Daughters of Asia Bibi in Canada: source

OTTAWA: The daughters of Pakistani Christian woman Asia Bibi, whose blasphemy case spotlighted religious extremism in her country, are now in Canada, a source close to the case said Wednesday.Unconfirmed Pakistani reports earlier claimed the children had already fled to Canada, and speculation was rampant that she would seek asylum in North America or Europe.Canadian officials reached by AFP would not confirm the source’s information.Bibi, a laborer from central Punjab province, was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 and was on death row until her acquittal last year which prompted days of violent demonstrations.Under a deal with protesters to end the violence, the government allowed a petition demanding an appeal against the acquittal.But Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa on Tuesday threw out the petition, lifting the last legal hurdle in the case and paving the way for her to leave the country.After the ruling, Bibi’s lawyer Saif-ul-Mulook hinted that his client’s move could be imminent."I think at this time she is here (in Pakistan) -- but by tonight, I don’t know," he told reporters outside the court.Extremists "said they would kill her despite the judgment of the Supreme Court," he said. "Therefore, I think she should leave the country."But the call by religious hardliners for protests fell flat on Wednesday, when fewer than 30 demonstrated in two cities.Bibi has been in protective custody and the government of Pakistan refused to reveal her whereabouts for fear of her being targeted by vigilantes.In a statement, Canada’s foreign ministry said Bibi’s case "is a priority for our government, and we are focused on ensuring the safety of her and her family."It added that "we are working with like-minded friends and allies on this issue. Canada is prepared to do everything we can to ensure the safety of Asia Bibi."In November Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Ottawa was holding talks with Pakistan about bringing her to Canada, which he said is "a welcoming country."

Pakistan Weather Forecast: Thursday 31 January 2019

ISLAMABAD: Widespread rain-thunderstorm is expected in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Malakand, Hazara, Peshawar, Kohat, Mardan divisions), Upper Punjab (Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Lahore, Faisalabad divisions), Islamabad, Gilgit Baltistan and Kashmir, while at scattered places in Bannu, D.I.Khan, Multan, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, D.G.Khan, divisions, while at isolated places in Mirpurkhas division.Moderate to Heavyfalls are also expected at isolated places in Malakand, Hazara divisions, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Snowfall over the hills is also expected in Malakand division (Swat, Chitral, Kalam, Malamjabba & upper Dir), Hazara division, Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.Tuesday Weather:Weather remained very cold and dry in most parts of the country. However, rain occurred at isolated places in Malakand, Kohat, Bannu, Quetta, Zhob, Kalat, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, D.G.Khan divisions and Islamabad.Wednesday's Lowest Minimum Temperatures:Skardu -19°C, Astore -16°C, Bagrote, Kalam, Gupis -12°C, Hunza -06°C, Parachinar -05°C, Dir, Malamjabba -04°C, Drosh, Rawalakot -03°C, Mirkhani, Kakul -02°C, Gilgit, Kamra, Chitral, Bunji -01°C.

Rain in Karachi turns weather cold

KARACHI: Rain in different parts of Karachi and its adjacent areas on Thursday night turned the weather cold.Heavy rain was reported in North Karachi, New Karachi, North Nazimabad. While other parts of the port city, including, Sohrab Goth, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shara-e-Faisal, Malir, Lasbela, Patel Para, MA Jinnah Road, Saddar, Golimar and Liaquatabad   and adjoining areas received light rain which turned the weather chillier, dampening the roads causing those commuting on motorcycles to slip. Rain caused slushy mess and puddles on roads due to poor drainage to the misery of motorists and commuters.As usual, soon after the first drop of rain fell down, power breakdowns were reported in many parts of the provincial capital.Meanwhile, the meteorological office has forecast more rain, saying intermittent rainfall will continue till Monday night, adding that the weather in the city on Monday would be partly cloudy and the minimum temperature would range between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.A cold wave rolled in across Pakistan again on Wednesday day morning as it snowed in several areas while it rained in other regions.The Met Office said mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country during next 24 hours. However, rain (with snowfall over the hills) is expected at isolated places in Kalat, Quetta and Zhob divisions. 

Rain in Karachi turns weather cold

KARACHI: Rain in different parts of Karachi and its adjacent areas on Thursday night turned the weather cold.Heavy rain was reported in North Karachi, New Karachi, North Nazimabad. While other parts of the port city, including, Sohrab Goth, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shara-e-Faisal, Malir, Lasbela, Patel Para, MA Jinnah Road, Saddar, Golimar and Liaquatabad   and adjoining areas received light rain which turned the weather chillier, dampening the roads causing those commuting on motorcycles to slip. Rain caused slushy mess and puddles on roads due to poor drainage to the misery of motorists and commuters.As usual, soon after the first drop of rain fell down, power breakdowns were reported in many parts of the provincial capital.Meanwhile, the meteorological office has forecast more rain, saying intermittent rainfall will continue till Monday night, adding that the weather in the city on Monday would be partly cloudy and the minimum temperature would range between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.A cold wave rolled in across Pakistan again on Wednesday day morning as it snowed in several areas while it rained in other regions.The Met Office said mainly cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country during next 24 hours. However, rain (with snowfall over the hills) is expected at isolated places in Kalat, Quetta and Zhob divisions. 

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/425631-rain-in-karachi-turns-weather-cold

PM Imran Khan directs FBR to go after big tax evaders, non-filers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday directed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to focus on tax recovery from the big tax evaders and bring the non-filers into the tax net.He was chairing a meeting regarding reforms in FBR at Prime Minister Office.Minister for Finance Asad Umar, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar, FBR Chairman Jahanzaib Khan and other high officials attended the meeting.The FBR chairman briefed the prime minister about the progress on the steps taken to detect offshore assets of Pakistani citizens and the recovery of taxes under the country's laws.Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said the ongoing reforms in the FBR were part of reforms agenda of the government.He regretted that the previous governments had ignored removing the weaknesses in the tax system and increasing the tax base altogether.A country where 30 percent of the country's budget was being spent on payment of interest on loans, ignoring loopholes in the present tax system was a criminal negligence, he added.He observed that in the past, due to harassment caused to public and business community, complicated system of tax recovery, corruption and spending of tax money on the lavish lifestyle of the rulers, the ordinary citizens had lost their trust in the system and FBR.He stressed upon restoration of such trust.About Benami assets, the prime minister directed for early completion of rules under the relevant legal provisions.

PM Imran Khan directs FBR to go after big tax evaders, non-filers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday directed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to focus on tax recovery from the big tax evaders and bring the non-filers into the tax net.He was chairing a meeting regarding reforms in FBR at Prime Minister Office.Minister for Finance Asad Umar, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar, FBR Chairman Jahanzaib Khan and other high officials attended the meeting.The FBR chairman briefed the prime minister about the progress on the steps taken to detect offshore assets of Pakistani citizens and the recovery of taxes under the country's laws.Addressing the meeting, the prime minister said the ongoing reforms in the FBR were part of reforms agenda of the government.He regretted that the previous governments had ignored removing the weaknesses in the tax system and increasing the tax base altogether.A country where 30 percent of the country's budget was being spent on payment of interest on loans, ignoring loopholes in the present tax system was a criminal negligence, he added.He observed that in the past, due to harassment caused to public and business community, complicated system of tax recovery, corruption and spending of tax money on the lavish lifestyle of the rulers, the ordinary citizens had lost their trust in the system and FBR.He stressed upon restoration of such trust.About Benami assets, the prime minister directed for early completion of rules under the relevant legal provisions.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/425628-pm-imran-directs-fbr-to-go-after-big-tax-evaders-non-filers

British Airways, Zulfi Bukhari discuss flight operations in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the representatives of British Embassy Islamabad along with the officials of British Airways called on Zulfikar Bukhari, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development to discuss the issues of mutual interests.Paul Coventry, Head of Worldwide Airports, John Monks, Director Safety and Security and David Craig, International Risk Adviser were part of the British Airways delegation. British Airways officials thanked the Special Assistant for his continuous support and ask for further cooperation in future. The delegation appreciated the world class facilities being provided at the New Islamabad Airport and told Zulfikar Bukhari that by size and design, the new Islamabad Airport is among the few best airports in the region. Additionally, the Safe City project came under discussion and the delegation expressed satisfaction with the efficacy of the project in ensuring the safety of the capital city. Zulfikar Bukhari asked British Airways to help spread the positive image of Pakistan across the world. He said that British Airways can help in increasing tourism in Pakistan. Pakistan's connectivity with the world is going to increase and this will come as an opportunity for the country, he added. In the meeting, British Airways' flight operations in Pakistan were discussed and the Special Assistant assured the delegation of full support of the government. British Airways is set to start its flight operations in June this year. Three flights will be operated from Islamabad to London every week.

source https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/425627-british-airways-zulfi-bukhari-discuss-flight-operations-in-pakistan