Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PDM 'have lost their sanity': Shibli

Information Minister Shibli Faraz
Information Minister Shibli Faraz said Wednesday JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman "has lost his sanity" in a jibe at the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), of which the JUI-F chief is the leader.

Criticising the PDM, as well as statements by the Opposition parties' leaders and their reaction to the Gilgit Baltistan Election 2020 results, Shibli Faraz said their "conflicting statements and viewpoints" were "only natural because — as we said earlier — it's a collection that neither has any unanimity nor any agreement and they do have any programme either".

"Their comments, considering the time and situation, only shows that they have lost their sanity," the minister said.

Turning his attention to Fazlur Rehman, Faraz slammed the JUI-F chief over his demands and recommendations about Islamic laws included in the PDM's list.

"So I wish to ask him: Given that he is a gatekeeper of Islam, engages in politicking using Islam, and does business under the pretence of politics, the statement he made about Shabbar Zaidi [former FBR head] — one that had no head or tail — was a lie that does not suit any religious leader.

"[It was] a statement that Shabbar Zaidi not only strongly rebuked but even went on to say that if there was an honest leader in Pakistan because of whom this country could progress, it is Imran Khan.

"Now, it would have made sense for him to apologise, but, oh well, there's no decency in him to apologise for his remarks," he mentioned.

Shibli Faraz further lambasted the PDM and its events in Gilgit Baltistan, saying the JUI-F chief was expressing his views on the region and its election results but had neither the political identity nor the political presence there.

"I wish to comment on the rallies they are holding. Fazlur Rehman is the leader of this group; he expresses his viewpoints on Gilgit Baltistan but did not win a single seat," the minister remarked.

"He has no political identity or presence there but he is openly expressing his thoughts about the Gilgit Baltistan Election 2020.

"And [about the PDM's] Peshawar rally, I'll quote a hadees. A religious scholar — and especially Fazlur Rehman who is leading this PDM — who, with respect to religion, knows more about what it says about the [coronavirus] pandemic than I do, but it's sad to see that the knowledge that God has granted him and if he, despite that, goes against it, then in my opinion, an average Muslim like myself, cannot even dare knowingly ignore what our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH) termed was impermissible in his ahadees.

"Hazrat Saad (R.A.) narrated that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: 'When you hear that a plague is in a land, do not enter it and if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place," the federal minister said.

"Now, this coronavirus pandemic, which is a serious issue, is not a political matter. It is one that has entangled the entire world in its grip. Everyone knows about the second wave in Pakistan, which has caused more deaths, the pandemic's growth rate is 7.5%, and people are getting admitted to hospitals, but you — despite being a religious scholar and advising people to follow this hadees — have to stage your political dramas.

Shibli Faraz said the PTI government did not care about the rallies because they were part of democratic activities, even though they did not make a difference. However, he urged the PDM to think of the poor, common people, who came from various native areas to participate in the rallies and returned to those some areas — hinting at the spread of the coronavirus.

"Our religion is one that has in all of its teachings — and the teachings of our beloved Holy Prophet (PBUH) — given us a light to follow on the path to righteousness. Religious leaders are supposed to ensure that people follow this path, rather than go against those teachings," he added.

The PTI-led government of Pakistan had postponed all of its rallies — "and you know how successful our rallies are; called and organised by only one party, not 10" — of which, the first was planned in Rashakai, said Faraz.

The minister advised the Opposition parties and others not to engage in activities that could hurt the livelihood of Pakistani citizens.

"Pakistan's economy successfully weathered through the first wave [of the coronavirus]. We did not bear that significant a brunt that many other countries — especially our neighbouring nations — did. So, it is not okay to participate in activities that restrict the environment to conduct business and economic activities [because] we want lives and livelihoods to remain safe.

He slammed the "stupidities they are perpetrating", terming the PDM's rallies "irresponsible actions, which the people of Pakistan condemn".

"Despite being aware that they do not heed anyone and their issues are not political but business-oriented, we want everyone to follow the precautions against the coronavirus, the protection against which is only through preventive measures," Faraz noted.

The minister went on to lambaste the Opposition parties further by discussing the recent Gilgit-Baltistan and General elections 2018.

"You were rejected by the people of Pakistan in 2018 and then again — brutally — in Gilgit Baltistan. You're the rejected people.

"On what basis do you hold rallies the next day and refuse to accept the results. Who are you to claim you reject the results? What even is your importance?

"Your importance is that you're wanted to the [system of] law. You're not a common political leader but you are accused of serious crimes. You stole from Pakistan's treasury, future, and public institutions.

"We used to hear this example in our youth that 'ulta chor kotwal ko dante' [the pot calling the kettle black] that we had to see this time as well where those, who are accused of theft, have cases against them, and whose estates have been [revealed to be] in foreign countries, they dare scold us?

"This is not possible. The bull-headedness you're exhibiting has no precedent in our political past," Faraz remarked, noting that all of the Opposition parties' speeches in the Pakistan Democratic Movement rallies revolved around their families and businesses.

"The people of Pakistan have thrown your politics, viewpoints, and stances into the trash can. If you have any self-respect left — which, in my opinion, you don't and you never even deserved this election — [know that] your poisonous speeches wherein you defend your personal and familial interests and the dramas you stage are not acceptable at all," he said.

Shibli Faraz then spoke of Pakistan's economy, saying it was "standing on its own two feet" and that the "economic indicators — thanks to God and our government's great strategy — were improving".

"We have made quite a lot of progress," he observed, adding that it was important considering that the PTI government had to "face the coronavirus pandemic and inherited an ailing government".



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PTI couldn't win majority in GB despite fixed match, says Maryam in tirade against govt

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday lashed out at the PTI government for "rigging" the Gilgit-Baltistan elections, saying "no one in Pakistan was ready to accept the fake result" of GB polls.

"Despite stealing PML-N nominees, despite stealing elections, despite posting officials of all agencies in Gilgit-Baltistan for months, despite manipulation, how many seats did he get? Only eight," she said in a speech in Mansehra.

"Even those seats are not his, those seats are courtesy of PML-N nominees that were stolen," the former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter said and added: "We won't congratulate Imran Khan for those eight seats, we congratulate the selectors."

Maryam said that she had stayed in GB for eight to 10 days for the election campaign and during that time the region was only voicing support for PML-N supremo Nawaz. She said that even though there was no internet in many remote areas of GB, people were aware of Nawaz's narrative of vote ko izzat do (give respect to vote). The PML-N vice president declared that Nawaz's "narrative had buried" the politics of the ruling PTI.

"It is because of Nawaz Sharif's narrative that despite a fixed match, you did not get a mandate, you only got crutches," she said.

In the 2018 general election, Maryam said, the "selected" was brought to power through rigging. "But today, the difference is that despite rigging, this fake (prime minister) could not win."

Maryam noted that it was often said that GB residents vote for the party that is in power in Islamabad. When PPP was in government, Maryam recalled, it won 14 seats in GB. Similarly, when PML-N was in power, it won 16 seats in GB and "did not need crutches to form a government" in the region. The PTI had only managed to win eight seats despite rigging, she insisted and added that the party members should "hide their faces after such an awful loss".

She said that in the recent election, GB residents had "voted for dignity" instead of their interests.

"Why would GB people vote for you (PTI)? What have you given to the rest of Pakistan that you would have given to Gilgit-Baltistan?"

The complete but unofficial results of all 23 constituencies, where polling was held on Sunday, show that the PTI has emerged as the single largest party with 10 seats, followed by seven independents. The PPP won three seats, the PML-N two and the Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen, which had a seat adjustment arrangement with the PTI, got one seat.

With the possible inclusion of four, out of six reserved seats for women, and two out of three reserved seats for technocrats, the total number of seats of the PTI and its allies will become 16 in the 33-member GBLA, indicating that it will need the support of only one more winning candidate to form the government.

Both PPP and PML-N have rejected the results and accused PTI of rigging the election.



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Govt to facilitate industrialisation, help business community to create jobs: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said the government was focusing its energies on the country's industrialisation and on increasing exports.

Addressing a ceremony in Faisalabad during a one-day visit to the city, he said it was the government's job to facilitate industrialisation and the business community.

"We are now working on how we can aid the business community and investors so that jobs are created. So this cycle can only continue when we [remove] hurdles for the industrial class."

He added that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) was also undergoing reforms and was headed towards automisation. "This is now an ongoing effort."

Running cities like countries

Commenting on the development of cities, the premier stated that successful cities around the world function "like countries".

"They have their own mayor, a cabinet [and] they collect their own funds," he said, noting that Faisalabad was dependent on the provincial government for funds. "Faisalabad is a rich city but it has to depend on funds from the Punjab government to fix roads, and construct hospitals and colleges. Modern cities don't run like this."

So under the new local government system, each city will have its own election to appoint a mayor who will then choose a cabinet of experts to make it a self-sustaining city, he said.

"God willing, one day Manchester will say that Faisalabad has progressed further than us," he said, referencing a comment made earlier during the ceremony which had drawn a parallel between Faisalabad and the city in the United Kingdom. "You need to think big."

The premier said that when the PTI came into power, it had inherited an abundance of problems, adding that the policies of former governments had contributed to this.

"In the 60s, Pakistan was used as an example for the developing world. Malaysia and South Korea borrowed from our first five-year programme," he said, adding that the country and its institutions were also respected.

"People now go to Dubai for their vacations but the sheikhs used to come here."

However, our downfall began when we shifted towards nationalisation, he said. Under nationalisation, our industry developed but the wealth was confined to 22 families, he said.

"What we should have done is introduce laws to make sure the money trickled down to the common man. That is what China did. In the past 30 years, as the country moved towards industrialisation, they used the money to lift people out of poverty. We should have done the same."

He also said that at the same time, a society can't move forward if profit-making is dubbed a crime. "Investors don't invest for welfare, they do it to make money. But do it in a legitimate manner and pay taxes."

Covid-19 second wave

Commenting on the rise in Covid-19 cases, the premier said that while the World Health Organisation had lauded the country's efforts to combat the pandemic, the second wave was now rearing its head.

"That is why we reduced this gathering to 300 people. To those not wearing face masks, I will say please wear them. We have been spared once and we should not take any chances. We will face problems if the virus spreads and if our hospitals are put under pressure," he said.



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Qatari air force commander calls on COAS Bajwa

Qatari air force commander calls on COAS Bajwa
Major General (Pilot) Salem Hamad Eqail Al-Nabet, Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force, who is in Pakistan on an official visit, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, maters of mutual and professional interest and regional security situation were discussed.

Gen Bajwa said that Pakistan values its brotherly relations with Qatar and Pakistan Army also looks forward to enhanced defence and security cooperation with Qatar’s armed forces.

The visiting dignitary appreciated the contributions of Pakistan Army to regional peace and security and its role in the training of Qatar’s Armed Forces.



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Qatari air force commander calls on COAS Bajwa

Qatari air force commander calls on COAS Bajwa
Major General (Pilot) Salem Hamad Eqail Al-Nabet, Commander Qatar Emiri Air Force, who is in Pakistan on an official visit, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa here on Wednesday.

During the meeting, maters of mutual and professional interest and regional security situation were discussed.

Gen Bajwa said that Pakistan values its brotherly relations with Qatar and Pakistan Army also looks forward to enhanced defence and security cooperation with Qatar’s armed forces.

The visiting dignitary appreciated the contributions of Pakistan Army to regional peace and security and its role in the training of Qatar’s Armed Forces.



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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

PML-N leader arrested in financial fraud , sources

PML-N leader arrested in fraud case, sources
A Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) leader Chaudhry Sarfraz Afzal has been arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials in Rawalpindi in a case related alleged financial fraud.

Sources told that the officials faced resistance from the former lawmaker of PML-N. The accused politician was later shifted to hospital after he complained about his deteriorating health condition.

A doctor came in to treat Afzal raised up a complaint against him regarding alleged Rs1 million fraud by Chaudhry Sarfraz Afzal. Later, the anti-corruption officials registered a case against Afzal and other officers of the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA).

It is pertinent to mention here that the PML-N ex-lawmaker is the nephew of PML-N Senator Chaudhry Tanvir. Chaudhry Sarfraz Afzal was facing charges of financial fraud in the name of a housing society.

Earlier on November 16, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Punjab had arrested another PML-N leader Ahsan Raza Khan on the charges of constructing an illegal commercial market and a housing scheme.

ACE Punjab in its continued action against the corrupt elements nabbed Ahsan Raza Khan, who was wanted in two cases of corruption.

The PML-N leader is accused of building a market on the land of government hospital Kanganpur and also constructed a housing society.



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Corona virus: Pakistan records 2,208 cases,37 deaths in 24 hours

Corona virus: Pakistan records 2,208 cases,37 deaths in 24 hours
Pakistan has reported fresh 2,208 COVID-19 cases and 37 deaths due to the virus in the last 24 hours.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), with fresh inclusion of the infections in the country the national tally of cases now currently stands at 363,380, whereas, the active cases stood at 30,362.
In the past 24 hours, 37 more people succumbed to the disease, taking the death toll to 7,193.

A total of 38,544 tests were conducted across the country during this period. 325,788 people have recovered from the deadly disease while 5,018,483 samples have been tested thus far.



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Islamabad court dismisses Gill’s bail plea in sedition case

A District and Sessions court of Islamabad dismissed the post arrest bail petition of PTI leader Shahbaz Gill on Tuesday. Additional Dist...