Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Imran Khan ready to sit with PM Shehbaz on early polls issue: Sheikh Rashid

Former in­­terior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed
Former in­­terior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said he is making efforts to clear “misunderstandings” between the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the establishment, claiming that ex-premier Imran Khan is ready to sit with incumbent Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the issue of holding early elections if (early polls are) guaranteed by “powerful quarters”.

Mr Rashid, who as the head of the Awami National League-Pakistan remained part of the PTI-led coalition government, said that the PTI would stage a long march to the federal capital by the end of this month and the marchers would stay in Islamabad till the announcement of election date.

He was of the opinion that the PTI should not have confronted any state institutions rather the party should sit with the Election Commi­ssion of Pakistan (ECP) so that it could convince the commission on early polls.

“I have started efforts yesterday to remove misunderstanding between them (PTI and the establishment),” he said in an interview with VOA correspondent Ali Furqan on Monday.

“I am in favour of peace with army, but in case of ‘war’ I will stand by Imran Khan,” Mr Rashid said.

He agreed that there was something wrong [in the last regime] due to which allies like the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) parted ways with the PTI. However, he said, “I was not expecting this from MQM.”

He said Mr Khan was ready to hold talks with the Sharif government for early general elections, but it required the guarantee of “powerful quarters”.

However, he dismissed the impression that PTI’s long march was aimed at inviting martial law. “Imran Khan does not want to shake hands with the leaders of Shehbaz Sharif’s coalition government, but there can be talks regarding elections if the establishment guarantees,” he added.

When the PTI was in power, Mr Khan had said multiple times that he would never sit with Sharif-like “corrupt” leaders on “any issue”.

After the no-confidence vote against Mr Khan last month, the former opposition parties have formed a coalition government with PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif as its prime minister.

Mr Rashid said the army wanted to maintain the continuity of democracy and the only way to maintain it was to hold early elections, otherwise, neither PTI nor the PML-N-led government would survive.

The AML chief said: “Imran Khan is going to gather millions of people in Islamabad and in that case the country would go into a state of uncertainty which may lead to civil war.”

PTI chief Imran Khan earlier on Saturday announced a march towards Islamabad in the last week of May.

Mr Rashid said that if Mr Khan succeeded in bringing a large number of people to Islamabad, his politics would reign while his only demand was early elections. “The PTI does not want to topple the government, but the marchers will not return from Islamabad without announcement of the date of general elections,” he added.

Talking about the fall of the PTI government, he said there were “some misunderstandings with the institutions” which should not have happened. He said he was against a conflict with the army and still wanted “reconciliation”.

When asked to elaborate specific reasons that had caused differences between Mr Khan and the army, the minister refused to reply. However, he said, he had started making efforts from May 1 to remove the “misunderstanding”.

Mr Rashid said he had nothing to do with the Masjid-i-Nabwi incident, but he was clear that the present rulers would be “welcomed in a similar way wherever they go”.

On cases of incitement to violence at the holy mosque, he said he had spent many years in jail in fake cases in the past and was still ready for arrest. He said he had intended to retire from politics, but in the present circumstances he would take part in the elections at Mr Khan’s behest.



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Monday, May 2, 2022

Pakistan celebrates Eidul Fitr with traditional zeal and fervour

Pakistan celebrates Eidul Fitr with traditional zeal and fervour
Pakistanis are celebrating Eidul Fitr with traditional zeal and fervour today (Tuesday) without COVID-19 restrictions for the first time in two years.

Three separate Eids were celebrated in the country — North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkwa, and the rest of Pakistan — as the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee's decision was not unanimously accepted across the country.

The day witnesses traditional food items being prepared at home. Large prayer gatherings were held to mark the auspicious occasion, while special prayers were made for the country's stability and prosperity.

PM urges showing compassion to people in need

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended greetings to the nation as well as Muslim Ummah on Eidul Fitr and urged the countrymen to show compassion and take special care of the people in need while celebrating the festival.

The prime minister said Allah had awarded Muslims with Eidul Fitr after the month of Ramadan.

He said considering Ramadan’s spirit of patience, sacrifice and compassion, it was incumbent upon the followers to be extra cautious about the needs of the poor and needy while celebrating the Eid.

The prime minister said his government was committed to ensuring the country’s deliverance from the load shedding and was making all-out efforts to achieve the objective.

He also directed the authorities concerned to refrain from carrying out power outages for the three days of Eid-ul-Fitr to allow the people to enjoy the occasion.

He said keeping in view the Eid pleasures and the hardships of the inflation-hit people, the government had also decided not to increase the oil price.

The prime minister assured the nation that every moment of his tenure and all of his capabilities would be utilised to bring ease to the people’s lives.

In the coming days, the people would also feel the reduction in their hardships "as an outcome of the government’s efforts".

The prime minister also asked the countrymen to remember the people of Palestine and the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Eid and pray for their liberation from oppression.

He also expressed his good wishes for the people of Afghanistan and prayed for durable peace, progress, and prosperity in the war-torn country.

President's message

Separately, in his message, President Dr Arif Alvi, while greeting the countrymen on Eidul Fitr, said it was a day of giving, blessings, and forgiveness.

The president prayed to Allah to make the day a source of joys and eases.

The president said Eid required the celebrators to share their joys with the poor by fully supporting them to achieve real happiness and exercise the true spirit of the festival.

President Alvi prayed to Allah to inculcate, in our personalities, the characteristics of love for worship, self-control, and passion to sacrifice, which we had been practicing throughout Ramadan.



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With all eyes on economic cooperation, high-powered UAE delegation due in Pakistan today

With all eyes on economic cooperation, high-powered UAE delegation due in Pakistan
A high-powered United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation is due in Pakistan today to explore opportunities on the economic front after Islamabad sought a multibillion-dollar investment from Abu Dhabi.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on his return from Saudi Arabia, had stopped in the UAE last week to hold a meeting with President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other top officials.

In the meeting, the premier requested the emirates senior officials to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan. The UAE has already rolled over its deposits of $2 billion lying with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

“A high-level delegation of the UAE is coming to Pakistan to meet their counterparts on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s request to the ruler of UAE. A number of proposals will be discussed and explored during this visit.

Federal Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail confirmed that the UAE delegation was coming to Pakistan to explore investment opportunities. He made it clear that the visit was not meant to seek any further aid package from the UAE.

During their visit, the UAE’s economic experts would also meet PM Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore today. The delegation will also interact with the government’s economic team and deliberate on ways to accelerate the economic activities between the two countries.

The prime minister will also host a dinner reception for the delegation, which will be held to discuss the promotion of economic and trade relations as well as investment.

The members of the delegation will be apprised of a conducive atmosphere for investment in Pakistan. The discussion on cooperation in the fields of energy, economy, and petroleum industry is also on the agenda.

 



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Pakistan celebrates Eidul Fitr with traditional zeal and fervour

Pakistan celebrates Eidul Fitr with traditional zeal and fervour
Pakistanis are celebrating Eidul Fitr with traditional zeal and fervour today (Tuesday) without COVID-19 restrictions for the first time in two years.

Three separate Eids were celebrated in the country — North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkwa, and the rest of Pakistan — as the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee's decision was not unanimously accepted across the country.

The day witnesses traditional food items being prepared at home. Large prayer gatherings were held to mark the auspicious occasion, while special prayers were made for the country's stability and prosperity.

PM urges showing compassion to people in need

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended greetings to the nation as well as Muslim Ummah on Eidul Fitr and urged the countrymen to show compassion and take special care of the people in need while celebrating the festival.

The prime minister said Allah had awarded Muslims with Eidul Fitr after the month of Ramadan.

He said considering Ramadan’s spirit of patience, sacrifice and compassion, it was incumbent upon the followers to be extra cautious about the needs of the poor and needy while celebrating the Eid.

The prime minister said his government was committed to ensuring the country’s deliverance from the load shedding and was making all-out efforts to achieve the objective.

He also directed the authorities concerned to refrain from carrying out power outages for the three days of Eid-ul-Fitr to allow the people to enjoy the occasion.

He said keeping in view the Eid pleasures and the hardships of the inflation-hit people, the government had also decided not to increase the oil price.

The prime minister assured the nation that every moment of his tenure and all of his capabilities would be utilised to bring ease to the people’s lives.

In the coming days, the people would also feel the reduction in their hardships "as an outcome of the government’s efforts".

The prime minister also asked the countrymen to remember the people of Palestine and the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of Eid and pray for their liberation from oppression.

He also expressed his good wishes for the people of Afghanistan and prayed for durable peace, progress, and prosperity in the war-torn country.

President's message

Separately, in his message, President Dr Arif Alvi, while greeting the countrymen on Eidul Fitr, said it was a day of giving, blessings, and forgiveness.

The president prayed to Allah to make the day a source of joys and eases.

The president said Eid required the celebrators to share their joys with the poor by fully supporting them to achieve real happiness and exercise the true spirit of the festival.

President Alvi prayed to Allah to inculcate, in our personalities, the characteristics of love for worship, self-control, and passion to sacrifice, which we had been practicing throughout Ramadan.



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PM Shehbaz extends Eid greetings to Muslims and overseas Pakistanis across the world

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended Eid greetings to Muslims and overseas Pakistanis across the world.

In a tweet today [Monday], the Prime Minister also extended warm Eid greetings to his fellow Muslim leaders over the close of holy month of Ramazan, reaffirming Pakistan's resolve to further strengthen ties with them.



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PM Shehbaz, UAE Crown Prince discuss bilateral, regional, int'l issues

PM Shehbaz and UAE Crown Prince
In a meeting with United Arab Emirates Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held extensive consultations over the prospects of propelling cooperation and a range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

The premier met the crown prince in Abu Dhabi during his brief stay in the state after concluding his three-day visit to Saudi Arabia.

PM Shehbaz Sharif had a warm welcome at Abu Dhabi by the crown prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces ahead of their meeting at Royal Palace, Qasr-e Al-Shatie.

During the meeting, the crown prince congratulated PM Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the premier of Pakistan and wished him great success serving the post. He also extended best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan.

The prime minister paid tributes to the founder and first president of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah bless his soul) for his foresight and visionary leadership and his contribution to laying the foundation of Pakistan-UAE friendship. He expressed Pakistan's determination to strengthen mutually beneficial ties under the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Noting the first 50 years of fast-track and remarkable development of the UAE, PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the UAE leadership and people and wished them more success in the decades ahead.

He also felicitated the UAE leadership and Expo Team on successful holding of the Dubai World Expo 2020, widely acclaimed as a resounding success.

Moreover, the prime minister expressed gratitude to the UAE for its long-standing support to Pakistan both bilaterally and multilaterally.

He, in particular, mentioned the humanitarian projects launched under the UAE-Pakistan Assistance Program in Pakistan as well as crucial support extended by the UAE during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked the UAE for hosting 1.7 million Pakistanis with honour and dignity who are not only a bridge between Pakistan and the UAE but also pride of Pakistan.

Highlighting the noble initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to eradicate polio worldwide, the PM Shehbaz Sharif lauded UAE's pivotal role in supporting global efforts to end this menace.

Reviewing bilateral cooperation in various fields, the two leaders resolved to further strengthen trade and economic ties, with particular focus on accelerating cooperation and building partnerships in areas encompassing, investments, economic development, energy, infrastructure and agriculture.

'Pakistan, UAE stood by each other': Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed

The crown prince assured the PM Shehbaz Sharif about making effective moves towards strengthening closer bilateral fraternal ties for the benefit of future generations of the two countries. He acknowledged with gratitude the constructive role played by Pakistanis in the development of the UAE when others had limited presence and contribution.

Prince Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that Pakistan and the UAE stood with each other during good or bad times and would continue to extend support to each other in the future. He emphasised the importance of strengthening bridges between the two brotherly nations for the well-being of their people.

The two leaders also discussed issues of regional and international importance. They decided to remain in regular contact on all issues of mutual interest as well as coordinate positions at multilateral forums including the UN and the OIC.



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KP, parts of Balochistan celebrating Eid today unlike rest of Pakistan

KP, parts of Balochistan celebrating Eid today unlike rest of Pakistan
Unlike the rest of Pakistan, Eidul Fitr is being celebrated with religious zeal and fervour in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the northern districts of Balochistan today instead of tomorrow (Tuesday).

Eid prayers were held at open places, in mosques and Eidgahs in KP and certain districts of Balochistan.

On the occasion, special prayers were offered for the well-being of the country, while in sermons, scholars highlighted the significance of this Eid. The Ulema also condemned the incident of hooliganism at Masjid-e-Nabawi in their Eid sermons.

In KP, the main gathering of Eidul Fitr was held at Eidgah mosque alongside Charsadda Road. Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and the provincial ministers offered their Eid prayers at Governor House.

The Hazara Division will observe Eid tomorrow.

In Balochistan, Eid is being celebrated in Chaman, Pishin, Qilla Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Zhob and other areas.

KP to observe Eid on Monday

A day earlier, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan’s Special Assistant Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif had announced that the province will celebrate Eid on Monday.

Taking to his Twitter, Saif said that the government had received 130 sightings from different areas of KP of the Shawwal moon.

“The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to officially celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on Monday, May 2. Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated with religious fervour across the province tomorrow,” said the special assistant.

Moreover, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee's zonal body in Peshawar, urged the central body to review it's decision.

Madni said that the zonal body had "examined the sightings" and considered them after through review.

On the other hand, following the decision of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the rest of the country will celebrate Eid on Tuesday, May 3.

Religious Affairs Minister Abdul Shakoor said that the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee was an independent body and that the federal government cannot "dictate" it.

“We can only request the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to not ignore the sightings," Shakoor told journalists. He added that zonal committee had received the reports of moon sighting after the central body's meeting had ended.



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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...