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Border market, tranSmiSSion line projeCtS new Chapter in pak-iran tieS: pm Friday, 19 May, 2023 I 28 Shawwal, 1444
SAYS FTA TO BE FINALIZED SOON TO TAP INTO VAST BILATERAL POTENTIAL FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT
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PAK-IRAN BORDER
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JOINTLY INAUGURATES MAND-PISHIN BORDER MARKET, GABD-POLAN TRANSMISSION LINE WITH IRAN’S PRESIDENT
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that the inauguration of MandPishin border market and 100 megawatt power Gabd-Polan power transmission line added a new chapter to Pakistan-Iran relationship. The prime minister, who along with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi inaugurated the Gabd-Polan transmission line, told the ceremony that the project would benefit the people of Gwadar and bring in the socio-economic development. He thanked the energy ministers of Pakistan and Iran and relevant organisations for their efforts to complete the otherwise halted project in the record time. The prime minister believed that there existed huge potential for bilateral energy and petroleum projects and expressed the hope that the two countries would make all-out efforts to tap the potential for benefit of the two people. Regarding the inauguration of Pishin-Mand border market, he said such six markets would be developed in the region to usher a new era of progress. This would prove to be a milestone for bilateral relationship, he remarked. Prime Minister Shehbaz told the gathering that during his meeting with President Raisi earlier in the day, he had discussed cooperation in the solar energy sector as the Iranian leader also assured cooperation. He said the delegations from both sides would visit each other to work out the solar energy projects. The prime minister said he also extended an invitation to President Raisi which he accepted.
He said Pakistan and Iran were bound in centuries old relationship marking Islamic brotherhood. However the bilateral trade, investment did not reflect that relationship, he commented. Calling for maximum efforts to exploit the potential, the prime minister assured the Iranian president of his support and cooperation in the journey. He said the leadership from both
sides would have to bring about a revolution of development for the benefit of two countries. To a suggestion by the Iranian president, the prime minister assured for taking measures for a joint security mechanism in order to thwart the nefarious designs poised to undermine the bilateral ties. The prime minister also thanked
LAHORE
The Punjab Caretaker Government has reportedly handed over evidence of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) involvement in terrorism to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikander Sultan Raja in an attempt to get the party banned. According to details, the CEC arrived at the Chief Minister House in Lahore to meet Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday. A high-level briefing session was held under their chairmanship. The meeting strongly condemned the terrorist incidents of May 9 and expressed complete solidarity with the Pakistan Army. During the meeting, the CEC and members were presented with solid evidence of the involvement in the May 9th “terrorist” incidents by a political party, including briefings, images, videos, and messaging proofs. Speaking on the occasion, Mohsin Naqvi said that on May 9, a political party disgraced the entire nation and carried out planned attacks on military installations. He said that evidence of con-
the Iranian president for a warm reception and hospitality to him as well as the delegation. In his address, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said the the Pak-Iran relations were strengthening as both the countries were bound in religious bond. He said Iran desired to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in the energy sector. He congratulated the Government of Pakistan on completion of the 100MW power transmission project that would beget employment opportunities for people in the area. Coming to the regional situation, he called for resolution of regional disputes through dialogue to achieve durable peace. Energy Minister Engineer Khurram Dastgir thanked the Iranian partners and NTDC in Pakistan for their extraordinary efforts to ensure completion of the project in record time despite heavy floods. He said these projects would unlock the development and lead to the infrastructural transformation as well as industrial development. Pakistan, Iran to finalise Free Trade Agreement soon
‘Iran border market will transform region and boost business prospects’
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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasised the significance of Pakistan-Iran border markets in improving the socioeconomic conditions of the border regions and creating new opportunities for local businesses. In an interview with Iran’s state news agency IRNA, he said that these initiatives reflect the vitality of the Pakistan-Iran friendship and contribute to enhanced cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the economic domain. The prime minister, alongside Iran’s President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, jointly inaugurated the Mand-Pishin border sustenance market, which is one of the six border markets planned along the Pak-Iran common border. The establishment of these markets aims to boost bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and Iran. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and linguistic ties that bind Pakistan and Iran as brotherly countries. He emphasised that both governments are working closely to uplift the socioeconomic conditions of their people. STAFF REPORT CONTINUED ON PAGE 03
Punjab govt presents ‘terrorism’ evidence to ECP for ‘banning’ PTI STAFF REPORT
Rs 15.00 | Vol XIII No 319 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
tacts between attackers and party leadership present in Lahore’s Zaman Park came to light through geo-fencing. “A dirty game was played in the guise of politics, and the initial estimate suggests a loss of Rs600 million to the national exchequer,” he added. Sultan Raja said that under the leadership of Mohsin Naqvi, the Punjab government has taken the best and courageous steps to protect the people in the current situation. “I am confident that the Punjab government’s team is fulfiling its responsibilities with integrity. The purpose of the ECP is to conduct free, fair, and peaceful general elections. We have no affiliation with any political party and no political agenda,” he added. During the meeting, the CEC and other ECP members were briefed about the incidents of terrorism that occurred on May 9. Inspector General of Police, Dr Usman Anwar, provided details of the attacks on Jinnah House and other military installations to the delegation. The Additional Chief Secretary on Interior gave a briefing on the damages caused by the terrorist at-
tacks, stating that a total of 256 violent incidents occurred in a span of three days, adding that military installations and locations were specifically targeted. He said that a total of 108 vehicles and 23 buildings, including police and other government institutions, were damaged. Five individuals lost their lives in the violent incidents, while 127 police officers, personnel, and 15 civilians sustained injuries, he added. The meeting was attended by members of the Election Commission of Pakistan, including Sindh’s member Nasir Ahmed Durani, Balochistan’s member Shah Mohammad Jatoi, KP’s former Justice (retd) Ikramullah Khan, Punjab’s member Babar Hassan Bharwana, Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan, Omar Hamid Khan, Special Secretary of the Election Commission of Pakistan, Zafar Iqbal Hussain, Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab, Saeed Gul, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Additional Chief Secretary, Additional IG Special Branch, Additional Chief Secretary (Interior), Secretary Law, Secretary Prosecution, CCO Lahore, and Additional IG CTD.
As deadline ends, ‘grand operation’ expected against ‘terrorists’ hiding in Zaman Park LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
The Punjab Police may launch a “grand operation” to arrest the “terrorists” allegedly holed up in Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s Zaman Park residence. According to the police, all roads leading towards Zaman Park have been blocked and a heavy contingent of law enforcement is in the area. The Punjab government had given a 24-hour ultimatum to the PTI to hand over the “terrorists” who had taken refuge in the former prime minister’s home. The government had given the PTI a deadline till 2pm on Thursday which has now ended. Sources said that the “grand operation” may be launched after the deadline ends. Sources shared that the inspector general of Punjab police and the capital city police officer (CCPO) have asked the police to remain “vigilant”. Punjab caretaker Information Minister Amir Mir said Wednesday night that the provincial government has no plans so far of arresting PTI Chairman Imran Khan. “First let the 24-hour deadline expire then the government will reveal its plans,” the provincial minister said during an interview on Geo News’ programme “Aaj
Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath”. The minister’s comment came hours after the PTI chief expressed fears that he would be arrested. “Probably my last tweet before my next arrest. Police has [sic] surrounded my house,” the PTI chief — who was ousted as the prime minister last year in April — said in a tweet. Amir Mir added that Khan is inciting people, “just like always”. The information minister said the PTI chief was “lying”. In his presser earlier in the day, the minister gave the PTI a 24-hour deadline to hand over the “30-40 terrorists that have taken refuge” at the former prime minister’s Lahore residence to the police. “PTI should hand over these terrorists or the law will take its course,” warned the minister. He also added that the government was aware of the presence of these “terrorists” as it had credible intelligence reports. THE SITUATION: On Wednesday, Geo News reporter Azam Malik, who was at Zaman Park, said the PTI chief allowed media access to his residence. “The reason behind allowing the media to have a look at his residence is to show them the people over there,” the reporter said, noting that the information minister’s claim that several terrorists were inside the residence could not be corroborated.
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Supreme Court orders release of leader of Gwadar rights movement ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The Supreme Court approved the request for bail of Hidayat ur-Rehman Baloch, leader of a prominent rights movement in Gwadar, who was arrested in January over charges stemming from the December killing of a policeman by unidentified gunmen during a series of protests by his supporters. The protests were part of months-long demonstrations demanding greater rights for the coastal region such as an end to illegal trawling in Gwadar and security checkpoints, and restrictions on border trade with Iran. The Haq Do Tehreek (Gwadar Rights Movement) was established in August of 2021 to protest on behalf of the local population. The sit-in, which led to Baloch’s arrest, began in late October near the main entrance of the Chinese-built and operated port. The movement escalated its confrontation with the government in the third week of December, when Baloch warned the Chinese to leave. In the early morning of December 26, police raided the protest camp. Supporters of the movement clashed with the police for at least four days after the crackdown began. At least one police officer and one protester were killed. Subsequently, on January 13, Gwadar police arrested Baloch after he showed up at a local court, days after he announced that he was heading to Gwadar to surrender. The decision by a three-judge bench on Thursday came after the lawyer for Baloch, Kamran Murtaza, informed the court that the head of the movement was arrested from inside the court. Murtaza further emphasized that Baloch has been held in custody since December.
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