Major reshuffles: Munir Akram Replaces Maleeha Lodhi As Ambassador To UN

In a major reshuffle, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday appointed Ambassador Munir Akram as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Mr. Akram will replace Dr. Maleeha Lodhi who has presently been serving as Pakistan’s UN envoy in New York.

According to the statement, Prime Minister Khan also approved other key appointments as Khalil Ahmad Hashmi, presently serving as director general (UN) at the foreign ministry was appointed as Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN in Geneva.

Muhammad Aejaz, additional secretary (AIT) at the MoFA was appointed as Ambassador of Pakistan to Hungary.

Syed Sajjad Haider, presently serving as Charge d’ Affaires of Pakistan to Pyongyang, was posted as Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait.

Imran Ahmad Siddiqui, presently serving as Consul General of Pakistan Toronto has been posted as High Commissioner of Pakistan for Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Ahsan K.K. Wagan, presently serving as Charge d’ Affaires (ap) in Niamey, Niger has been appointed as Ambassador of Pakistan to Muscat, Oman.

Major General (retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak has been appointed as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka. Abdul Hamid has been appointed as Pakistan’s Consul General in Toronto.

Whereas, Abrar Hussain Hashmi has been appointed as Pakistan’s Consul General in Houston.

RSLF Commander, Army Chief discuss regional security situation

Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF), Lieutenant General Fahad Bin Abdullah Mohammad Al-Motair called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release that during the meeting, matters of mutual interests including regional security situation were discussed.

The COAS affirmed Pakistan Army’s support towards capacity building and training of the RSLF.

The RSLF Lt Gen Al-Motiar expressed his appreciation for Pakistan Army’s professionalism and efforts towards regional stability.

Governor Punjab to visit Azad Kashmir today

Punjab Governor Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar says a shipment of relief goods is being dispatched to Azad Kashmir for the assistance of quake victims.

Talking to media , he said a caravan of trucks, packed with relief items including food, medicines, and tents, has been set out with the cooperation of well-to-do people and traders.

He said these consignments will reach the tremor-hit areas of AJK tonight.

He said he will visit Azad Kashmir today to meet the victims and distribute the relief goods among them.

Chaudhary Sarwar said Indian army commits atrocities on innocent Kashmiris and urged the international community to take notice of it.

 

Pak Army rescues two British mountaineers in Chitral

Pakistan Army has rescued two British mountaineers who had slipped from Koee Broghail Glacier in Chitral at the height of fourteen thousand feet.

According to Deputy Commissioner Chitral, the rescued British citizens John James and William Tayler have been shifted to Mastuj through Army Helicopter.

Policeman martyred, 3 injured in exchange of fire with militants in Balochistan's Loralai

At least one policeman was martyred and three others injured in an exchange of fire with suspected terrorists in Balochistan’s Loralai district on Monday evening, an official said.

One suspected militant blew himself up and another one was killed by police during the exchange of fire.

Station House Officer Loralai Abdul Rehman said personnel of the police's Eagle Squad stopped two suspects riding a motorcycle near the Lolarai commissioner's office.

However, one of the militants blew himself up and the second was shot dead in retaliatory firing by police.

Three policemen were injured during the exchange of fire, SHO Rehman said. They were rushed to District Hospital Loralai for emergency treatment.

 

Turkey's Erdogan says Khashoggi's killers enjoy 'impunity'

President Tayyip Erdogan insisted on Monday that Turkey will keep pushing for the truth behind the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last year, saying some of his killers appeared to be evading justice.

A year after Khashoggi was killed by Saudi agents sent from Riyadh, Erdogan said Turkey still wanted to know where his body was and who had authorised the operation — suggesting it was carried by agents of a "shadow state" in Saudi Arabia.

In a Washington Post op-ed, published on Monday, Erdogan described the journalist's killing by a Saudi hit squad as "arguably the most influential and controversial incident of the 21st Century". His comments come ahead of the first anniversary of Khashoggi's October 2 slaying at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

Erdogan said Turkey would keep asking: "Where are Khashoggi's remains? Who signed the Saudi journalist's death warrant? Who dispatched the 15 killers aboard two planes to Istanbul?"

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said in an interview with United States broadcaster CBS he had "absolutely not" ordered Khashoggi's killing, although he bore responsibility as leader of his country.

Eleven Saudi suspects have been put on trial in secretive proceedings but only a few hearings have been held. A United Nations report has called for Prince Mohammed and other senior Saudi officials to be investigated. The CIA and some Western governments have said they believe the prince ordered the operation, an assertion Saudi officials have repeatedly denied.

Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and Washington Post columnist, had become a prominent critic of the crown prince's policies.

He was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding. His body was dismembered and removed from the building, according to Turkish officials, and his remains have not been found.

Erdogan, in his op-ed for the Post, said the fact that the killers travelled on diplomatic passports and "turned a diplomatic building into a crime scene" set a dangerous precedent.

"Perhaps more dangerous is the impunity that some of the killers seem to enjoy back in the kingdom," he wrote, adding that there was a near-complete lack of transparency on the court proceedings.

Erdogan said Turkey continued to see Saudi Arabia as a friend and ally, but that did not mean Ankara would remain silent.

"The 15-member assassination squad that murdered Khashoggi inside Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul and chopped his body into pieces served the interests of a shadow state within the kingdom's government," Erdogan said, without elaborating.

Asad Umar likely to return to federal cabinet amid major reshuffle

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf senior leader Asad Umar will likely return as a federal minister amid major reshuffle in the federal Cabinet, sources informed on Monday.

According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken the decision regarding a major reshuffle in the cabinet, with former finance minister Umar taking charge of the petroleum ministry this time.

Sources said that Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry will have to relinquish hold of his portfolio once again.

Around eight to 10 ministers are expected to be a part of reshuffle, with Shafqat Mahmood likely to be given the charge of the Interior Ministry.

Sources further said that Zubaida Jalal will likely become the education minister, with Firdous Ashiq Awan also among those who will be a part of the reshuffle.

Dr Babar Awan is also expected to become an adviser, sources said, adding that the former law minister is more interested towards being a senator.

In the meeting of PTI parliamentary leaders today, some lawmakers complained to the prime minister about the behaviour of some ministers, following which the premier hinted at the cabinet change.

Sources earlier informed that Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to carry out major changes in the Punjab provincial administration with reshuffling expected in the provincial cabinet.

Sources told that a decision in this regard has been taken to remove and replace some ministers within the cabinet.

Munir Akram replaces Maleeha Lodhi as Pakistan's representative to UN

Munir Akram would replace Dr Maleeha Lodhi as Pakistan's permanent representative to the United Nations, the foreign ministry said Monday in a statement.

Akram, who has previously served at the same post from 2002 to 2008, would be stationed at the UN's New York headquarters. He specialises in multilateral diplomacy with considerable experience over the years at the UN's New York and Geneva chapters.

Akram studied at Karachi University and graduated with a Masters degree in Political Science and a Bachelors in Law. He has ably defended and protected Pakistan’s vital interests and continues to play a leading role on other important issues on the UN’s regular and reform agenda.

The development comes merely a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan returned from the United States, where he addressed the UN General Assembly's (UNGA) 74th session — termed successful and historic — and fought Kashmir’s case.

The Foreign Office gave no reason for Lodhi's removal.

Lodhi also tweeted on her personal Twitter account about her plan to ‘move on’ after the United Nations General Assembly session, expressing gratitude over her tenure as the UN envoy from the country.

In another Twitter post, she said that she is humbled by the appreciation she received following the prime minister’s visit, wishing luck to her successor Akram.

In its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced that PM Imran also made other new appointments apart of that of Ambassador Akram's.

The MoFA's current director-general for the UN, Khalil Ahmad Hashmi, was appointed as Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva.

Three new ambassadors were also appointed. Muhammad Aejaz was promoted from MoFA's Additional Secretary (AIT) to Pakistan's Ambassador to Hungary, Syed Sajjad Haider was promoted from Pakistan's Charge d’ Affaires for Pyongyang to Ambassador to Kuwait, and Ahsan K.K. Wagan was promoted from Pakistan's Charge d’ Affaires for Niamey, Niger to Ambassador to Muscat, Oman.

Pakistan's consul general in Toronto, Imran Ahmad Siddiqui, was posted as the country's High Commissioner in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

On the other hand, three new appointments were also made.

Major General (retd) Muhammad Saad Khattak, Abdul Hamid, and Abrar Hussain Hashmi were appointed as Pakistan's High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Consul General in Toronto, Canada, and Consul General in Houston, United States, respectively.

MBS to expend trade and investment up to $100 billion in India

Saudi Arabia is exploring the possibility of investing at least $100 billion in India in areas of petrochemicals, infrastructure and mining, among others, suggests a report in Indian media. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to India Dr Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati last week said that India was an attractive investment destination for the kingdom and it is eyeing long-term partnerships with New Delhi. "Saudi Arabia is looking at making investments in India potentially worth $100 billion in the areas of energy, refining, petrochemicals, infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and mining," Sati told Indian…

Pakistan to invite Manmohan Singh to Kartarpur corridor inauguration

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday announced that Pakistan has decided to extend an invitation to former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh for the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor, which is scheduled to be opened in November.

"Kartarpur corridor is an important project, the prime minister has a personal interest in it," said Qureshi in a video message.

"After consultations, Pakistan has decided to invite Manmohan Singh to the inauguration, who we hold in high regard. He will represent the Sikh community."

"On behalf of the government, as the foreign minister of Pakistan, I invite him to attend the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor," said Qureshi, adding that the government also intends to send Singh a formal written invitation.

The foreign minister also invited Sikh yatris in his message, saying: "We also await the Sikh yatris [...] to come and take part in the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak."

Earlier this month, Pakistani project director Atif Majeed had said the visa-free border crossing from India to Kartarpur, Pakistan, would be inaugurated on Nov 9, just ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak on Nov 12.

It was also announced that Pakistan has agreed to allow 5,000 Sikh pilgrims from India to visit on a daily basis the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal through the Kartarpur corridor.

Pakistan has kept the corridor project insulated from the recent tensions with India over annulment of Article 370, subsequent repressive actions in occupied Kashmir and intensified ceasefire violations on the Line of Control. The project had also remained unaffected by the previous episode of escalation between the two sides following the Pulwama attack in February.

Maryam Nawaz files plea seeking bail in money laundering case

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz on Monday filed a plea in the Lahore High Court (LHC), seeking her bail in money laundering case.

Maryam in her bail plea has pleased the court to approve her bail in Chaudhry Sugar Mills reference, which was used for money laundering, according to the NAB.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has arrested me by violating the law as my all properties and assets are declared, she has stated in her bail plea and claimed that she is being politically victimized.
The PML-N stalwart is currently in the jail on judicial remand in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills reference along with her cousin Yousaf Abbas.

President Alvi urges world community to respond those responsible for state terrorism in IoK

President Dr. Arif Alvi has urged the world community to realize, respond and rebuke those who are responsible for state terrorism in Occupied Kashmir.

In a tweet, he appreciated the principled stance of Canadian government refusing the visa to two ex-Indian lieutenant generals, three brigadiers and two senior officials of intelligence for their part in Kashmir violence.

The world must realize, respond and rebuke those who are responsible for state terrorism in Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. The free world appreciates the principled stance by the Govt of Canada & @JustinTrudeau. Well done. https://t.co/QKPJXGpjua

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) September 29, 2019

President Erdogan vowes to continue rising Kashmir issue

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has termed the brotherly Pakistan-Turkey relations as exemplary saying that great potential exists for collaboration in the defence production field.

He expressed these views at jointly cutting the first metal plate of the first of the four MILGEM Ada class corvette along with Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi at a graceful ceremony in Istanbul.

Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, Erdogan said the world needs to know about the sufferings of the Kashmiri people who are continuously braving curfew and blockade since 5th August.

Equating Kashmir with Palestine, President Erdogan said over eight million Kashmiris are living in an open-air prison in their own lands facing brutalities of the occupation forces with great courage.

President Erdogan vowed to continue rising Kashmir issue and highlight the miseries of the people of Kashmir.

Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi in his opening speech termed this project as another testimony of the Pakistan-Turkey brotherhood.

He updated the guests about the recent situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He spoke about the toxic ideology of Hindutva in India and the threat it poses to regional and international peace.

He said Indian brutalities have reached to new levels after its 5th August illegal actions which are in contravention of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law.

Admiral thanked President Erdogan for raising Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly in New York saying the people of Pakistan and Kashmir are indebted to Turkey for its steadfast support.

Earlier, resident Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi jointly cut the first metal plate of the first of the four MILGEM Ada class corvette at a graceful ceremony in Istanbul on Sunday.

While addressing guests at the ceremony, Turkish President termed the brotherly Pakistan-Turkey relations as exemplary saying that great potential exists for collaboration in the defence production field.

Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, he said the world need to know about the sufferings of the Kashmiri people who are continuously braving curfew and blockade since 5th August.

Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi in his opening speech termed this project as another testimony of the Pakistan-Turkey brotherhood. He updated the guests about the recent situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Pak, Turkey, Malaysia to Jointly Launch BBC type English TV Channel

Prime Minister Imran Khan shared a picture of his meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on the sidelines of recent UN General Assembly session in New York in which they decided to set up a BBC type English language TV Channel.

The Prime Minister in his tweet said, apart from highlighting Muslim issues, the channel will also fight Islamophobia.

Our meeting in which we decided to set up a BBC type English language TV Channel that, apart from highlighting Muslim issues, will also fight Islamophobia. pic.twitter.com/GA6o15oJFH

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) September 30, 2019

Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia have decided to jointly launch an English language Islamic television channel to correct misperceptions and confront the challenges posed by Islamophobia, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said.

PM Imran to Visit Earthquake Affected Areas In AJK

Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit the southern Mirpur district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Monday (today) to express solidarity with the victims of the earthquake that hit the lakeside city and its adjoining areas on Tuesday.

The prime minister would be given a briefing on losses as well as rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures taken by the AJK officials at the helipad following which he would drive to the divisional headquarters hospital to inquire after the health of some of the survivors being treated there.

Commissioner Mirpur told media that 40 lost their lives while 680 others were injured in the quake. He said 172 people are critically injured. 1654 buildings received damages while overall 70000 buildings were affected. He said 140 schools, 200 vehicles and 500 animals suffred due to earthquake.

He said temporary bridges would be made to connect people. He said the underground water is not drinkable after the earthquake, adding that a survey to analyze the losses is being conducted.

Pakistan’s Shadab Khan all fired up to become regular all-rounder

Pakistan’s young cricketer Shadab Khan said Sunday he has set his eyes on becoming a regular all-rounder in the national cricket team.

Speaking to media here in the country's southern port city, Shadab said he was working hard on his batting to be able to serve the team in all capacities.

The spinner — who fast-tracked himself to the Pakistan team after a remarkable performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 — noted: "I have been working hard on my batting as I am to be an all-rounder for the team.

"I am looking forward to do that in next two matches here. I am ready to bat any position, at any number where my team wants me to bat in order."

The cricketer acknowledged his inability to perform to his fans' expectations recently in white-ball cricket but promised that he would do better in the series against Sri Lanka.

“I know that I haven’t done too good recently. But my role is an attacking spinner and cricket has changed recently, so I would be happy even if I go with figures of three for 50 in an ODI,” he said, highlighting that his economy rate in white-ball cricket was not that bad.

“I don’t know how the wicket would be but I hope it will have some support for spinners,” Shadab said, hoping for doing something good in front of home crowd.

He added that the young Sri Lankan team should not be underestimated. “They have something to prove and they’ll give their best.

"I know few of them from my U19 playing days and A team’s tour and I am aware of their strengths. It will be good series with them,” he emphasised.

'Our country is at stake like never before,' Trump tells supporters

President Donald Trump, the target of an impeachment inquiry over alleged abuse of power, warned supporters on Saturday that "our country is at stake like never before".

The video message posted on Twitter came in response to Democratic lawmakers' investigation of accusations that Trump tried to strong-arm the Ukrainian president into providing dirt on Joe Biden, one of the American President's main 2020 election rivals.

American rights are being threatened by Democrats, Trump said, stating that they "want to take away your guns, they want to take away your health care, they want to take away your vote, they want to take away your freedom".

"We can never let this happen," he said. "Because our country is at stake like never before. It's all very simple. They're trying to stop me because I'm fighting for you — and I'll never let that happen."

 In subsequent tweets, Trump repeated his charges that the impeachment investigation is a "Witch Hunt," adding that Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff, who is leading the impeachment probe, had defamed and libelled him, and should resign from Congress.

The President later retweeted more than a dozen video clips of Republican politicians and media allies defending his conduct in the Ukraine scandal and criticizing Democrats.

This culminated with a retweet of a Trump-approved ad attacking the conduct of Biden and his son, Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company while his father was vice president.

"When President Trump asks Ukraine to investigate corruption the Democrats want to impeach him and their media lapdogs fall in line," the narrator of the ad says.

"They lost the election. Now they want to steal this one."

Hunter Biden has not been officially accused of any wrongdoing, and by all accounts Joe Biden sought the dismissal of the prosecutor because the US, Western European countries and the International Monetary Fund all believed he was not tough enough on corruption.

Congressional committees carrying out the impeachment inquiry have ordered Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to turn over Ukraine-related documents and will conduct interviews starting next week with five State Department officials.

They include former ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch, whom Trump reportedly forced out earlier this year for resisting his efforts to pressure Kiev to probe Biden.

Bilawal dissatisfied with PM's UNGA speech, criticises 'selected media' for 'creating hype'

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Sunday accused "selected media and commentators" of "hyping up" Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech at the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) 74th annual session, saying that the premier did not make a strong case for the plight of occupied Kashmir's residents.

"Our selected prime minister is being appreciated on our selected media, but those who know about the plight of Kashmiris as well as the history of their struggle, understand that Pakistan's government can play a vital role for our Kashmiri brethren," Bilawal said.

The PPP chief criticised Prime Minister Imran's address at the UNGA, saying that it was a "pre-scheduled speech that we knew he will deliver before [India's August 5 move] took place".

Bilawal said that the premier should have focused solely on the Kashmir crisis instead of bringing up other issues. Bilawal also regretted that the prime minister did not emphasise the disputed status of the Kashmir territory in his speech, saying that "some people might think that you have accepted this status quo".

Read: PM Imran minces no words at UN, calls out Modi govt for oppression of Kashmiris

"This is a compromise that Pakistani people cannot tolerate," Bilawal said. The lawmaker said that while it was important to highlight the human rights violations in occupied Kashmir, the premier should also have talked about UN's resolutions that grant Kashmiri residents the right to self determination.

Bilawal repeated his party's stance that the prime minister had not done enough to highlight the situation in occupied Kashmir, that has been under an unprecedented lockdown since India repealed the region's special status on August 5.

"How many countries has he [prime minister] visited since" Article 370 was repealed, Bilawal asked.

"No matter how much our selected media and commentators laud and celebrate the premier's speech, Pakistani public does not feel the same passion, they are disappointed."

On Friday, Prime Minister Imran had lashed out against India's Hindu-nationalist government in his maiden address at the UNGA session for its atrocities against Kashmiri residents and the ongoing lockdown in occupied Kashmir. In his 50-minute speech, the premier had also discussed climate change, Islamophobia and international tax havens.

"You know how in North Korea, every time the leader makes a speech or issues a statement, people are made to line up on the streets, and they clap [for the government], anchors are made to sit before cameras on TV and they laud. This is what is happening in Pakistan," Bilawal told reporters in Sehwan. His remarks came less than an hour before Prime Minister Imran returned to Pakistan from a busy New York visit.

Saudi King Salman's personal bodyguard shot dead

A personal bodyguard of Saudi Arabia's King Salman has been shot dead and seven others wounded, including security forces, during an altercation at a friend's home, authorities said Sunday.

General Abdelaziz al-Fagham, who was frequently seen by the king's side, died Saturday evening in the western city of Jeddah, police said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

"Fagham was visiting his friend at his home in Jeddah when (an) acquaintance, Mamdouh al-Ali, entered the residence," it said.

"The conversation between Fagham and Ali escalated... Ali left the home, came back carrying a gun and fired at Fagham, injuring two others in the household, a Filipino worker and brother of the house's owner."

Al-Ekhbariya state television reported that the incident was triggered by a "personal dispute", without giving further details.

Ali himself was later killed and five security personnel wounded in a shootout when the suspect "refused to surrender", SPA said.

It added that Fagham died in hospital from his injuries and that an investigation had been launched.

The general, close to the king, was well known among Saudis.

His death sparked sharp reactions on Twitter, with some condemning the killing of the Saudi ruler's "guardian angel".

Mahira Khan stuns at Paris Fashion Week

Pakistan's undisputed queen Mahira Khan set fire to the ramp at Paris Fashion Week on Saturday for acclaimed designer Karl Lagerfeld.

Dressed in a leather jacket, skinny black jeans and a white shirt with coiffed hair, Mahira was every inch the superstar on the ramp.
She was joined by US singer Camila Cabello, Indian actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, British actress Helen Mirren, US actresses Eva Longoria and Amber Heard and many others!

It was definitely the moment we had been waiting for.

Not only did she walk the ramp, but Mahira also danced with Helen Mirren on the runway during the "Le Defile L'Oreal Paris" show as part of Paris Fashion Week.
The Raees starlet was also seen rubbing shoulders with Hollywood bigwigs including Camila Cabello and Eva Longoria.

Death toll in east Indonesia quake rises to 30, many still in shelters

The death toll from a strong earthquake in Indonesia’s eastern province of Maluku has risen to 30 people, the national disaster mitigation agency (BNBP) said on Sunday and hundreds of thousands of people remain in evacuation shelters.

The 6.5 magnitude quake hit early on Thursday, damaging hundreds of houses and dozens of public facilities and infrastructure, including the main bridge in the city of Ambon.

Officials on Thursday had put the death toll at 20 people. Many were killed by falling rubble.

More than 150 people were injured, BNBP spokesman Agus Wibowo said in a statement on Sunday, and over 200,000 remain in shelters.

Those whose houses were destroyed have set up tents as shelters in near hospitals or schoolyards.

People living near the ocean have evacuated to higher ground following the quake, fearing a tsunami, despite authorities have ruled out the possibility of a giant wave.

Indonesia, which sits on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, is often hit by deadly earthquakes and tsunamis.

The city of Palu, on the island of Sulawesi west of Maluku, was devastated by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake and a powerful tsunami it triggered last September, killing more than 4,000 people.

Pakistan military ranked 15th most powerful military in the world

The Pakistan military has been ranked as the 15th most powerful military by Global Firepower’s 2019 Military Strength Ranking.

According to the rankings, the three most powerful militaries in the world are United States, Russia and China followed by India, France, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom.

Global Firepower ranks the militaries of 137 countries by giving weightage to a complex number of factors and not just sheer numbers of soldiers or weapons. It looks at a large number of different criteria, including the diversity of each country’s weapons, manpower, population, geography and its state of development. While it gives bonus points to countries with nuclear weapons, it does not factor in their nuclear stockpiles in the final score. While landlocked countries are not penalised for not having navies, countries that do have navies but their fleets lack diversity are penalised.

The Global Firepower ranking utilises over 55 factors to determine a country’s PowerIndex score. The formula allows smaller, more technologically advanced countries to compete with larger, less developed ones. A perfect PowerIndex score is 0.0000, which is realistically unattainable. The closer countries are to that number, the more powerful their military is. For example, the Power Index rating for the US is 0.0615. For Pakistan, the figure stands at 0.2798 and for India, it is 0.1065.

According to the ranking, Pakistan has an estimated total of 1,204,000 military personnel, total aircraft strength of 1342 (ranked 7th out of 137), 348 fighter aircraft, 197 total naval assets and a defence budget of $7billion. India, meanwhile, has an estimated 3,462,500 military personnel, a total aircraft strength of 2082 (4th out of 137), 4,184 combat tanks, 295 total naval assets and one aircraft carrier. India’s defence budget is $55.2billion.

The three countries with the least powerful armies, according to the ranking, are Bhutan, Liberia and Suriname, which rank 137, 136 and 135 respectively.

 

Pakistan successfully conveyed its message to world: PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan says Pakistan has successfully conveyed its message to the world urging them to take notice of eight million Kashmiri people living under siege by Indian forces.

He was talking to media in New York prior to his departure for home on completion of his week-long visit to the United States.

The Prime Minister, who led his delegation to the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, told the nation that the struggle would continue.

He asked the people not to be desperate or worried as every struggle is marked by ups and downs.

Imran Khan said he conveyed the message about the oppression of Kashmiri people and all the world powers including the UN, the US and Russia knew it well.

The Prime Minister, who had departed for home on Friday night had to return to New York after the plane carrying him developed a technical fault on its way to Pakistan.

As the technical teams could not address the fault, he had to stay back at the hotel for one more night.

India committing state terrorism in Occupied Kashmir for last 30 years: Zulqarnain Chheena

Pakistan has submitted a rejoinder to United Nations General Assembly in response to Indian reply to Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech to the forum.

A diplomat of Pakistani mission to the UN General Assembly Zulqarnain Chheena, submitting rejoinder, said Prime Minister Imran Khan has exposed the real cruel face of Indian state terrorism before the world community.

The diplomat said India is committing state terrorism in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for the last thirty years.

He said Indian governmnet is carrying forward RSS agenda. He said killers of Mahatma Ghandi are now ruining the secular face of India in Occupied Kashmir.

Zulqarnain Chheena further said we arrested Indian spy Kulbushan Yadev which admitted involvment in various incidents of terrorism inside Pakistan.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his speech to UNGA, highlighted Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir and on minorities inside India.

Prime Minister Imran Khan departed for Riyadh by a commercial flight

Prime Minister Imran Khan departed for Riyadh by a commercial flight on his way back to Pakistan on Saturday afternoon after his special plane had to turn back to New York with a technical fault last evening.

The prime minister, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, was seen off at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi.

On Friday evening, technicians tried but could not fix the problem in the special plane, which was placed at his disposal by the Saudi government, after it landed back in New York.

Officials said it was then decided to return to Roosevelt Hotel where the prime minister had been staying during his seven-day visit to New York, and to take a regular Saudi Airlines flight Saturday morning for his return journey, as he was anxious to visit the earthquake-hit areas and families of the victims.

During his ‘Mission Kashmir’ visit to New York as the head of Pakistan’s delegation to the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, the prime minister addressed the 193-member assembly, and attended special UN summit meetings.

He also met a number of world leaders on the sidelines of the session, including US President Donald Trump, addressed think-tanks, and interacted with international media during his visit.

Prime Minister Imran Khan departed for Riyadh by a commercial fligh

Prime Minister Imran Khan departed for Riyadh by a commercial flight on his way back to Pakistan on Saturday afternoon after his special plane had to turn back to New York with a technical fault last evening.

The prime minister, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood, was seen off at New York’s John F Kennedy International Airport by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi.

On Friday evening, technicians tried but could not fix the problem in the special plane, which was placed at his disposal by the Saudi government, after it landed back in New York.

Officials said it was then decided to return to Roosevelt Hotel where the prime minister had been staying during his seven-day visit to New York, and to take a regular Saudi Airlines flight Saturday morning for his return journey, as he was anxious to visit the earthquake-hit areas and families of the victims.

During his ‘Mission Kashmir’ visit to New York as the head of Pakistan’s delegation to the 74th session of the UN General Assembly, the prime minister addressed the 193-member assembly, and attended special UN summit meetings.

He also met a number of world leaders on the sidelines of the session, including US President Donald Trump, addressed think-tanks, and interacted with international media during his visit.

US blocks Zarif from visiting ill colleague at New York hospital

The United States has rejected a request by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to visit Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations Majid Takht-Ravanchi, who is being treated for cancer in a hospital in New York.

The US State Department made the announcement on Friday, adding Zarif could only visit his ill colleague if Tehran released one of the several American citizens detained in Iran.

Due to US sanctions and travel restrictions placed on Zarif in July, the foreign minister can only travel between the John F. Kennedy airport and a limited area surrounding the UN building in New York where he is to take part in the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Washington has detained a number of Iranian citizens on grounds of violating US sanctions against Tehran.

Masoud Soleimani, a top stem cell scientist held behind bars in the United States without trial for nearly a year, is among the detained Iranian individuals. He, too, is suffering from a worsening health condition.

Iran has on numerous occasions offered to negotiate a prisoner exchange in order to free the detained Iranians.

Travel restrictions targeting Iran’s top diplomat have also been imposed on other Iranian diplomats and their families in New York.

The measure, described as "basically inhuman" by Zarif, is part of a growing list of measures adopted by the Trump administration in a bid impose “maximum pressure” on Tehran.

The US initiated its anti-Iran campaign principally by withdrawing from the multilateral Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) last year and reimposing unilateral sanctions that had been lifted under the deal on Iran.

Speaking on his return from the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that European signatories of the deal - Germany, Britain and France – had insisted that a meeting between Iranian and American officials would lift “all sanctions against” Iran.

Rouhani, however, rejected the offer, arguing that true negotiations and talks could only take place if the “toxic atmosphere of maximum pressure” against Iran ceased to endure.

While US President Donald Trump has claimed to be looking forward to a meeting with Iranian officials on many occasions, many observers have pointed to the Trump administration's often conflicting messages regarding Iran, consequently complicating diplomatic efforts.

While Trump welcomed the idea of meeting Iranian officials during the 74th UN General Assembly in remarks made earlier this month, the Iranian president's trip to the UN summit was almost canceled as Washington delayed issuing visas for the Iranian delegation.

Rouhani was even placed under travel restriction while visiting New York.

Speaking on Wednesday in New York, Rouhani remarked that Tehran would support transferring the UN headquarters to a “more patient" country.

"If we're asked about moving the UN somewhere else, we support that," Rouhani told reporters.

Speaking on Thursday, Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei ruled out any negotiations with the US, adding that Tehran is open to negotiations with other nations unless they hoist “the flag of animosity towards the Islamic establishment.”

The Leader added that European signatories of the JCPOA are also “explicitly showing hostility toward the Iranian nation” by remaining committed to American sanctions and failing to uphold their commitments to the Iran nuclear deal.

“This is the strongest reason why we should not trust them in any field,” he said.

Despite UN resolutions, Kashmir invaded, occupied: Mahathir

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has hit out at New Delhi for invading and occupying Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) despite United Nations resolutions deeming it as a disputed territory.

The Malaysian premier was addressing the 74th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he called for settling the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan through “peaceful means”.

In his address to the 193-member Assembly on Friday evening, he said there may be reasons for New Delhi’s Kashmir move; however, it is still wrong.

“The problem must be solved through peaceful means,” Mahathir said, adding, “Ignoring the UN would lead to other forms of disregard for the UN and the rule of law.”

On the lingering question of Palestine, Mahathir said the first action of the UN was the creation of the state of Israel, seizing Arab land and expelling 90 per cent of the Arab population.

The result was terrorism when there was none before, or not on the present scale, he said.

Mahathir acknowledged that Malaysia accepted Israel as a fait accompli but could not accept Jewish settlements or occupation of Jerusalem.

Muslims, he said, were accused of terror even if they did nothing, and their states were destabilised by regime change.

The prime minister said there were no massive migrations in the past, but now wars and regime change forced people to flee their countries.

Noting that democracy was not the easiest form of government to operate, especially when it was adopted overnight, he called for time for gradual change. Otherwise, he added, the result was violence, civil wars or new more harsh regimes.

Turning to the fate of the Rohingya people in Myanmar, he noted many colonies in the West had expelled natives from their countries, but never as brutally as in Myanmar.

Six Kashmiris martyred, restrictions tightened in IOK after PM Imran’s UNGA address

At least six Kashmiri youths were martyred in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday as the Indian occupying forces tightened restrictions, fearing protests after Prime Minister Imran Khan’s impassioned speech at UN General Assembly last night.

Three youths were martyred in Ganderbal, about 12 miles north of Srinagar, and another three in Batote, located on the highway connecting Jammu and Srinagar during cordon and search operations.

Prime Minister Imran had warned of a bloodbath once India lifts its restrictions in IOK, which have been in force since it revoked the region’s decades-old autonomy in August and detained thousands of people. He also warned the Kashmir dispute could escalate into an all-out nuclear war that would have consequences for the whole world.

Soon after the speech, hundreds of Kashmiris came out of their homes, shouting slogans in support of Pakistan’s prime minister late on Friday night and calling for the independence of the occupied.

Despite heavy presence of Indian troops, people at many places came out of their homes and celebrated with firecrackers as soon as Imran Khan’s speech ended. The Indian authorities tightened restrictions in Srinagar to prevent people from staging further demonstrations.

Police vans fitted with speakers made public announcements in some parts of Srinagar about movement restrictions, while additional troops were deployed to prevent protests, according to officials and two witnesses.

The troops also blocked access to the main business centre of Srinagar with razor wire.

“This was necessitated after protests across Srinagar city last night soon after Imran Khan’s speech,” a police official, who declined to be identified, told Reuters.

India’s crackdown as it revoked Kashmir’s special status was accompanied by severe restrictions on movement, as well as disconnection of telephone services. Though New Delhi has eased some of the movement curbs, no prominent detainees have been freed and mobile and internet connections remained suspended.

While warning of the consequences of lifting what he described as an “inhuman curfew,” Prime Minister Imran demanded India do so and free all detainees.

In some areas — including the Soura region near Srinagar which has witnessed protests in the past against India’s decision — people clashed with security forces by pelting stones on Friday night, forcing police to use tear gas to disperse them, said an Indian official.

PM Imran addressed the United Nations a day after the senior US diplomat for South Asia called for a lowering of rhetoric between India and Pakistan, while saying that Washington hoped to see rapid action by India to lift restrictions it has imposed in occupied Kashmir and the release of detainees there.

Afghan presidential vote held in relative calm, but turnout low

Tight security ensured Afghanistan’s presidential election was held on Saturday in relative calm, though several small attacks, low turnout and complaints about the voting system heightened fears an unclear result could drive the country into further chaos.

Some 9.6 million Afghans are registered to vote, but many have lost any hope that after 18 years of war any leader can unify the fractious country. Photo: AFP

Preliminary results are not expected before Oct. 17 and final results not until Nov. 7. If no candidate gets 51% of the vote, a second round will be held between the two leading candidates.

Taliban fighters attacked several polling stations across the country to try to derail the process, but intense security prevented the large-scale violence of previous polls.

“This election was the healthiest and fairest election in comparison to the previous elections,” said Hawa Alam Nuristani, head of country’s Independent Election Commission (IEC), after the voting concluded.

Ten of thousands of Afghans braved the threat of militant attacks and delays at polling booths to vote in the election, a major test of the Western-backed government’s ability to protect democracy against Taliban attempts to derail it.

Two policeman and one civilian were killed in mostly small-scale Taliban attacks, the defense ministry said, adding 37 people were injured.

Tens of thousands of troops were deployed to try to protect voters and polling stations.

IEC officials did not immediately share the details on turnout, but Western diplomats in Kabul estimated it was low due to fears of violence and delays caused by polling officials.

Voting was extended by two hours, after technical problems delayed the opening of some polling stations around the country.

Independent election observers and activists said a slow pace to voting triggered confusion at some polling stations, with long queues forming outside.

“It took the first voter 31 minutes to vote. For subsequent voters it was taking around five minutes and then it started to streamline to 3 minutes and 30 seconds,” said Nishank Motwani, an observer stationed in Kabul.

“Election commission staff looked panicked and voters were getting angry that the queue was not moving.”

Some observers feared the Taliban had forced a partial shutdown to upset the final results as the IEC, without giving a reason, said it had failed to establish contact with 901 of the 4,942 polling centers.

The group, which controls more of the country than at any time since its regime fell in 2001, had warned the more than nine million registered voters to stay at home or face dire consequences.

Saturday’s presidential vote is the fourth since the Taliban was toppled.

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Six killed as gunmen attack bus in Hangu

At least six people were killed and four others injured when gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus in Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Satuday.

According to police, the incident, which took place in Zargari area, was result of an old enmity.

Local authorities said the bodies and injured have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital.

The police said raids were being conducted to arrest the attackers.

Identities of the dead and the injured were not immediatly known.

Blast in Chaman kills two, wounds JUI-F leader

A blast on Chaman’s Taj Road claimed two lives and wounded eight people, hospital sources informed on Saturday.

According to rescue sources, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl leader Maulana Mohammad Haneef also got injured in the blast, who was later shifted to Quetta.

Four wounded have been shifted to a nearby hospital, added rescue sources.

According to police, the blast took place in front of the JUI-F leader’s office.

Police said that explosive material was planted inside a motorcycle on roadside, adding that due to the intensity of the blast, windows of several nearby buildings shattered.

 

 

PM Khan briefs UN secretary general Antonio on Kashmir situation

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday met UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York and commended him for his clear articulation of the UN position on Kashmir dispute.

Guterres during the meeting with PM Imran reiterated his deep concern over the human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian occupied Kashmir.

Guterres reaffirmed that he would remain engaged on the issue and conveyed that his offer to help facilitate a peaceful solution continued to stand.

Commending the secretary-general for his clear articulation of the UN position on Kashmir dispute, the prime minister briefed him on the 54-days long siege of over eight million Kashmiris amidst communications blackout. Such draconian lock-down had no parallel in recent history and the need for its immediate lifting could not be stressed enough.

The prime minister reiterated Pakistan's rejection of Indian illegal and unilateral actions of August 5 as these were in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Noting that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had comprehensively documented the previous gross human rights violations by India in Kashmir, PM Imran underlined that India's recent actions represented a new chapter of intensified human rights abuses.

The prime minister highlighted the risks to regional peace and security that arose from India's illegal and irresponsible actions, underscoring the responsibility of the UN and international community to take urgent steps to save lives and help resolve the long-standing Kashmir dispute.

Airplane carrying PM Imran, his delegation Makes Emergency Landing In New York

The airplane carrying Prime Minister Imran Khan and his delegation back to Pakistan after a successful tour of the United States was rerouted to New York on Friday after developing a technical fault.

According to reports, the minor technical fault was being fixed and there was no cause for concern. The technical fault was noticed when the airplane was near Toronto.

PM Imran will spend the rest of the night in New York and board the airplane once the technical fault has been fixed. It is not immediately clear when the fault will be fixed.

Due to technical fault in the plane, Prime Minister Imran Khan will be spending the night back at the hotel in New York.

— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) September 28, 2019

Sources also confirmed that the premier arrived at the hotel from the airport in New York safely and will spend the rest of his time there while efforts are underway to fix the airplane as quickly as possible.

PM Imran was traveling back to Pakistan in the plane after a week-long tour of the United States in which he met several world leaders and also addressed the United Nations, General Assembly.

PM Khan brilliantly presented case of Kashmiri people in UNGA: Mishal Malik

Mishal Hussein Malik, the wife of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik, on Friday praised the historical speech of Prime Minister Imran Khan in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying that the premier has exposed the real face of India.

Ms Malik said that PM Khan has brilliantly presented the case of Kashmiris in UNGA as the occupied Jammu and Kashmir has been turned into the world’s largest torture cell by India.

“Now, the responsibility comes to the global leaders and the United Nations to take effective steps against the India’s ulterior motive which would affect whole world,” she said.

“New Delhi authorities have faced complete failure in the occupied valley despite using all illegal tactics to torture innocent Kashmiris. The situation is worsening day by day as the shortage of food is now causing deaths there.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and urged the world to tackle climate change, money laundering, and Islamophobia besides highlighting Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.

The PM told the world body that his government tried to approach India for talks before this move but the Indian side’s refusal was the factor talks couldn’t move forward.

“We thought it was because India’s ruling party (BJP) was running an election campaign and wanted anti-Pakistan rhetoric for its success so we backed off, then Pulwama attack happened in which a Kashmiri youth attacked Indian forces but they blamed it on Pakistan without taking into account what led a Kashmiri youngster opted to become a suicide bomber,” said the PM.

The PM added that the Indian government not only attempted an airspace violation on February 27 but Narendra Modi also boasted about it terming it “a trailer of a lengthier movie”.

He was of the view that Modi follows the Hindu-supremacist party RSS’s ideology, which was behind Gandhi’s killing and the current wave of mob lynchings in India.

Antonio Guterres reiterates deep concern over humanitarian situation in IoK

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has reiterated his deep concern over the human rights and humanitarian situation in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He was talking to Prime Minister Imran Khan at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Antonio Guterres reaffirmed that he would remain engaged on the issue and conveyed that his offer to help facilitate a peaceful solution continued to stand.

Commending the Secretary General for his clear articulation of the UN position on Kashmir dispute, the Prime Minister briefed him on the 54-days long siege of over 8 million Kashmiris amidst communications blackout. Such draconian lock-down had no parallel in recent history, and the need for its immediate lifting could not be stressed enough.

The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan's rejection of Indian illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August as these were in clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Noting that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had comprehensively documented the previous gross human rights violations by India in Kashmir, the Prime Minister underlined that India's recent actions represented a new chapter of intensified human rights abuses.

The Prime Minister highlighted the risks to regional peace and security that arose from India's illegal and irresponsible actions, underscoring the responsibility of the UN and international community to take urgent steps to save lives and help resolve the long-standing Jammu & Kashmir dispute.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has departed from New York for Pakistan after attending the 74th UNGA session.

UN suspends Sri Lanka peacekeepers over new army chief appointment

The United Nations has suspended Sri Lankan troops from peacekeeping duties after Colombo ignored repeated warnings and appointed a general accused of war crimes to head its army.

The UN and several Western nations expressed concern over the promotion of Maj Gen Shavendra Silva last month despite the allegations against him.

“In light of this appointment, the UN Department of Peace Operations is therefore suspending future Sri Lankan Army deployments...,” Deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq told AFP in New York.

“A Sri Lankan Army unit and individual officers currently serving with UN Peacekeeping will thus be repatriated, beginning next month, in accordance with their rotation dates and will not be replaced by Sri Lankan personnel,” Haq said.

In Sri Lanka, the foreign ministry said its secretary, Ravinatha Aryasinha, will meet with the Department of Peace Operations on Friday.

Aryasinha is scheduled to “discuss this matter with the Under Secretary General of the UN Department of Peace Operations”, the ministry said in a statement.

Some 490 Sri Lankan troops are currently deployed for peacekeeping operations in Mali, Lebanon and Sudan. Two Sri Lankan soldiers were killed in a mine attack in Mali this year.

Human Rights Watch welcomed the UN decision, saying it “sends a strong signal to governments that sweeping suspected war crimes under the carpet will not go unnoticed by the world body”.

President Maithripala Sirisena promoted Silva as the new army chief brushing aside international outrage over his appointment.

Silva has been accused by the UN of committing war crimes during the final stages of Sri Lanka's separatist conflict, which ended in May 2009.

The 55-year-old general has dismissed the allegations against him while praising Sirisena's “courageous decision” to give him the top job despite intense foreign pressure.

The government has also rejected as “unwarranted and unacceptable” the avalanche of international criticism over Silva's ascension to the top job.

UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said at the time she was “deeply troubled” by Silva's appointment. The US embassy in Colombo described allegations of gross human rights violations against Silva as “serious and credible”.

Sri Lanka's successive governments have resisted calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of troops during the final months of the 37-year conflict, in which an estimated 100,000 people were killed.

COAS says decline in terrorist incidents due to Pak-Afghan border fencing work

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Friday that terrorist incidents are gradually reducing due to the solidification and fencing work at the Pak-Afghan border.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations, the COAS visited Miranshah and interacted with tribal elders from North and South Waziristan districts.

In his address, the army chief said that enduring peace inside Pakistan is linked to peace in Afghanistan for which Pakistan is playing its role.

“Afghanistan is our brotherly Muslim neighbor and we wish peace in Afghanistan as much for Pakistan,” the army chief was quoted as saying.

The COAS urged tribal elders to continue playing their role in guiding the youth of the area.

Referring to few Improvised Explosive Device incidents in the recent past, the COAS asked them to stay alert and watchful against facilitators and abettors.

“It is only with mutual cooperation that we will defeat such terrorists,” he said.

Tribal elders present at the gathering assured the COAS that they will continue supporting security forces in maintaining security of the area.

The ISPR said that they requested Gen Bajwa for speedy completion of the ongoing projects, besides suggesting few additional.

In response, the army chief said that gradually all will be completed, bringing peace, stability and prosperity in the area.

PML-N leader and former state minister Rana Afzal Khan dies at 70

PML-N leader and former state minister for finance Rana Afzal Khan passed away on Friday after suffering from a heart ailment. He was 70.

Khan was under treatment at the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, where he was admitted after he complained of chest pains a few days ago.

PML-N President and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif expressed his grief on the politician's demise.

He was quoted as saying that Khan was a "valuable asset" of the party and a close partner of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

"He spent his life struggling for the cause of democracy, Constitution, human rights and public service," Shahbaz said.

Born in Faisalabad, Khan was elected to the National Assembly from the NA-82 constituency in the 2013 general elections. He received his early education in Dhaka and obtained an engineering degree from Karachi's NED University, and an MA in Political Science from Balochistan University, Quetta.

He was also commissioned in the Pakistan Army and served as a captain from 1971 to 1976.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, Khan served in a variety of positions, including as a member of the executive committee at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and vice chairman at the Water and Sanitation Agency.

He also served as an MPA in the Punjab Assembly from 1997 to 1999 and returned for a second term during the 2008 general elections.

Khan was serving as the parliamentary secretary for finance when former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi approved his appointment as the state minister for finance in December 2017.

LIVE: PM Imran Khan addresses UNGA session

PM Imran Khan addresses UNGA session

 

First ODI between Pakistan, Sri Lanka called off due to heavy rain

The first one-day international match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka that was supposed to take place on Friday was called off due to heavy rain in Karachi.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a complete refund for tickets under international rules, as the heavy rain made it impossible for even the toss to take place.

According to officials, the cut-off time for the match (the time till when the match can be delayed as per rules) was 8:30pm, but it was called off at 4:30pm as it became clear that it would be impossible for staff to drain out rainwater dumped onto the field by a massive thunderstorm that struck a couple of hours before the match was due to start.

The rain water affected the pitch as well as the field in the stadium, officials said.

The second ODI will be played in the National Stadium Karachi on Sunday.

This was the first time a match was called off in the stadium due to rain. The stadium has hosted 47 matches since 1980.

PM Imran to address UN General Assembly today

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on Mission Kashmir in New York, will address UN General Assembly today, drawing world attention to emerging humanitarian crisis in Occupied Kashmir.

During the address, his message will be clear to find a peaceful solution for the Kashmir dispute.

He will also highlight the plight of the Kashmiri people who continue to suffer a suffocating lockdown.

Sources said that the prime minister will also expose the real face of India and its nefarious design to change the demography of occupied Kashmir before the world.

Former French president Chirac passes away at 86

Jacques Chirac, a two-term French president who was the first leader to acknowledge France’s role in the Holocaust and defiantly opposed the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, died on Thursday at age 86.

Chirac was president from 1995 to 2007. He shaped his style in the mould of post-war leader Charles de Gaulle, seeking to strengthen France's status as a player on the world stage.

The National Assembly interrupted a sitting to hold a minute's silence. President Emmanuel Macron cancelled a public engagement and scheduled a televised address later on Thursday.

"He passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his loved ones," his son-in-law Frederic Salat-Baroux told Reuters.

Mayor of Paris for 18 years and prime minister for presidents on the political left and right before entering the Elysee Palace himself, Chirac had a knack for connecting with voters, particularly in rural France.

In death, he will be fondly remembered for his defiant opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq, a military campaign which turned Chirac's relationship with then British Prime Minister Tony Blair into an acrimonious low.

Blair said he was deeply saddened by Chirac's passing.

"He was a towering figure in French and European politics over many decades. Whatever our differences from time to time, he was always unfailingly kind, generous and personally supportive," Blair said in a statement.

PM Imran urges UNGA to take serious action against illegall move of India in IoK

Prime Minister Imran Khan has urged the United Nations Security Council and other International fora to take serious action against illegall and unilateral steps taken by India in occupied Kashmir to avoid any human tragedy.

Addressing Asia Society in New York, he said over 8 million Kashmiris have been detained by Indian occupation forces in the held valley since last 53 days.

He said curfew should be lifted as soon as possible.

Commenting on the dialogue on Kashmir with India, the Prime Minister said his government has tried several times to negotiate with BJP government but dialogue process with India cannot be resumed unless curfew is lifted from occupied Kashmir valley.

He said the future of the Kashmir should be decided according to aspiration of Kashmiris and as promised by United Nations Security Council through its resolutions.

Imran Khan said that during his visit to the US, he informed world leaders about atrocities in occupied Kashmir.

He also expressed fear of bloodshed after lifting of curfew in the held valley which could ignite tensions between Pakistan and India.

Replying a question the Prime Minister expressed disappointment that the United Nations did not take any action against India despite undeniable evidences.

He said two nuclear powers are face to face on the Kashmir dispute and further tension should be stopped.

Imran Khan said that due to prudent government policies, the economy of the country hasstabilized and steps are also being taken to expand the tax net in the country.

He said Pakistan has now become investment-friendly country with huge investment opportunities in different sectors.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan is also a beautiful country with in respect of tourism and the government is working to promote this potential.

He said that poverty alleviation and employment opportunities issues are on the top priority of the government and it has taken short-term, mid-term and long-term steps under Ehsas Program.

He said climate change is also a big challenge for the country and for the globe as well.

He said Pakistan is ready to play a mediation role for dialogue between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

He said Pakistan is also playing a pivotal role in Afghan-led peace process to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has been hosting more than 4 million Afghan refugees since several decades.

He said Pakistan has presented unprecedent sacrifices in war-on-terror and Pakistan Army has carried out number of successful operations against militancy in the country with the help of masses.

He said India is trying to include Pakistan in the black list of FATF but its efforts would be foiled.

Five killed, others injured in Iran train accident

At least five people were killed and scores were injured in the passenger train derailment in the southeast of Iran on Wednesday, Iran's state TV reported.

The incident took place near Zahedan city, the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province bordering Pakistan.

In the incident, 92 other passengers were also injured, according to the report.

The train, with 250 passengers, was traveling from Zahedan to the Iranian capital Tehran.

Fatima Sohail and actor Mohsin Abbas Haider parted ways today after the Lahore Family Court approved

Fatima Sohail and actor Mohsin Abbas Haider parted ways today after the Lahore Family Court approved Sohail’s request for khula and issued a decree to that effect.

Sohail and Haider ,along with their lawyers, appeared in court before Judge Babar Nadeem, where Sohail stated that it was no longer possible for her to remain with her husband due to irreconcilable differences.

“I, too, no longer wish to remain with Fatima Sohail. We have no reservations; the court should issue the decree,” Haider testified in his statement.

The court issued the decree after taking statements from both sides.

In July, Sohail had alleged that she suffered domestic abuse at the hands of the actor. Sohail had posted on Facebook saying the incidents started from November last year when she claims she found Haider to be cheating on her. While fellows from the industry claim to be witnesses to the domestic abuse, Mohsin Abbas denies these allegations.

Naval Chief reaffirms Pakistan Navy’s commitment for development of maritime sector

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has said Pakistan is blessed with over 1,000 kilometers of coastline and around 290,000 square kilometer sea area.

In his message on the occasion of World Maritime Day, being observed today, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment for the development of maritime sector and empowerment of women in different maritime sectors.

The theme of this year is: “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community”.

Empowering women fuels thriving economies across the world, spurs growth and development, and benefits everyone working in the global maritime community in the drive towards safe, secure, clean and sustainable shipping.

He was confident that the full operationalization of China Pakistan Economic Corridor project will immensely increase maritime activities in Pakistan.

​World Maritime Day is celebrated each year to highlight the contributions of the International Maritime Industry in the World’s economy and to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and marine environment.

Misbahul Haq is not expected to make major changes to Pakistan's playing eleven

Pakistan cricket team may have a new head coach in place but it’s playing eleven against Sri Lanka will reportedly be quite similar to how it was in World Cup 2019.

The Pakistani innings, as was the case during the World Cup, will be opened by Fakhar Zaman and Imamul Haq neither of which had a stellar World Cup campaign, and the former of which endured a torrid 2018-19 season.

Babar Azam will purportedly bat at one-down position, followed by Haris Sohail. The biggest surprise, perhaps, comes in the form of the batting order, with head coach Misbahul Haq having assigned the number five slot for captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The skipper had at times been accused of hiding behind his teammates when the going gets tough, but the new head coach seems adamant on addressing that by promoting Sarfaraz up the order.

Coming after captain Sarfaraz will be recalled batsman Iftikhar Ahmed — one of the two changes in store.

The spin bowling all-rounders’ spots will continue to be occupied by Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan, whereas Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz and Usman Shinwari will split fast bowling duties.

Shinwari will be the like-for-like replacement of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has been rested for the series after contracting dengue virus during the off-season.

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake hits several parts of Pakistan

An earthquake of four point four on the Richter scale jolted Jhelum, Mirpur and adjoining areas on Thursday.

The depth of the tremor was twelve kilometers.

According to PEMA centre, the epicentre of the 4.4-magnitude tremor was six kilometres north of Jhelum.

Sources said most of the injured were from the Thothal district in Mirpur.

DRAP registration board has decided to curb the production of a cough syrup

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) registration board has decided to curb the production of a cough syrup named ‘Tyno’ with Levomethorphan used as an ingredient.

The board has directed all pharmaceutical companies manufacturing cough syrups using Levomethorphan to arrange for facilities to check mixing of ingredients injurious to health. The production of a company that fails to arrange the required testing would be stopped and issued show-cause notice for the cancellation of registration.

The registration board has also instructed all drug inspectors to submit compliance report from the drug manufacturing companies in 30 days. The 290th meeting of DRAP took up the issue of restarting of production of said medicines where it was decided that further production would be stopped until the required tests were done.

According to the documents, the 279th meeting of DRAP had decided to release the batches of Tyno cough syrup produced and Dextromethorphan cough syrup after being tested at Central Drug Testing Laboratory (CDL) Karachi and had directed the pharmaceutical companies to submit pharmacovigilance data with the registration board.

 

CM Sindh invites Australian companies to invest in Thar Coal Power Project

Newly appointed Australian High Commissioner (HC) to Pakistan on Thursday called on Chief Minister (CM) Sindh Murad Ali Shah.

According to the CM House Sindh spokesperson, both the dignitaries exchanged views on the shortage of energy and how to tackle this issue.

Shah while inviting the Australian companies to invest in Thar Coal Power Project said a 660-megawatt power plant was set up with coal mining under the banner of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

“More plants to be established in the area to increase power generation upto 1330mw”, the provincial chief executive had continued.

He said the project has 10 coal blocks with each having area of 100 square kilometers.

Shedding light on the government’s step of eliminating poverty from the country, Shah said his government is working to eradicate poverty through social protection.

The CM said the World Bank has also assured us to provide help in the matter of social protection.

Earlier in the month of April, this year, the first 330-megawatt power plant based on Thar coal was connected to the national grid after it started generating power from the world’s seventh-largest coal reserves.