Govt welcomes discussion with Opposition on electoral reforms: Fawad

The PTI-led government on Tuesday welcomed the Opposition's readiness to discuss electoral reforms with the Centre, days after a committee from both houses was formed to address the matter.

Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry, addressing a post-cabinet press conference in Islamabad, said the committee should move in the right direction to resolve the matter and not waste time.

The information minister said the electronic voting machine (EVM) and i-voting were a crucial part of the reforms. "If we exclude overseas Pakistanis from the voting process [...] it will be an injustice with them."

Chaudhry said Prime Minister Imran Khan, during the cabinet meeting, directed Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, Advisor to PM on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan, and others who oversee parliamentary matters that these two elements — EVMs and i-voting — be discussed as a necessity with the Opposition.

The information minister said a majority of the conflicts arise as the vote count comes in and that the government had shared a study of the Philippines with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), where 300 officials had died during conflicts when the final count came in. "This happened when the Philippines did not use EVMs."

The federal minister said the government had imported 20 machines and hoped that they could be used in upcoming elections.

"No sitting government in Pakistan has ever focused on electoral reforms, it is the PTI-led government that aims to introduce them," the minister said, highlighting that the incumbent regime had also run campaigns in this regard.

The federal minister said the government would bring its agenda to a joint session of the parliament and stressed once more that the government is willing to talk to the Opposition on electoral reforms.

Expansion of online visa system

The federal cabinet has expanded the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS), through which the country issues e-visas, Chaudhry said, pointing out that from 50, it is now available to 191 countries.

"The aim behind this is to promote tourism and business — and through this, nationals from 191 countries will be able to get Pakistan's visas, while at home," the information minister said.

Private moon sighting

Moreover, new legislation on moon sightings has been done, and as a result, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has banned private moon sightings, Chaudhry said. "Only announcements from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee or the government will be considered final and binding."

Besides the federal government, provincial and district committees for moon sighting will also be formed, the information minister said, noting that officials from SUPARCO, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Ministry of Science and Technology have also been included in the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

Aid for Indonesia

Chaudhry said the federal cabinet, as a goodwill gesture, has approved humanitarian aid for Indonesia — a country that he said has stood firmly by Pakistan. "This is a gesture of goodwill as they battle coronavirus."

Economic indicators

The economic indicators presented before the cabinet showed that foreign remittances have gone up by $5.4 billion, revenue collection during the first two months of the fiscal year has increased by Rs858 billion, agriculture, manufacturing, and the services sector have also witnessed an upward trend, and foreign exchange reserves are at a record level, $27.2 billion, while exports went up by $4.6 billion, Chaudhry said.

He noted that inflation had increased, but that agricultural income has also gone up alongside.

Shahbaz's case in the UK

Responding to a question, the information minister said if the case of PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif is heard on a daily basis and on merit, he would "soon be in jail".

The information minister hoped that the case of Shahbaz is wrapped up at the earliest so that the people of Pakistan could "finally get rid of" the Sharif family.

Chaudhry's remarks come a day after a British court ordered the unfreezing of the Opposition leader's bank accounts and those belonging to his son, Suleman Sharif.

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Shahbaz Sharif NCA probe: Govt embarrassing itself, says Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday lashed out at the government, saying that it had embarrassed itself in front of the world with the British National Crime Agency (NCA)'s probe against PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif.

In a hard-hitting press conference, flanked by Rana Sanaullah and Ahsan Iqbal, Abbasi said the government's claims that it was not involved or pursuing money laundering cases against Shahbaz had been exposed.

He said that the Assets Recovery Unit (ARU) and, as per the PML-N's sources, even Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials, used to go to London to meet NCA officials.

"The standard set by this government, when it comes to lying, is totally unique," he said. "The prime minister of this country, in his own office, creates an Asset Recovery Unit that has no legal basis. And what has that ARU done?" he questioned.

He referred to the papers in his hand, saying that they were official documents submitted by the NCA at the UK court.

Referring to the NCA probe against the PML-N president and his son Suleman, Abbasi said that normally in money laundering cases, financial transactions only six years back were traced.

"In this case, however, the probe stretched to cover financial transactions covering a period of over 20 years," he noted. "This inquiry was also not limited to just one country; it took place in Pakistan, the UK and the UAE."

The former prime minister said that money sent by Shahbaz from Pakistan to his UK bank account was legal money.

He said Shahbaz and Suleman had both given their consent to the NCA to probe their accounts. "Time and again, the NCA told the court that it has the complete support and cooperation of the Pakistani government and its agencies," he said.

Abbasi alleged that DG NAB Lahore, the ARU, FIA and other agencies were involved in framing allegations against the PML-N president. "And now, the prime minister of this country says his government had nothing to do with the probe," he said.

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said that the government could not, till this day, find evidence of former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's involvement in corruption.

"Each case has slammed shut on their faces," he said, referring to the government. "You could not even prove corruption worth Rs32 in a Rs3,200bn project," he added.

Iqbal said that the government is failing the masses as it is busy registering fake cases against the Opposition. "However, your failure is becoming a matter of life and death for the public," he said.

Iqbal said the government itself was inviting trouble from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as the prime minister was repeatedly saying at international forums that political leaders in the country are involved in money laundering.

"This he does only to promote his politics of hatred and revenge," he said.

Shahbaz, Suleman's accounts ordered unfrozen

After 21 months of investigation and review of 20 years of financial affairs, a British court has ordered the unfreezing of the Opposition leader's bank accounts and those belonging to his son, Suleman Sharif.

The decision was taken by the court after UK's top anti-corruption body NCA concluded there was no evidence of money laundering, fraud and criminal conduct against the two, according to evidence seen by The News exclusively.

The Westminster Magistrates Court’s Judge Nicholas Rimmer set aside the two accounts freezing orders (AFO) against Shahbaz Sharif and his son related to a December 2019 case filed by the NCA at the Pakistani government's request.

The bank accounts of Shahbaz Sharif and Suleiman Shahbaz were freezed in December 2019 on court's order. The National Accountability Bureau East Recovery Unit shared the evidence with the British agency.

During the investigation, the accounts of the Shahbaz Sharif and Sharif family in the UK and UAE were investigated.

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French president egged by protester shouting 'long live revolution'

A man hit French President Emmanuel Macron with an egg while he was visiting Lyon on Monday to promote French gastronomy.

Footage from Lyon Mag showed the egg bouncing off the president's shoulder area, without breaking, as he walked through a crowd while a protester shouted "Vive la revolution" (long live the revolution).

A man was arrested after the incident at the international catering, hotel and food trade fair in the city, French media said.

A spokeswoman for Macron's office did not answer a request for comment.

In June, a man slapped Macron in the face during a walkabout in southern France. The man was ordered to serve four months in jail.

Eggs from irate protesters are a common occupational hazard for French politicians, and Macron is no exception.

When he was still a candidate for the presidency in 2017, an egg exploded against his head during a crowd visit at the national agriculture fair in Paris.

Macron’s security detail is expected to be on high alert in coming months as the centrist leader multiplies his public appearances ahead of a widely expected re-election campaign.

So far he has not officially declared his candidacy for another five-year term in voting set for next April.

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IMF assured of Pakistan’s commitment to programme

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin on Monday assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of Pakistan’s commitment to its ongoing Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme and hoped to successfully complete the upcoming review as well as Article IV consultations.

During a meeting with the outgoing and nominated resident representatives of the IMF, the finance minister said the government would formally launch the ‘track and trace’ system for tobacco products on Oct 1 this year. “This is also one of the requirements under the EFF programme,” an official statement quoted Mr Tarin as saying.

The minister told the IMF team that reforms were being carried out in the power sector to address the issue of circular debt.

Negotiations with the IMF for sixth review of the EFF currently under recess along with Article IV consultations will begin on Oct 4. These will be followed by Mr Tarin’s scheduled visit to Washington to hold meetings with the IMF management and attend annual meetings of the World Bank and IMF from Oct 11 to 17.

Esther Perez Ruiz, the nominated IMF resident representative, was on a courtesy call and accompanied by outgoing representative Teresa Sanchez Daban.

Ms Ruiz is currently visiting Pakistan on a pre-assignment mission.

The finance minister felicitated Ms Ruiz and expressed his best wishes for her upcoming assignment beginning in November.

Extending a warm welcome, Mr Tarin told the IMF official that Pakistan was firmly committed to pursuing an all-inclusive and sustainable economic growth with focus on “bottom-up” approach to uplift the marginalised segments of society.

To this end, the government intends to engage development partners to broaden economic development through fiscal consolidation and prudent economic measures amid the pandemic and post-Covid scenario.

The finance minister commended the IMF for extending timely assistance during testing times. He briefed the IMF representative on key initiatives to provide maximum relief to the masses and said the government was taking a range of administrative, policy and relief measures to absorb the upward pressure on prices of basic food commodities due to the pandemic.

The government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to enhance revenue collection and broaden the existing tax base. He also highlighted the robust performance of the Federal Board of Revenue in surpassing revenue collection targets in recent months despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The broadening of tax base is one of the key priorities of the government, he added.

The new IMF representative appreciated Pakistan for its efforts to manage the spread of the virus through a series of smart and targeted lockdowns to strike a balance between lives and livelihoods. She hoped to work closely with the government of Pakistan during her tenure.

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Sachin Tendulkar wishes speedy recovery to 'fighter' Inzamamul Haq

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar prayed for the speedy recovery of former Pakistan batting great Inzamamul Haq, who has had a heart attack.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Tendulkar wrote: "You've always been calm yet competitive, and a fighter on the field."

Wishing you a speedy recovery @Inzamam08. You've always been calm yet competitive, and a fighter on the field.

I hope and pray that you'll come out stronger from this situation as well. Get well soon.

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 28, 2021

"I hope and pray that you'll come out stronger from this situation as well. Get well soon," the former skipper added.

 Inzamam has now been discharged from the hospital after a successful angioplasty, his manager confirmed.

The manager said a stent had been successfully placed in Inzamam's heart.

The former batsman had been complaining about chest pain over the last three days, a cricket-based website had reported. After tests, it was revealed he had suffered a heart attack and needed immediate surgery.

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Govt welcomes discussion with Opposition on electoral reforms: Fawad

The PTI-led government on Tuesday welcomed the Opposition's readiness to discuss electoral reforms with the Centre, days after a committee from both houses was formed to address the matter.

Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry, addressing a post-cabinet press conference in Islamabad, said the committee should move in the right direction to resolve the matter and not waste time.

The information minister said the electronic voting machine (EVM) and i-voting were a crucial part of the reforms. "If we exclude overseas Pakistanis from the voting process [...] it will be an injustice with them."

Chaudhry said Prime Minister Imran Khan, during the cabinet meeting, directed Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan, Advisor to PM on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan, and others who oversee parliamentary matters that these two elements — EVMs and i-voting — be discussed as a necessity with the Opposition.

The information minister said a majority of the conflicts arise as the vote count comes in and that the government had shared a study of the Philippines with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), where 300 officials had died during conflicts when the final count came in. "This happened when the Philippines did not use EVMs."

The federal minister said the government had imported 20 machines and hoped that they could be used in upcoming elections.

"No sitting government in Pakistan has ever focused on electoral reforms, it is the PTI-led government that aims to introduce them," the minister said, highlighting that the incumbent regime had also run campaigns in this regard.

The federal minister said the government would bring its agenda to a joint session of the parliament and stressed once more that the government is willing to talk to the Opposition on electoral reforms.

Expansion of online visa system

The federal cabinet has expanded the Pakistan Online Visa System (POVS), through which the country issues e-visas, Chaudhry said, pointing out that from 50, it is now available to 191 countries.

"The aim behind this is to promote tourism and business — and through this, nationals from 191 countries will be able to get Pakistan's visas, while at home," the information minister said.

Private moon sighting

Moreover, new legislation on moon sightings has been done, and as a result, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has banned private moon sightings, Chaudhry said. "Only announcements from the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee or the government will be considered final and binding."

Besides the federal government, provincial and district committees for moon sighting will also be formed, the information minister said, noting that officials from SUPARCO, Pakistan Meteorological Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs, and Ministry of Science and Technology have also been included in the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee.

Aid for Indonesia

Chaudhry said the federal cabinet, as a goodwill gesture, has approved humanitarian aid for Indonesia — a country that he said has stood firmly by Pakistan. "This is a gesture of goodwill as they battle coronavirus."

Economic indicators

The economic indicators presented before the cabinet showed that foreign remittances have gone up by $5.4 billion, revenue collection during the first two months of the fiscal year has increased by Rs858 billion, agriculture, manufacturing, and the services sector have also witnessed an upward trend, and foreign exchange reserves are at a record level, $27.2 billion, while exports went up by $4.6 billion, Chaudhry said.

He noted that inflation had increased, but that agricultural income has also gone up alongside.

Shahbaz's case in the UK

Responding to a question, the information minister said if the case of PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif is heard on a daily basis and on merit, he would "soon be in jail".

The information minister hoped that the case of Shahbaz is wrapped up at the earliest so that the people of Pakistan could "finally get rid of" the Sharif family.

Chaudhry's remarks come a day after a British court ordered the unfreezing of the Opposition leader's bank accounts and those belonging to his son, Suleman Sharif.

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Shahbaz Sharif NCA probe: Govt embarrassing itself, says Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday lashed out at the government, saying that it had embarrassed itself in front of the world with the British National Crime Agency (NCA)'s probe against PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif.

In a hard-hitting press conference, flanked by Rana Sanaullah and Ahsan Iqbal, Abbasi said the government's claims that it was not involved or pursuing money laundering cases against Shahbaz had been exposed.

He said that the Assets Recovery Unit (ARU) and, as per the PML-N's sources, even Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials, used to go to London to meet NCA officials.

"The standard set by this government, when it comes to lying, is totally unique," he said. "The prime minister of this country, in his own office, creates an Asset Recovery Unit that has no legal basis. And what has that ARU done?" he questioned.

He referred to the papers in his hand, saying that they were official documents submitted by the NCA at the UK court.

Referring to the NCA probe against the PML-N president and his son Suleman, Abbasi said that normally in money laundering cases, financial transactions only six years back were traced.

"In this case, however, the probe stretched to cover financial transactions covering a period of over 20 years," he noted. "This inquiry was also not limited to just one country; it took place in Pakistan, the UK and the UAE."

The former prime minister said that money sent by Shahbaz from Pakistan to his UK bank account was legal money.

He said Shahbaz and Suleman had both given their consent to the NCA to probe their accounts. "Time and again, the NCA told the court that it has the complete support and cooperation of the Pakistani government and its agencies," he said.

Abbasi alleged that DG NAB Lahore, the ARU, FIA and other agencies were involved in framing allegations against the PML-N president. "And now, the prime minister of this country says his government had nothing to do with the probe," he said.

PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal said that the government could not, till this day, find evidence of former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's involvement in corruption.

"Each case has slammed shut on their faces," he said, referring to the government. "You could not even prove corruption worth Rs32 in a Rs3,200bn project," he added.

Iqbal said that the government is failing the masses as it is busy registering fake cases against the Opposition. "However, your failure is becoming a matter of life and death for the public," he said.

Iqbal said the government itself was inviting trouble from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as the prime minister was repeatedly saying at international forums that political leaders in the country are involved in money laundering.

"This he does only to promote his politics of hatred and revenge," he said.

Shahbaz, Suleman's accounts ordered unfrozen

After 21 months of investigation and review of 20 years of financial affairs, a British court has ordered the unfreezing of the Opposition leader's bank accounts and those belonging to his son, Suleman Sharif.

The decision was taken by the court after UK's top anti-corruption body NCA concluded there was no evidence of money laundering, fraud and criminal conduct against the two, according to evidence seen by The News exclusively.

The Westminster Magistrates Court’s Judge Nicholas Rimmer set aside the two accounts freezing orders (AFO) against Shahbaz Sharif and his son related to a December 2019 case filed by the NCA at the Pakistani government's request.

The bank accounts of Shahbaz Sharif and Suleiman Shahbaz were freezed in December 2019 on court's order. The National Accountability Bureau East Recovery Unit shared the evidence with the British agency.

During the investigation, the accounts of the Shahbaz Sharif and Sharif family in the UK and UAE were investigated.

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