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PM SHEHBAZ HOLDS MEETINGS WITH ZARDARI, TAREEN AS POLITICKING PICKS UP
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Sunday, 16 July, 2023 I 27 Zil Hajj, 1444
NO HINT DROPPED BY ANY LEADER FROM RULING COALITION ABOUT UPCOMING ELECTIONS DATE
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ISLAMABAD
PM YET TO HOLD CONSULTATION WITH OPPOSITION LEADER IN NA OVER CARETAKER SET UP
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday met PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari and Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) patron-in-chief Jahangir Khan Tareen in Lahore on Saturday, as political parties gear up for general elections. The PML-N said in a statement on Twitter that Zardari, who is an important ally of the PM-Shehbaz-led ruling coalition at the Centre, called on the premier at his residence in the Punjab capital today where the two discussed the country’s current political situation. In another tweet, the PML-N said the PM visited Tareen today and extended condolences over the demise of the IPP leader’s brother, Alamgir Khan Tareen, earlier this month who died purportedly by suicide. The meetings take place with just four weeks remaining in the 15th National Assembly’s tenure, which will end on August 12, and political parties set to kick off their election campaigns. For his part, PM Shehbaz has promised timely elections, saying that the government’s reins would be handed over to a caretaker setup in August.
However, no hint has been dropped by either the premier or any other leader from the ruling coalition about when the elections will be held as they have been insisting that it is the domain of the Election Commission of Pakistan to issue the polls’ schedule. Similarly, the legally required consultations that must take place between the prime minister and opposition leader in the National Assembly over candidates for the caretaker government have
Is Riyadh Airport Authority’s reminder to PIA for being late on payments worrying? g
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NATIONAL-FLAG-CARRIER REMINDED THAT IT NEEDS TO PAY 8.2M RIYAL
PROFIT DANIYAL AHMAD
The Riyadh Airport Authority (RAA) has issued a reminder to Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) — pay 8.2 million Riyal (Rs 60.6 crores at a spot rate of 1 to Rs73.98) in overdue fees by July 15th (today) or face impending disruptions to its winter flights to Saudi Arabia. The RAA’s warning is not the only financial quandary for PIA, as various local and international media outlets also disclose that the airline has reneged on payments at Jeddah Airport. Why does PIA owe RS8.2 million? The debt, accrued over six months, covers landing charges and other services at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. What is the severity of the issue? However, PIA’s Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications, Abdullah Khan, states that the matter is not something extraordinary. He says that “There is no final warning. It was merely a reminder. The news is ‘overly exaggerated'”. He admits that “PIA is behind payments” but insists that “the airline is making regular — albeit delayed — payments and that operations continue as normal. “If the situation is as dire as it is being made out to be then they would have seized our permissions,” Khan asserts.
Rs 15.00 | Vol XIV No 16 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
yet to begin. On this, a Dawn editorial said today, “The names of several controversial characters have been doing the rounds, and it is with quiet trepidation that many have been speculating the actual ‘mandate’ of the interim set-up that will be announced.” It further pointed out: “Given the absence of any real opposition in the National Assembly, the consultation process, at the moment, appears to be a mere formality. The opposition leader, a
PTI turncoat keen on securing a ticket from another political party, is unlikely to have any strong or independent opinions on the matter.” The editorial also mentioned a Dubai huddle between the PML-N and PPP leadership last month, during which the two sides discussed the timing of the elections, names for the caretaker setup and their share in the future setup if they won the polls, according to reports. The huddle seemed to have irked another key ally, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, president of the political alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement of which the PML-N is a part, for not being consulted on the meeting. However, after he had a meeting with PM Shehbaz, Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl spokesman Mohammad Aslam Ghauri denied his party chief had expressed any concerns or dislike over the Dubai huddle, claiming the media had distorted Fazl’s off-record conversation with journalists. PM Shehbaz’s today’s meetings also come a day after the PPP and the newly formed IPP — which is expected to play an important role in Punjab politics in the upcoming general elections — reacted sharply to the PML-N’s reluctance to go for major seat adjustments.
Afghanistan failed to uphold commitments outlined in Doha agreement: Kh Asif ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday strongly rebuked Afghanistan for “neglecting its obligations a neighbouring and fraternal country”, and disregarding vital obligations made in the Doha peace agreement, specifically with regard to use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities. In a detail tweet on Saturday, the defence minister lashed out at Afghanistan, alleging a failure to uphold its commitments as outlined in the Doha agreement. “Afghanistan is neither fulfilling its obligation as a neighbouring and brotherly country nor safeguarding the peace agreement.” Kh Asif issued the categorical statement a day after the Armed Forces of Pakistan expressed “serious concerns regarding the safe havens and freedom of movement enjoyed” by the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) within Afghanistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had issued the statement following Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir’s visit to Quetta Garrison where he was briefed on a recent attack on a military installation in Balochistan’s Zhob Cantt. Gen Munir is presently in Iran, having arrived there yesterday for an official visit scheduled to last two days. A total of nine soldiers were martyred in the attack that took place on Wednesday while security forces killed five terrorists in
retaliatory action. According to Zhob District Commissioner (DC) Azeem Kakar, a civilian woman was also killed in the incident after being caught in the crossfire while five other civilians were left injured. Kh Asif continued that Pakistan has provided refuge to five to six million Afghan refugees for 40 to 50 years with all their rights intact. However, he added: “Conversely, the terrorists who shed the blood of Pakistanis find refuge on Afghan soil.” The minister cautioned that the ongoing situation could no longer persist. He asserted that Pakistan would employ all possible resources and measures, “with the guidance of Allah, to safeguard its territory and citizens”. In another tweet, the minister stated that the individuals who attended the assembly during the PTI government and provided briefings to the members, emphasising the advantages of bringing
the TTP from Afghanistan to Pakistan, should also communicate with the families of those who become martyrs on a daily basis. He further stated that those individuals were the ones who “introduced Imran Khan in 2018”, leading to the unfortunate events of May 9 that the nation had to endure. “For the subsequent four years, they were responsible for causing immense destruction to our beloved country in every possible aspect.” He prayed to Allah to protect “this sacred land through the sacrifices made by the martyrs.” Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the termination of the ceasefire between the government and the banned TTP in November of the previous year. Apart from the assault on Zhob garrison, the militants also targeted security forces in Sui, Balochistan, resulting in the martyrdom of three brave soldiers who valiantly fought during the exchange of fire. Two terrorists were eliminated during the operation. The cumulative loss of 12 soldiers from these attacks marks the highest single-day death toll reported by the military from terrorist incidents this year. During a weekly news briefing on Wednesday, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasised the importance of Afghan authorities fulfilling their commitments to prevent their territory from being exploited for terrorism against Pakistan.
COAS Munir, Iran’s top general discuss defence cooperation in Tehran meeting ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Chief of the Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir met Iran’s top general, Mohammad Bagheri, in Tehran on Saturday and discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including defence cooperation. Gen Munir reached the Iranian capital for a two-day visit on Friday where, an Inter-Services Public Relations’ press release said, he would meet the Iranian military and civilian leadership and discuss with them bilateral matters relating to defence and security cooperation. Subsequently, he met Chief of General Staff for the Armed Forces of Iran Mohammad Bagheri on Saturday morning, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported. The meeting was held with the aim of increasing bilateral interactions to expand military, educational, defence and security cooperation, the report said. During the exchange, the report added, Bagheri highlighted the “historical background of the two neighbouring countries as a basis for the expansion of bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields, especially military”.
Govt slashes petrol price by Rs9, high speed diesel by Rs7
ISLAMABAD STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Saturday announced a reduction of Rs9 per litre in the price of petrol and Rs7 per litre in that of high-speed diesel (HSD) for the next fortnight. The new price of petrol is Rs253 per litre and Rs253.5 per litre for HSD. The finance minister did not announce any changes in the price of kerosene oil or light diesel oil. Dar said that there was a reduction in the price of one fuel product and an increase in the others in the international markets in the last 15 days, without specifying which products he was referring to. He said the appreciation in the value of the rupee had compensated for the price increase of these products. Dar added that since the government had already passed on a portion of the petroleum development levy (PDL) to the masses in the fuel prices announced on July 1, it had decided not to make any increase with respect to the levy this time. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wants us to grant as much relief as we can [to the people] so we are not doing any change in the PDL.” On July 1, the government hiked the HSD rpice by Rs7.5 per litre to Rs260.5 and kept the petrol price unchanged at Rs262 per litre. He had said the decision to increase the HSD price was made considering the rising prices of petroleum products in the international market at the time. At the same time, the finance minister had said that the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority had made efforts to minimise the burden of price increases on the masses.
Govt trying hard to bring down policy rate, inflation: PM LAHORE
SHAHAB OMER
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the economy is taking a positive turnaround due to untiring efforts of the government. The role of business community is of utmost importane. The Prime Minister was addressing LCCI Executive Committee at the Governors House Lahore. Governor Punjab Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman and Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar through zoom. LCCI President Kashif Anwar gave a detailed well thought out and well tailored roadmap to expedite economic recovery. He said that alternative energy, agriculture, import substitution and broadening of tax base are path to progress. LCCI Senior Vice President Zafar Mahmood Chaudhry, Vice President Adnan Khalid Butt, former LCCI Presidents Mian Anjum Nisar, Sheikh Muhammad Asif, Mian Misbahur Rahman, Muhammad Ali Mian, Shahzad Ali Malik, Almas Haider, Secretary Finance, Secretary Commerce, Secretary Industries, CCPO Lahore, DIG Operations Lahore, CEO PBIT, DG TDAP, DGTO, Chairman FBR and LCCI Executive
Committee Members were also present. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that he has a deep attachment with the Lahore Chamber as he has served this organization as President. He said that the businessmen are facing difficult situation but the government is utilizing its all energies to make the things good. “I have thanked the Managing Director of IMF while US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has congratulated us on the approval of the IMF program”, he said and added that it also makes it clear that the previous government’s unfortunate blow to our relationship with the US was due to narrow-mindedness. Shahbaz Sharif said that this government has worked day and night to smooth relations with the United States. During the last fifteen months, we have repaired our relations with the US and the efforts of Foreign Minister were also laudable. All this was possible through collective efforts. It is our aim that the personal interests should be placed under the national interests. The PM said that the real thing is to solve the problems of entrepreneurs and take the economy forward. Pakistan has not fol-
lowed the conditions of IMF in the past, so it did ask for a guarantee from us. Now it has got a nine-month breathing space with $2 billion from Saudi Arabia, $1 billion from the UAE and $1.2 billion from the IMF. He said that currently, our reserves have reached 14 billion dollars. China must be mentioned in all these cases. China has rolled over five billion dollars of Pakistan’s commercial debt in four months. If China had not done this, we would have defaulted. He said that this breathing space we have got is meant to reform and restructure. A country that was self-sufficient in jute, today imports cotton. Bangladesh’s textile exports have surpassed us. The same factories, the same system is there as in Pakistan, but how did their exports become more than ours? He said that this is our collective failure. The industry has become a rental income in Pakistan. We don’t want to compete. We did not bring modern technology. We were supposed to spend on research. “During my tenure as Chief Minister, I spent a hundred billion rupees only on farm-to-market roads, but there was no difference”, he added. He said that in 1990, Nawaz Sharif came with an economic program which made a big difference.
The Prime Minister said that earning profit is the right of every entrepreneur but earning profit should not be the end of the story but should move on to next industry and research. He said that we had to increase electricity rates. This is due to the circular debt and it is also the demand of the IMF. We have line losses and transmission losses. The billing system is in shambles. He said it is also true that the taxes have been increased, but if the levied taxes are not paid, then additional taxes will have to be imposed. He said that the Special Investment Facilitation Council is a recovery plan. The secret of Pakistan’s development and prosperity lies in it. revival of agriculture is the easiest task. Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who attended the meeting through zoom, said that before the budget, he has detailed meetings with the President of Lahore Chamber Kashif Anwar and the budget was made according to his suggestions. He said that borrowers cannot be choosers. The re-engagement of the IMF by us was a tough decision. We did as much as we could bargain. He said that various good announcement made in budget, were taken back half heartedly.
“I have been saying for the last twentyfive years that devaluation is the mother of all evils. Due to devaluation we have to increase the policy rate which has been 22 percent”, he added. He said that we need private sector support in many things. We are running different models. It is hoped that our economy will reach six to seven percent in two years. He said that if we win after the general election, we will fulfill the agenda of the business community. We realize that businesses cannot run with 22 percent markup. We will try to bring it down as well. He said that the government has set up a Central Monetary Unit to monitor State Owned Enterprises. He said that A way has to be found for the grey economy, but only in consultation with the IMF. He said that the confidence of businessmen is improving in Pakistan. LCCI President Kashif Anwar lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for economic development. He said that in the budget, the government tried to give us all the facilities we were asking for, like the limit of SMEs was increased from 250 millions to 800 million.
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