Hanif Abbasi has resigned from the post of Special Assistant

Hanif Abbasi of PML-N has resigned from the post of Special Assistant.Hanif Abbasi sent his resignation to the Prime Minister after the court order. The Islamabad High Court had suspended him on objections to his appointment.

Hanif Abbasi sent his resignation to the Prime Minister after the court order. The Islamabad High Court had suspended him on objections to his appointment. Hanif Abbasi says, I have sent my resignation to the Prime Minister, I can serve the people without any post.

Two weeks ago, the Islamabad High Court had barred Hanif Abbasi from working as a special assistant to the prime minister. Special Assistants can also advise the Prime Minister without notification.

According to the request of the High Court, the anti-narcotics force registered a case against Hanif Abbasi in 2012. Hanif Abbasi has been convicted in the ephedrine quota case. The trial court sentenced him on July 21, 2018.

PM Shehbaz, Turkish President Erdogan renew pledge to upgrade bilateral ties

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan have renewed their pledge to upgrade the excellent bilateral ties between the two brotherly countries to new heights by infusing new vigor of bilateral cooperation in diverse fields.

Addressing a joint press stakeout after holding a tete-e-tete, Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the relationship between the two countries was embedded deep into history and shaped by shared goals. These ties transcended times and continued from generations to generations.

He said this year, the two countries were celebrating 75th year anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

The prime minister, while terming his meeting with President Erdogan very productive, expressed the hope that under the dynamic leadership of president, the bilateral ties would scale to new heights.

He welcomed announcement from Turkish President to hold next session of high level meeting in Islamabad in the month of September.

The Prime Minister said a strong business delegation is also visiting Pakistan next June which will have productive results.

He expressed hope that people from Turkey will invest in sectors like e-commerce, tourism, education, infrastructure and hydro power generation.

He said launch of PNS BADR, MILGEM corvette is an example of our wonderful collaboration in defense industry.

The Prime Minister expressed hope to further enhance the mutual cooperation.

Terming Pakistan and Turkey as partners of all times, he said many challenges faced by the two nations are same. He said two nations have always stood by each other in testing time and on issues of core interests.

Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Turkey's steadfast support on Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He said Indian actions are posing threat to regional peace and stability. He said India is trying to change the demographic composition of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He said Pakistan is convinced that durable peace in South Asia can only be achieved, if the long standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the UNSC’s resolution and wishes of the people of Kashmir.

Highlighting Pakistan's support to Turkey, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that enemies of Turkey are enemies of Pakistan.

He said Pakistan and Turkey's partnership is for perpetual good. He said we have worked together to promote shared objective of peaceful and stable Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said emotional bonds between the two countries go beyond conventional inter-state relations. It's a bond is deep-rooted in history, culture and in the fabric of our two societies.

In his remarks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey is ready to further enhance its bilateral relations with brotherly country Pakistan. He said Pakistan and Turkey have strong cooperation in defense sector.

The Turkish President a strategic economic framework agreement was signed between the two countries to enhance trade. He said trade volume between Turkey and Pakistan has exceeded the figure of one billion dollars which is highest since 2010.

He said Pakistan and Turkey are working to further improve their relations in the fields of tourism, education, logistics, civil aviation and communication sectors. He encouraged Turkish business people to invest in Pakistan.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan Turkey supports Pakistan in its efforts against terrorism.

He said Turkey supports solution of Kashmir issue as per the resolutions of United Nations.

PM Shehbaz Sharif welcomes Turkish businessmen to Pakistan's energy and agro-industrial sectors

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday invited Turkish investors to explore Pakistan’s diverse sectors, particularly the energy sector, which offers immense opportunities and scope for development.

The prime minister addressed the Pakistan-Turkey Business Council under the DEIK – Foreign Economic Relations Board, where he said Pakistan’s energy sector, with its vast potential in hydel, thermal, coal, wind, and solar areas, could prove ideal for Turkish investors.

PM Sharif said a number of leading Turkish investors had already made investments in Pakistan and assured them of full cooperation by his government to pursue their projects.

He said, given the growing energy needs and high global energy prices, Pakistan direly needed improvement in its energy sector and emphasised that Turkish investment would be a win-win situation.

He said that Turkey could help Pakistan save water by teaching them how to build and run dams.

In giving an overview of the economic and investment opportunities in Pakistan, the prime minister highlighted his focus on energy, housing, textiles, infrastructure development, agro-based industry, and oil and gas sectors.

He said Pakistan-Turkey relations are built on unbreakable bonds of love, affection, and respect as the two countries share a history, century-old tradition, and common aspirations.

He mentioned that the two nations always stood with each other at all times, and added that their relations were marked by extreme cordiality and exceptional mutual trust.

PM Sharif said Pakistan and Turkey must engage with renewed resolve and commitment to build upon this solid foundation, to take this relationship to new heights, particularly in the vital fields of commercial, economic, and investment cooperation.

He also emphasised that Turkish textile companies could explore the sector for joint ventures, especially for intra-industry trade as well as becoming partners in regional and global value chains.

He also invited Turkish firms involved in the agro-industrial sector and dairy farming, stating that there were plenty of opportunities in these sectors.

The prime minister stressed that Pakistani and Turkish companies could also work together in the oil and gas sector. They could collaborate not only in exploration and production but in building refineries and pipelines, he said.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the priorities of his government, saying that addressing the challenges of industrial sustainability, particularly in view of the global fourth industrial revolution, was significant.

He said Pakistan, with its huge youth bulge, could undergo remarkable progress and development in various sectors of public importance.

At the meeting, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Minister for Commerce and Investment Syed Naveed Qamar, and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb were present.

PTI files plea in SC to obtain permission for another long march

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking permission for a second long march to Islamabad.

The petition, filed by PTI Secretary-General Asad Umar, named the interior ministry, Islamabad inspector-general and others as respondents.

PTI Chairman Imran Khan had abruptly announced the end of his ‘Azadi March’ on March 26 and had given the PML-N government a six-day ultimatum to announce a date for a general election. He had later said he called the march off due to fear of bloodshed.

The petition filed in court today argued that the court should order that PTI be allowed to hold peaceful protests and gatherings in Islamabad and no obstacles should be put in the way of PTI protests in any city.

It said the court should order that no PTI worker or leader should be arrested or tortured, intimidating tactics against PTI and raids on houses should not be carried out and the movement of people shouldn’t be stopped.

The petition seeks that the court order that no force be used against the participants in the protest and sit-in.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan has called for protests in Islamabad in case the government does not announce elections.

PTI's petition

Nine questions have been raised by the PTI in its petition submitted to the SC. They are:

Whether freedom of movement, and the right to peaceful protest and procession, is a fundamental right of all the citizens of Pakistan, under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 (hereinafter the “Constitution”)?

Whether constitutional rights, enshrined in Articles 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 25 of the Constitution, can be unreasonably curtailed by executive authorities, through the use of disproportionate and unlawful force on the peaceful citizenry?

Whether the fundamental rights, enshrined in Articles 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 25 of the Constitution must be respected and protected from unconstitutional and illegal curtailment by the governmental authorities?

Whether the State and governmental agencies of Pakistan can unlawfully deprive citizens of their liberty, guaranteed under Articles 9 and 10 of the Constitution, by arresting individuals who are participating in, or intend to participate in, a peaceful protest for the attainment of their democratic rights?

Whether the governmental agencies can, without any cause or reason, browbeat, intimidate, or physically harm individuals and groups who gather for a peaceful procession, thus violating their ‘inviolable’ dignity and privacy of home, as guaranteed under Article 14 of the Constitution?

Whether the citizens of Pakistan have the right to peacefully enter, move around and remain in various territories of Pakistan, in accordance with Article 15 of the Constitution?

Whether the citizens have the right to peacefully assemble, protest and hold demonstrations, for the achievement of their democratic demands, in accordance with the letter and spirit of Article 16 of the Constitution?

Whether the petitioner, a duly registered political party, has the fundamental right to organise, associate and conduct a nationwide political rally, in accordance with Article 17 of the Constitution, without unlawful interference by the federal and provincial government authorities?

Whether the arrest and detention of members of the petitioner's political party, prior to or during a peacefully organised protest, amount to illegal detention and arrest, as well as a violation of the Petitioner’s rights under Article 17 of the Constitution?

I dream to be no 1: Babar Azam

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam on Wednesday said that the national squad is excited to play in the upcoming home series against West Indies, slated to start on June 8 in Multan — the post COVID-19 scenario.

"It feels good to meet and interact with the media in this way [physically]," Babar said while addressing a press conference. The cricketers had been holding virtual press conferences and media talks due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Since the Pak vs WI series has been planned at an unprecedented time, the Pakistan captain said that weather shouldn't be an excuse. He said that the national squad is preparing in full swing to play in such weather.

He said that the weather might be hot but the team is fully prepared, he added.

Further briefing the media about the preparations for the Pak vs WI series, Babar said that the tournament is of immense importance for Pakistan to score greater on the points table. He, however, said that Pakistan will play positive cricket and give their 100% as no team can be taken lightly.

The Green shirts skipper said that commenting on giving Muhammad Haris a chance as an opening batsman would be immature now. He said that the combination of Muhammad Rizwan and him as the openers has been going well.

"We are aware of the bunch strength but we also have to consider our combination," he said.

The cricketer, however, said that the performance of Haris and other cricketers will be analysed in the camp.

Babar further stated that placing Shan Masood on a later position will be injustice as he plays in the top order. He assured of giving Masood a chance saying that the cricketer is in the selectors' view.

"I believe that I have to give a chance to players frequently to build the team," the cricketer added.

Babar vowed to do well in Test cricket, saying that he is playing well in white ball cricket.

"I dream to be no 1 in all the three formats but for that hard work is needed," he said, adding that he is working hard to achieve this target.

Babar said that the Men in Green are practising with the 50-over World Cup matches in view. He said that the team played against Australia — in what was the first tour of the Kangaroos to Pakistan in 25 years — under the same idea and the upcoming series is also a part of the preparations World Cup.

Massive decrease in the inflow of water in Pindi, Islamabad

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Rawalpindi cantonment boards may have to start water rationing as water level in Khanpur Dam has dropped to just 24 feet above the dead level.

An Official at the reservoir pointed out that there had been a massive decrease in the inflow of water due to the prevailing hot and dry weather. He added: “Now, even Haro River, which feeds the dam, has started drying up.”

He said the dam would not be able to provide water for drinking purposes to people in Rawalpindi and Islamabad after July if the situation persisted.

According to a Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) official, Pakistan was on the brink of becoming a water-scarce nation due to constant rise in temperature and climate change. These issues demand improved water pricing and governance so that the threat of water shortage could be averted.

Water level in the dam reservoir on Tuesday was 1,934 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), which is only 24 feet above the dead level, another official said, adding this amount is sufficient for only one month if there was no rain.

He said the total storage capacity of the dam is 1,982 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), adding due to supply of water to different beneficiaries, the water level was decreasing by 0.1 foot per day and the outflow of 121 cusecs per day was much higher than the daily inflow of water.

“Due to the low level of water in the dam, the supply for irrigation purposes to both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab has already reduced,” he added.

It has been observed that the lake has almost dried up; underground rocks and the dam’s bed have become visible at different points. Water sports and picnicking activities have also reduced at the dam.

local boat operator said business had declined due to low level of water, adding that he saw tourists only on weekends.

Farooq Shah, who owns a makeshift hotel on the bank of the lake said: Sales of local hotel owners have declined.”

He added that his daily sales used to be Rs15,000 to Rs20,000 per day but now they have gone down to around Rs5,000 to Rs7,000 per day.

ECP makes decisions according to the law and Constitution:Sikander Sultan Raja

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja on Wednesday said that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is "always ready for elections" as he stressed it will continue to make decisions without fear.

"The election commission makes its decisions fearlessly and it will continue to do so. If anyone is displeased by or disagrees with the decisions, it's their problem," he said during an informal talk with reporters following the administration of oath to two new members of the ECP. He was asked to respond to allegations of bias against the electoral watchdog.

The CEC said that "everyone is our friend" and the ECP makes decisions according to the law and Constitution.

The PTI has accused Raja and the election commission of bias, with former prime minister Imran Khan frequently calling on him to resign. On May 11, the party announced plans to file a reference against Raja, with Fawad Chaudhry saying the "biggest political party had lost trust in him".

On April 16, PTI leader and former human rights minister Dr Shireen Mazari had blamed the ECP for what she said was his "bias" against the party, a day after the commission had announced that would hold daily hearings of the foreign funding case against the PTI. Three days later, Imran had claimed that Raja's name for the CEC office was suggested by the establishment.

The former prime minister had alleged that Raja's name was proposed by the establishment after a deadlock between the then-government and the opposition, suggesting the chief election commissioner should be appointed through an independent body.

Imran had stated that the PTI would file a reference against the CEC, as the ECP had displayed “incompetence” by not completing the delimitation of constituencies on time, which delayed early elections.

At a rally held in Lahore on April 21, the PTI chairman had reiterated allegations of Raja being biased, stating that his leanings were so obvious that "he should be given a PML-N office position".

He had gone on to demand CEC Raja's resignation on April 23, when he had said at a press conference at his Banigala residence that the PTI did not trust the CEC because all his decisions were against the party.

On April 26, the PTI had staged protests outside ECP offices across the country.

Meanwhile, CEC Raja had maintained that he was working in the best interest of the country and that there was no reason for him to resign.

For their part, the PML-N and PPP had accused the PTI chairperson of attacking state institutions to get decisions of his choice.