Justice Tahira Safdar takes oath as first woman CJ of a Pakistani high court

Justice Tahira Safdar took oath on Saturday as the first woman chief justice of a Pakistani high court.

She was administered oath as the Balochistan High Court (BHC) chief justice by provincial governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai at a ceremony at the Governor House.

Justice Safdar’s nomination as chief justice of BHC was confirmed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar in July. She has replaced Justice Noor Muhammad Meskanzai whose tenure ended on Friday.

According to the BHC website, Justice Safdar was also the first woman civil judge in Balochistan and has the distinction of being the first woman to be appointed in all posts she has served on.

She is the daughter of Syed Imtiaz Hussain Baqri Hanafi, a renowned lawyer and was born in Quetta on October 5, 1957.

Justice Safdar did her Masters in Urdu Literature from the University of Balochistan and completed her degree in Law from the University Law College, Quetta.

She was elevated as an additional judge of BHC in 2009 and became a BHC judge in 2011. She will serve as BHC chief justice till October 4, 2019.

Justice Safdar is part of the special court bench hearing the high treason case against former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.

Alcohol bottle, drugs found as CJP raids Sharjeel Memon’s hospital room

Alcohol bottle, cigarettes and drugs were found in the hospital room of Pakistan Peoples Party leader Sharjeel Inam Memon during a surprise visit by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday, sources said.

According to sources, there was no nurse or doctor in Sharjeel Memon’s room on the first floor of Ziauddin Hospital in Karachi, where he was earlier shifted from jail owing to his ‘ill health’.

In February, the chief justice took notice of Sharjeel Memon being shifted to the hospital from jail. He was then on judicial remand after being arrested in the Rs5.76 billion corruption case in November 2017, along with 11 others.

The CJP also visited the rooms of other political prisoners in the hospitals of Karachi.

A surprise visit was also paid to the room in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, where Omni Group Chairperson Anwar Majeed was admitted. He is under trial in a money laundering case.

Anwar Majeed was put under trial over the case of more than 20 ‘benami’ accounts at some private banks that were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, according to sources. The amount, according to sources in the Federal Investigation Agency, is said to be black money gathered from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes.

Google pays homage to Fatima Surayya Bajia with evocative doodle on 88th birthday

Google is honouring the late Pakistani Urdu novelist and playwright Fatima Surayya Bajia on her 88th birth anniversary with a colourful doodle depicting her with her lifelong companions: a pen and a notebook.

The doodle shows Bajia — as she was known to one and all — writing in a notebook, clad in her customary sari and surrounded by books.

The renowned playwright had breathed her last on February 10, 2016 at her Karachi residence after a prolonged illness.

The Mountain View, California-based Google frequently changes the colorful logo on its famously Spartan homepage to mark anniversaries or significant events or pay tribute to artists, scientists, statesmen and others.

Remembering Bajia

Bajia wrote several popular serials for PTV, including Shama (based on A.R. Khatoon' novel), Afshan, Aroosa, Aagahi, Ana and Zeenat. Besides, she had done historical plays, children's programmes, women's programmes and literary programmes such as Auraq.

In recognition of her services, besides local awards, she was given the highest civil award of Japan. Bajia also served as president of the Pakistan-Japan Cultural Association.

Born into an educated in family of Hyderabad Deccan in 1930, Fatima Surayya was the eldest of the 9 siblings. The family sailed to Karachi on September 18, 1948, immediately after the fall of the Hyderabad state, which was invaded by the Indian army on September 11, the day the Quaid-i-Azam died here.

She did not have a formal degree but had acquired extensive knowledge of Arabic, Persian, English and Urdu literature and history at home through private tuitions.

In Karachi, when her grandfather and father died, she took up the responsibility of looking after her younger siblings, who all received a good education and some successfully carved out their own identity in separate fields of art and culture.

Her brother Anwar Maqsood became a multi-talented artist writing plays for TV and theatre, her sister Zehra Nigah became a renowned poetess while Zubaida Tariq turned into a cooking expert.

Whether Bajia wrote a play, serial or any other TV-adaptable piece, she elaborately depicted the culture of the area and the period she set the story in.

Pakistan closes consulate in Jalalabad

Pakistan on Friday shut down its Consulate General in Jalalabad City in Nangarhar province to protest local officials’ intervention in activities of the diplomatic office.

The Pakistani embassy in Kabul said that the decision has been taken in reaction to provincial governor Hayatullah Hayat’s intervention in activities of the consulate.

“The Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul deeply regrets undue intervention of Governor Hayatullah Hayat in the functioning of the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Jalalabad is complete violation of the Vienna Convention of the Consular Relations 1963.”

The embassy said that the Consulate General will remain closed until the security arrangements are completed to the satisfaction of the embassy.

The embassy said it has requested the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs to “kindly refrain the governor from interfering in the functioning of the Consulate General and to ensure restoration of security of the consulate office as it existed on August 28, 2018.”

 

Pakistan backs Iran over US nuclear deal row

As Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday vowed to further strengthen Pakistan-Iran ties, the government expressed unequivocal support for Iran’s position on its troubled nuclear deal with the West that has been abandoned by the United States and urged the other parties to the agreement to remain committed to it.

Talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, who is the first foreign leader to visit Pakistan after the assumption of office by the PTI-led coalition government, PM Khan recalled the “inseparable bonds” connecting Pakistan and Iran together and said that during his government he would make all efforts “to cement these relations in various areas to the benefit of both countries”.

Emphasising the importance of Pakistan and Iran in the region, PM Khan said the two countries “remained the key to growth and prosperity in the region through enhancing connectivity and promoting people to people linkages”.

Imran vows to strengthen ties with Tehran

Iran made a special outreach to the new government in a bid to reset the ties that have suffered deep mistrust over the past decades. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani soon after Mr Khan’s inauguration sent in a felicitations message.

Mr Zarif delivered an invitation to PM Khan for the upcoming Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) summit in Iran, which is scheduled to be held in October 2018.

Mr Khan thanked the Iranian supreme leader’s support for Kashmiris’ struggle for their right to self-determination as well as for the manner in which Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated in Iran, the PM’s Office said in a statement.

Iran this year celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day in an unprecedented manner displaying large greetings hoardings along major highways in Iranian cities and electronic screens in their public transport system.

The stage for better ties was set last year when Pakistan and Iran started cooperating on border security. The improved border security situation was mentioned during Mr Zarif’s meeting with his counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

“While expressing satisfaction over cooperation with regard to the Pakistan-Iran border, it was agreed to continue close consultations through various forums in this regard,” the Foreign Office said.

FM Qureshi in his meeting with his Iranian counterpart expressed strong support for Iranian position on Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as Iranian nuclear deal from which the US has exited.

“As regards JCPOA, while supporting Iran’s principled stance, Mr Qureshi expressed the hope that remaining parties to the agreement would uphold their commitments in letter and spirit. This was important given IAEA’s repeated verification that Iran has strictly adhered to the terms of agreement,” the FO said.

Pakistan has been a consistent supporter of Iranian position on its nuclear row with the West. Islamabad believes that all countries should have access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. The statement was, therefore, in line with Pakistan’s longstanding position on the matter.

Both foreign ministers agreed to hold the next rounds of Bilateral Political Consultations and the Joint Economic Commission at early dates. “Useful exchange of views on strengthening cooperation in economic, trade and connectivity sectors, cultural and people to people links, took place,” the FO said.

Japanese minister

The Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane and Foreign Minister Qureshi in their meeting agreed to increasing bilateral contacts to revitalise the relationship between the two countries.

“The Foreign Minister acknowledged the position of Japan as an important development partner. While recognising the economic assistance provided by Japan, he invited Japanese investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and assured facilitation to Japanese investors in all the sectors. The Foreign Minister emphasised the need to correct the balance of trade, which is currently heavily tilted in favour of Japan,” the FO said about their meeting.

The two agreed to explore ways for strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

Mr Nakane invited Mr Qureshi to visit Japan.

Won't accept any unjust demand by US: PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan vowed on Friday that his government would not to accept any unjust demand by the United States.

The prime minister said so during his meeting with TV anchors, which also had Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry in presence.

Khan welcomed criticism of his government telling TV talk show hosts that criticism does not puzzle him, it rather helps resolving issues.

The premier, however, said that his government should be given three months to deliver and then be criticised openly.

He noted that Pakistan's circular debts had reached Rs1200 billion, maintaining that the country could not progress without accountability.

The prime minister said he had directed National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chief to carry out indiscriminate accountability and take action even if a member of the government was also involved in corruption.

During the meeting, he openly supported Usman Buzdar saying that the Punjab chief minister should be given three months' time, after which the media should criticise him for his performance.

Commenting on his use of helicopter, Khan said he has been using it to save people from mobility issues.

Regarding his team, he said that he was not responsible for the past of individuals he had inducted in his team. "They have been conveyed that any irregularities would not be tolerated now."

The prime minister said that none of his cabinet members was appointed permanently and could be shuffled on the basis of performance. About foreign tours, he said these were not his priority.

Speaking with regard to Pakistan-US ties, he said his government would not accept any unjust demand by the United States.

Khan said they could not fight the US, but they will improve their ties with Washington. He added that Pakistan also seeks peaceful relations with India, Afghanistan and Iran.

Regarding his visit to the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters, he said the visit went well and it was conveyed that the government had backing from the institution.

The prime minister further vowed that his government would cancel the agreements made against national interest.

Federal govt to put excessive PM House vehicles on auction immediately

The federal government has made a decision to put excessive vehicles of the Prime Minister House on auction immediately, sources informed on Friday.

According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan under the policy of austerity has ordered the auction of surplus vehicles. Collectively, 33 vehicles will be advertised for auction.

Sources further said that the vehicles include eight luxury BMWs and four latest Mercedes Benz as well.

Other vehicles are 16 Toyota Corollas, three Suzuki cars, one Honda and one HTV car.

Sources said that the rest of the cars are under use by the cabinet division, especially for the commute of foreign guests.

PM Imran, in his first address to the nation, had emphasised on cost-cutting for the government expenditure and as a measure had announced auction of surplus PM House vehicles.

PML-N asks Uzma Qadri to resign from Punjab Assembly

The PML-N on Friday issued a show cause notice to Uzma Qadri the wife of estranged PML-N leader Syed Zaeem Qadri to tender her resignation from a Punjab Assembly reserved seat for skipping elections for chief minister, speaker and deputy speaker as well as several party meetings.

The party, in the notice addressed to the newly nominated MPA, reminded her that it had "honoured you by placing your name in the list of reserved seats for women".

"The PML-N conducted several intra-party meetings prior to the formal oath-taking ceremony which you failed to attend without any leave of absence, just cause or valid reason," the PML-N, against whom Uzma's husband had rebelled before the July 25 polls, stated.

"At the first sitting of the Punjab Assembly after the elections, the PML-N made it mandatory for all elected members to ensure presence which you willfully disobeyed."

The party told Uzma that she stood "in sheer violation of party discipline" by failing to cast votes during the elections for speaker and deputy speaker.

It further accused the lawmaker of "willfully and deliberately" skipping the Punjab CM's polls, and cited media reports to claim that she might be leaving the PML-N to join an opposing political party.

The PML-N gave Uzma, five days to either resign from her seat or respond to the charges levelled against her failure to do either of which would result in the party pursuing all legal means to "ensure her disqualification on grounds of defection".

Nawaz Sharif to be billed Rs25m for his children's 'illegal' travel expenses: Fawad Ch

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, having declared the travel expenses of Nawaz Sharifs' children to be in the billions, announced on Friday that a notification to recover the amount would be sent to Hassan, Hussain and Maryam Nawaz.

During a press conference held in Islamabad alongside Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Chaudhry said that Nawaz and his family's travel expenses ran in the billions. However, since Nawaz himself had prime ministerial privileges, the matter of his own expenses will be dealt with later, he added.

The information minister alleged that Hasan, Hussain and Maryam Nawaz had misused state funds and travelled illegally in two private planes and a helicopter.

The use of two private jets, namely the G4 and G450, cost the state to the tune of Rs17.15 million. These jets were used by the ousted prime minister's children in his absence and for no state-related affairs, to travel in between their Jati Umra residence, Lahore and other locations.

Chaudhry said that the use of the helicopter has been calculated separately, adding that Hamza Shahbaz and others misused the Punjab government copter. The costs incurred by Nawaz's children over the use of the copter were found to be Rs6.23 million.

He revealed that details of these illegal expenditures were recovered from a log book and that the total bill amounts to around Rs25 million which will be sent to Nawaz Sharif for recovery, and that a notification of the same will be sent to his children.

PML-N asks Uzma Qadri's to resign from Punjab Assembly

The PML-N on Friday issued a show cause notice to Uzma Qadri the wife of estranged PML-N leader Syed Zaeem Qadri to tender her resignation from a Punjab Assembly reserved seat for skipping elections for chief minister, speaker and deputy speaker as well as several party meetings.

The party, in the notice addressed to the newly nominated MPA, reminded her that it had "honoured you by placing your name in the list of reserved seats for women".

"The PML-N conducted several intra-party meetings prior to the formal oath-taking ceremony which you failed to attend without any leave of absence, just cause or valid reason," the PML-N, against whom Uzma's husband had rebelled before the July 25 polls, stated.

"At the first sitting of the Punjab Assembly after the elections, the PML-N made it mandatory for all elected members to ensure presence which you willfully disobeyed."

The party told Uzma that she stood "in sheer violation of party discipline" by failing to cast votes during the elections for speaker and deputy speaker.

It further accused the lawmaker of "willfully and deliberately" skipping the Punjab CM's polls, and cited media reports to claim that she might be leaving the PML-N to join an opposing political party.

The PML-N gave Uzma, five days to either resign from her seat or respond to the charges levelled against her failure to do either of which would result in the party pursuing all legal means to "ensure her disqualification on grounds of defection".

Punjab Govt Decides to Revamp Local Bodies System

The Punjab information minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, already tangled in controversies, said on Friday that provincial government has decided to revamp local bodies system.

Briefing media over the provincial cabinet decision information minister said that during the cabinet meeting ministers were served with biscuit and tea following the PM Imran footsteps of being simple and austerity.
Commenting over police reforms, the provincial minister said that it was decided to make Punjab police apolitical and for the purpose legislation will be made before November 30 so that police could be get pulled out from political influence.
He also informed that health cars having the value of .5 million will be launched from November 30.

PIA rejects VIP culture with new 'No Protocol, No Seat Blocking' sign

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced that from now on it would not give any undue protocol to the VVIPs.

The national carrier in a tweet from its official handle uploaded a picture stating that all its passengers are all equally important hence no protocol or seat blocking will be exercised by the authority.
The announcement comes weeks after the new Pakistan Tehreek-=e-Insaf took over the reins of the country.

The party has long been campaigning against unnecessary protocol of government functionaries and calling for a new Pakistan which gives equal.

The step taken by the airline has been appreciated by the citizens all over the country.

Prime Minister expresses resolve for improving law, order situation in Karachi

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed the resolve to extend full cooperation to further improve law and order situation in Karachi.

He was talking to Governor Sindh Imran Ismail who called on him in Islamabad on Friday.

The prime minister said he is cognizant of the problems faced by the people of Karachi. He said it is a matter of concern that some areas in Karachi like important city lacks basic amenities.

He assured the PTI government is committed to extend cooperation for the resolution of the problems faced by the people of Karachi.

Meanwhile, a delegation of MQM called on Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad today and discussed political situation including the upcoming presidential elections.

They also discussed problems faced by Sindh province especially the people in Karachi and Hyderabad.

The prime minister assured that the federal government will extend every possible cooperation for resolution of problems faced by the people of Karachi and Hyderabad.

The MQM delegation included Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farogh Naseem, Aminul Haq, Kanwar Naveed, Nasreen Jalil and Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar.

Overseas Pakistanis to cast vote through passports: ECP

Election Commission of Pakistan Spokesman Nadeem Qasim said on Friday that the overseas Pakistanis will be able to cast their votes through passports in the bypolls to be held on October 14.

The ECP issued a schedule for overseas Pakistani voters after the Supreme Court in its verdict allowed Pakistanis living abroad to vote in by-elections.

Speaking to media, ECP Spokesman Qasim said that the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)will facilitate voters through its online system.

Qasim said that the NADRA has also issued a video for guiding overseas voters and the registration process will begin from September 1 and end until September 15.

He said that after the registration process, the polling lists will be given to the Returning Officers.

Qasim added that the impression that illiterate people cannot cast vote is wrong.

The report of the overseas voting will be presented before the parliament, said the ECP spokesman.

According to the rules, it is mandatory that the ECP is satisfied over the pilot project, he said.

In the verdict, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had remarked that overseas Pakistanis would be participating in the by-election through i-voting, a system that allows voters to cast ballots from any computer connected to the internet anywhere in the world.

 

House Will Be Taken On Board Before Availing IMF Loan: Umar

Minister for Finance Asad Umar told Senate on Friday that currently one million people are filling their tax returns and there is room to further enhance the figure to about three million.

The Senate resumed its session at the parliament house in Islamabad today with Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla in the chair.

Umar told the house during question hour that the new FBR chairman has been appointed and next week a meeting will be held with the FBR officials to discuss the implementation of the reforms strategy.
The Finance Minister said that Prime Minister Imran Khan will chair a high-level meeting on Monday to discuss issues relating to currency smuggling and money service providers. He said we have to take definite actions before the next meeting of FATF.

Asad Umar said the government has decided in principle to launch Diaspora and Sukuk bonds. He said some other initiatives will also be taken to improve the flow of remittances to the country.

Replying to a question, the Finance Minister said that the loan will be taken after taking the Parliament on board. He said a plan to this effect will be finalized in next one or two weeks and then it will be presented before the Parliament for discussion. He pointed out that exports saw decline and imports surged over the last five years, and the government had to obtain loans to fill the gaps. He said our effort is to address the root causes of the loans.

Zardari jokes about using a helicopter

Former president and co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Asif Ali Zardari joked about using a helicopter after appearing before a local banking court today in connection with the money laundering case.

Zardari was granted interim bail in the case and while he was leaving the court, he was asked by a journalist why he was not using a helicopter to come to the court as it was "inexpensive".

“You should wait here and I will return in a helicopter,” Zardari replied with a laugh.

The question came in the backdrop of the recent debate over the use of a helicopter by Prime Minister Imran Khan and the cost associated with it.

A day earlier, senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Naeemul Haq said PM Imran only flew by helicopter twice and that an unnecessary debate was being created out of the issue on media.

On Tuesday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had defended the use of the helicopter by PM Imran and said he "used Google to calculate" the Rs55 per kilometre cost of commute between the premier's official accommodation and private Bani Gala residence.

Army chief, Iranian foreign minister discuss regional security

Army Chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa met Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday.

The military's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the Iranian foreign minister called on the army chief at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

General Bajwa and Zarif discussed regional security and matters of mutual interest, it added.

The Iranian foreign minister appreciated Pakistan’s contributions for conflict prevention in the region, ISPR added.

Pakistan is taking sincere steps for peace and stability in the region, Zarif was further quoted as saying.

Zarif, Qureshi discuss regional peace, stability
Earlier today, Zarif called on his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, the Foreign Office said.

Zarif and FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations between the two countries, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

The two dignitaries discussed regional peace and stability. Zarif also conveyed best wishes from the Iranian leadership to the new Pakistani government under Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Foreign Minister Zarif arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day visit, the first foreign dignitary to visit the country since the new government took over. He was received by high-level Pakistani officials upon his arrival.

Earlier today, Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane called on his Pakistani counterpart Qureshi. During the meeting, the two dignitaries discussed areas of cooperation including trade, investment, human resource development, and science and technology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

India accepts Pakistan’s objections over Pakal Dul, Kalnai projects: sources

India has accepted Pakistan’s objections over the Pakal Dul and lower Kalnai power projects after Pakistan put forth concrete evidence against the projects India has started on the Chenab River, sources informed media on Friday.

The development came during a two-day meeting between the delegations from Pakistan and India Water Commissions.

Pakistan contended that the projects violate the Indus Waters Treaty signed between the two countries. According to sources, the nine-member Indian delegation accepted Pakistan's objections over the issue and signed a joint declaration after conferring with its ministry.

Indian Water Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Saxena and his Pakistani counterpart Syed Meher Ali Shah were present at the signing of the declaration.

A two-member Pakistani contingent will be visiting India in September for the next phase of the talks, the sources added.

According to officials, India wanted to place spillway of 1,000 megawatts of Pakal Dul Dam on Chenab River in Indian-occupied Kashmir, about 15 metres down against the permissible limit, which will give the country undue leverage of holding 11,000 acres of feet water in addition to the allowed volume of water storage.

India also planned to establish water storage capacity of 88,000-acre feet on Chenab River with the setting up of Pakal Dul Dam.

Pakal Dul Dam is a reservoir-based scheme currently under construction on Marusudar River, the main right bank tributary of Chenab River in Kishtwar tehsil of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir, while lower Kalnai project is of 48 megawatts on another tributary of the river.

 

 

 

PM assures MQM-P of support in resolving Karachi issues

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday assured the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) of the federal government’s support for resolution of problems plaguing Karachi.

A delegation of MQM-P called on the prime minister in Islamabad earlier today, where the two parties discussed the political situation including the upcoming presidential elections, along with other matters.

They also discussed problems faced by the Sindh province, especially Karachi and Hyderabad.

PM Imran told the delegation that the federal government will extend all possible cooperation for resolution of problems faced by the mega cities.

The MQM delegation included Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Dr Farogh Naseem, Aminul Haq, Kanwar Naveed, Nasreen Jalil, and Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also met Governor Sindh Imran Ismail, who called on him earlier today.

During the meeting, the premier expressed resolve to extend full cooperation to further improve law and order situation in Karachi.

The prime minister said he is aware of the problems plaguing Karachiites and that it is a matter of concern that some areas in the megapolis continue to lack basic amenities.

 

LHC dismisses petitions against Sharifs' sentences in Avenfield verdict

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday dismissed petitions to suspend the conviction of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and son-in-law Capt (retd) Safdar in Avenfield reference case.

A three-judge bench headed by LHC’s Justice Shahid Waheed and comprising Justice Aatir Mehmood and Justice Shahid Jameel Khan heard the appeals seeking the release of the Sharif family members.

The petitioner had stated that National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), 1999, better known as NAB Ordinance, was initiated by former president Pervez Musharraf but lapsed after the 18th Amendment.

A three-time prime minister was sentenced in accordance with a law which has lapsed, the petitioner said.

The petition requested the court to declare the Sharif family’s sentences null and void as they were convicted through an ordinance which has lapsed.

After hearing the arguments, the bench initially reserved its judgment. but announced it later.

The bench dismissed petitions challenging Sharif family’s sentences and also appeals seeking that NAB Ordinance 1999 be declared null and void.

Appeals have also been filed in the Islamabad High Court against the sentences handed to Nawaz, Maryam and Capt (retd) Safdar. However, on August 20, the IHC deferred its judgement over the appeals.

On July 6, an accountability court had sentenced Nawaz to a total of 11 years in prison and slapped a £8 million fine (Rs1.3 billion) in the corruption reference while his daughter Maryam was sentenced to eight years with a £2 million fine (Rs335 million). Additionally, Nawaz's son-in-law Capt (retd) Safdar was given a one-year sentence without any fine.

The trial

The trial against the Sharif family commenced on September 14, 2017.

On July 6, after four extensions in the original six-month deadline to conclude all three cases, the court announced its verdict in the Avenfield reference.

Nawaz and his sons, Hussain and Hasan, are accused in all three references whereas Maryam and Safdar were accused in the Avenfield reference only.

The two brothers, based abroad, have been absconding since the proceedings began last year and were declared proclaimed offenders by the court.

On July 10, the Supreme Court granted another six-week extension for Accountability Court-I Judge Mohammad Bashir to conclude the remaining corruption references against Nawaz and former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

Former Australian PM resigns from parliament, govt loses majority

Australia’s former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull on Friday resigned from parliament, a source familiar with the matter said, stripping the government of its one-seat parliamentary majority.

Turnbull last week said he would resign from parliament after he was ousted from office in a bitter party-room contest which ushered in the country’s sixth leader in the last decade.

“The speaker of the house of parliament received a resignation letter from Malcolm Turnbull this afternoon,” said a source familiar with the matter. The source declined to be named as she is not authorised to talk to the media.

Until a by-election can be contested, Australia’s new Prime Minister Scott Morrison is left relying on the support of independent lawmakers to pass legislation, inhibiting the government’s agenda just eight months out from an election.

Besides no longer having a majority in the lower house of parliament, the government does not control the upper house Senate.

According to the latest opinion polls Australia’s ruling Liberal-National coalition will struggle to be re-elected in a poll due by May 2019.

After a tumultuous Liberal party leadership battle last week, the two-party-preferred vote between the opposition Labor party and the coalition blew out 56-44 in favour of Labor, which would translate into a heavy election defeat.

Parliament is currently in recess, resuming on September 10.

A by-election is unlikely to held until the end of September at the earliest, leaving Morrison without a majority for at least the next two-week sitting of parliament.

Morrison paid tribute to his predecessor while in Jakarta for talks with his Indonesian counterpart on a free trade deal that could be signed later this year.

“I just want to send to my friend Malcolm, and to Lucy (his wife), and to their entire family all my best wishes and all my love,” Morrison told reporters.

“You’ve served our country well, and on behalf of our country as prime minister, I just want to say thanks.”

Peace situation in Baluchistan has improved now: CM Jam Kamal

CM Baluchistan Jam Kamal said on Friday that the Peace situation in Baluchistan has improved now.

He was chairing an overview meeting on Harnoi and Sahi district railway section restoration work.

"All the development works will complete timely". He vowed 

"The Harnoi and Sahi district Railway section restoration work is being done with cooperation of security forces and it will cost 2 Billion rupees". He added

Addressing to the meeting He briefed that 50% of work has been done while remaining work will also complete soon.

 

Caffeine hit: South Korea bans coffee in schools

Students and teachers in South Korea will need to find new ways of staying alert through the long school day, after the government said Friday it will ban coffee sales in schools.

Selling highly caffeinated drinks to students in schools has already been banned since 2013, but with coffee vending machines still available for teachers, wily students have been able to get around the rules and find their coffee fix.

Now the government wants to rule out any possibility of children buying highly-caffeinated drinks on campus, a spokeswoman from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said, warning that students were turning to caffeine to stay up late studying and preparing for exams.

Under the move, which will take effect from September 14, coffee sales will be entirely prohibited from elementary, middle and high schools.

"Coffee will disappear from cafeterias and vending machines installed at schools", the spokeswoman told AFP.

South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo said students tend to resort to "energy drinks" and coffee containing milk to burn the midnight oil during examination periods.

The ministry warned of the health impacts of too much coffee, saying excess intake could cause nausea, an irregular heartbeat and sleep disorders.

South Korea is the seventh biggest importer of coffee in the world, according to the Korea International Trade Association, importing some $700 million dollars worth of coffee in 2017.

KITA says South Koreans drank an average of 512 cups of coffee each last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iranian foreign minister, Qureshi discuss regional peace, stability

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called on his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, the Foreign Office said.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed ways to enhance cooperation and strengthen relations between the two countries, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

The two dignitaries discussed regional peace and stability. Zarif also conveyed best wishes from the Iranian leadership to the new Pakistani government under Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Foreign Minister Zarif arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a two-day visit, the first foreign dignitary to visit the country since the new government took over. He was received by high-level Pakistani officials upon his arrival.

Earlier today, Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane called on his Pakistani counterpart Qureshi. During the meeting, the two dignitaries discussed areas of cooperation including trade, investment, human resource development, and science and technology.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MMA: Pakistan’s fighter Mehmosh Raza wins international title

Pakistan’s MMA fighter Mehmosh ‘The Renegade’ Raza lifts the featherweight title of Aspera Fighting Championship Asia by defeating Filipino fighter Adonis Sevilleno on Sunday.

The Pakistani fighter down his opponent in the first round to claim the victory.

The newly-crowned king of the Aspera featherweight division scored his biggest win yet, with that victory his career record has improved to 8-2 in MMA circuit.

 The Islamabad based fighter has dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan, he said that it’s a gift to the entire nation on my behalf.

Earlier this year, Raza outclassed Ukraine’s Igor Gryckiv only in five minutes in the third round at the Rebel FC-7 Fight for Honour featherweight class in Shanghai.

Mehmosh is among the finest fighters of Pakistan in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) along with Ahmed Mujtaba and Uloomi Karim.

Asia Cup: Selectors drop Azhar Ali, recall Imad Wasim for training camp

Former skipper Azhar Ali was unable to find a place in the 18-member training camp for the 2018 Asia Cup as the national selection committee on Thursday made the announcement.

The team chosen for the tournament, scheduled to be played in the UAE from September 15-28, was announced after deliberation between selection committee, Head coach Mickey Arthur and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The camp will take place from September 3 to September 10 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Opening batsman Shan Masood and all-rounder Imad Wasim have been recalled to the camp. Both the players have not played for Pakistan for almost a year.

Pakistan is scheduled to play its most-anticipated encounter against Team India in Dubai on September 19.

Players picked for training camp

1. Fakhar Zaman

2. Imamul Haq

3. Shan Masood

4. Muhammad Hafeez

5. Babar Azam

6. Shoaib Malik

7. Asif Ali

8. Haris Sohail

9. Sarfraz Ahmed

10. Shadab Khan

11. Muhammad Nawaz

12. Imad Wasim

13. Hassan Ali

14. Usman khan Shinwari

15. Muhammad Amir

16. Junaid Khan

17. Shaheen Shah Afridi

18. Faheem Ashraf

One martyred as Pakistan Navy helicopter crashes in Arabian Sea

A crew member of Pakistan Navy was martyred on Friday as their helicopter crashed in the Arabian Sea, a spokesperson said.

The helicopter was on routine operation when it crashed, the spokesperson added.

Two MQM Workers Sentenced To Death In Zahra Shahid Murder

An anti-terrorism court of Karachi awarded death penalty to two MQM workers in the murder case of PTI leader Zahra Shahid.

MQM workers Rashid alias Tailor Master, Zahid Abbas Zaidi were convicted of killing the female politician while, Irfan alias Lamba and Kaleem were acquitted from the charge. The ATC-XVII judge was conducting the trial within the Central Prison premises on a daily basis.

The court had on Monday reserved its verdict, after hearing the final arguments from the prosecution and defence side.

Zahra Shahid murder: ATC issues arrest warrant of investigation officerEarlier, the four detained men had recorded their statements on Aug 2 denying their alleged involvement in the murder.

The driver of the deceased leader was among the prosecution witness. The court had earlier heard a magistrate who conducted the identification parade. The magistrate confirmed that at the identification parade, the witnesses had identified the suspected killers.

Hussain was shot dead on May 18, 2013, outside her residence in the Defence Housing Authority’s Phase IV, hours before controversial re-elections in National Assembly constituency NA-250. The gruesome murder had sparked unrest in political circles of the country as PTI leader Imran Khan had accused the MQM of the murder.

In a video recorded after his arrest, Rashid confessed that they had been following Zahra’s car, and as soon as the car reached her residence in DHA Phase IV, Zaidi opened fire at her and killed her on May 18, 2013. He said they only came to know that Shahid was a leader of the PTI after they had killed her. He said that Asif alias Ganja, Zahid, Junaid and Tariq were his accomplices in the murder.

Iran remains compliant with 2015 nuclear deal: IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has once again reaffirmed Iran's full compliance with its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal in the second such report after the US stopped fulfilling its side of the bargain and left the multilateral agreement in violation of international law.

On Thursday, Reuters cited a confidential report by the UN atomic watchdog to its member states as saying that Iran has stayed within the limits set in the nuclear deal on its enriched uranium level, its stock of enriched uranium and other items.

"Timely and proactive cooperation by Iran in providing such access facilitates implementation of the Additional Protocol and enhances confidence," it said.

Reuters also cited an unnamed senior diplomat as saying that, "The production rate (of enriched uranium by Iran) is constant. There is no change whatsoever."

It added that the new quarterly report was similar in language to the one released in May, the same month that US President Donald Trump announced Washington's withdrawal from the nuclear accord in defiance of its own allies in the deal and the entire international community.

According to the Thursday report, Iran has continued to provide the IAEA with the necessary access for inspections aimed at verifying Tehran's commitment to the nuclear deal -- officially called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Honoring JCPOA is not Iran's only option: Zarif

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a tweet shortly after the IAEA report that remaining committed to the JCPOA is "not Iran's only option."

Following Washington's withdrawal, Iran said it would not immediately leave the landmark deal, giving time to the other signatories -- France, the UK, Germany, Russia and China -- to find ways to compensate for the absence of Washington.

Tehran says the Europeans should provide "practical guarantees" that its economic dividends of the deal would stay intact amid US attempts to pile more economic pressure on the Islamic Republic.

Iran's other partners have slammed Washington's decision to abandon the agreement, which has been endorsed by a UN Security Council resolution, saying they will work to keep the accord alive.

The Europeans have vowed to make efforts to protect their businesses against US bans on Iran, and, at the same time, protect their own sovereignty in the face of American unilateralism.

The European Union is currently working to finalize an economic package aimed at keeping Iran in the deal.

The bloc has already activated an updated version of its Blocking Statute, which prohibits European companies from complying with US sanctions on Iran, and is looking into a payment system to Iran independent of Washington.

It also allocated 18 million euros to development projects in Iran as part of a broader package of 50 million euros earmarked for the country in the EU budget.

On Wednesday, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warned that Iran will leave the 2015 nuclear if it fails to serve its interests.

China to limit number of online games over myopia fears

Shares of Chinese video game companies plunged on Friday after the government unveiled plans to control the number of online games as part of an effort to prevent myopia among children.

The plan is the latest move to tighten government oversight over the country´s fast-growing and highly popular video game industry — and a new blow to their stock market fortunes.

The new regulations were announced late Thursday after Chinese President Xi Jinping issued an "important directive" to protect children´s eyesight.

The education ministry said in a statement Thursday that the authorities will regulate and control the total number of internet games, as well as the number of new titles.

The statement, which was signed by eight ministries, said the authorities will also explore an age-appropriate alert system and take actions to limit the amount of gaming hours among children.

The news sent the shares of Chinese video game companies sharply down on Friday morning.

Tencent dropped by more than five per cent in Hong Kong while Perfect World Co, which was once listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, sank almost nine per cent in Shenzhen.

Smaller game developers also lost ground in Shenzhen. Youzu Interactive Co plunged nearly eight percent and Sichuan Xun You Network Technology lost more than eight percent. Ourpalm Co was down nearly six percent.

China has a high rate of myopia among students at an increasingly younger age, the official Xinhua news agency said, citing Xi´s order.

Myopia has seriously affected children´s physical and mental health, posing a big problem for the nation´s future, the agency said.

The plan follows a halt in the approval of new online game licences.

Bloomberg News reported earlier this month that China had stopped approving any new mobile games as part of a wider shake-up of the market.

No new titles for domestic firms had been added since May and no new imported games has been approved since February, according to the National Radio and Television Administration, which updates the online list of approved games regularly.

Trump threatens to withdraw US from WTO

US President Donald Trump threatened in an interview with Bloomberg News on Thursday to withdraw from the World Trade Organization if “they don’t shape up,” in his latest criticism of the institution.

Such a move could undermine one of the foundations of the modern global trading system, which the United States was instrumental in creating.

“If they don’t shape up, I would withdraw from the WTO,” Trump said.

Trump has complained the United States is treated unfairly in global trade and has blamed the WTO for allowing that to happen. He has also warned he could take action against the global body, although he has not specified what form that could take.

Cristiano Ronaldo set for Old Trafford return with Juventus in Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo can look forward to a return to Old Trafford in the Champions League this season after his new team Juventus came out in the same group as Manchester United in Thursday's draw in Monaco.

Ronaldo, who was not in Monaco despite being nominated for an individual award, spent six years at United, winning the Champions League in 2008, before moving to Real Madrid in 2009.

He will come up against his compatriot Jose Mourinho, under whom he played during his time at Real, while United midfielder Paul Pogba can also look forward to facing his old team.

While those sides will be favourites to progress to the last 16 from Group H, they will have to be wary of Valencia, with the Spaniards returning to the group stage for the first time in three years.

Swiss champions Young Boys, group-stage debutants, look to be the makeweights in the section.

"It's a manageable group, but it all depends on us. Our destiny is in our own hands," said Juve CEO Giuseppe Marotta.

18 killed as Ethiopian military helicopter crashes

Ethiopian state media are reporting that a military helicopter has crashed and killed all 18 people on board, including two children.

Police official Aschalew Alemu tells the Ethiopian News Agency that the crash occurred Thursday morning in the Oromia region. The helicopter was traveling from the eastern city of Dire Dawa to an air base in Bishoftu town southeast of the capital Addis Ababa.

Aschalew says the cause of the crash is under investigation.

The state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate reports that 15 military personnel and three civilians are dead.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Zardari appears before banking court in money laundering case

Former president and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari appeared on Friday before a local banking court in connection to a money laundering case.

Zardari was accompanied by his counsel Farooq Naik.

On August 17, the local banking court had issued non-bailable arrest warrants for Zardari and other absconding suspects in the ongoing probe.

However, on August 18, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) approved the former president’s petition for protective bail in the case and ordered him to appear before the relevant court before September 3.

Ahead of Zardari’s arrival, a bomb disposal squad scanned the court premises and gave the clearance.

The FIA is investigating 32 people in relation to money laundering from fictitious accounts, including Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur. Zardari’s close aide Hussain Lawai was arrested in July in connection with the probe.

The former president’s other close aide and Omni Group chairman Anwar Majeed and his son, Abdul Ghani, were also arrested by FIA earlier this month. Majeed’s three other sons have been granted interim bail.

Over 20 ‘benami’ accounts at some private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, according to sources.

The amount, according to FIA sources, is said to be black money gathered from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes.

Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs calls on FM Qureshi

Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane called on his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Friday, the Foreign Office said.

During the meeting, the two dignitaries discussed areas of cooperation including trade, investment, human resource development, and science and technology, Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

MOS for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Kazuyuki Nakane paid a courtesy call on the FM.The two sides discussed
cooperation including trade, investment, human resource development, and S&https://t.co/OwOb4fUkjj highlighted the new opportunities in Pakistan for trade and investment. pic.twitter.com/33h1L7dMl8

— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) August 31, 2018

The visiting minister also highlighted the new opportunities in Pakistan for trade and investment.

Minister Nakane is set to hold meetings with high-level civil and military officials during his Pakistan visit.

Abolition of deprivation, backwardness in KP govt's top priority: Speaker NA

Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser has said that Pakistan will sign agreements of mega projects with China and Iran, which will stabilize the country economically.

Addressing separate gatherings at Swabi Khas and Jamalabad, he said the CPEC project will generate employment opportunities for millions of people in different sectors.

Asad Qaiser said that the abolition of deprivation and backwardness in all districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the top priority of PTI government.

GBLA body to stop misuse of govt vehicles

Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly's Standing Committee on Home Service and General Administration has decided to stop misuse of government vehicles.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Committee presided over by its Chairman Imtiaz Haider in Gilgit on Thursday.

The committee directed departments concerned to submit comprehensive report about government vehicles in the next meeting.

Govt focusing on promoting modern education at AJK universities: President AJK

Azad Kashmir President Sardar Masood Khan says government is focusing on promoting research, innovation and modern education at AJK universities to compete with national and regional universities.

AJK President said this while chairing the 11th Senate meeting of University of Poonch, Rawalakot held at Jammu and Kashmir House on Thursday.

Stressing on the need to build centers of academic excellence, Sardar Masood Khan stressed to focus on developing an environment of research and innovation at AJK universities.

He said the universities must acknowledge the need in creating a close liaison with the industry to ensure appropriate placement of our graduates.

Drizzle in Various Parts of Karachi, Weather Turns Pleasant

Weather has turned pleasant after early morning drizzle in various parts of Karachi.

In the early hours of Friday, series of light rain and drizzle has turned weather picturesque and pleasant in multiple areas of metropolis, including Malir, Sher Shah, Lasbela, Gulshan and Gulistan-e-Johar.

According to Met office, weather will remain cloudy and light drizzle will continue intermittently for the next 24 hours in Karachi.

However, there is no foreseeing of heavy rains in the city.

Met office has mentioned that humidity level in air is 76%, while, winds are blowing at the speed of 18km/h.

Met department has forecast mercury to soar to 34 C maximum.

Post-drizzle, IG traffic police has instructed commuters to stay cautious while driving.

On the other hand, K-electric has also issue warning to citizens to stay alert during rainy season.

According to spokesperson of k-electric, citizens should stay away fallen wires, and electricity PMTs, and should not use electronic devices with wet hands.

He also said that citizens should not be involved in electricity stealing. In case of any complaints, contact 118.

Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker cancels blasphemous caricatures contest

Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders said late Thursday he has cancelled a planned blasphemous caricatures contest.

Wilders, in a written statement late Thursday, said he has decided "not to let the cartoon contest go ahead."

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan's ambassador to Holland also confirmed cancellation of the controversial contest.

The planned contest had earlier sparked protest demonstrations in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, FM Qureshi and other Pakistani politicians voiced their concerns over the controversial contest.

Khan on Thursday said he would move the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) in an effort to raise the issue of blasphemous caricatures in the United Nations.

Speaking in a video statement published on social media, the prime minister said the West doesn’t understand that our perspective towards religion is quite different from theirs.

"The matter of blasphemous caricatures is an issue of every Muslim," he said.

 

Seven dead in US state of New Mexico after bus collides with truck

Seven people were killed in New Mexico on Thursday after a Greyhound passenger bus collided head-on with a semi-trailer truck that jumped a highway median strip, state police said.

A tire blew out on the eastbound truck, which jumped the grass median to hit the bus traveling in the opposite direction, police officer Ray Wilson told a news conference.

The bus was carrying 49 passengers, a Greyhound spokeswoman said. It collided with the truck around 12 pm on Interstate 40 near the city of Thoreau, about 100 miles west of Albuquerque, the state police said.

All but six of those on the bus were taken to nearby hospitals, said Wilson, adding that their injuries were minor and treated at the site. Injuries to the driver of the semi-trailer truck were not life threatening, state police said.

Greyhound Lines spokeswoman Crystal Booker said the bus was headed from Albuquerque to Phoenix, but deferred comment on the crash to the state police.

The National Transportation Safety Board said a team of its investigators would arrive on the scene early on Friday.

Investigators were uncertain of the truck’s cargo, but Wilson said, “There are a lot of vegetables” at the crash site. He did not know if speed was a contributing factor to the crash.

Pictures on social media showed a truck on its side with the trailer’s cargo scattered across the highway, and the Greyhound bus upright, but with its front end obliterated.

Gallup Indian Health Services received 37 of the injured, said Jennifer Buschick, a spokeswoman for the Gallup hospital. Six people with injuries too severe to be treated there were stabilised and taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.

Three of the six taken to UNMH were in critical condition but the condition of the rest had not been released, said spokeswoman Cindy Foster.

SC hears suo motu notice of Pakpattan DPO’s transfer

The Supreme Court on Friday began hearing a suo motu notice of the transfer of Pakpattan District Police Officer Rizwan Gondal following an alleged altercation with the former husband of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s wife.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar is hearing the suo motu case.

The top court has summoned Pakpattan DPO Rizwan Umar Gondal, Inspector General Punjab Police and the Regional Police Officer in personal capacity. Meanwhile, inquiry officer has also been summoned along with his report on the matter.

The inquiry report has also been forwarded to IG Punjab. According to the report, Gondal was responsible for not conducting an inquiry against officers who misbehaved with Bushra Bibi's ex-husband Khawar Maneka.

Further, the report stated that the DPO 'twisted' the matter and shared it on social media.

Reports of Gondal’s transfer sparked a controversy earlier this week, as speculation suggested that the police officer was transferred because of the August 23 altercation between the police and Maneka.

According to reports, police personnel under Gondal’s watch tried to stop Maneka at a checkpoint for speeding but he did not stop. The police then chased his vehicle and managed to intercept him.

IG Punjab, soon after the reports, denied that Gondal was transferred under any pressure and said it was done due to his giving misleading statements about misbehaviour by police personnel with a citizen.

Apple expected to unveil new iPhone models on September 12

Apple Inc said Thursday it will host an event on September 12 at the Steve Jobs Theater in the company’s Cupertino, California, campus, where it is widely expected to unveil new iPhone models.

Analysts believe Apple plans to release three new smartphones this year, including one with a larger display than previous models. Analysts also expect Apple to release an iPhone with an edge-to-edge display similar to the iPhone X but using less-costly LCD screen technology.

Apple’s event invitation made heavy use of the colour gold, fueling speculation on social media that the company plans to launch a gold-coloured successor to the iPhone X, which was made available only in silver and grey last year.

Documents filed at the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unsealed earlier this year showed Apple had sought approval for a gold version of its iPhone X, but it never released the colour.

A few hours after Apple’s announcement, 9to5Mac, a technology news website, posted photographs of two gold iPhone models stacked on top of each other, with a larger-screened model on the bottom. Both models resemble the current iPhone X.

The site said the new flagship model will be called the iPhone XS and that Apple also plans to release a new version of the Apple Watch with a larger display by reducing the edges around it.

9to5Mac told Reuters the photographs were not mockups and represented Apple’s actual planned products but declined to say how it had obtained them. Apple did not respond to requests for comment about the authenticity of the photos.

Apple shares were up 2.2 per cent at an all-time high of $227.97.

Apple has for years released its new phone models in the second week of September and often updates other product lines such as the Apple Watch at the event. The company has already given base-model iPads and some MacBook laptops an update this year.

Apple typically starts selling new iPhones a few weeks after launching them, in time for the holiday shopping season. The iPhone X, priced at $999 and up, has helped Apple beat Wall Street sales expectations.

Investor Warrant Buffett, speaking on Thursday to CNBC, said the iPhone is “enormously underpriced” even when it costs $1,000, given how indispensable it has become for so many people.

Luka Modric named UEFA player of year

Luka Modric of Real Madrid and Croatia on Thursday received the accolade of UEFA Player of the Year in Monaco after his Champions League exploits.

"My father always pushed me to fight for my dreams, I owe him a lot for everything," said Modric, whose silky midfield skills helped Real to a third straight European crown and then propelled Croatia to the World Cup final.

"It's an incredible moment for me, I feel really excited and proud of this great award," said the 32-year-old, who started out at Dinamo Zagreb and then had four years with Tottenham before Real prised him away six years ago.

Modric, whose success sets him up as a favourite to win the Ballon d'Or world player of the year accolade, saw off former Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool's Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah for the overall award.

Real Madrid's achievement in winning the Champions League for the third season running was further recognised as Modric also won the UEFA award for the best midfielder of last season.

His clubmate Sergio Ramos was named best defender while Real shot stopper Keylor Navas won the best goalkeeper prize.

Ronaldo, who did not appear at the ceremony, was awarded the award for best striker chosen by Champions League and Europa League coaches from last season and journalists.

The award "recognises the best players, irrespective of nationality, playing for a club within the territory of a UEFA member association during the past season. Players are judged on their performances in all competitions ? domestic, continental and international".

Danish international Pernille Harder, of German club Wolfsburg, won the UEFA women's player of the year prize.

Wolfsburg lost to dominant French outfit Lyon in the Champions League final in Kiev in May.

There was also an award for David Beckham, the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England star collecting the UEFA President's Award for his achievements in the game and his work since retiring as a player.

Russia successfully test-fires new interceptor missile

Russian military has successfully test-fired a new interceptor missile at the Sary-Shagan test site in Kazakhstan.

In a statement, Russian Defense Ministry said new missile that can reach a speed of four km per second, has no equal in the world.

The statement said this will mean that enemy's warhead will be successfully destroyed at the maximum height and distance.

The statement said the missile will possibly start mass production in near future and gradually replace the models in service since 1995.

Cancellation of blasphemous contest is moral victory of Muslim Ummah: FM

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said it was a great moral victory of the entire Muslim Ummah that the Dutch anti-Islam damned lawmaker cancelled plans to hold a contest of blasphemous cartoons.

He was addressing a news conference with leader of Tehreek Labaik, Pir Afzal Qadri late last night.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi said the new government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf immediately after coming into power raised the issue at all fora.

He said the Parliament unanimously passed a resolution condemning the plans to hold the blasphemous caricature contest. He said the minority members were at the forefront in condemning this heinous act.

The Foreign Minister said he discussed the matter with his counterparts from important Capitals and it was agreed to use the platform of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation OIC to present a unanimous stance and seek an end to repeat of such sacrilegious acts.

He also recalled his phone call to the Dutch Foreign Minister and said he was informed that act of an individual should not be allowed to hurt the sentiments of billions of Muslims across the globe.

However, he attributed the success to the blessings of Allah and said the cancellation has averted a major crisis. He said the Pakistani government fully endorses the sentiments of every Muslim, the religious scholars and Ulema.

The TLP leadership later announced to end of the 'Long March', of thousands of people that had entered Rawalpindi on Thursday night, from Lahore.

Blasphemous caricatures 'an issue of every Muslim': PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Thursday he would move the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) in an effort to raise the issue of blasphemous caricatures in the United Nations.

Speaking via a video statement published on social media, Khan said: "The matter of blasphemous caricature is an issue of every Muslim," he noted, adding that it is close to every Muslim's heart.

Disrespecting the sentiments of Muslims by targetting Holy Prophet (PBUH) was unacceptable, the premier said, adding that the only way this issue could be addressed was through a joint statement from all the Muslim countries in the United Nations through the OIC.

The PM mentioned that the West had failed to understand "our perspective towards religion is quite different from theirs".

"We will be able to make the West understand that it's not just one Muslim country taking forward the issue or one Muslim country recalling their ambassador in protest," he said, but multiple Muslim countries "through a unanimous statement in the UN".

The premier said he had directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, to speak with other countries on the matter and conduct meetings with the international community in the UN.

"InshAllah (God Willing), we will stage a strong protest and will tell them that such acts hurt over a billion people of the world. It's unacceptable," he added.

Khan said a minority was involved in the blasphemous act to intentionally target Islam.

Civil-Military Leadership On Same Page: Fawad Chaudhry

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said that this time both civil and military leadership of the country are on the same page and shares the same book.

Fawad Chaudhry said this in a TV show following the meeting between Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ.

The information minister said that the PM Imran Khan was briefed over the counter-terrorism operations during his meeting with the military high-command and said that the premier had a positive meeting with the army chief.

“PTI’s government will take into account recommendation of security institutions in policy formation,” he said. “PM Imran will make the decision in view of the interests of Pakistan.”

The information minister, when asked his comments over the coming US Secretary of State’s Islamabad visit, said that the United States is confused on whether it would stay in Afghanistan or not.

“The secretary of state is coming. We will see how much clear he is in his thoughts,” said Chaudhry.

Pak Needs More Steps To Get Out Of FATF Grey List: World Bank Official

World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Patchamuthu Illangovan (Illango) has said that Pakistan is required to take additional steps to stop money laundering and terror financing so as to get out of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey list.

Patchamuthu Illangovan (Illango), WB Country Director, said that Pakistan was added back to the infamous grey list since it had failed to take quick action on the anti-terror financing measures.Pakistan would need to take a decisive action in the upcoming months, Illangovan added, noting that there was progress seen on the 26 points stated in the National Action Plan (NAP).

“Pakistan went back into the greylist because its progress slowed down,” the world bank representative said. Everyone understood that Pakistan’s new government under Prime Minister Imran Khan, too, has acknowledged the necessity of quick measures to stabilise the economy, Illangovan mentioned.Explaining that the World Bank was ready to help the Khan-led leadership strengthen the economy, he said Pakistan should start forming policies and making efforts that boost it on a medium-term basis in order to return to a stable route.

Further, with regard to a question pertaining to the arrival of another FATF delegation in Pakistan, the WB official said: “It is not advisable for me to speculate on the FATF and the Asia Pacific Group [on Money Laundering], how they intend to start their work in Pakistan or what their strategy would be.”

Illangovan said it was best if Pakistan started working on all such measures that it had agreed upon right away so that it could see progress on the resolution of the said issues.

“I believe further measures are required as is the need to take a decisive action in the upcoming months,” he commented.

Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker cancels blasphemous caricatures contest

Dutch anti-Islam lawmaker Geert Wilders said late Thursday he has cancelled a planned blasphemous caricatures contest.

Wilders, in a written statement late Thursday, said he has decided "not to let the cartoon contest go ahead."

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that Pakistan's ambassador to Holland also confirmed cancellation of the controversial contest.

The planned contest had earlier sparked protest demonstrations in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, FM Qureshi and other Pakistani politicians voiced their concerns over the controversial contest.

Khan on Thursday said he would move the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) in an effort to raise the issue of blasphemous caricatures in the United Nations.

Speaking in a video statement published on social media, the prime minister said the West doesn’t understand that our perspective towards religion is quite different from theirs.

"The matter of blasphemous caricatures is an issue of every Muslim," he said.