in stipulated overs.

In reply, Pakistan team achieved the target in 19.5 overs at the loss of 9 wickets.

Smith, Warner banned for one-year in ball-tampering case

Steven Smith and David Warner, formerly captain and vice-captain of Australia, have been banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia for their roles in the pre-meditated plan to tamper with the ball on the third day of the Cape Town Test against South Africa. Cameron Bancroft, the player to actually tamper with the ball, has been banned for nine months.

An official announcement of their penalties is expected to be announced soon.

All players will have the right to challenge their verdicts and also the durarion of their penalties via a CA code of behaviour hearing with an independent commissioner, who can also choose whether the hearing is public or private.

Smith is due to depart for Australia today and will speak publicly upon his arrival home in Sydney.

Dr Farooq Sattar Challenges ECP Judgment in IHC

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) former convener and leader of his own faction PIB Dr Farooq Sattar on Wednesday submitted a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging Election Commission of Pakistan’s order to remove him as the convener of the party.

The IHC admitted Farooq plea and will take up petition on Thursday.

Farooq Sattar submitted his petition through his counsel Advocate Babar Sattar having the stance that the Election Commission decision regarding intra-party election and MQM convener-ship against the law and it should be termed null and void.

The ECP on Monday had removed Sattar from the position of MQM-P convener by accepting the challenge to his election and rejected his plea that the ECP had no jurisdiction to adjudicate upon internal matters of the party.

 

Hidden Goals Always Exist Behind Accountability Slogan: Saad

The leader of ruling party PML-N and Railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafique termed the National Accountability Bureau laws as black laws on Wednesday and said that hidden objective always existed behind the sloganeering of accountability.

Talking to media at Railways headquarter after appearing before NAB in Paragon Housing Society irregularities case, Saad siad that he and his family being faced media trial despite having great sacrifices for the country.

“My family had rendered numerous services for the country, however filing reference against me and my family NAB is trying to prove me as corrupt person,” he alleged.

Commenting over the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Justice Saqib Nisar meeting he said that the meeting was held for the supremacy of law and constitution.“Nawaz Sharif never enforced party leaders for wrong decision and he can never do such kind of act as all the decision was taken by majority in PML-N,” he said replying to a question.

Earlier, Saad Rafique appeared three-member NAB investigation team in Paragon City scam case and recorded his statement. He was probed for two hours and 20 minutes in NAB building Lahore.

CJ should not take any job not pertaining to him: Nawaz Sharif

DG ISPR urged India to stop trying to destablise Pakistan

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor is addressing the media in Rawalpindi.

"The last year in Pakistan was very eventful. It was a big deal for security organisations due to the Pakistan Super League and 23rd March. All went well and the great thing is that the people participated with great passion," he said.

"There was a bit of inconvenience; students had exams from which we learned that we should have coordinated with other departments.

"The fans were very well organised. This was a proud moment for the public, rangers, security organisations and intelligence agencies."
The DG ISPR urged India to stop trying to destablise Pakistan, saying: "Pakistan has played a positive character for peace in the region. If India promotes instability in Pakistan through Afghanistan or the LOC it will not be in India's best interests either."

The DG ISPR talked about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying: "We wish for CPEC to be successful, it will bring prosperity to the whole region. If India sees it as a threat, it will negatively affect the region. If our contributions are seen as negative, this will affect the region's stability.

Maj Gen Ghafoor discussed Pak-Saudi relations, hinting that the army will send its troops to the kingdom due to a bilateral agreement between the two nations.

"General Bajwa went to Saudi Arabia and had talks," he said. "I feel the need to mention here that since 1982 we have had a bilateral pact with Saudi Arabia. The forces have not gone so far but will go after proper coordination. They have nothing to do with IMCTC but with the bilateral agreement.

"It's just not Saudi that we have a bilateral agreement with. It is a usual practice. Even Iranian pilots are in receiving training in Pakistan."

The DG ISPR said that operations in Fata are going smoothly, which is why the army has shifted its focus towards the betterment of Balochistan.

"Fata operations are moving towards stability which is why we have shifted the focus to Balochistan," he said. "IBOs are taking place in Balochistan.

He identified "water, electricity and communication" as the three basic issues of Balochistan and offered the government the armed forces' full support in bringing stability to the province.

Pakistan played positive role for peace in region: DG ISPR

Nawaz continues criticism of CJP Nisar day after PM's meeting with top judge

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif continued his criticism of Chief Justice (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday, only hours after Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi called on the CJP in an apparent bid to defuse tensions between the executive and judiciary.

"The tamasha [circus] that you are seeing here cannot go on for long," Sharif said while talking to reporters after his appearance at an accountability court in Islamabad.

Repeatedly asked about the surprise meeting between the prime minister and CJP, Sharif avoided the question and instead chose to criticise Justice Nisar.

"I cannot say for sure but I think that we were the [real] target" of the Supreme Court's scrutiny of medical colleges and visits to hospitals. He explained that this was because his family runs the Sharif Medical City which is a charitable institution.
He added that it appeared that the purpose of the scrutiny was to implicate his family but it could not be fulfilled as nothing incriminating was present against them.

Sharif claimed that first the role of the parliament slipped into "hands of others" as he was removed from PML-N presidency by striking down the provisions of Elections Act 2017 and now the role of the executive has also been allegedly taken in control by the CJP because of his suo motu actions.

"Feel free to take action [on public issues] but also do something about the 1.8 million cases pending in different courts," Sharif said.

Sharif, his family and aide Ishaq Dar are facing multiple corruption references filed on orders of SC in the Panama Papers verdict which also disqualified the thrice prime minister from holding public office. Sharif was later also removed as the PML-N's president after being re-elected following the Elections Act 2017 coming into force when the SC held that a disqualified person cannot become a party head in any capacity.

Infringement case involving OLX, PakWheels could help investment sentiment in Pakistan

6 Killed In Gilgit Land Sliding Incident

At least six people were killed and four others injured when their vehicle was hit by a land sliding in Gilgit Baltistan. All of these were going for a religious gathering.

As per details, around 10 people were travelling to attend a religious gathering when their vehicle was hit by a land sliding near Daryal area, resulting in the killing of six people instantly and injuring four others.

The local gathered at the spot soon after they received the reports of the incident and shifted them to the DHQ Hospital where the wounded were treated for their injuries.

The identity of the victims are yet to be ascertained.

Top PML-N Leadership Unaware Of PM-CJP Meeting: Tallal

The state minister for Interior Tallal Chaudhry on Wednesday said that the top PML-N leadership was not aware of the prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi meeting with the Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar and the premier would take the leadership into confidence over it today.

Talking to media outside the accountability court, the PML-N leader termed announcement of new political party in Balochistan as a test tube baby.

It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Chief Justice Saqib Nisar met for two hours long in one on one meeting on Tuesday.

According to the details, in a rare move, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi arrived at the Supreme Court in Islamabad to have a one-on-one meeting with Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday.

 The agenda of meeting is not known yet and according to a SC spokesperson a press release will be issued after the meeting.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi reached SC without the official protocol. The apex court building saw a sudden influx of local security officials and a cordon was put in place shortly before seven o’clock. Prime Minister Abbasi arrived at the court without his official security protocol.He was welcomed at the judge’s gate by the chief justice.

The one-on-one meeting has ended but did not disclose any further details, adding that meeting between the state officials was scheduled after 5’o clock today.

Earlier, former Senate chairman Mian Raza Rabbani also met with the chief justice at the SC premises to discuss the same issue.

The meeting came a day after the apex court dismissed a contempt petition against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif regarding noncompliance of court’s orders in the out of turn promotion case.During the hearing, the chief justice asked about the charges being framed against the accused. “What do we have in the case against Nawaz Sharif? Did he issue out of turn promotions?,” he questioned.

“Mian sahib is no one now, so what actions can be taken [against him],” he was quoted as saying.

Two MQM-P Women Lawmakers Join PSP

Two defectors of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) who voted for PPP candidates in Senate polls announced on Wednesday that they are joining former Karachi mayor Mustafa Kamal’s Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP).

Naheed Begum who is a member of the provincial assembly (MPA) of Sindh from the constituency PSW-153 and Naila Munir, an MPA on a reserved seat for women RSW-155, announced they were joining Kamal’s party during a press conference held in Karachi.

Addressing the press conference, Kamal called for an end to atrocities on people of Karachi. “The representatives whom people of Karachi elected sided with thieves,” he said.

“People of Karachi always voted for MQM but the party did nothing for them,” Kamal added. The PSP chief said he holds MQM responsible first and then PPP for the state of Karachi.

Pakistan developing security system for facial recognition in video surveillance

Daren Ganga plays cricket on the streets of Karachi

Following a phenomenal PSL 2018 final that opened doors of big-time cricket in Karachi yet again, a video emerged on social media recently, showcasing international commentator Daren Ganga playing cricket in the ‘city of lights’.

In the video the former West Indian Test opener - who made his commentating debut with PSL this year - can be seen hitting a few shots bringing smiles all around.

He is cheered on by excited children, by-passers and onlookers who have gathered around the cricket star to witness the surreal moment happening before their eyes.

Daren was one of the few international cricket commentators that came to Pakistan for the PSL eliminators and finale to be held in Lahore and Karachi respectively, along with Michael Slater and Alan Wilkins.

He was also spotted in Lahore paying a visit to the ‘breath-taking’ Shahi Hammam, Wazir Khan Mosque and the ‘iconic’ Bagh-i-Jinnah alongside former Pakistan Captain Majid Khan and commentator Alan Wilkins, terming their trip as ‘divine.’