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PM SHEHBAZ CALLS FOR HONOURING FINANCIAL PLEDGES TO DEAL WITH CLIMATE CHANGE Thursday, 14 November, 2024 I | 11 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
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Premier emphasizes climate financing must be grant-based, not added to debt burden of developing countries
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Praises strong Pak-Azerbaijan ties, expressing optimism about further enhancing cooperation
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on the global community to honour its financial pledges to deal with the issue of climate change. Addressing Climate Action Summit COP-29 in Baku on Wednesday, he regretted that the financial commitments made at previous summits were yet to be fulfilled. The Prime Minister emphasized that climate finance must be grant based and not add to the debt burden of vulnerable developing countries. He stressed that without climate justice, there can be no real resilience. Highlighting the devastation caused by the 2022 floods in Pakistan, the Prime Minister pointed out that Pakistan is one of the countries that contributes less than half a percent of global emissions, yet it remains vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is a resilient, hardworking and responsible nation and that it is fully committed to be part of global climate solutions. He said his government has taken concrete actions to deliver on its commitment of producing sixty percent of all energy from clean sources and shifting of thirty percent of its vehicles to EVs by the end of this decade. He said Pakistan is to go through a renewable energy rev-
olution. Last year, Pakistan presented a comprehensive national adaptation plan and this year, it has developed a national carbon market framework. He, however, emphasized that Pakistan needs international support to deliver on its climate ambitions. PM PRAISES PAK-AZERBAIJAN STRONG TIES; HOPES TO GROW FURTHER Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday praised the strong ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan and expressed optimism about further enhancing cooperation in various fields, including technology sharing and joint ventures in renewable energy.
Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 128 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
On the sidelines of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit (COP-29), Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a productive bilateral meeting with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Aliyev on successful holding of the World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. He commended President Aliyev’s vision and commitment to enhance international cooperation to address challenges posed by climate change, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release. The prime minister assured him that Pakistan being itself among the most affected countries due to climate change
despite its negligible contributions, was committed to work with Azerbaijan and the international community on climate change related challenges. Both leaders reviewed the entire range of bilateral relations. They expressed their commitment to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, particularly in the areas of economic and defence cooperation; as well as people to people and cultural ties. The two leaders also exchanged views on the escalating situation in the Middle East and other regional and international developments. Separately, on X handle, the prime minister posted that he held a most warm and cordial meeting with brother President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. “Congratulated him on hosting the successful World Leaders Climate Action Summit in Baku and appreciated his commitment to working on issues related to climate change. Pakistan, as one of the most climate-vulnerable nations, is dedicated to working closely with Azerbaijan and the global community on climate hallenges. We also discussed strengthening our strategic partnership, with a focus on economic and defense cooperation, tech sharing, and renewable energy. Exchanged views on the Middle East situation and other global issues. Together, we resolve to strive for a resilient and collaborative future,” he said in a post.
PTI moves SC, challenging election tribunal, verdict on electoral symbol ‘bat’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging a series of decisions pertaining to its electoral matters, including the change of Election Tribunal and the denial of its electoral symbol, the “bat.” The party, in the petition filed by its leader Ali Bukhari, has contested the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) decision to replace the election tribunal previously headed by Justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri. The petitioner argues that the ECP acted arbitrarily by not consulting the Chief Justice before making the change, a move that was made after candidates from the PML-N raised objections to the tribunal. The PTI’s petition requests the Supreme Court to annul the ECP’s June 10 decision to alter the tribunal
and restore the original panel. In addition, PTI has sought the annulment of an Islamabad High Court ruling issued on September 19, which upheld the change. The party maintains that the Election Commission’s decision and the High Court’s verdict were flawed and calls for the reinstatement of the initial tribunal that was overseeing their electoral disputes. Meanwhile, PTI has also filed a curative petition in the Supreme Court following the dismissal of its review petition related to the electoral symbol “bat.” PTI has been embroiled in a prolonged legal battle over the use of its electoral emblem, and in the latest petition, it has asked the Court to overturn the January 13 and October 21 rulings, which had denied the party the use of the bat symbol in upcoming elections. The 32-page petition, filed by PTI’s lawyer Ajmal Ghaffar, argues that the decisions made by the Elec-
tion Commission and the Islamabad High Court were unjust, violating fundamental rights and electoral laws. PTI further contends that the principles of justice and fairness require reconsideration of these rulings, as they are based on misinterpretations of relevant statutes. The petition also references the Supreme Court’s August 22, 2024, ruling in the Mubarak Ahmed Sani case, where the Court had revised a previous decision, setting a precedent for revisiting past rulings. PTI argues that the decision to deny the “bat” symbol was made without regard for the law and, therefore, should be treated as an error open to reconsideration. As the case progresses, the legal and political implications of PTI’s challenges to both the tribunal change and the electoral symbol issue could have significant ramifications for upcoming elections and the broader political landscape.
recruitment agent, especially suicide bombers, for socalled Majeed Brigade in District Kech and was highly wanted by the Law Enforcement Agencies. “Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist found in the area. Security Forces of Pakistan, in step with Nation, remain determined to thwart attempts of sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan,” the ISPR added. EIGHT TERRORISTS KILLED IN MIRANSHAH The ISPR issued another press release stating that security forces conducted an operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Miranshah district and killed eight terrorists. “On 12-13 November 2024, Security Forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in general area Miran Shah, North Waziristan District on reported presence of khawarij,” said the military’s media wing. During the operation, security personnel engaged the
terrorists, where “eight khawarij were sent to hell, while six khawarij got injured”. The ISPR said that a sanitisation operation was underway to eliminate any other “kharji” in the area. “Security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country,” the press release added. The country has lately witnessed a sharp surge in the number of attacks targeting security forces, other law enforcement agencies, and security checkpoints, particularly in Balochistan and KP. The terrorists attacks escalated after the TTP broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022 and vowed to target security forces. Last Sunday, security forces killed 10 terrorists and injured eight others during three different engagements in North Waziristan. On Nov 7, security forces killed five terrorists during an exchange of fire in South Waziristan, while four soldiers were martyred in the operation.
HVT among 12 terrorists neutralised in Kech, Miranshah IBOs RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Four terrorists, including a high-value target (HVT), were killed in fire exchange with security forces in an intelligence-based operation in Balochistan’s Kech District while eight terrorists were killed in a separate operation conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Miranshah district, the military media wing said on Wednesday. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “On night 12/13 November 2024, security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Balgatar of Kech District on reported presence of terrorists. During conduct of the operation and after an intense fire exchange between own troops and the terrorists, four terrorists, including a High Value Target (HVT), Terrorist ringleader Sana @ Baru were killed.” According to the ISPR, Sana alias Baru was focal
Imran gives call for March on Islamabad, nationwide protests on Nov 24 RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Aleema Khan, sister of incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan, said on Wednesday that Imran had set the date of November 24 for starting the anti-government movement and a march on Islamabad. Speaking to the media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail, she said that the PTI founder had said this is the time for the nation to decide whether it wanted freedom or to live under a military dictatorship. “Everybody be it a PTI voter, MNA, MPA or people belonging to different professions has to take this decision.” “The situation the country is going through these days makes it
obligatory on each and every citizen to come out on the roads for the protection of his or her rights. This is a matter that concerns our future generations. People will have to take to streets for the rule of law, democracy and getting
back the mandate stolen from the PTI following the February 8 elections,” Aleema said while quoting her brother. She further said that the former prime minister was of the view that lawyers too should stand up for the independence of
judiciary. Talking to reporters in Rawalpindi, lawyer Faisal Chaudhry said: “Imran Khan says this is the final call for a [anti-government] protest and the party’s entire leadership will be part of the march.” The protest will not only take place in Islamabad, but throughout Pakistan and across the world where Imran’s supporters are present, Chaudhry said. The lawyer said the PTI founder has set up a committee to organise the Islamabad march, although he declined to reveal the members’ names, stating, “I won’t disclose the names, as they could be arrested” a local media outlet reported.
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PAF, Moroccan air chiefs discuss military partnership in entire spectrum of air power application
Maj-Gen Gadih calls on Air Chief Marshal, review collaborative training programs, joint military exercises and industrial cooperation RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Major General Mohammed Gadih, Inspector Royal Moroccan Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. The meeting covered a wide array of matters related to military cooperation, joint training and collaboration in the industrial domain. On his arrival, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented Guard of Honour to Major General Mohammed Gadih. During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff conveyed his warm wishes to Inspector Royal Moroccan Air Force on his maiden visit to Pakistan. The Air Chief highlighted that both brotherly countries enjoy longstanding historical ties and reiterated his resolve to strengthening military partnership through full collaboration in joint training initiatives in the entire spectrum of air power application, which will include basic and tactical level training for Moroccan Air Force personnel. Both the dignitaries expressed a deep desire to consolidate the existing ties focusing on collaborative training programs, joint military exercises and industrial cooperation. Major General Mohammed Gadih lauded the technological advancement of Pakistan Air Force and expressed the desire of Moroccan Air Force to learn from aerospace industrial strides of Pakistan Air Force in order to enhance its operational capabilities. He conveyed his admiration for the state of the art technological ecosystem witnessed during his visit to National Aerospace Science & Technology Park and shared his deep interest in exploring avenues of collaboration in the industrial domain. The dignitary also visited various installations and technological infrastructure established at Air Headquarters, Islamabad including National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre and PAF Cyber Command.
Interior Minister discusses human trafficking challenge with Swiss, EU ministers ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday held meetings with heads and ministers of Switzerland, European Union and International Migration Organization. During his visit to Budapest, capital of Hungary, Mohsin Naqvi met Switzerland’s Minister of Migration Chirstine Schraner Burener and Johannes Luchner, Head of Migration and Internal Affairs of the European Union. Michael Spindelegger, head of International Center for Migration Policy Development also met Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The bilateral issues of mutual interest were discussed in details during the meetings and a detailed discussion was held on curbing illegal migration and human trafficking. All members of the meeting emphasized the need to take joint measures to tackle illegal migration issue. On the occasion, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi told the participants that human trafficking has become a multifaceted challenge and no country can deal with the nexus of international mafias alone. He said globalization policy has to be adopted to deal with the global challenge. Pakistan will welcome EU and migration policy development cooperation to address illegal migration and human trafficking. Interior Minister suggested the world leaders that “by taking sustainable actions today, we can leave a relatively better future for new generations”. He said in this regard, “mutual delegations should be exchanged and partnership should be increased to increase the capacity of the institutions”.
Gandapur backs call for Nov 24 protests, warns of no turning back ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly backed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan’s call for a nationwide protest scheduled for November 24 in Islamabad. Gandapur, speaking to the media today, reaffirmed his party’s stance, declaring that there would be “no turning back” in PTI’s struggle for what he called the “restoration of democracy and the rule of law” in the country. The statement came hours after Imran Khan issued what he described as a “final call” to his supporters for mass protests against the government’s alleged “stolen mandate” and the recent enactment of the controversial 26th constitutional amendment. In a pointed response
to questions from reporters, Gandapur echoed Khan’s assertion that this protest would be crucial for Pakistan’s political future. He emphasized that this protest was not just about the release of party leadership, including Imran Khan himself, but about standing up for the very essence of Pakistan’s democracy. “The people of Pakistan have spoken. This is not a political struggle, but a battle for our basic freedoms,” Gandapur stated, standing in front of a gathering of PTI workers in Peshawar. He also warned that PTI’s determination to press on with the protests was unwavering, suggesting that the government’s attempts to block or delay the movement would only strengthen the resolve of the party’s supporters.
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