saturday, 1 October, 2022 i 4 rabi ul awwal, 1444 i rs 15.00 i vol Xiii no 93 i 12 Pages i islamabad edition
Cypher ‘stolen after forgery, fabriCation’ for politiCal gains: Cabinet g
MEMBERS SAy CyPHER, AUDIO-LEAKS ExPOSE CRIMINAL CONSPIRACy OF PREVIOUS GOVT
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STRESSES PROBE TO PUNISH THOSE FOUND RESPONSIBLE IN ACCORDANCE wITH LAw
ISLAMABAD
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saleem Jadoon
HE federal cabinet on Friday held detailed deliberations on the issue of audio leaks and giving concocted meaning to a diplomatic cipher, endorsing the decision of National Security Committee (NSC) to investigate the matter thoroughly. The cabinet accused former prime minister Imran Khan of undermining national interests for political gains by giving fictitious meaning to a diplomatic cypher, saying the former premier had violated his oath and the “Official Secrets Act”. The federal cabinet meeting, held here with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in the chair, however, expressed its strong concern over the fact that vital national interests were damaged by giving concocted meaning to a diplomatic cypher for political gains and it [the cypher] was stolen after “fraud, forgery and fabrication”. The cabinet members expressed their strong concern over continuous surfacing of the audios of former PM, exprincipal secretary to PM and other people about the diplomatic cypher had exposed the criminal conspiracy of the previous government and former PM Imran Niazi. The cabinet members were of the view, “It was strong violation of the constitutional oath, other related laws and regulations particularly the official secret. It was the act of unpardonable crimes against the state through which
political interests were given priority over the vital national interests.” Therefore, it was necessary under the constitution, law and rules to investigate the issue in detail and those found responsible be given severe punishment in accordance with the law, the meeting reckoned. The cabinet was given a detailed
briefing on the issue of diplomatic cypher, during which it was revealed that the copy of diplomatic cypher in question was missing from the PM House Record. The meeting was told though, entry of the receipt of cypher sent to the former PM was found in the record, its copy, which is considered as the property of PM House as per law, was missing
Govt slashes petrol price by rs12.63/liter, LPG price by rs10/kG ISLAMABAD ahmad ahmadani
The government has decided to provide significant relief to already burdened masses and reduced the price of petrol by Rs12.63 per liter for the first fifteen days of October, 2022. Newly-appointed Finance Minister Ishaq Dar while speaking at a press conference announced a substantial cut in the prices of all petroleum products, which will be effective with the start of October. The Finance Ministry, in a statement, said that in the wake of reduction of petroleum products prices in the international market and with a view to
provide relief to the consumers, the government has decided to decrease the prices of petroleum products. According to the finance ministry’s notification, petrol price has witnessed Rs 12.63/liter cut while high speed diesel (HSD) has reduced by Rs 12.13/liter. Similarly, the price of kerosene oil has decreased by 10.19/liter and the price of light diesel oil (LDO) reduced by Rs 10.78/liter. As per new oil prices, petrol will now be available at Rs 224.80/liter, HSD at Rs 235.30/liter, Kerosene oil at Rs 191.83/liter and LDO at Rs 186.50/liter during the first fortnight of October. Meanwhile, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has slashed the
ISLAMABAD A local court of Islamabad on Friday confirmed the interim bail of former prime minister Imran Khan in a case of violation of Section 144 registered by the Aabpara Police. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan appeared before the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Zafar Iqbal in the pre-arrest bail case. At the outset of hearing, the court
remarked that the prosecution had to present the evidence regarding allegation against Imran Khan regarding provoking the protesters. Imran Khan’s counsel Dr Babar Awan told the court that it was 21st first information report (FIR) registered by the Islamabad Police against his client. After listening to arguments, the court confirmed the interim bail of Imran Khan. Imran Khan appears in Judge Zeba’s court to tender
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Pakistan committed to deepen ties with Uae: Pm
price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by Rs 10 to Rs210 per kg for the month of October 2022 and issued a notification to this effect. According to OGRA notification, the price of domestic cylinder has been reduced, which will now be sold for Rs2,374 while commercial cylinder will cost Rs9,135. LPG is used mostly for cooking, lightening purposes in remote and hilly areas where piped natural gas is not available. LPG Distributors Association of Pakistan Chairman Irfan Khokhar said that there would be severe gas shortages in the upcoming winter season and the need is to import LPG to bridge the gap.
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imran’s bail confirmed as he appears in Judge Zeba’s court to tender apology staff report
from the record. The meeting, which termed the stealing of diplomatic cypher from the record as a serious matter, after detailed consultation, constituted a special Cabinet Committee, which will determine legal action against all the involved characters, including the former PM, ex-principal secretary to PM
and senior former ministers. Besides the representatives of the government’s allied parties, the Cabinet Committee will comprise the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Interior and the Law and Justice. CaBinet COndemns maLtreatment OF marriYUm aUranGZeB: The cabinet strongly condemned the maltreatment of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on a London road by the workers of Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI), including the harassment, threatening, chasing and abusing. It was stated in the meeting that such a negative behavior was not allowed even against the men in Islam, western civilization, law and political culture, let alone the women. “It is just hooliganism, which cannot be permitted by any society.” The meeting, appreciating exemplary tolerance of Marriyum Aurangzeb, lauded her spirit, courage and bravery and expressed complete solidarity with her. It was noted in the meeting that PTI and its leadership was used to not only mistreating their political rivals especially the women, but also always adopted a condemnable attitude against female journalists. Besides, the meeting noted that “PTI and its chairman’s attitude against women have generally been biased, partial and insulting, which is strongly condemnable. All Pakistanis, including every segment of the society should condemn this unacceptable attitude.”
apology Earlier, Imran Khan, former prime minister and the chairman of Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI), appeared Friday before the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry to apologise to her personally in the judge threat case. Judge Zeba Chaudhry was, however, not present in the court as she was on leave, at which Imran Khan addressed the reader and the steno and asked them to tell the judge that Imran Khan
had come to tender apology to her. Earlier, Imran Khan told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that he was willing to apologise to Judge Zeba Chaudhry for his controversial remarks. “I am ready to apologise to the female judge,” Imran Khan had told the court. “The court thinks that I have crossed a line. My intention was not to threaten the female judge. If the court says so, I am ready to personally go to the judge and apologise,” he had said.
ISLAMABAD staff report
Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif here on Friday and discussed matters of mutual interest. The prime minister reaffirmed the importance Pakistan attached to its fraternal relations with the UAE, and extended the best wishes for the continued progress and prosperity of its brotherly people. He highlighted the extensive devastation caused by the recent floods across Pakistan and the response of the government to address the dire situation. In this regard, he expressed gratitude for the relief assistance provided by the UAE for the flood-stricken people and for establishing an air corridor to provide humanitarian assistance.
The prime minister added that Pakistan was committed to further deepen its relations with the United Arab Emirates in all areas of common interest. Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close fraternal ties for five decades that are rooted firmly in common belief and shared values and culture. The UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major source of investments. Pakistan desires JaPanese investment: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday said Pakistan was desirous of Japanese investment in the projects of solar energy, cleaning drinking water and treatment, and drainage of waste water and materials. The prime minister expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Japanese companies based in Pakistan, led by Japan’s Vice Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Satomi Ryuji.
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