If PML-N has solid proof of rigging in NA-249 by-polls, then it should contact ECP: Bilawal

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Monday said that if PML-N has solid proof of rigging in NA-249 by-polls, then it should contact the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Bilawal's comments came during a press conference, held at the Bilawal House in Karachi, related to the Benazir Mazdoor Card initiative taken by the PPP-led Sindh government to provide financial provisions to poor labourers.

It should be recalled that PML-N candidate Miftah Ismail had earlier requested the ECP to recount the votes of the April 29 NA-249 by-election in Karachi after PPP's Abdul Qadir Mandokhel bagged 16,156 votes to win the seat.

The PML-N and the PTI both had cried foul and rejected the results, while the ECP had accepted Miftah Ismail's request to recount the votes.

"Since PML-N has lost the seat, they want the army to interfere in the matter. It should be recalled that in 2018, the army was deployed at all the polling stations of the country."

He said that PML-N's demand to hand over the ballot boxes to the army for recounting is "unreasonable," adding that the PPP does not support such demands.

"While Imran Khan is speaking about dissolving the assembly, PML-N is talking about resigning from the assembly. Therefore, both seem to be on the same page," said Bilawal.

Bilawal said that his party has always been an advocate of electoral reforms, adding that the PPP is ready for all such reforms.

"In a bid to stop rigging in elections, it is necessary to introduce legislation," said Bilawal.

Praising his party, he said that in every other by-polls, the vote bank of the PPP continues to increase.

During the press conference, which took place at the Bilawal House, the PPP chairman said that the card will be provided to all the labourers of Sindh.

The Benazir Mazdoor card was launched on Saturday, May 1, to mark International Labour Day.

During the conference, Bilawal said that the Mazdoor Card would allow labourers to avail all the necessary benefits and facilities, such as education, health, marriage grants, financial assistance, scholarships, as well as social insurance under the government's Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).

from Latest Pakistan News - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/3hbfQY3

If PML-N has solid proof of rigging in NA-249 by-polls, then it should contact ECP: Bilawal

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari Monday said that if PML-N has solid proof of rigging in NA-249 by-polls, then it should contact the Election Commission of Pakistan.

Bilawal's comments came during a press conference, held at the Bilawal House in Karachi, related to the Benazir Mazdoor Card initiative taken by the PPP-led Sindh government to provide financial provisions to poor labourers.

It should be recalled that PML-N candidate Miftah Ismail had earlier requested the ECP to recount the votes of the April 29 NA-249 by-election in Karachi after PPP's Abdul Qadir Mandokhel bagged 16,156 votes to win the seat.

The PML-N and the PTI both had cried foul and rejected the results, while the ECP had accepted Miftah Ismail's request to recount the votes.

"Since PML-N has lost the seat, they want the army to interfere in the matter. It should be recalled that in 2018, the army was deployed at all the polling stations of the country."

He said that PML-N's demand to hand over the ballot boxes to the army for recounting is "unreasonable," adding that the PPP does not support such demands.

"While Imran Khan is speaking about dissolving the assembly, PML-N is talking about resigning from the assembly. Therefore, both seem to be on the same page," said Bilawal.

Bilawal said that his party has always been an advocate of electoral reforms, adding that the PPP is ready for all such reforms.

"In a bid to stop rigging in elections, it is necessary to introduce legislation," said Bilawal.

Praising his party, he said that in every other by-polls, the vote bank of the PPP continues to increase.

During the press conference, which took place at the Bilawal House, the PPP chairman said that the card will be provided to all the labourers of Sindh.

The Benazir Mazdoor card was launched on Saturday, May 1, to mark International Labour Day.

During the conference, Bilawal said that the Mazdoor Card would allow labourers to avail all the necessary benefits and facilities, such as education, health, marriage grants, financial assistance, scholarships, as well as social insurance under the government's Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI).

from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/3hbfQY3

No compromise on finality of Prophethood laws: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday stressed the government would not compromise on the laws pertaining to the finality of the Prophethood, sources said.

The premier's comments during a meeting that he chaired comprising senior ministers of the cabinet. It was called in response to a resolution passed by the European Parliament a few days ago, calling for a review of Pakistan's GSP Plus status.

The participants, during the meeting, decided to address the reservations of the European Union. It was also unanimously decided that the protection of minorities in the country would be ensured.

The participants, according to sources, said the GSP Plus trade agreement has nothing to with blasphemy laws.

The meeting was briefed that Pakistan would face a loss of $3 billion if the GSP Plus status was revoked, sources said.

Last week, the European Parliament had adopted a resolution calling for a review of the GSP Plus status granted to Pakistan, saying that it has been observed that laws (that it said were discriminatory) towards minorities and fundamental rights, were on the rise.

The resolution was presented by Renew Europe, a liberal, pro-European political group of the European Parliament. It was adopted with a majority of 681 votes against six.

Responding to the European Parliament's resolution, the Foreign Office had expressed disappointment over the development.

“The discourse in the European Parliament reflects a lack of understanding in the context of blasphemy laws and associated religious sensitivities in Pakistan – and the wider Muslim world. The unwarranted commentary about Pakistan’s judicial system and domestic laws are regrettable,” read a statement by the FO.

“Pakistan is a parliamentary democracy with a vibrant civil society, free media and independent judiciary, which remains fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights for all its citizens without discrimination,” the Foreign Office had added.

The FO had said Pakistan is proud of its minorities who enjoy equal rights and complete protection of fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution. Judicial and administrative mechanisms and remedies are in place to guard against any human rights violations.

“Pakistan has played an active role in promoting freedom of religion or belief, tolerance and inter-faith harmony. At a time of rising Islamophobia and populism, the international community must exhibit a common resolve to fight xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence based on religion or belief and work together to strengthen peaceful co-existence."

from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/33deDXH

No compromise on finality of Prophethood laws: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday stressed the government would not compromise on the laws pertaining to the finality of the Prophethood, sources said.

The premier's comments during a meeting that he chaired comprising senior ministers of the cabinet. It was called in response to a resolution passed by the European Parliament a few days ago, calling for a review of Pakistan's GSP Plus status.

The participants, during the meeting, decided to address the reservations of the European Union. It was also unanimously decided that the protection of minorities in the country would be ensured.

The participants, according to sources, said the GSP Plus trade agreement has nothing to with blasphemy laws.

The meeting was briefed that Pakistan would face a loss of $3 billion if the GSP Plus status was revoked, sources said.

Last week, the European Parliament had adopted a resolution calling for a review of the GSP Plus status granted to Pakistan, saying that it has been observed that laws (that it said were discriminatory) towards minorities and fundamental rights, were on the rise.

The resolution was presented by Renew Europe, a liberal, pro-European political group of the European Parliament. It was adopted with a majority of 681 votes against six.

Responding to the European Parliament's resolution, the Foreign Office had expressed disappointment over the development.

“The discourse in the European Parliament reflects a lack of understanding in the context of blasphemy laws and associated religious sensitivities in Pakistan – and the wider Muslim world. The unwarranted commentary about Pakistan’s judicial system and domestic laws are regrettable,” read a statement by the FO.

“Pakistan is a parliamentary democracy with a vibrant civil society, free media and independent judiciary, which remains fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights for all its citizens without discrimination,” the Foreign Office had added.

The FO had said Pakistan is proud of its minorities who enjoy equal rights and complete protection of fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution. Judicial and administrative mechanisms and remedies are in place to guard against any human rights violations.

“Pakistan has played an active role in promoting freedom of religion or belief, tolerance and inter-faith harmony. At a time of rising Islamophobia and populism, the international community must exhibit a common resolve to fight xenophobia, intolerance and incitement to violence based on religion or belief and work together to strengthen peaceful co-existence."

from Latest Pakistan News - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/33deDXH

Jahangir Tareen, son’s bail extended until May 19

A Lahore sessions court and a banking crimes court extended the interim bail granted to estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen and his son Ali Tareen in two different cases until May 19.

Accompanied by a number of PTI lawmakers, the father-son duo appeared before the courts. The lawmakers who turned up to show solidarity with the PTI leader include MNA Raja Riaz, Mubeen Alam Anwer, Khawaja Shiraz, Ghulam Lali, Nauman Langrial and Sami Gilani.

The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) investigation officer informed the courts that statements of the accused are being recorded and investigation against them has not yet been completed.

Tareen’s lawyer stated that the head of a joint investigation team (JIT) investigating the cases has not yet issued notice to his client. He added Tareen will turn up before the JIT whenever he is summoned.

The sessions and banking courts gave the investigation officer a final chance to complete the investigation and extended the interim bail of Tareen and his son until next hearing on May 19.

Speaking to the media after appearing before the courts, Jahangir Tareen said his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan took place in a cordial atmosphere and the latter assured him of addressing his reservations.

The PTI leader denied that he was in contact with the PML-N and PPP.

from Latest Pakistan News - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/3gWKuUB

Jahangir Tareen, son’s bail extended until May 19

A Lahore sessions court and a banking crimes court extended the interim bail granted to estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen and his son Ali Tareen in two different cases until May 19.

Accompanied by a number of PTI lawmakers, the father-son duo appeared before the courts. The lawmakers who turned up to show solidarity with the PTI leader include MNA Raja Riaz, Mubeen Alam Anwer, Khawaja Shiraz, Ghulam Lali, Nauman Langrial and Sami Gilani.

The Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) investigation officer informed the courts that statements of the accused are being recorded and investigation against them has not yet been completed.

Tareen’s lawyer stated that the head of a joint investigation team (JIT) investigating the cases has not yet issued notice to his client. He added Tareen will turn up before the JIT whenever he is summoned.

The sessions and banking courts gave the investigation officer a final chance to complete the investigation and extended the interim bail of Tareen and his son until next hearing on May 19.

Speaking to the media after appearing before the courts, Jahangir Tareen said his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan took place in a cordial atmosphere and the latter assured him of addressing his reservations.

The PTI leader denied that he was in contact with the PML-N and PPP.

from latest-news - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/3gWKuUB

79 Covid-19 deaths, 4,213 more infected across Pakistan

The Covid-19 pandemic claimed 79 more lives across Pakistan over the previous 24 hours, raising the death toll from the disease to 18,149.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data, 4,213 new infections emerged when 45,954 samples were tested during the same period. The positivity rate of new cases was recorded at 9.16%, the NCOC said.

The countrywide tally of confirmed cases climbed to 834,146 with the addition of 4,213 new cases. Thus far, 728,044 patients have recuperated from the disease.
The number of Covid-19 patients in critical care across the country has jumped to 5,377.

Thus far, Punjab has reported 306,929, Sindh 285,626, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 120,064, Islamabad 76,209, Balochistan 22,620, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 17,371 and Gilgit Baltistan 5,327.

It is noteworthy that over four million people have registered themselves for coronavirus vaccination across Pakistan. Overall 40,33,170 people have got them registered including 24,49,032 male and 15,84,140 female.

Most of the people got them registered for vaccination from Punjab, the largest province of the country. In Punjab 23,84,665 people have opted for vaccination. In Sindh 7,70,101 persons have got them registered for coronavirus vaccination, while in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 4,92,295 people have been in vaccination list.

from Latest Pakistan News - SUCH TV https://ift.tt/33ck7SJ