Imran Khan expels Farooq Bandiyal from PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has expelled Farooq Bandiyal from the party after Khan heard about his heinous crime, saying there is no place for ‘convicted criminals’ in PTI. PTI leader Naeemul Haq in his twitter message said, “Farooq Bandiyal’s entry into PTI was unfortunate. He has been expelled from the party with immediate effect.”He went on to say, “We have no place for people with such record in our party. He should not even be in any political party.”

China appreciates positive actions by Pakistan, India on ceasefire

Beijing: China has appreciated positive actions taken by Pakistan and India over ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary (WB).Answering to a question during a regular press conference Thursday, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said “We have noted relevant reports. We appreciate the positive actions taken by India and Pakistan.”The spokesperson went on to say, “We hope that the two sides will continue to properly resolve relevant differences through dialogue and consultation and uphold regional peace and stability.”The Directors General Military Operations (DGMOs) of Pakistan and India this week agreed to a ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary following months of violations by India, leading to a number of civilian casualties.According to the Inter-Services Public Relations statement, the agreement followed a special hotline contact between the DGMOs of Pakistan and India on Tuesday. Both the sides agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit. They also agreed on ensuring non-violation of the ceasefire agreement by both sides.The DGMOs, according to the ISPR, reviewed the prevailing situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary and mutually agreed to undertake sincere measures to improve the existing situation, ensuring peace and avoidance of hardships to the civilians along the borders. It was also agreed upon that in case of any issue, restraint will be exercised and the matter will be resolved through utilisation of existing mechanisms of hotline contacts and border flag meetings at local commanders level, the ISPR added.A number of cases of LoC violations by India have been reported by the Pakistan Army recently. Four civilians were martyred and 10 injured when Indian forces opened unprovoked fire on a border village across the Working Boundary in Sialkot. Pakistan’s DGMO had taken up the issue previously too on April 28 with his Indian counterpart.

SC orders withdrawal of vehicles beyond entitlement till mid night

LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered to withdraw vehicles used by ministers and departments without entitlement till mid-night.The three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, passed these orders while hearing a suo motu notice of utilisation of sport utility vehicles by the ministers and officers beyond their entitlements.As the proceedings started, a federal law officer submitted a report which stated that 105 vehicles werepresently being used by the members of federal cabinet and departments, whereas 191 were being used by Punjab''s cabinet and departments.He said that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had a Land Cruiser and three double cabinautomobiles, whereas federal ministers Abid Sher Ali and Kamran Michael had been given a Mercedes Benz each.Khurshid Shah, the leader of the opposition in National Assembly, and Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali have a bulletproof car each, he added.The law officer informed the court that no government officer or minister had the right to have a government vehicle in excess of 1800cc.At this, the chief justice directed Punjab chief secretary to withdraw all vehicles used beyond officialentitlement till mid-night today.The bench also summoned former law minister Zahid Hamid on knowing that he possessed a luxury vehicle, adding that others who have indulged in the same practice would also be called for explanation.The bench further observed that two extra vehicles from Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the bulletproof car from Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah should be withdrawn by 12 mid-night.APP/syh/rsdAPP/P:lhr/X:ftp/L:usz/E:usz/I:rkg/E:rkg/I:usz/E:usz/I:azm/R:azmP:16:42/X:16:44/L:16:46/E:16:48/E:16:49/E:17:40/R:19:45LOGNO: 2955/31/2018 7:45:17 PMversion: 0Print

Chinese Pakory! Add a different flavor to your dining table this Ramadan

With China and Pakistan’s bonds strengthening more and more with each passing day, use of Chinese ingredients and food items are gaining popularity in the country rapidly.After several Chinese cuisines became a norm around Pakistani dinner tables, another dish has come as an addition to the Chinese menu called Chinese Pakoray, that combine the flavors of the two countries, giving birth to a new food item that blends the taste buds of the two neighboring countries.In the month of Ramadan, Pakoray have become a staple diet for all Pakistani households and eateries, over the years and now this fusion of two cultures is slowly garnering immense popularity as well.Ingredients:Flour cauliflower, potatoes, onions, capsicums, red peppers, eggplant, cumin powder, salt, lemon juice, water, oil and Chinese salt.Method: Mix flour, cumin powder, salt, red pepper, lemon juice and water. Cut eggplants into small cubes without peeling off the skin. Separate cauliflowers and finely chop onions and capsicum as well. Now dust flour onto all the sliced vegetables. Heat oil in a pot and add the vegetables into the paste made earlier. Next, fry the vegetables in the hot oil and wait till they take a golden brown color.

PM approves Rs3 mln for heirs of Neelum boy who died saving tourists after bridge collapse

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has approved immediate provision of Rs.3 million to the parent of Saim Shafaat in recognition of his sacrifice and heroic during the unfortunate incident of bridge collapse in Neelum district, Azad Jammu and Kashmir on May 13.Saim Shafat, aged 12 years, sacrificed his life while making a heroic effort to warn tourists of the imminent collapse of the bridge in the Kundal Shai area of District Neelum. The prime minister also announced Rs1 million as reward to Mukhtiar. Mukhtiar son of Zeetullah risked his life to save two tourists from drowning during the same incident. The prime minister has directed the Finance Division to immediately transfer the amount of Rs4 million to the Azad Government of Jammu and Kashmir for onward payment to the nominees.

Terminally-ill Pakistani death row prisoner in Indonesia dies

Terminally-ill Pakistani death row prisoner in Indonesia, Zulfiqar Ali has passed away, revealed in a statement by Justice Project Pakistan (JPP) on Thursday.As per reports by the JPP, 54-year-old Zulfiqar Ali who was said to have been ‘wrongfully convicted’ in a drugs case in Indonesian capital Jakarta, was suffering from liver cancer, which had been diagnosed in 2017."Zulfiqar, 54, died from liver cancer which he had been diagnosed with in Dec 2017. He leaves behind 5 children and his wife, Siti. His mother, based in Lahore, was unable to fly to Jakarta to meet her son for the final time," read the JPP statement.The news of Zulfiqar’s passing had come hours after he was moved to an Indonesian hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), earlier today. The JPP had filed an urgent appeal, soon after he was admitted in the ICU, indicating that Zulfiqar had only hours to live. Regarding the detainment, the Foreign Office of Pakistan had stated the government had been making constant attempts for Zulfiqar’s admission back into the country and presently, the family of the deceased is in coordination with the Pakistan Embassy in Jakarta to bring back his body to Pakistan.The 54-year-old who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer during his period of detainment had spent nearly 14 years behind bars, after he was wrongfully arrested in November 2004 when his flat mate was found with 300 grams of heroin in Jakarta, where Zulfiqar had not been present in at that time.

Saudi warns Umrah visa violators face $13,000 fine, jail

Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Passports has warned Umrah pilgrims to abide by their visa terms or face a fine of SAR50,000 ($13,332) and six months in prison before deportation.

Visa regulation means those travelling for Umrah cannot leave the Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah area.

They are also only allowed to carry out their pilgrimage for a set period of time.

The kingdom is currently in the middle of a crackdown in residency, labour and border security law violators.

The campaign, which began in November, has so far resulted in 1.1 million arrests and more than 300,000 deportations, officials said in a recent update.

In the past, some pilgrims have used their visa to gain entry into the kingdom with the intention of finding work.

The directorate called on citizens and residents not to transfer, employ or accommodate those with an expired Umrah visa.

More than 2,000 people have been arrested for similar crimes under the current crackdown.

The General Authority for Statistics said in a Tuesday report said more than 19 million pilgrims performed Umrah in 2017, of these 6.5 million came from outside Saudi Arabia

Singapore Airlines to launch world's longest commercial flight in October

Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIAL.SI) said it would launch the world’s longest commercial flight in October, a near-19 hour non-stop journey from Singapore to the New York area.

The 8,277 nautical mile (15,329 kilometer) flight from Singapore to Newark, New Jersey with 161 business class and premium economy seats will eclipse the 7,843 nautical mile Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Auckland as the world’s longest, according to airline data provider OAG.

Airlines including Singapore Airlines, Australia’s Qantas Airways Ltd (QAN.AX) and U.S.-based United Continental Holdings Inc (UAL.N) are adding ultra-long haul flights that can capture an airfare premium of around 20 percent versus flights involving one or more stops.

The Singapore-Newark flight marks the return of a popular route for Singapore Airlines. The carrier had flown the marathon flights until 2013, when high fuel prices made the use of four-engine Airbus SE (AIR.PA) A340-500 jets uneconomic. It has since flown to New York’s JFK Airport via Frankfurt.

Singapore Airlines is Airbus’ first and to date only customer for the A350-900ULR, an ultra-long range version of the fuel-efficient twin-engine A350 jet.

Qantas has said it is considering the purchase of the A350-900ULR or Boeing Co’s (BA.N) 777X to allow it to fly non-stop from Sydney to London from 2022, an even longer 9,200 nautical mile journey.

Singapore Airlines said on Wednesday that it also plans to introduce non-stop flights from Singapore to Los Angeles with the A350-900ULR at a later date.

The airline expects to receive its first A350-900ULR in September, with all seven on order due by the end of the year.

Kuwait seeks support at UN for intl. protection mission for Palestinians

Kuwait has proposed a draft resolution to the UN Security Council, calling for “considerations” on the establishment of an international protection mechanism for Palestinians in the face of Israeli violence.

The non-permanent Council member that represents Arab countries circulated the draft on Tuesday, and it is expected to be put to vote on Thursday, AFP reported.

It “calls for the consideration of measures to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilian population” in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories and the Tel Aviv-blockaded Gaza Strip.

It requests that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres present a report within 60 days over recommendations on how to protect the Palestinians.

More than 110 Palestinians have died since March 30 during Israel’s crackdown on protests at the fence separating Gaza from the Israeli-occupied territories.

The new document is a revised version of the draft Kuwait had submitted to the Council in mid-May, when the Israeli regime killed some 60 Palestinian protesters in Gaza in a single day as the US was inaugurating its embassy in occupied Jerusalem al-Quds.

The earlier had presented an outright demand for the establishment of such mechanism.

As in the case of previous pro-Palestinian measures, the United States is expected to veto the draft, while its allies France and Britain, who also hold veto power, have claimed that the proposal fails to clearly define the “scope and objective” of the mission.

Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon slammed the proposed resolution as “shameful” and said it was designed to help the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, which runs Gaza.

In recent days, the Israeli military has stepped up its acts of aggression against the besieged Gaza Strip, promoting fighters of Hamas and Islamic Jihad resistance movements to fire mortar shells on Israeli-occupied towns.

Later on Wednesday, the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting at the request of the US in the wake of what Washington and Tel Aviv call “Palestinian aggression” against Israel.

Washington has circulated a draft council statement that would condemn the firing of rockets by Palestinian resistance fighters in Gaza, but it remains unclear whether it will be approved.

Saudi Arabia seeks to criminalise sexual harassment

Saudi Arabia is preparing to outlaw sexual harassment, officials said Tuesday, less than a month before the conservative kingdom lifts its decades-long ban on women driving.

The kingdom's Shura Council, which advises the cabinet, approved a draft law on Monday which would introduce a prison term of up to five years and a penalty of 300,000 riyals ($80,000).

The draft bill "is a very important addition to the history of regulations in the kingdom", Shura Council member Latifa al-Shaalan was quoted as saying in an information ministry statement.

"It fills a large legislative vacuum, and it is a deterrent," she added.

The kingdom's driving ban on women is slated to end June 24, as part of a highly publicised liberalisation drive launched by powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who styles himself as a progressive reformer.

The prince has also lifted a decades-long ban on cinemas, allowed mixed-gender concerts and clipped the powers of the long-feared religious police.

But the social reforms appear overshadowed by the recent arrests of at least 11 activists, mostly identified by rights groups as veteran women campaigners for the right to drive and to end the conservative country's male guardianship system.

Authorities have accused the activists of "suspicious contact with foreign parties", providing financial support to "enemies" and attempting to undermine the kingdom's "security and stability".

Reports in state-backed media branded some of the detainees' traitors and "agents of embassies".

At least four detained activists were released last week, campaigners including Amnesty International said, but the fate of the others remains unclear.

"Given the significant loosening of certain restrictions on women's activities in Saudi Arabia... it is perplexing why both women and men engaged in campaigning for such positive developments are now being targeted by the authorities," the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement.

"If, as it appears, their detention is related solely to their work as human rights defenders and activists on women's issues, they should be released immediately."

Saudi authorities have so far not commented publicly on the detentions.

Pakistan can defeat challenges through national cohesion: PM Abbasi

QUETTA: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Pakistan has great potential to defeat any challenge ahead through national cohesion. The prime minister was addressing student officers and faculty of Command and Staff College in Quetta on Wednesday.Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa accompanied the PM. PM Abbasi appreciated sacrifices and contributions of Pakistan Army in bringing back peace to the country. The prime minister talked about progress Pakistan made during the tenure and challenges facing the country and the way forward. “Pakistan has great potential and through national cohesion we can defeat any challenge ahead,” he added.

ECP sticks to July 25 election date

ISLAMABAD: The upcoming General Elections 2018 are scheduled to be held on July 25. Election Commission of Pakistan issued a code of conduct and the election schedule on Thursday.The announcement came shortly after the National Assembly was declared to disperse by midnight. Speaking at a press conference, Secretary Election Commission Babar Yaqoob said that the country was moving towards the elections as per the law and the Constitution. He stated that a public notice will be issued on June 1, followed by the scrutiny process on June 14. 

Saudi Arabia seeks to criminalise sexual harassment

Saudi Arabia is preparing to outlaw sexual harassment, officials said Tuesday, less than a month before the conservative kingdom lifts its decades-long ban on women driving.

The kingdom's Shura Council, which advises the cabinet, approved a draft law on Monday which would introduce a prison term of up to five years and a penalty of 300,000 riyals ($80,000).

The draft bill "is a very important addition to the history of regulations in the kingdom", Shura Council member Latifa al-Shaalan was quoted as saying in an information ministry statement.

"It fills a large legislative vacuum, and it is a deterrent," she added.

The kingdom's driving ban on women is slated to end June 24, as part of a highly publicised liberalisation drive launched by powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who styles himself as a progressive reformer.

The prince has also lifted a decades-long ban on cinemas, allowed mixed-gender concerts and clipped the powers of the long-feared religious police.

But the social reforms appear overshadowed by the recent arrests of at least 11 activists, mostly identified by rights groups as veteran women campaigners for the right to drive and to end the conservative country's male guardianship system.

Authorities have accused the activists of "suspicious contact with foreign parties", providing financial support to "enemies" and attempting to undermine the kingdom's "security and stability".

Reports in state-backed media branded some of the detainees' traitors and "agents of embassies".

At least four detained activists were released last week, campaigners including Amnesty International said, but the fate of the others remains unclear.

"Given the significant loosening of certain restrictions on women's activities in Saudi Arabia... it is perplexing why both women and men engaged in campaigning for such positive developments are now being targeted by the authorities," the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement.

"If, as it appears, their detention is related solely to their work as human rights defenders and activists on women's issues, they should be released immediately."

Saudi authorities have so far not commented publicly on the detentions.

Today is a historic day, Nawaz’s response to govt completing tenure

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif spoke to reporters on Thursday during a break in the proceedings of the Al-Azizia reference case.

In response to a reporter’s question about the government completing its five-year tenure, Nawaz responded that today was a historic day and such a day had never come before. The former prime minister also added that on this day he had more than 80 appearances before the court.

This is the first time in Pakistan’s history a second consecutive democratic government is completing its tenure.

The five-year tenure of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government will end at midnight (Thursday). After the National Assembly is dissolved, a caretaker government will oversee matters before the general elections scheduled on July 25.

The government and opposition have already named former chief justice Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk as the caretaker prime minister.

Nawaz did not respond but smiled when he was asked if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan had taken a U-turn on the matter of the caretaker Punjab chief minister.

Earlier on Thursday, former bureaucrat Nasir Mahmood Khosa announced he would not to take charge as the caretaker chief minister of Punjab, a day after PTI withdrew his name as the candidate for the post.

Khosa was named as the caretaker Punjab chief minister on Monday after the provincial government and opposition were said to have reached a consensus on the candidate. However, two days later on Wednesday, the Imran Khan-led PTI withdrew support for his candidature.

Khosa told that he has decided not to assume charge as the caretaker chief minister in light of the recent controversy surrounding his candidature.

West China Stomatology hospital to enroll Pakistani students

Beijing: The West China Stomatology Hospital (WCSH) in Chengdu, rated as number one hospital in China for dental and prosthodontics treatment, has expressed keen interest in enrolling Pakistani students in its various disciplines.The offer was extended in a meeting that took place this morning between the Consul General of Pakistan, Chengdu Muhammad Mudassir Tipu and the Party Secretary, Jing Tan, of the Hospital and her team that included Professor in Prosthodontics and Vice Dean, Jie-Fei Shen and Associate Professor and Vice Dean, Jianxun Sun. The meeting was held at the WCSH.During the meeting the CG underscored that Pakistan was keen to deepen, expand, and diversify its relationship with the Sichuan province in a gamut of areas and in the pursuit of that objective wished to deepen co-operation between Pakistan’s dental institutions and the WCSH. The CG underlined that the WCSH may consider providing opportunity to bright and competitive Pakistani students to study there. A higher number of Pakistani students in Sichuan will not only open up brighter prospects for our students but will also lead to strengthening of people-to-people ties between Pakistan and China, added the CG. The leadership of the WCSH concurred. The Hospital advised that Pakistani students may apply for admission under the prestigious China Scholarship Council as well as Lahore-Chengdu Sister-City scholarships offered by the Chengdu government. They added that the WCSH, on its part, was seriously considering granting scholarships to Pakistani students. The CG also maintained that Pakistan and WCSH may explore academic co-operation including exchanges of visiting of Professors and dental and prosthodontics experts of two countries. Mudassir Tipu informed his interlocutors that this April Pakistan, for the first time, participated in the West China Dental Show. Reputable companies of Pakistan dealing with medical and surgical instruments displayed their products in the show. He hoped that the WCSH will consider purchasing dental equipment from Pakistan. WCSH was established in 1907. For the past 100 years. West China School of Stomatology employs the integration model of teaching, clinical care, and research. This school has faculty and staff of 417. The school offers 5-year bachelor degree programs, 7-year master degree programs, and 8-year doctoral degree programs.

Singer Jawad Ahmad to contest elections against Imran, Bilawal, Shehbaz

Singer Jawad Ahmad on Thursday announced he would contest the upcoming general elections.

Addressing the media at Lahore press club, the singer said he would contest the election for the National Assembly as a member of the Barabri Party Pakistan.

He said he would contest the elections in three constituencies against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif.

"All these leaders are same, they are not with the people. Elections here are contested on the basis of money," he said. "Only one percent of the population — comprising of millionaires — contest elections."

He expressed the hope that people would vote for him in his struggle against an unjust system.

Ahmad registered Barabri Party Pakistan with the Election Commission of Pakistan in June 2017.

List of silent MPAs in Sindh Assembly from 2013 to 2018

The Sindh Assembly from 2013 to 2018 remained at the top for legislation among other assemblies, however, there were certain members who were a part of the House but did not utter anything as a lawmaker.

These members, apart from keeping mum on issues generally, did not even present problems of the people of their constituencies.

These members include Aziz Jatoi from Qamber Shahdad Kot’s constituency PS-41, Mir Hayat Talpur and Noor Ahmed Bhurgari from Mirpur Khas, Syed Sarfraz Shah and Ghulam Rasool Jatoi from Nowshehro Feroz, Aziz Junejo from Daado, Aurangzeb Panhur and Abdul Rauf Khoso from Jacobabad, and Ghulam Mujtaba Isran from Larkana.

In Sindh Assembly’s five-year tenure, MPA Syed Zia Abbas from Tando Allahyar, Ajaz Shah Bukhari and Abdul Kareem Somroo from Tando Muhammad Khan had nil performance and didn’t raise any issue.

Due to lack of importance from the party, Makhdoom Rafir-ur-Zaman from Matiyari, Makhdoom Khalil-ur-Zaman from Thar Parkar, and Ali Nawaz Mehar from Ghotki also remained among silent members.

Muhammad Ali Bhutto within five years only raised his concerns twice, whereas Khursheed Junejo only spoke to praise government’s performance after the budget came.

Khairpur’s Naeem Kharal held prayers in the House twice, apart from which he never uttered a word.

Who was the most absent one?

The most frequently absent member from the Sindh Assembly was none other than former Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Raheem, whereas, Owais Muzaffar, Sharjeel Memon and Tariq Masood Arain also remained mostly absent from the House.

Who didn’t take salary and perks?

The only MPA who didn’t receive his salary and any associated perks from the Assembly during five years was Ali Nawaz Shah. 

Nisar astonished Shehbaz cannot tell apart childish from mature behaviour

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Thursday said he was surprised PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif did not know how to differentiate between childish and mature behaviour.

The politician was reacting to an earlier statement by Shehbaz who had said Nisar was ‘immature’. “He needs to be dealt with like a child and we keep trying to pacify him and resolve any issues,” the Punjab chief minister had said. 

"Childish behaviour is what [Shehbaz's] party leadership is exhibiting," he noted, with an advice to the PML-N president to not discuss incidents that had happened 30 years ago. 

 He further said Shehbaz's inability to do anything regarding the behaviour of his party's leadership could be termed as nonserious behaviour. 

"Shehbaz should invest his energies to get out of the difficult situation," Nisar advised Shehbaz. 

Nisar, who has been associated with the PML-N for over three decades, has publicly spoken about his differences with the party following Nawaz's ouster last July and subsequent public mobilisation campaign. In February it was reported that Nawaz had parted ways with his longtime associate Nisar.

Last month, Shehbaz met with Nisar and asked him to "stay with the party". 

Nasir Durrani withdraws candidature for Punjab caretaker chief minister

Nasir Durrani who was nominated by PTI for the post of Punjab caretaker chief minister excused from undertaking the responsibility on Thursday.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had suggested names of Dr Hassan Askari and Nasir Durrani for the position of caretaker chief minister for Punjab after it withdrew former bureaucrat Nasir Mehmood Khosa's candidature following a consensus on the candidate with the government. 

Durrani, cited poor health as the reason for his decision to withdraw candidature. 

He added that he had informed both PTI and Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz lawmakers of his decision. 

Nasir Mehmood Khosa was named as the caretaker Punjab chief minister on Monday after the provincial government and opposition were said to have reached a consensus on the candidate. However, two days later on Wednesday, the Imran Khan-led PTI withdrew support for his candidature.

Punjab Assembly opposition leader, Mehmmod-ur-Rasheed had earlier today said the names of Durrani and Askari were decided after the party’s leadership held consultations. Rasheed hoped that he would be able to discuss this matter with Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif later in the evening.

Nasir Durrani is a former police officer who has served as the Inspector General of Police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

ICC World XI to face Windies in charity match at Lord's today

When the ICC World XI takes the ground today against the West Indies at Lord's, they would be looking to not only provide entertainment to the fans but also play a game for a good cause.

The match is being staged to raise funds to rebuild and restore five major cricket venues in the Caribbean that were damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year.

Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi will lead the ICC World XI against the West Indies in place of England’s Eoin Morgan, who withdrew due to a fractured finger.

 Boom Boom @SAfridiOfficial is back at @HomeOfCricket today as captain of the World XI for #CricketRelief, the same ground where he famously sealed Pakistan the #WT20 title in 2009! ?? pic.twitter.com/2Q3CTIL66x

— ICC (@ICC) May 31, 2018

The World XI squad includes one player each from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and two players each from New Zealand and Pakistan.

The other cricketer who will be representing Pakistan in the World XI today is Shoaib Malik.
The Windies, the reigning ICC World Twenty20 champions, will be led by Carlos Brathwaite.

Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Samuel Badree and Andre Russell are among the other leading players in the squad.

 The match will begin at 10pm Pakistan Standard Time.

Nasir Durrani recuses himself from caretaker Punjab CM post

LAHORE: Former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief Nasir Durrani has recused himself from becoming the caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab over health reasons. Durrani told Geo that his health doesn’t permit him to assume the office of chief minister. “I have informed both the PML-N and the PTI leaders about my decision in this regard,” he said.His refusal came shortly after PTI suggested his name along with Professor Hassan Askari. “PTI has suggested the names of renowned writer and Analyst Dr Hassan Askari Rizvi and Nasir Durrani as Caretaker CM of Punjab,” Fawad Chaudhry tweeted. Earlier, former bureaucrat Nasir Khosa also announced that he was withdrawing his name for the position of caretaker chief minister. Khosa told Geo News that he has decided not to assume charge as the caretaker chief minister in light of the recent controversy surrounding his candidature.“I was made controversial in the media [after withdrawal of support] for my candidature for Punjab CM. Given the [current situation], I have decided not to [take charge] as the chief minister,” he said.Khosa labeled the propaganda against him as “baseless” and regretted that it would have been better if he had been consulted before his name was first put forward for the position.

Nasir Khosa withdraws from race for caretaker Punjab CM

LAHORE: Former bureaucrat Nasir Khosa announced on Thursday he was withdrawing his name for the position of caretaker chief minister of Punjab. His announcement came a day after PTI reversed its decision to appoint Khosa as the caretaker CM in the interim setup. He was named as a consensus candidate following consultation  between Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PTI's opposition leader Mahmood ur Rashid. Khosa told Geo News he has decided not to assume charge as the caretaker chief minister in light of the recent controversy surrounding his candidature.“I was made controversial in the media [after withdrawal of support] for my candidature for Punjab CM. Given the current situation, I have decided not to take charge as the chief minister,” he said.He labeled the propaganda against him as “baseless” and regretted that it would have been better if he had been consulted before his name was first put forward for the position.PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry told Geo News that Khosa's name was withdrawn because public opinion was not in favour of the candidate.

Nisar hits back at Shahbaz over 'immaturity' remarks

ISLAMABAD: Disgruntled  Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has asked  Shahbaz Sharif to refrain from mentioning things that happened 30 years ago.In a statement issued on Thursday,  Nisar Ali Khan said Shahbaz Sharif  Shahbaz Sharif should instead spend his energies in steering the party out of troubles ."Non-seriousness is that despite being president, Shahbaz Sharif is unable to  redress the issues facing the party," said the mercurial leader of the PMLN."Immaturity is the  the trait  that  their party leadership have adopted," he said responding to  Shahbaz Sharif   remarks during a media talk that Nisar is immature  and some times needs to be dealt with like a child.

President Signs Constitutional Amendment To Merge FATA With KP

President Mamnoon Hussain has signed the 25th constitutional amendment bill seeking the merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

After signing the bill, the president congratulated the people of FATA and KP.

The president is yet to sign the Constitution (Thiry-First) Amendment Bill, 2018 which will dissolve Article 247 of the Constitution. As per Article 247, the executive authority of the Federation shall extend to FATA and PATA ( Provincially Administered Tribal Areas).

As soon as the president signs Constitution (Thiry-First) Amendment Bill, 2018, the control of FATA Interim Governance Regulation, 2018 would be handed over to the KP government.

On May 28, President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday signed the ‘FATA Interim Governance Regulation, 2018’.

Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly passed the KP-FATA merger bill after it being already approved from the upper and lower chambers of the Parliament.

The session held to vote for the bill was presided over by KP assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, where Chief Minister KP Pervaiz Khattak was also present. The vote count showed that 87 provincial lawmakers voted in favour of the bill while seven in opposition.At the beginning of the session, minority lawmaker Baldev Kumar took oath administered by speaker assembly. The House proceeded to discuss the bill, where Jamaat-e-Islami’s parliamentary leader Anayatullah addressed the assembly.

The JI lawmaker said that Malakand should be given an extensible tax amnesty for 10 years and rs100 billion annual development package should be given to KP similar as FATA.

CM KP Pervaiz Khattak also addressed the KP assembly, where he said that that people have been accusing him of taking bribe from caretaker CM. “Please don’t bring up allegations,” said Pervaiz Khattak, adding that those levelling blame should provide evidence as well.A resolution was approved in the assembly to exempt Provincially Administered Tribal Areas (PATA) from taxes for a time period of 10 years.

The resolution was presented by Dr Haider Ali in the House, which was signed by all the parliamentary leaders of the political parties except for the Jamiat Ulema-e-Fazl.

The resolution demanded a development package of Rs 100 billion for the PATA, same as the FATA region. It also demanded subsidy on electricity.Since the constitutional amendment would result in withdrawal of tax exemptions from the tribal areas, MPAs from PATA have shown concern over passage of the bill, the letter reads.

The concerns of MPAs from PATA could hinder the bill from getting the support of two-third of the majority in the provincial assembly.

Therefore, Qaiser had requested Sadiq to provide the sought exemptions on an urgent basis before voting starts on the amended bill in KP Assembly.On May 25, the Senate approved the constitutional amendment bill on the merger of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

During the session, 71 lawmakers voted in favour of nine clauses of the constitutional amendment bill while five were against them.

Besides, 28 lawmakers were absent from the House during the session.

 

The bill titled Thirty-First Amendment Act, 2018 was presented by Minister for Law and Justice Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, while the session is being headed by Senate Chairperson Sadiq Sanjrani.

 

Election Commission issues code of conduct for foreign observers

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday has issued a 14-point code of conduct for foreign observers in the upcoming general elections.

According to these rules, no person will be permitted to observe election process unless he presents accreditation car issued by ECP or its authorized officer.

Official shall display their official identification badges issued by ECP all the time and shall present it to the election officials and other security officials when requested.

Observers shall respect sovereignty of Pakistan as well fundamental rights and freedom of its people.

Observers shall maintain good behavior, respect others including exhibiting sensitivity for culture and customs of the country and shall observe the highest level of professional conduct throughout their job.

Observers shall adhere to the laws of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and respect the authority of ECP.

Observer shall follow instructions issued by the ECP and state authorities including security officials and shall maintain and respectful attitude towards them.

Political impartiality shall be maintained by observers at all costs while observing the election process. They shall not exhibit any bias or preference with regard to local authorities, political parties and candidates as well as any issue related to the process of election.

Observers shall not conduct or participate in any activity that may generate an impression of favoring or opposing any political party or a candidate.

Observers will have right to ask any question and to clear any query but they will not obstruct directly or indirectly elections process.

Observers shall ensure that all their observations are impartial, objective and depict highest standard of accuracy.

Individual observer shall not make personal comments about his observation or conclusion on the election process to the media.

Observation organization or groups shall ensure that only their nominated persons give comment about the election process.

Minister says Islamabad examiner being investigated for harassment

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Muhammad Baligh-Ur-Rehman on Thursday informed National Assembly that the Government has ordered an inquiry to investigate allegations of harassment against an examiner accused of harassing female students during examinations.Responding to a point of order raised by women parliamentarians in National Assembly, he said the government has taken action against the examiner.He said that the investigation results of the inquiry would be shared with the parliamentarians.The aforementioned examiner has also been declared as disqualified from being appointed as examiner in future.Meanwhile, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq informed the House that he had discussed the issue of Pakistani arrested in Indonesia with president of Indonesia for his release.“I informed the House that I had discussed the issue with the Indonesia president during his visit to Pakistan and I am hopeful for his earlier release.”

Pakistani singer to contest election against Imran, Bilawal, Shahbaz

LAHORE: Renowned Pakistani singer Jawad Ahmad has announced to take part in the upcoming general election.Speaking at a press conference, the singer said he would  contest the election for the National Assembly from the platform of Barabri Party Pakistan.He said he contest election against  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan,  Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shahbaz Sharif."All these leaders are same, they are not with  the people. Elections  are contested here with on the basis on money," he said.He expressing the hope that people would vote for him in the election.  The vocalist  applied for registration of his political party to formally enter the electoral politics last year.

Syria's Assad says Trump's 'animal' slur represents himself

The Syrian president has said that Donald Trump's "animal Assad" slur is representation of the US president himself.

"It represents him, and I think there is a well-known principle, that what you say is what you are," says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during an interview with RT to be aired on Thursday.

Assad was referring to an April tweet by US President Donald in which he blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran for the alleged chemical attack near the capital Damascus.

"President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay," Trump tweeted.

During the interview Assad was asked if he had a nickname for the US president, to which he responded:

"This is not my language, so, I cannot use similar language. This is his language. It represents him, and I think there is a very known principle, that what you say is what you are. So, he wanted to represent what he is, and that's normal. Anyway, it didn't move anything, and this kind of language shouldn't move anything for anyone," he said.

"The only thing that moves you is what people that you trust, people who are level-headed, people who are thoughtful, people who are moral, ethical, that's what should move anything inside you, whether positive or negative. Somebody like Trump will move nothing for me," he added.

The alleged chemical attack on April 7 in the militant-held town of Douma in the Eastern Ghouta region left dozens dead and drew international condemnation from various countries and  and international bodies.

In a statement, Damascus strongly rejected the allegation of using chemical munitions and said that the so-called Jaish al-Islam Takfiri terrorist group was repeating the accusations “in order to accuse the Syrian Arab army, in a blatant attempt to hinder the army’s advance.”

The governments of Iran and Russia have also rejected the accusations against the Syrian government.

Syria surrendered its stockpiles of chemical weapons in 2014 to a joint mission led by the US and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which oversaw the destruction of the weaponry.

It has also consistently denied using chemical weapons over the course of the foreign-backed militancy, which gripped the country in 2011.

Western governments and their allies, however, have never stopped pointing the finger at Damascus whenever an apparent chemical attack takes place.

In April, a suspected sarin gas attack hit the town of Khan Shaykhun in the northwestern Syrian province of Idlib, taking at least 80 lives. Accusing Damascus, the US then launched several dozen Tomahawk cruise missiles at a Syrian air base, taking the lives of about 20 people including both Syrian soldiers and civilians.

The US and its allies have been bombarding what they call Daesh positions inside Syria since September 2014 without any authorization from the Damascus government or a UN mandate.

The strikes have on many occasions resulted in civilian casualties and failed to fulfill their declared aim of countering terrorism.

FATA becomes part of Khyber Paktunkhwa

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnnoon Hussain on Thursday approved the constitutional amendment bill seeking to merge the Federally Administered Tribal Areas with Khyber Paktunkhwa.After signing the bill, the president of the Islamic Republic  congratulated the people of FATA and Khyber Paktunkhwa over the mainstreaming of the   tribal areas.The 25 Amendment Bill was   passed by the National Assembly, the Senate and the Khyber Pakhtnuknwa Assembly before being sent to the president for formal approval.

Prime Minister praises NA speaker and leader of the opposition

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, in his address during the National Assembly's final session on Thursday, thanked Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Leader of Opposition Syed Khursheed Shah for their "leadership and impartial behaviour".

"I would like to thank the speaker for the way the assembly conducted its business over the past five years; you never let the opposition feel that you are partial towards one side and tried your hardest to have consensus in the house over all important matters," said Abbasi.

"I would also like to thank Khursheed Shah, who is also my old friend, for his exemplary leadership," the PM said in praise of the PPP veteran. "In these five years, it was said multiple times that the government would fall  yet Shah sahab always worked in favour of democracy."

Turning to PML-N's performance over the last five years in government, PM Abbasi started listing the ruling party's achievements, including in "improving the security situation since 2013".

"We should analyse the past five years and see how the country was when the [PML-N] government had come in and if there is any change in it now."

There is peace in the country today and Karachi is flourishing again, said the PM. "All crimes have been eradicated from the city and today, only common street crimes are left, like in any other large city in the world."

"The economy is better than it was when we came into power, in spite of all the challenges we faced both external and internal."

US’s Pompeo meets senior North Korean official in New York

High-ranking officials from the United States and North Korea have met in New York to discuss a possible summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jung-un.

Kim Yong-chol, considered the right-hand man of the North Korean leader, arrived at a New York apartment near the United Nations headquarters late on Wednesday and privately met US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for about 90 minutes over dinner, according to the latest reports.

As the dinner was being served inside the apartment on New York’s East Side neighborhood, a senior State Department official, who asked not to be identified, briefed reporters about the meeting.

Pompeo and Kim “are trying to get to know each other” following two initial meetings earlier this year in North Korea, the US official said.

He added that before any summit between the US and North Korean leaders could take place, Pyongyang was “going to have to make clear what they are willing to do” in response to Washington’s demand that North Korea permanently end its nuclear and missile activities.

The official also said that Trump “can make a fly or no-fly decision anytime he wants,” a reference to a Trump decision whether or not to travel to Singapore for the summit with Kim, which has been originally scheduled for June 12.

If enough progress is not made, the official said, “we will ramp up the pressure on them (the North Koreans) and we’ll be ready for the day that, hopefully, they are ready.”

Trump and leader Kim have been supposed to meet in Singapore on June 12, but a series of US demands and threats — which have offended North Korea — have cast doubt on whether the two will go ahead and meet.

Trump officially cancelled the meeting on May 24 before retracting that cancellation just one day later.

The US has demanded that North Korea give up its nuclear program at one stage, while Pyongyang has rejected that “one-sided” approach to potential negotiations.

Trump has also threatened the North Korean leader with the same fate as Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi if Pyongyang does not make a deal with Washington.

The original summit announcement came after several months of unprecedented cordial diplomacy between South and North Koreas, which had been adversaries for decades.

Russian foreign minister in Pyongyang

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Pyongyang.

“Sergei Lavrov, foreign minister of the Russian Federation, arrived here on Thursday at the invitation of Ri Yong-ho, foreign minister of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea),” the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in a brief dispatch, without providing further details.

Ruussia’s Tass news agency announced that the two foreign ministers had started talks at the Supreme People’s Assembly building in Pyongyang.

Earlier in the day, Lavrov had said they would discuss “vital issues of bilateral relations and key international and regional issues.”

Lavrov met with his North Korean counterpart in Moscow in April during a flurry of diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Following their meeting, the top Russian diplomat said he had accepted Ri’s invitation to travel to Pyongyang.

PTI proposes Nasir Durrani, Prof. Hassan Askari for caretaker Punjab CM

ISLAMABAD: A day after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf withdrew the name of former bureaucrat Nasir Saeed Khosa for the post of caretaker Chief Minister in Punjab, Imran Khan’s party has finalized the names of Professor Hassan Askari and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief Nasir Durrani.In a Twitter statement on Thursday, PTI said that it was proposing the names of Nasir Durrani and Professor Hassan Askari  after due consultation. Yesterday, PTI reversed its decision to agree on the candidature of Saeed Khosa for the top slot in the caretaker setup, saying it was facing a public backlash.“We have withdrawn the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa over public backlash and criticism from a section of media,” PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry told Geo Tv.“There has been a lot of criticism on social media about Khosa. We are a political party which cannot ignore the public perception,” he said.Opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mahmood ur Rashid said Nasir Khosa was a Nawaz Sharif’s loyalist and had served as his Principal Secretary. On Tuesday, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the name of Khosa in consultation with the opposition leader as per the constitution.“Glad to announce that Leader of the opposition Punjab and I have agreed on the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa as caretaker Chief Minister Punjab for interim setup. Another step towards strengthening democratic process,” Chief Minister Sharif tweeted.On the other hand, Punjab government insists  there was no provision in the constitution to withdraw Khosa's name. Opposition parties and political commentators have criticized PTI's decision-making process, saying that the move could create a needless controversy and might result in delaying the elections that are scheduled to take place on July 25. 

Found no documents showing Nawaz as owner of Al-Azizia Steel Mills: Wajid Zia

Panamagate Joint Investigation Team (JIT) head and prosecution's star witness Wajid Zia on Thursday said he did not come across any document during investigation which showed that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is the owner of Al-Azizia Steel Mills.

The statement came as the former prime minister’s legal counsel, Khawaja Harris, started on Thursday morning cross-examination of the prosecution’s star witness in the Al-Azizia reference against Sharif family.

Zia, an additional director at the Federal Investigation Agency, headed the Panama case joint investigation team (JIT) which probed the Sharif family’s assets last year.

Nawaz and his family members are facing three corruption references in the accountability court — Avenfield Properties, Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investments — in which they are accused of money laundering, tax evasion and hiding offshore assets.

As per the bank statement, Nawaz’s son Hussain Nawaz sent him an amount worth US$1.1 million as a ‘gift’ from July 5, 2010, to June 30, 2011. “It is true that the dollars sent to Nawaz were a gift from his son,” Zia remarked.

Nawaz should have declared the amount in the wealth statement for 2010-2011, Zia added.

The National Accountability Bureau prosecutor Wasiq Malik remarked that there is no need to compare the bank statement with tax record, adding “our case is different”.

Zia, who is appearing before the court of accountability judge Muhammad Bashir, has already recorded his statement in both Avenfield and Al-Azizia references against the Sharif family.

The corruption cases 

The National Accountability Bureau has in total filed three references against the Sharif family in light of the Supreme Court's orders in the Panama Papers case verdict of July 28.

The corruption references, filed against the Sharifs, pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and Avenfield properties of London.

Nawaz and sons Hussain and Hasan are accused in all three references whereas his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Safdar are accused in the Avenfield reference only.

The court originally had a deadline of six months which ended in mid-March but was extended for two months after the judge requested the apex court.

Later, on May 9, the trial court's second plea for a deadline extension was approved by the Supreme Court which gave a month to both sides to finish the corruption cases.

Indian troops martyr two Kashmiri youth in Kupwara

In occupied Kashmir, Indian troops in their fresh act of state terrorism, martyred two Kashmiri youth in Kupwara district, today.

The troops killed the youth during a cordon and search operation at Qaziabad in Handwara area of the district. The operation continued till reports last came in.

Indian Army claimed that the youth were militants and were killed in an encounter with the troops.

On the other hand, an Indian Army officer died under mysterious circumstances in Jammu. Police said that Lieutenant Colonel Sanat Kabi fell unconscious and blood started oozing out from his mouth at an army camp. He was shifted to Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead, the police said.

Interior minister asks NADRA to block Musharraf’s NIC

The Ministry of Interior has requested National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to block the national identity card of former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf.

According to sources, the interior ministry made the request in a letter written to NADRA over directives from the special court.

Special court gave the orders in light of treason case against the former military ruler, sources said.

Musharraf’s passport would also stand invalid once his identity card is blocked, barring him from travelling to anywhere, sources added.

Moreover, the former president’s bank accounts in Pakistan would also be frozen.

The officials in NADRA have said received reports of a letter being written to them but had not received it yet.

Recently, the special court ordered the federal government to take measures for Musharaff’s arrest and so block his NIC and passport.

The interior ministry gave a week to Musharraf, warning him that his NIC and passport would be blocked if he did not surrender within a week.

CJP ordered to take back official cars from ministers of assemblies

The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered confiscation of all government automobiles that federal and Punjab ministers and departments are using beyond their official entitlement.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, on his first day back following an official visit to China, issued the order while presiding over a three-member bench at the Lahore registry of the apex court.

On April 14, Justice Nisar had directed federal and provincial cabinet secretaries to submit a record of all ministers and officers using sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and luxury vehicles beyond their official entitlement.

Additional Attorney General Syed Nayyar Abbas Rizvi today presented in court the requested report, which stated that 105 government-owned automobiles are presently in use by the members of federal cabinet and departments, whereas 191 are being used by Punjab's cabinet and departments.

The additional attorney general told the court that Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has a Land Cruiser and three double cabin automobiles, whereas federal ministers Abid Sher Ali and Kamran Michael have been given a Mercedes Benz.

Meanwhile, Khursheed Shah, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, and Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali both have a bulletproof car each, the report said.

Rizvi further informed the court that no government officer or minister has the right to have a government vehicle in excess of 1800cc.

At this, Chief Justice Nisar directed the chief secretary to impound by midnight tonight all the government vehicles that are being used beyond their official entitlement.

Upon finding out that former federal Law Minister Zahid Hamid was also in possession of a luxury vehicle, Justice Nisar summoned him to appear in the case's next hearing, adding that others who have indulged in the same practice will also be called for explanation.

The chief justice told accountant general Punjab to present correct details regarding the vehicles, warning him that the court will not tolerate any sort of falsification on the issue.

He further said that the two extra vehicles given to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the bulletproof cars given to Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah should be taken back as soon as the cabinet is dissolved.

"We will not allow bulletproof cars to be used during elections," Justice Nisar said. "If anyone needs a bulletproof car, they should buy one out of their own pocket."

Meanwhile, the court directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa advocate general to submit a detailed report in the next hearing on Saturday۔

Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk to be sworn in as interim prime minister on Friday

ISLAMABAD: Justice (retd) Nasirul Mulk will take oath of caretaker prime minister on Friday.The five-year term of the incumbent government would come to an end today at midnight.The oath taking ceremony of the interim prime minister wold take place at the President House in Islamabad.President Mamnoon Hussain would administer oath to the caretaker prime minister at a ceremony where Senate Chairman, Deputy Chairman, politicians and military officials would be present.According to Geo News, the interim prime minister is expected to take oath between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.   

Interior ministry asks NADRA to suspend Musharraf's CNIC

ISLAMABAD: Complying with orders of a special court, the Minister of Interior has  asked the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) through a letter to suspend the computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)of former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, Geo News reported on Thursday.NADRA officials, however, say although they are   informed about the letter being sent by the ministry, they have yet to receive it. Geo News correspondent  said that with the suspension  of the Musharraf's CNIC,  the  passport of the former president would  stand blocked and bank accounts in Pakistan frozen.The special court for high treason case against General (retd) Pervez Musharraf had directed the Ministry of Interior and all other departments, divisions and agencies of the government to take positive steps for the arrest of the accused, attachment of his properties abroad and suspension of his CNIC and passport if he fails to submit a written request for security during his appearance in the court within seven days. The bench, formed in 2013, has been  hearing the case of imposition of extra-constitutional emergency by Musharraf in November 2007.The bench headed by  Peshawar High Court (PHC) Chief Justice Yahya Afridi  includes the Lahore High Court (LHC) Chief Justice Yawar Ali and Balochistan High Court (BHC) Justice Tahira Safdar.

Historic as second consecutive elected govt set to complete term today

The five-year constitutional term of incumbent federal government is ending on May 31(today).

This is the first time in Pakistan’s history a second consecutive democratic government is completing its constitutional term. Before the government’s tenure ends today, PM Abbasi is scheduled to hold farewell meetings with his staff and other officers.

A contingent of Pakistan Armed Forces will present a salute to the PM as he departs from his office later today.

CPEC developed faster than expected: Chinese experts

Chinese experts have said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has developed faster than expected.

In an interview with Global Times a senior research fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at the Renmin University of China, Zhou Rong said the future of the CPEC project depends upon political stability in Pakistan.

Zhou said besides motorways other projects like power plants have already started benefiting people in Pakistan.

Director of the Institute of International Affairs at the Renmin University, Wang Yiwei noted that despite challenges CPEC can be an example of regional growth and stability.

Security forces, nation on positive trajectory of peace and stability: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that through great sacrifices of security forces and the nation we are on positive trajectory of peace and stability.

The job is not completed yet and we have to carry forward the gains towards enduring peace.

Acknowledging and hailing contributions and performance of young officers in the operations COAS advised them to continue excelling in profession.

Later, COAS visited Headquarters Southern Command, Quetta where he was briefed about the progress of border fencing along the Balochistan portion of Pak-Afghan border, Quetta Safe City Project and Khushal Balochistan’ initiative. COAS expressed his satisfaction on progress of the socio-economic and security initiatives.

Security forces, nation on positive trajectory of peace and stability: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that through great sacrifices of security forces and the nation we are on positive trajectory of peace and stability.

The job is not completed yet and we have to carry forward the gains towards enduring peace.

Acknowledging and hailing contributions and performance of young officers in the operations COAS advised them to continue excelling in profession.

Later, COAS visited Headquarters Southern Command, Quetta where he was briefed about the progress of border fencing along the Balochistan portion of Pak-Afghan border, Quetta Safe City Project and Khushal Balochistan’ initiative. COAS expressed his satisfaction on progress of the socio-economic and security initiatives.

When did Karachi witness highest ever temperature?

KARACHI: The mercury soared to 45 degrees Celsius at 1:00pm making Wednesday the hottest day of the year 2018 after a fresh heatwave hit the city due to the formation of low pressure areas in the Arabian Sea.The Pakistan Met Department (PMD) officials have a day earlier warned that the next two days would be very hot and dry with the temperatures ranging between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius.Officials said Pakistan was in the grip of an intense heat due to a large high pressure area over most parts of the country, saying the intense heat was concentrated on the plains of Sindh and Balochistan where the temperature could soar to 48 degrees Celsius during next six to seven days.However, interestingly it is not the hottest day in the history of Karachi as the city had been hit by the highest ever temperature at 47.8 Celsius 80 years ago on May 09, 1938. But four years before the hottest day in the history, Karachi’s mercury dived to record low at 0.0 Celsius.Also, in June 2015, the temperature was recorded at 44.8 Celsius during which over 1200 people were killed.On 1 July 1977 heavy Rains and flooding in Karachi, killed 248 people, according to Pakistan meteorological department 207 millimetres (8.1 in) of Rain fell in 24 hours.

NAB has 'irrefutable evidence' of illegal possession of land by Bahria Town

The investigation team tasked with probing the illegal allotment of land to Bahria Town Karachi is confident that it has a watertight case against the real estate developer and the individuals who abetted illegal land transfers and swaps for it.

The information was shared during a board meeting of the accountability watchdog chaired by NAB Sindh Director General Altaf Bawany.

The investigation team apprised the board that the management of Bahria Town, in connivance with relevant public office holders and officials of revenue dept, district Malir, MDA and Sindh Building Control Authority took illegal possession of 2,156 acres of govt land situated on the main superhighway (M9) in violation of Colonisation of Government Land Act 1912, MDA Act 1993 and Sindh Building Control Ordinance 1979.

The board was also apprised that a concise statement was also submitted in the Supreme Court highlighting the facts regarding blatant violation of laws and rules.

The board appreciated the efforts of the investigating team that concluded the case by engaging Survey of Pakistan, Ministry of Defence for demarcation of the land under illegal possession after which Bahria Town was restrained by the apex court from undertaking further development.

PTI withdraws nominee for Punjab caretaker CM

Taking another u-turn, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has withdrawn its nominee Nasir Khan Khosa for the post of caretaker Punjab Chief Minister (CM).

As per details garnered, opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Mian Mehmood ur Rasheed stated that party would announce new name for the same after holding consultation. He further stated that announcement was made in haste. Rasheed adopted stance that names of Tariq Khosa and Nasir Khosa were given to him by PTI supremo Imran Khan.

He went on to say that party had fallen prey to misunderstanding. “Ever since his nomination, Nasir Khan Khosa has become a controversial figure”, held Rasheed.

PTI will propose name of new caretaker Punjab CM today.

Earlier, on April-28, Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif had announced that Nasir Khan Khasa will be Punjab’s caretaker CM adding that the decision had been taken unanimously after holding several rounds of talk with opposition leader.

In a video message, Shehbaz vowed to put country on the path of progress via democratic procedure. Sharif further added that Nasir Saeed Khosa is a person of good reputation.

It is worth here to mention that general elections for both National Assembly and provincial assemblies will be held on July-25.

Two Soldiers Martyred, Three Injured in N.Waziristan

Two soldiers were martyred and three injured after a security forces vehicle struck an IED in North Waziristan Agency, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The improvised explosive device (IED) was planted on the track by terrorists near Datakhel.

Soldiers Lance Naik Momin Ali and Sepoy Saleem were martyred. The injured were evacuated to CMH Peshawar, said the military’s media wing.

Two Soldiers Martyred, Three Injured in N.Waziristan: ISPR

Two soldiers were martyred and three injured after a security forces vehicle struck an IED in North Waziristan Agency, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The improvised explosive device (IED) was planted on the track by terrorists near Datakhel.

Soldiers Lance Naik Momin Ali and Sepoy Saleem were martyred. The injured were evacuated to CMH Peshawar, said the military’s media wing.

Two soldiers martyred in IED explosion in North Waziristan: ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Two security personnel were martyred when their vehicle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in North Waziristan, Inter Services Public Relations said Wednesday.According to ISPR, the media wing of the military, two soldiers Lance Naik Momin Ali and Sepoy Saleem embraced Shahadat while three others injured when their vehicle struck the IED, planted on track by terrorists near Datakhel.The injured have been shifted to CMH Peshawar, the ISPR said.

Job is not completed yet: COAS tells officers

QUETTA: General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), said Pakistan was on a positive trajectory of peace and stability due to great sacrifices of security forces and the nation. "The job is not completed yet and we have to carry forward the gains towards enduring peace," General Bajwa while speaking to officers and faculty of Command and Staff Collage in Quetta on Wednesday. Acknowledging and hailing contributions and performance of young officers in the operations COAS advised them to continue excelling in profession.Later, COAS visited Headquarters Southern Command, Quetta where he was briefed about the progress of border fencing along the Balochistan portion of Pak-Afghan border, Quetta Safe City Project and ‘Khushal Balochistan’ initiative. The army chief expressed his satisfaction on progress of the socio-economic and security initiatives.

PTI under fire over caretaker CM?s fiasco

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan  Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has come under fire from government and opposition leaders for its decision to withdraw the name of Nasir Saeed Khosa for the post of caretaker Chief Minister in the caretaker setup of Punjab. “PTI’s seriousness can be gauged by the fact that the party cannot stand by its own decision about the candidature of Nasir Saeed Khosa. And yet these people claim that PTI will build a naya Pakistan,” Kaira jibed at the rival opposition party.Federal Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb said that PTI’s withdrawal was yet another example of U-turn. “PTI’s actions are based on lies and U-turns,” she said, adding that PTI has only benefited the ruling PML-N. She said that running a government and resolving public’s issues was not a child’s play. “You make hasty decisions on everything that has caused a lot of damage to the country by your politics of U-turns, confrontation and chaos,” she added. Senior political analyst Hamid Mir described PTI’s move to reverse its decision about the name of caretaker CM as an inappropriate decision. “This will only create an impression as if PTI wants to delay the general elections,” Mir opined. “The constitution doesn’t allow the withdrawal of a name that was publicly announced in consultation with opposition,” he said. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah also ruled out the withdrawal of Nasir Khosa’s name. “There is no provision in the constitution to reverse an already agreed decision. Nasir Khosa is an honest person,” he added.  Earlier, PTI spokesman Fawad Chaudhry said that Khosa's name was withdrawn over backlash from a section of media and supporters.