PM vOws All-Out suPPORt FOR ARMy DuRInG GHQ vIsIt In partnership with
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Saturday, 16 March, 2024 I 5 Ramazan, 1445
COAS SAYS ARMY WILL RESOLUTELY SUPPORT GOVERNMENT IN ADDRESSING SECURITY CHALLENGES
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RAWALPINDI
SHEHBAZ, CABINET MEMBERS PAY TRIBUTE TO MARTYRS, LAY FLORAL WREATH AT MARTYRS’ MEMORIAL
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RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday assured that the government will provide all the resources required for ensuring operational readiness of the armed forces, the military media said in a statement. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the premier expressed these remarks during a visit to General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi along with key members of the cabinet. The prime minister was received by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, and was presented guard of honour. A floral wreath at the martyrs’ memorial was laid by the premier, to pay tribute to the martyrs. During the visit, PM Shehbaz and cabinet members engaged in discussions with military leadership on matters of national security, regional stability and military preparedness.
They were briefed on the current security environment, threat spectrum, response to the security threats and ongoing counter-terrorism
Govt slashes diesel price by Rs1.77/litre, maintains petrol rate g
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XIV No 258 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
HIGH-SPEED DIESEL WILL NOW PRICED AT RS285.56 PER LITRE PROFIT
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The government has declared that petrol prices will stay the same, while high-speed diesel will see a decrease of Rs 1.77 per litre in its rate for the next fortnightly. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance, petrol’s price maintained at Rs 279.75 per litre. On the other hand, high-speed diesel’s price has been lowered by Rs 1.77, now priced at Rs 285.56 per litre. New petroleum prices will be effective from March 16, 2024. In response to the volatile nature of global oil prices, this measure is intended to ensure domestic fuel price stability. The Ministry of Finance conducts periodic evaluations of petroleum product pricing to ensure they reflect global market conditions, taking into account the economic impact and consumer welfare.
Dar to contest technocrat seat reserved for Islamabad
operations. The ISPR statement said that the prime minister and cabinet members appreciated the pro-
NA extends ‘lifespan’ of seven ordinances to 120 days amid ruckus
The National Assembly of Pakistan on Friday passed a resolution to extend the lifespan of seven ordinances for an additional 120 days amid vehement opposition protests, including the tearing of ordinance copies. The move, initiated by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, saw the extension under the proviso to sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of clause (2) of Article 89 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The ordinances included The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 (No. II of 2023), The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, The Pakistan Postal Services Management Board (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, The National Highway Authority (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 (No V of 2023), The Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 (No. VI of 2023), The Privatization Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023 (No VII of 2023), and the Establishment of Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal Ordinance, 2023
The nomination papers of former finance minister Ishaq Dar were submitted on Friday to contest the technocrat seat reserved for Islamabad. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central leaders and Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Hanif Abbasi submitted nomination papers for former finance minister Ishaq Dar as proposers.
standing in the line for aid during the holy month of Ramazan denounces the continued Israeli aggression, which has led to the loss of over 30,000 lives since October 7, 2023.” It called upon the federal government to play a more proactive role in pushing the international community to enforce a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar laid before the House two bills today. These included: The Civil Courts Amendment Bill, 2024 and the Legal Aid and Justice Authority Amendment Bill, 2024. The chair referred the bills to the standing committees concerned. Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar also laid before the House seven ordinances. These included: Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Amendment Ordinance 2023, Pakistan National Shipping Corporation Amendment Ordinance, 2023, Pakistan Postal Services Management
Board Amendment Ordinance, 2023, the National Highway Authority Amendment Ordinance 2023, the Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance, 2023, the Privatization Commission Amendment Ordinance, 2023 and the Establishment of Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal Ordinance, 2023. The House also passed a resolution moved by the Law Minister extending the period of the ordinances for a further period of one hundred and twenty days. Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Naveed Qamar and others, Minister for Commerce Jamal Kamal Khan said the temporary ban on export of bananas and onions is Ramazan specific. He said the decision was taken at the cabinet level after a summary was moved to it by the Ministry of National Food Security. He said the ban on export of these products is till the 15th of next month.
NA passes resolution condemning Israeli war on Palestinians ISLAMABAD
ISLAMABAD
(Ordinance No. VIII of 2023). As Law Minister Tarar tabled the resolution, uproar ensued from the opposition benches, with members vocally expressing dissent and physically tearing copies of the ordinances. Despite the tumult, the speaker proceeded with the voting process, which yielded 130 votes in favour of the extension and 63 votes against. Tarar, amidst the chaos, vowed to provide explanations regarding the ordinances
in subsequent sessions, while also criticising the opposition for their disruptive behaviour. However, tensions escalated further when members of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), primarily comprising Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers, continued to tear up copies of the ordinances, drawing ire from the speaker. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan lambasted the government, particularly highlighting concerns regarding an ordinance related to privatisation, alleging a lack of transparency and consultation even among ruling party members. “Even PMLN members do not know what they are passing,” he remarked. Ayub emphasised the contentious nature of privatising state-owned entities, reflecting broader concerns within the political spectrum. However, amidst the internal discord, a rare moment of unity emerged when the House collectively condemned Israeli oppression of Palestinians. Initially, there was confusion among some members, but after clarification from the speaker, unanimous support was garnered for the resolution condemning Zionist actions against Palestinians.
ISLAMABAD
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fessionalism, operational readiness, and sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in war against terrorism and commended the dedication of the Pakistan Army to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring peace and stability. The PM assured that the government shall provide all the resources required for ensuring operational readiness of the armed forces. He said that Pakistan is destined to rise and the role of the armed forces in ensuring the peaceful rise of Pakistan cannot be over-emphasised. COAS thanked the PM for the visit and reposing confidence in the army. The army chief affirmed that the Pakistan Army will continue to measure up to the nation’s expectations and will resolutely support the government in addressing the security challenges facing Pakistan. The visit concluded with civilian and military leadership reiterating their commitment to upholding national interests and working together for a prosperous and secure Pakistan, the statement further said.
The National Assembly on Friday passed a unanimous resolution categorically condemning Israeli war on Palestinians. Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) Member Shazia Marri moved the resolution in the House, saying all political parties in the House had signed the resolution. The resolution recognized this day as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia and reiterated that Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance, and acceptance. “The House recognizes this day as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. It reiterates that Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and acceptance” the resolution said. The resolution, “categorically condemns Israel’s war on Palestine, where the latest attack cost 21 lives of Palestinians
FO rejects reports of IAEA delegation’s visit to Pakistan ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch on Friday rejected news circulating on the media regarding the visit of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delegation to Pakistan. The statement comes a day after notable figures within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) US chapter, alongside numerous users whose online activity indicated support for the party, shared a video excerpt sourced from an Indian news broadcast by Zee News. The segment featured a meeting between IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “Stories regarding the visit of a high-level IAEA delegation to Pakistan are fake news,” Baloch said in a post shared on X. Stories regarding the visit of a high-level IAEA delegation to Pakistan are fake news! No IAEA official is currently visiting Pakistan; Nor are any policy talks planned in near future with IAEA. DG IAEA visited Pakistan in Feb 2023. We had briefed the media on the occasion. She said that no IAEA official is currently visiting Pakistan, nor are any policy talks planned in the near future with the UN body. “We had briefed the media on the occasion,” she concluded. During the meeting between PM Shehbaz and Grossi in February 2023, PM Shehbaz stressed greater collaboration with IAEA in terms of research on new high-yield and drought-resistant varieties of crops. In a meeting with the Director General of IAEA, the prime minister emphasised collaboration in view of the impact of climate change on Pakistan and related challenges including water, energy and food security.
PTI, SIC bond turning acrimonious amid Raza, Marwat war of words ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
In a dramatic turn of events within the political landscape of the country, Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) chief Sahibzada Hamid Raza has issued a vehement response to remarks made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat, igniting a fresh wave of controversy and intraparty tensions. Marwat, known for his outspoken demeanor, aired his grievances against the PTI’s alliance with SIC during a recent appearance on a private TV channel. Labeling the partnership with SIC as a ‘mistake,’ Marwat cited internal party dynamics, highlighting purported directives from incarcerated PTI founder Imran Khan regarding alliances. During his televised interview, Marwat divulged details regarding the internal deliberations within PTI, alleging that Imran Khan had initially directed the party to align
with the Shirani group. However, Marwat claimed that discussions suddenly shifted towards an alliance with Hamid Raza’s party, despite purported readiness from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Shirani for an unconditional alliance with PTI. Marwat further asserted that had PTI forged an alliance with the Shirani group as per Khan’s directives, the party would not have faced setbacks concerning electoral symbols and reserved seats. Responding to Marwat’s accusations, Raza took to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday to rebuke the PTI leader’s claims. Raza vehemently denied soliciting PTI for an alliance, asserting that the decision was exclusively made by PTI founder Imran Khan. Expressing his willingness to address the intricacies of the alliance, Raza hinted at holding back criticisms out of respect for Khan and dismissed Marwat’s statements as attempts at media sensationalism.
“From election symbols to reserved seats, I have a lot to say,” remarked Raza, adding that “if I also sit in talk shows and say something, many people will not be able to show their faces.” He said that his commitment is with Imran Khan and will always be, adding that he can’t think bad of Khan for the useless media publicity, “that’s why I am silent”. “Don’t sow discord by taking instructions,” he maintained without elaborating. Raza’s discontent over Marwat’s comments manifested in his conspicuous absence from an event organised by PTI addressing Islamophobia today. Sources revealed that Raza had received an official invitation from PTI for the event, where he was also slated to speak. However, Marwat’s remarks purportedly deterred Raza from attending, signaling escalating tensions between the two parties. Raza had also voiced his grievances dur-
ing a PTI core committee meeting held yesterday, further exacerbating tensions within the party. The meeting, attended by prominent PTI members including Latif Khosa, Salman
Akram Raja, Shoaib Shaheen, and Sher Afzal Marwat, witnessed heated exchanges and clashes among top leaders, leading to the premature departure of several members.