News, Gaming, Aviation,Fortnite and much more to come: April 2019

Tuesday 30 April 2019

World?s confidence boosted to invest in Pakistan: HC Nafees Zakaria

Pakistan's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, said the law and order has improved in Pakistan and international investors are quite confident about investing in the country. He said this while addressing a reception hosted in his honor by Consul General of Pakistan Rumman Ahmed Wazir at the Pakistan consulate in Scotland. CPEC will contribute a lot in the country’s growth, he said. Negotiations are underway with several British universities to open their campuses in Pakistan, he told the audience in his first ever visit to Scotland. Zakaria said he visited Scotland to meet Scottish leaders and officials. “I am here to have meetings with the business community and the Pakistani community, as well as the government officials,” he said. “The general purpose of my visit here is to promote bilateral ties including economic cooperation and tourism.” The Pakistani high commissioner met different community leaders, including Haneef Raja, Councillor Saqib Imtiaz, Syed Nasir Jaffery, Shoaib Gul and Proff Azra. He responded to different questions of the community leaders and promised to solve their problems, too.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465607-worlds-confidence-boosted-to-invest-in-pakistan-hc-nafees-zakaria

Quaid-i-Azam's great-grandson Ness Wadia sentenced to jail on drug charge

TOKYO: Ness Wadia, the great-grandson of Quaid-i-Azam has been sentenced to jail for two years for possessing drugs in Japan.Wadia, who’s also the co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab cricket league team, was arrested last month at the New Chitose Airport in Japan’s Hokkaido island for possessing drugs.Soon after the news broke that Nusli Wadia’s son, Ness Wadia, had got a two-year prison term, shares of companies controlled by the 283-year-old Wadia Group plummeted.Meanwhile, a group spokesman was reported to have said that the “suspended” jail term won’t restrain Wadia in discharging any of his responsibilities within the group and outside. adding that "Ness Wadia is in India. The judgment is clear. It is a suspended sentence."While a UK based media outlet reported Tuesday that Ness Wadia who controls the aviation-to-biscuits conglomerate had spent sometime in detention before his indictment on March 20 for possessing about 25 grams of a substance. The Sapporo District Court had handed him a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for five years, the report said.The 47-year-old Ness is the grandson of Dina Wadia who was the only child of Jinnah with his wife Rattanbai Petit, known as Ruttie Jinnah. Ness Wadia works for his grandfather’s company Wadia Group and is a resident of India. He is known as an accomplished businessman and is the co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab in Indian Premier League.He is the elder son of Nusli Wadia, India’s 11th richest tycoon with a net worth of $7.1 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The group traces its history to 1736 when it started with building ships for the East India Company before expanding into textiles, chemicals, plantations, consumer goods and aviation.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465459-innahs-great-grandson-ness-wadia-was-just-sentenced-to-two-years-in-jail-by-japan

World?s confidence boosted to invest in Pakistan: HC Nafees Zakaria

Quaid-i-Azam's great-grandson Ness Wadia sentenced to jail on drug charge

TOKYO: Ness Wadia, the great-grandson of Quaid-i-Azam has been sentenced to jail for two years for possessing drugs in Japan.Wadia, who’s also the co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab cricket league team, was arrested last month at the New Chitose Airport in Japan’s Hokkaido island for possessing drugs.Soon after the news broke that Nusli Wadia’s son, Ness Wadia, had got a two-year prison term, shares of companies controlled by the 283-year-old Wadia Group slummed.Meanwhile, a group spokesman was reported to have said that the “suspended” jail term won’t restrain Wadia in discharging any of his responsibilities within the group and outside. adding that "Ness Wadia is in India. The judgment is clear. It is a suspended sentence."While a UK based media outlet reported Tuesday that Ness Wadia who controls the aviation-to-biscuits conglomerate had spent sometime in detention before his indictment on March 20 for possessing about 25 grams of a substance. The Sapporo District Court had handed him a two-year prison sentence, which was suspended for five years, the report said.The 47-year-old Ness is the grandson of Dina Wadia who was the only child of Jinnah with his wife Rattanbai Petit, known as Ruttie Jinnah. Ness Wadia works for his grandfather’s company Wadia Group and is a resident of India. He is known as an accomplished businessman and is the co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab in Indian Premier League.He is the elder son of Nusli Wadia, India’s 11th richest tycoon with a net worth of $7.1 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The group traces its history to 1736 when it started with building ships for the East India Company before expanding into textiles, chemicals, plantations, consumer goods and aviation.

New LG system to transfer power to grassroots level: Raja Basharat

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Local Government (LG) Raja Basharat Tuesday termed the PML-N's claims of deep affiliation with the Local Bodies a joke. During its tenure, PML-N passed LG Act in 2013, conducted LB’s elections on directions of the Supreme Court in 2015 and made them functional in 2017, he said. However, the PTI government gave sufficient time to the opposition to propose amendments and discuss the Punjab Local Government (LG) Bill 2019 but it didn’t avail the opportunity, he sdaid. He was addressing a press conference after passing of the LG bill from Punjab Assembly on Tuesday.Provincial ministers Samsam Bukhari and Ch Zaheerud Din also accompanied him.Felicitating Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar on this historical achievement, Raja Basharat said that the new law was a reflection of PM’s vision which would empower the public at grassroots level.Replying to a question, the minister said it was constitutional right of the treasury to make legislation against which opposition or any body was free to go to the courts but it was fact that all process was run under the law while the opposition was given sufficient time to give its input.He hoped that the matter would not be lingered on in the courts and the people would be able to elect their own representatives within the anticipated time.He said that contrary to the past, the new LG law will transfer real powers to the lower level as the Neighbourhood Councils and Panchayats Bill 2019 was also passed."The new law will end overlapping of powers of development bodies such as LDA, TEAPA, WASA etc prevailing in the previous system by making them centralized under one Lord Mayor,” said Raja Basharat. The condition of educational qualification was removed in new bill while introducing party based elections at upper level and non-party based elections for NHCs and Panchayats.Each LB would get funds directly from the provincial government, he added.Moreover, he said, there would be no District Council or Union Council to interfere their autonomy.Elections for new LBs would be conducted within one year during which the powers would be transferred to the newly appointed administrators, he added.The minister said the PTI’s Punjab government had touched another milestone of bringing change by introducing a powerful LG law.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465268-new-lg-system-to-transfer-power-to-grassroots-level-raja-basharat

Doctor arrested for allegedly spreading HIV in Larkana

HYDERABAD: Police Tuesday arrested a doctor in Larkana on charges of spreading HIV amongst his patients.The accused Dr Muzaffar Ghanghar, who himself is an HIV patient, was employed at a public hospital in Ratodero district of Larkana. He was allegedly responsible for spreading the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among his patients.The doctor’s arrest came after the authorities tried to ascertain the causes behind the spread of the virus among the residents of Larkana, Sindh.The panic had gripped the district early this month when the number of HIV-positive cases rose to 39 including more than a dozen children, according to Geo TV.Children are among the patients diagnosed with HIV, the virus that causes the deadly AIDS disease which claimed a million lives worldwide.However, Dr Ghanghar denied the charges and termed the case a "conspiracy" against him. He said that he was not aware of his condition. Adding, "If I had known about [HIV/AIDS] I would have sought treatment." Dr Sikander Memon, in-charge of the Aids Control Programme in Sindh, said a team will arrive in Ratodero next week to determine the causes behind the transmission of the HIV among the residents.According to an estimate by Dr Memon, there are estimated to be more than 100,000 HIV-positive people in Sindh province. However, the Aids Control Programme has only 10,350 registered patients who are provided treatment.According to WHO, Pakistan is registering approximately 20,000 new HIV infections annually, the highest rate of increase among all countries in the region.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465267-doctor-arrested-for-allegedly-spreading-hiv-in-larkana

New LG system to transfer power to grassroots level: Raja Basharat

Doctor arrested for allegedly spreading HIV in Larkana

Sindh cabinet approves revival of Police Order 2002 as is applicable in Punjab

KARACHI: The Sindh Cabinet in order to implement Supreme Court orders has approved the revival of Police Order 2002 as it is applicable in Punjab, however it has been referred to standing committee for considering certain amendments to make it a progressive law in connection with modern requirement of policing.This decision was taken in the cabinet meeting, held under the chairmanship of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, here at the CM House. The meeting was attended by chief secretary Mumtaz Shah, all provincial ministers, Advisor to Chief Minister Murtaza Wahab, IG Police Dr Kaleem Imam and all concerned secretaries.The chief minister said that the maintenance of law and order was the responsibility of the government. “with our political will we have restored law and order in the province, particularly in the city of Karachi but ever since the police have started operating on its own various serious issues have emerged,” he said and added the provincial government faced the criticism.He said that the police has been made autonomous and now it has to be community friendly. “People must have the feeling of security and protection in presence of the police but some incidents have proved to be contrary,” he said and added under 2002 Act, IG Police would become principal accounting officer under which his department’s financial issues would be solved at his level.The chief secretary said that the entire government officers system revolved around Appointment, Promotion and Transfer (APT) rules and the same rules were applicable on the police also.The Sindh cabinet in order to implement Supreme Court decisions in CP No. 148, 149 and 150 has approved the revival of Police Order 2002 as stood in 2001 and as it is applicable in the Punjab, however, the law has been referred to the standing committee of the provincial Sindh Assembly for considering certain amendments and consulting with all the stakeholders to make it a progressive law for establishing modern, responsible and responsive policing.Price Control: Discussing the mechanism for controlling the prices of essential commodities during Ramzan, the cabinet decided to empower divisional, district and sub-divisional administration to control price effectively. The chief minister directed the chief secretary to hold a meeting with all the divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners through video link and direct them to check the prices, stock and record of essential commodities.The chief minister also directed minister local government to work on a plan in consultation with the chief secretary to accommodate displaced shopkeepers of Saddar area into parking plaza which could also be developed into a market. Safe Cities Authority: The chief minister said that the objective of establishing Sindh Safe Cities Authority Act, 2019 was to ensure the safety and security of the citizens. He added that for the purpose of construction, development and maintenance of a city-wide integrated command, control and communication system within the province, it was expedient to establish an authority. The authority would have a 15-member body under Chief Minister Sindh and home secretary would be its vice chairman. In absence of the chairman the vice chairman would be authorized to take all its decisions. The secretaries of different departments would be its members and it would have a Director General to run day-to-day affairs. The cabinet approved the law and referred it to the assembly. Valuation of Immovable Properties: The Board of Revenue (BoR) presented an item Revision of Catagories and Ehancement of Valuation of Immovable Properties in urban areas of the province. Senior Member BoR giving a presentation said that the provincial government notifies Valuation table of immovable properties under Section 27-A of the Stamp Act, 1899. The valuation table consists of two components, catagories of areas and fixing the category-wise rates. The urban areas are classified upto seven catagories depending on divergence of particular urban area. The notified catagories are A-I, I, II, III, IV, V & VI. The rates have also been notified for each city/urban area comprising each category.Last revision in catagories was made in 2001. The rates of valuation table were also last revised in 2016. Those rates are far below the fair market value as valuation table notified by FBR. The BoR also proposed 20 percent enhancement in the rates.The cabinet directed Minister Revenue Makhdoom Mahboob to review each and every category and proposed enhancement in the rates and place it again before the next cabinet meeting. Continuation of Releif in Thar: Sindh Cabinet after thorough discussion decided to continue relief activities in drought affected areas with previous mechanism of distribution of wheat at the scale of 50 kg per family per month for further three months till normalization of drought situation. The cabinet directed the food department to provide 814,110 wheat bags of 50 kgs for 280370 families to DC Tharparkar for three months which would be fourth, fifth and sixth phases.The cabinet also approved Rs100 million for transportation charges of wheat from godowns to Tharparkar.Gutka & Manpuri: The Sindh cabinet discussed and approved the Sindh Prohibition of Preparation, manufacturing, Storage, Sale and Use of Gutka and Manpuri Bill 2019. The cabinet observed that Gutka and Manpuri were causing cancer, therefore it must be banned. The bill was referred to Sindh Assembly.Sheesha Smoking Bill : The Sindh Cabinet discussed draft for Sindh Prohibition of Sheesha Smkoing Bill 2019 under which manufacture, sale, use or import has been proposed to be banned. The individual or any person found involved in sheesha smoking would be tried under the Code of Criminal Procedure 1998.The cabinet constituted a committee under Minister Environment & IT Taimore Talpur, Energy Minister Imtiaz Shaikh and, Murtaza wahab to examine each and every clause of the draft bills and then present them within next 15 days for approval.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465259-sindh-cabinet-approves-revival-of-police-order-2002-as-is-applicable-in-punjab

CM Punjab directs to pay ads dues to newspapers/media houses

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar Tuesday directed to pay the advertisement dues to the newspapers and media houses at the earliest and also issued directions to the finance department in this regard.He was presiding over a meeting of media committee at his office here on Tuesday.Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Iftikhar Durani, Provincial Minister for Information Syed Samsam Ali Bukhari, Spokesman to the CM Dr Shahbaz Gill, Secretary Information, DGPR and others attended the meeting.The CM said that steps should be taken to sensitize the people about the measures being taken by the government for their welfare.He said that the government had worked day and night in the last eight months to provide all possible relief to the masses.The CM said new local bodies system was a public welfare initiative in which powers would be devolved to the grassroots.Punjab province would take lead in every sector and people would be empowered, the Chief Minister added.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465257-cm-punjab-directs-to-pay-ads-dues-to-newspapersmedia-houses

Sindh cabinet approves revival of Police Order 2002 as is applicable in Punjab

CM Punjab directs to pay ads dues to newspapers/media houses

Pakistan named tenth 'angriest' country in the world in new survey

Pakistan has been named the tenth angriest country in the world, as per a recent survey conducted recently. The survey conducted by Gallup Global Emotions Report contained interviews by over 150,000 people from more than 140 countries around the world, naming Pakistan the tenth angriest of the lot.According to the findings published, levels of stress, worries and sadness had elevated amongst people with 39 percent claiming to have been tangled in worries and 35 percent under immense stress prior to the survey.With Armenia topping the list, Iran and Iraq were second and third consecutively after which Palestine, Morocco, Turkey, Niger, Chad and Libya followed. The annual, semiannual and biennial Gallup World Poll sheds light on weighty issues around the globe.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465253-pakistan-named-tenth-angriest-country-in-the-world-in-new-survey

Heatwave relief camps set up in Karachi as NDMA, JPMC, MET issue warnings

By Natasha AliKARACHI: In the wake of the heatwave warning issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the city administration has set up 115 heat prevention camps across Karachi as a first response initiative to provide relief to citizens. The Pakistan Met department issued a heat wave warning last week, predicting that temperatures in the city may soar to as high as 42 degrees in the coming days, and advised all stakeholders to take preventive measures. These stakeholders, which include Pakistan Rangers, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) – a designated first response centre - are also playing their role in assisting the city administration in its summer preparedness.This year, several awareness drives and seminars were also organized in the city for preparedness. A Climate Change, Summer & Monsoon Safety Awareness Seminar was recently organized in Karachi by K-Electric in collaboration with NDMA, PMD, JPMC, City Administration and PDMA.Awareness has been noticeably better this summer as a result of increased awareness and a heightened sense of responsibility. The Sindh Health Department has also prepared a “Heat Wave Emergency Contingency Plan - 2019”.Dr. Seemin Jamali, Executive Director of the JPMC said people should remain indoors as much as possible and to remain hydrated if they venture outdoors. She also advised the use of caps, sunglasses and wet towels to limit the effect of extreme temperatures. Dr. Jamali also advised people to take oral rehydration salts (ORS) and extra care for children and the elderly. She also thanked MET, PDMA and NDMA for raising awareness and appreciated Rangers and NGOs for establishing relief camps that are also supported by K-Electric, which is providing water, ORS, ice boxes and towels to 115 camps across the city and pursuing the awareness and prevention campaign.The city administration has also set up 185 cold water points in the city. 24 ambulances will be on standby at different locations and 18 mobile teams will to provide immediate treatment and relief to people.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465249-heatwave-relief-camps-set-up-in-karachi-as-ndma-jpmc-met-issue-warnings

Pakistan named tenth 'angriest' country in the world in new survey

Pakistan has been named the tenth angriest country in the world, as per a recent survey conducted recently. The survey conducted by Gallup Global Emotions Report contained interviews by over 150,000 people from more than 140 countries around the world, naming Pakistan the tenth angriest of the lot. According to the findings published, levels of stress, worries and sadness had elevated amongst people with 39 percent claiming to have been tangled in worries and 35 percent under immense stress prior to the survey.With Armenia topping the list, Iran and Iraq were second and third consecutively after which Palestine, Morocco, Turkey, Niger, Chad and Libya followed. The annual, semiannual and biennial Gallup World Poll sheds light on weighty issues around the globe.

Heatwave relief camps set up in Karachi as NDMA, JPMC, MET issue warnings

Labourers' rights cornerstone of PPP ideology: Bilawal ahead of Labour's Day

KARACHI: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Tuesday that the labourers’ rights remain the cornerstone of Party’s democratic ideology adding that the Constitution of 1973 guarantees justified wages, personal security and equal rights.In his message on the eve of Labour Day being commemorated tomorrow across the world, he pledged that the PPP would continue to fight for the labourers rights until the labour class gets what the Constitution has guaranteed for.PPP chairman offered salutations to Pakistani labourers, who laid their lives for the rights of their class during the struggle for restoration and strengthening of democracy, which is still continuing. However, they have achieved certain targets during their struggle for the rights mainly during PPP governments.Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the working class of Pakistan was still being deprived of their due rights and the menace of denying them of their just rights and privileges is also in full swing. Hence the incumbent government of Imran Khan and the collective interests of the working and labour classes of Pakistan stand poles apart from each other. The present Niazi Government has deprived the poor, indigent, and labourers of bread after the prices of commodity and utility items have been missiled through the roof during the nine months misrule, he pointed out.He said that the flawed policies of the present government have almost buried the economy and such policies have ruined lives of the people across the board. “Amid these devastating situations, only the PPP is capable of creating a balance between the employers and the employees through fair and workable policies and programmes,” he added.Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reminded that Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had in his time pioneered the labour policy and trade unions rights and again it was the PPP government that introduced “Benazir Employees Stake Option Scheme” through which the employees benefitted from free shares of their respective company. It is also a major breakthrough that PPP’s present provincial Sindh Government has launched a tripartite labour policy, in which a mechanism has been devised facilitate both sides of the employees and the emplowers. However, there is still much need for the improvement in the policies to resolve all pending issues, he said.Bilawal Bhutto Zardari urged upon labourers and trade unions to join hands together for the speedy resolution of the pending and other issues that are repressive in the mode of application on the pattern of labour movement observed on May Day.He assured the labourers of Pakistan that the PPP would, in light of ideology of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and as per the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, keep struggling for the rights of the labourers as the torchbearer democratic fight.

Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi meets Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi on his official visit to Nigeria called on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and also visited various Nigerian Naval facilities including training units.Upon his arrival at Naval Headquarters in Abuja, the Admiral was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Nigerian Navy, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas while a ceremonial Guard of Honour was also presented to him at the occasion. During the meeting, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi dilated upon matters of mutual interest and bilateral naval collaboration while the Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy’s efforts for ensuring maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrols and participation in combined maritime forces (CMF). Naval Chief also thanked Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas for participation of Nigerian Navy Delegation/ Special Forces Team in recently conducted Multinational Maritime Exercise AMAN-19 at Karachi. He also underscored the importance of further enhancing the interaction between both the navies through port calls, bilateral naval exercises and training exchange programmes.Chief of the Nigerian Navy acknowledged the significance of strong bilateral naval association in diverse realms between both the navies. He also highly appreciated and acknowledged Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitment in support of collaborative maritime security and successful conduct of Exercise AMAN-19. Earlier, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi also called on Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin. During the meeting, professional matters of mutual interest and bilateral defence ties were pondered upon. General Abayomi acknowledged and highly appreciated the role and contributions of Pakistan in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Both the dignitaries agreed on further enhancing the collaboration between both the countries in the fields of training and other defence matters. The Naval Chief also visited Nigerian Navy’s Western Naval Command (WNC) and Nigerian Navy Ship QUORRA where the Naval Chief was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon his arrival. He also witnessed the maritime surveillance system. Later, the Admiral also visited Naval Dockyard where he was given detailed briefings on various aspects of the operational activities of the command. It is expected that the recent visit of the Naval Chief will further augment and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and Armed Forces in particular.

Probe against Chaudhry Shujaat, Pervaiz Elahi to end after court's approval

LAHORE: National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) plea to wrap up the undergoing inquiry against Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, has been approved on Tuesday by an accountability court. The two had been undergoing probe going for buying 28 plots in the LDA Scheme with the case being heard by an accountability court on NAB’s plea to conclude the inquiry over lack of evidences. It was revealed that amidst the inquiry it was proved that a servant of the two Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) had bought the plots with the investigation officer of the bureau stating that NAB’s chief Javed Iqbal had allowed for the probe to end.The Chaudhry brothers have been under investigation by NAB for allegedly possessing assets beyond means with source in the bureau’s Lahore office that numerous shares have emerged in several companies with the names of the two attached to them.

Labourers' rights cornerstone of PPP ideology: Bilawal ahead of Labour's Day

Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi meets Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff

Probe against Chaudhry Shujaat, Pervaiz Elahi to end after court's approval

Nawaz Sharif?s petition for bail extension to be heard by SC on Friday

ISLAMABAD: Former ousted premier Nawaz Sharif’s petition for an extension in bail on medical grounds, will be heard by the Supreme Court on Friday. According to reports, under the headship of Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, a three-member bench will hear the petition which was filed earlier today by the former prime minister.Nawaz had filed the review petition in the apex court, on the Supreme Court’s decision made on March 26, seeking an extension in his bail which will expire on May 7.Nawaz had been serving his jail term since December of 2018 in the Al Azizia corruption reference as per the verdict by the Supreme Court in 2017. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader was found guilty in the Al Azizia Steel Mills reference and was sentenced for seven years imprisonment by an accountability court.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465237-nawaz-sharifs-petition-for-bail-extension-to-be-heard-by-sc-on-friday

Govt to pass on minimum burden to people, minister on hike in POL prices

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan wants the ECC to review a summary seeking increase in petroleum prices and pass on minimum burden to the people, said Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information .Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, she said the cabinet meeting discussed OGRA's recommendation to increase the prices of petroleum products by 14 rupees per litre.Talking about Ramzan, she said cabinet has decided to observe the office timings from 10 am to 4 pm during the holy month to provide maximum relief to people observing fast without compromising their productivity.She said a special committee has been assigned the responsibility to prepare a Ramazan package to provide maximum relief to the masses. She said the committee will also make sure that no load-shedding is done during the holy month.Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet was taken into confidence regarding the proposed local government system in Punjab that will be modeled on the one already implemented successfully in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.She said the new local government system will devolve the powers at the grass root level and empower local people.She said cabinet discussed in detail five legislative bills that will help people resolve their problems as part of people friendly agenda of PTI government.She said Enforcement of Women Property Rights bill will ensure women get their due share in inheritance. Amendments in Code of Civil Procedure will help decide the civil cases swiftly. Similarly, the Succession Certificates will now be issued by NADRA and heirs can get these within a fortnight, saving their precious time and hassle.Firdous Ashiq Awan said Whistle Blower Protection bill will also be introduced to provide protection to whistleblowers regarding corruption in various public institutions.She said an Anti-Corporal Punishment bill will also be tabled soon in the parliament to discourage the physical punishment and abuse at schools. Special Assistant to Prime Minister said a bill named Zainab Alert will also be introduced to stop child sexual abuse.The cabinet also decided to hold audit of the 1300 billion rupees circular debt in order to determine who is responsible for the increase.The Prime Minister directed to ensure that austerity steps are implemented at both federal and provincial levels.Special Assistant to PM said the cabinet was also taken into confidence on various initiatives taken by Task Force on Institutional Reforms in various institutions.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465235-govt-to-pass-on-minimum-burden-to-people-minister-on-hike-in-pol-prices

Nawaz Sharif?s petition for bail extension to be heard by SC on Friday

Petrol price hike delayed by govt

ISLAMABAD: The decision for a hike in petroleum prices has been stalled for now, revealed Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on Tuesday.Addressing a presser, after the Federal Cabinet meeting, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader announced that after reviewing the summary of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to send the matter to the ECC after which a decision will be taken. OGRA had earlier recommended in its summary to Ministry of Finance, a hike of Rs4.89 per litre in diesel prices, Rs7.46 in kerosene oil, Rs14.37 in petrol and Rs6.40 in light diesel price.

Govt to pass on minimum burden to people, minister on hike in POL prices

Petrol price hike delayed by govt

NAB Karachi recommends cases against Siraj Durrani, Kamran Michael

KARACHI: The National Accountability Bureau on Tuesday decided and recommended corruption cases against former PML-N minister Kamran Michael, Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani and senior PIA officers. DG NAB Karachi Brig (R) Farooq Naser Awan reiterated the resolve to retrieve illegal lands of the state and looted money to be restored to national exchequer with more efforts of investigating teams.Subsequent to completion of complaint verification process, case was recommended to NAB HQ for authorization of inquiry in a corruption matter of Pakistan International Airline (PIA).As per details, an ATR 42-500 was illegally grounded by senior management in April 2014 which accrued loss to PIA to the tune of millions of rupees. The plane would have been otherwise functional and airworthy with routine maintenance. But the plane was grounded in violation of aviation regulations, with the intention of stealing its parts and rendering its status as scrap. In another corruption case of PIA, complaint was recommended for approval of formal inquiry in which PIA awarded illegal agreement to a private logistics company M/s Leisure Cargo for utilisation of its cargo space for 3 years from 2016 to 2019 at low and uncompetitive rates for extending illegal favour to the company. It suffered violation of approval of Board and agreement was tampered which led to loss to the national carrier of millions of dollars.The DG issued directions that other PIA matters may be looked into thoroughly for conclusion of complaints related to PIA at the earliest. An investigation was authorised after completion of inquiry against M/s Humair Associates regarding Gulshan e Roomi Housing Project on allegations of cheating public at large.It was established that the builder after receiving amounts in millions from 104 allottees, had failed to hand over possession of plots to them since 1979. The value of plots is approximately Rs 600 million. The board also recommended to Chairman NAB for approval of Reference against Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani after completion of investigation.The board was apprised that the accused had accumulated assets beyond known sources of income worth Rs 1.6 billion much beyond his declared assets.The assets were held by the accused, his family and various benamidars who have been recommended for trial. There are certain benamidars who are personal servants of the accused and his family. Regional Board also made recommendation to Chairman NAB for approval of Supplementary Reference against Senator Kamran Michael against whom further evidence was collected regarding his role in receiving bribe of amount Rs 110 million through bank accounts of his friends and benamidars, for illegal sale of plots of KPT Cooperative Housing Society.He purchased various properties in his brother’s name with the bribe money. The Supplementary Reference will be filed against him and other accused persons after approval of Competent Authority.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465232-nab-karachi-recommends-cases-against-siraj-durrani-kamran-michael

PM Imran to perform ground-breaking of Mohmand Dam

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan will perform ground-breaking of Mohmand Dam on Thursday, Senator Faisal Javed said on Tuesday.The chairperson Senate's Standing Committee on Information thanked all the donors, who contributed to the cause.Cabinet meetingThe prime minister is chairing cabinet meeting to discuss overall political and economic situation.Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance is said to have briefed the meeting on the agreements signed between Pakistan and China.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465226-pm-imran-to-perform-ground-breaking-of-mohmand-dam

NAB Karachi recommends cases against Siraj Durrani, Kamran Michael

PM Imran to perform ground-breaking of Mohmand Dam

Utility stores urged to ensure availability of products in Ramzan

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Abdul Razak Dawood Tuesday directed the Utility Stores corporation (USC) to ensure smooth supply of daily use commodities during Ramzan. During a meeting regarding Ramzan relief package the adviser further said that timely supply of required stock at all stores and provision of products to masses at affordable rates during the holy month should be ensured by the corporation to facilitate the public at grass root level.The meeting was given a detail briefing by the officials of USC about the preparations regarding Ramzan Relief package.The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Railways Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed, Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Faisal Vawda, Minister for Planning, development and Reforms Mukhdum Khusro Bakhtyar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Nadeem Baber and senior official of USC.The government had already provided Rs 2 billion to USC for Ramzan Relief Package, which would be functional across the country from May 2. The package will facilitate the middle income and lower income people by providing them essential items at a lower price through countrywide network of Utility Store Corporation.Under Ramzan Package, the subsidy from Rs 5 to Rs 50 will be provided on different 19 different items including flour, ghee and oil, rice, tea, sugar, pulses, Baisan, Dates, Milk and syrups during the month of blessings.

Utility stores urged to ensure availability of products in Ramzan

Sindh govt. announces summer vacation for colleges from May 1

KARACHI: Sindh government has announced summer vacation for all the public and private colleges under the administrative control of College Education department Sindh, commencing from May 1 to June 30. All colleges would open on July 1 after the summer vacation, said a statement issued on TuesdayMoreover, the timing of schools have been revised from 8:00 am to 02:00 pm.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465214-colleges-to-observe-summer-vacation-from-may-1-to-june-30

Sindh govt. announces summer vacation for colleges from May 1

Bilawal congratulates senators for voting marriage age bill

ISLAMABAD: Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto on Tuesday congratulated the senators for approving a bill fixing the age of puberty as 18 years for the girls.The PPP chairman castigated the ruling party for not supporting the necessary legislation. “Government trying to justify underage marriage and opposing our bill was particularly pathetic,” he tweeted.The upper house of the Parliament Monday passed a bill to amend the child marriage restraint act 1929 to fix the age of puberty as 18 years for the girls.Senator Sherry Rehman presented the bill to be passed unanimously but it triggered a heated debate on the issue. The opposition parties including JUI and Jamat-e-Islami objected to it.Senator Ghafoor Haidri raised an objection saying, fixing the age of 18 years for Nikah is inconsonant with the Shariah law therefore the bill may be sent to Islamic Ideology Council (IIC) for further discussion.Senator Mushataq Ahmad rejected the bill saying it is against article 2-A of the Constitution as defining 18 years for puberty is against Shariat.He suggested reducing the age of puberty from 18 to 15 in consultation with the IIC.Senator Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman also opposed the bill on the grounds that committee did not invited Ulema for consultation and brought the bill to the house without hearing them therefore the matter may be send to IIC for further discussion.Senator Maulana Faiz Muhammad said the Senate is not a proper forum to discus matters like this therefore it may be referred to the IIC for further discussion.State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said though the intent of the bill is noble but some of the issues require technical consultation as the country is came into being in the name of Islam.“The Constitution binds us to make legislation in consonant with Islamic laws,” the minister said adding the matter may be sent to the IIC.Senator Raza Rabbani in support of the bill apprised the house that the bill was earlier sent to the IIC however, it remained pending there for years without discussion.He said Sindh Assembly has already passed the same bill which was not challenged or opposed at any forum so far.He further said the age of puberty of girls in other Islamic countries is also 18 years.Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noor-ul-Qadri said similar bill was sent to the IIC in 2010 by former parliamentarians Marvi Memon and Atiya Anayat ullah, which was returned by the council with the observation that according to Fuqaha, the age of puberty varies and can not be fixed.The mover of the bill Senator Sherry Rehman however, urging the Senate chairman for voting on the bill said the age of voting, eligibility for national identity card is also 18 so why the age of puberty cannot be fixed accordingly.Giving details of Muslim countries declared 18 years of age as the age of puberty, she said in Algeria the age is 19, Bangladesh, Egypt, Turkey, Morroco, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and even the Suadi Arabia has fixed the age of 18 for puberty.“We are not promoting western values but trying to save innocent lives as a Pakistani women died every 20 minute because of early marriage,” the senator said and added the entire world legislate to protect the lives of their girls but unfortunately 21 percent marriages take place under the age of 18 in Pakistan.Leader of the house Senator Shibli Faraz favored the bill saying he was part of the committee deliberated on the bill and the IIC was confused and never took a clear position on the issue when their opinion was sought.Senator Sassui Palijo said the girls in Pakistan are exploited in the name of Islam.She said Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him was the first one who protected girls and gave them rights in the time when they were buried alive.Senator Farooq H Naik in favor of the bill said the bill fixing the marriage age but not restricting anyone to marry a girl under the age of 18.“The marriage before the age of 18 will not be invalid but the bill is criminalizing the act for the protection of girls,” he said.He said Islamic jurisprudence allows man to marry four women but Muslim family ordinance 1961 restrict the person to seek consent of the first wife before second marriage but if he does not, will be punishable crime but not invalidate the marriage.Senator Mushahid Ullah in support of the bill said to ensure the discipline in the society and to curb women exploitation, such legislation will be very effective.Senator Taj Roohani said the age of puberty even from medical point of view is 18 years however, some girls reach to the age of puberty in the age of 11 or 12 because of good nutrition.Winding up the debate on the bill the senate chairman sought voting and passed the bill with opposition of 5 votes.

Bilawal congratulates senators for voting marriage age bill

FM Qureshi highlights Pakistan's efforts for peace in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is making sincere efforts for success of the Afghan peace process, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said on Tuesday.Speaking at Seventh Round of Pakistan-Afghanistan Track-II Dialogue, he said he has visited different countries and also held several meetings with US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad for peace in Afghanistan.The minister said peace in Afghanistan is imperative for regional connectivity, adding that Afghan people themselves have to decide their future.He said Pakistan and Afghanistan have the shared future, inviting Kabul to make a new beginning.Qureshi said said Pakistan has played its due role in development of Afghanistan.The Minister said Afghanistan is a Pakistan's major trading partner, and the two countries do trade through rail and road.He said Afghanistan's importance in regional connectivity cannot be ignored as completion of projects with Central Asian states such as TAPI and CASA-1000 is not possible without Afghanistan.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465203-fm-qureshi-highlights-pakistans-efforts-for-peace-in-afghanistan

Finance ministry decline reports regarding delay, reduction of funds to provinces

ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Finance on Tuesday said federal government has neither reduced nor delayed transfer of funds to any of the provinces.The ministry said in a statement all the provinces have been receiving their share in Federal Transfers in accordance with the NFC Award."Federal Government makes these transfers, fortnightly, on the same day of reporting of the collections by the collecting agencies," Radio Pakistan reported.It said shortfall in revenue collections results in a uniform change in the share of the Federation and the provinces in the Federal Transfers.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/465201-finance-ministry-decline-reports-regarding-delay-reduction-of-funds-to-provinces

FM Qureshi highlights Pakistan's efforts for peace in Afghanistan

Finance ministry decline reports regarding delay, reduction of funds to provinces

Heatwave alert: Temperature rises in Karachi

Karachi: The weather in Karachi is hot and dusty with temperature expected to touch 41 Celsius, according to Met Office on Tuesday.With mercury rising in the metropolis, weather turned dusty since early morning.The Met office has forecast a heatwave that would grip the Karachi during 1 – 3 May 2019. During the first three days of May, maximum temperature would range between 40-42 C during this period. "Winds flow will be from North/Northwest during daytimes," said a Heatwave alert.The Met Office requested the authorities to take precautionary measures.

Pakistan weather forecast: 30 April Tuesday

Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very hot in south Punjab and Sindh. However, dust-thunderstorm/rain with gusty winds is expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore divisions, Islamabad, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.Weather Forecast for Wednesday: Mainly hot and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while very hot in south Punjab and Sindh. However, dust-thunderstorm/rain with gusty winds is expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara, Mardan, Peshawar, Kohat, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha divisions, Islamabad, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.Past 24 Hours Weather: Rain-thunderstorm occurred at scattered places in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Faislabad, Sargodha, Malakand, Hazara, D.I khan divisions, Kashmir, while at isolated places in D.G khan, Peshawar divisions and Gilgit-Baltistan. Weather remained hot and dry in other parts of the country.Rainfall (mm) during Last 24 hrs: Punjab:Islamabad (Z.P 02, Saidpur, Golra, A/P 01), Noorpurthal 07, Chakwal 05, Murree 04, Joarabad 03, Mangla, Jhelum 02, Layyah, Jhang 01, Khyber Paktaunkhwan: Kalam 09, Mirkhani 06, Dir (upper 16, Lower 03), Chitral, Drosh 05, Pattan 04, Cherat, Kakul, Balakot 02, Saidu sharif, Malamjabba 01, Kashmir: Garidupatta 05, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad 02,Gilgit-Baltistan: Astore 01.Yesterday's Highest Maximum Temperatures: Jaccobabad 46°C, Shaheed Benazirabad, Rohri, Sakrand, Padidan, Chhor, Sukkur 45°C, Moen-jo-daro, R.Y khan, Mithi & Larkana 44°C.

Heatwave alert: Temperature rises in Karachi

Pakistan weather forecast: 30 April Tuesday

Monday 29 April 2019

Model courts decide 2,301 cases in 15 days

ISLAMABAD: The model courts established in 116 districts of the country have decided a total number of 2,301 cases in 15 working days since its start from April 1. This was said by Sohail Nasir, Director General Monitoring Cell, while briefing the meeting of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (NJPMC), said a press release issued by Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) on Monday.The meeting was held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Asif Saeed Khan Khosa, in the committee room of the Supreme Court. CJP is also chairman NJPMC.Sohail Nasir presented details regarding the performance review of the Model Courts. He briefed the committee that after counting of the number of closed holidays and strikes by lawyers, the model courts have operated for 15 days in which 116 model courts throughout the country have decided the total number of 2,301 cases, including 888 murder cases and 1413 Narcotics cases. Statements of total number of 9,715 witnesses were recorded in this period, he said.Sohail Nasir said some of the Presiding Officers decided all the cases assigned to them under the expeditious justice initiative and that they may be given some assignment.The committee directed that high courts may administratively order such arrangements under which the judges who have zero pendency may be asked to tour other districts for disposal of cases.The committee also reviewed the progress of Police Complaint Redressal Mechanism in the country and showed satisfaction that during the period from January to March 2019 the offices of the SP Complaints throughout the country decided around 19,000 complaints thus reducing the burden on courts.The committee clarified that in the last NJPMC meeting on March 11 this year it was decided that the high courts and sessions courts may entertain applications/cases under section 22-A Cr.P.C, after the aggrieved person had exhausted the remedy before Complaint Redressal Center of Police Department and a copy of the order/decision of the SP (Complaints) of relevant district is to be appended with such a petition.On the suggestions and feedback received form the representatives of bars/legal fraternity, the issue raised by the bars representatives were addressed/resolved with consensus in an amicable manner.The meeting was also attended by the members of the NJPMC, including Chief Justice, Federal Shariat Court Justice Sheikh Najam-ul-Hassan, chief justices of the provincial high courts, including Justice Ahmed Ali M. Sheikh, Chief Justice High Court of Sindh, Justice Tahira Safdar, Chief Justice High Court of Balochistan, Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth, Chief Justice Peshawar High Court, Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan, Chief Justice Lahore High Court and Justice Athar Minallah, Chief Justice Islamabad High Court.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/464752-model-courts-decide-2301-cases-in-15-days

Model courts decide 2,301 cases in 15 days

Shahbaz Sharif advised further tests by surgeons

LONDON: Leader of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and former Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has been advised by surgeons for various further tests as part of his medical check ups, especially for the pain he developed while in custody of National Accountability Bureau (NAB).Shabaz Sharif has been in London for two weeks now, meeting doctors for inspection and check ups.The former chief minister visited renowned Pakistani Consultant Neurosurgeon for consultations on related to his historic chronic backache, with the latest episode starting in December 2018.The News has learnt that on examination, Dr Malik noted that his spinal movement is restricted in flexion and his pinprick is reduced in the lower back. Dr Malik has recommended hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and x-rays of the lumbosacral spine, flexion and extension views. A source confirmed that Dr Malik has referred Mr. Sharif to a specialist Physiotherapist and the first session is scheduled later this week. The source said that Shahbaz Sharif has been exercising daily for his backache treatment but was denied access to the exercise machine during his NAB custody.In three weeks that Mr Sharif has been in London, he has been visiting doctors regularly.He first visited his consultant Physician in Gastroenterology, Professor Martin Caplin on 12th April in the Royal Free Hospital in London. Prof. Caplin has scheduled Mr. Sharif’s colonoscopy and endoscopy on 8th May 2019 for further tests. Mr. Sharif subsequently saw his Consultant Urologist Dr. Tim Briggs at the London Clinic on 28th April, Who further advised ultrasound tests which were carried out on 24th April.Mr. Sharif also consulted with Dr. John Dooley, an Orthopaedic Surgeon, on 23rd April in Bishops Woods Hospital, Rickmansworth. On 24th April, Mr. Sharif consulted with Dr. Chris Baker, a Cardiac Surgeon at the Harley Street Clinic, who changed some of the medication that Mr. Sharif was taking.On 24th April, Mr. Sharif also consulted with Dr. Beynon, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Physicians Clinic, on the advise of Prof. Martin Caplin for his sever pain in his lady hand.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/464742-shahbaz-sharif-advised-further-tests-by-surgeons