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PM dubs PAK-sAudi ties A unique bond hAving no PArAllel in world Sunday, 12 May, 2024 I |3 Zil-Qadah, 1445
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SAYS TWO NATIONS ARE LIKE FAMILY AND WILL SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN TIMES OF NEED
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ISLAMABAD
SAYS BOTH SIDES AGREED TO COOPERATE IN VARIOUS FIELDS, INCLUDING TRAINING OF SAUDI AIR FORCE PILOTS
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the extraordinary relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, calling it a unique and special bond that has no parallel in the world. In an interview with a Saudi TV channel, he underscored the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations, spanning centuries. He emphasized that the two nations share a rich history and cultural heritage that spans centuries. The prime minister highlighted the success of the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia, where he met with Saudi authorities and agreed to cooperate in various fields, including the training of Saudi Air Force pilots. He stressed that the two nations are like family and will support each other in times of need. Sharif expressed admiration for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s accomplishments in the IT sector and expressed Pakistan’s interest in leveraging Saudi expertise in this field. He outlined areas of mutual interest and cooperation, particularly in solar energy investment discussions held during
Pakistan’s delegation visit to Riyadh. Reflecting on the economic landscape of Pakistan, the premier emphasized the nation’s potential for growth, especially in agriculture, and referred to it as “Pakistan Speed.” He credited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with transforming Saudi Arabia’s landscape and hailed his policies as an inspiration for leaders
Cop killed, dozens injured as AJK protests turn violent MIRPUR/MUZAFFARABAD STAFF REPORT
Clashes between the police and Awami Action Committee (AAC) protesters intensified in Muzaffargarh and Mirpur in AJK on second of protest against inflated electricity bills and a policemen was killed and dozens of protestors injured on Saturday. Markets, trade centres, offices and schools and restaurants remained closed across the AJK due to the AAC’s call for a shutter down and wheel-jam strike across the state to protest the electricity price hike and taxes. The Awami Action Committee (AAC) had announced a long march from Muzaffarabad to Madina Market. Heavy contingents of police were deployed on the roads leading to Madina Market to stop the protestors. The protesters infuriated over blockade of roads, clashed with police at Tanga Stand, Aziz Chowk and Shah Sultan Bridge. Protesters pelted stones and thrown glass bottles on policemen during the protest. Kotli traders also shut down their shops and came to roads for protest. All trade centres, offices and academic institutions also remained closed in Rawalakot and Mirpur. Protesters also staged demonstration at the district court, demanding release of the arrested protesters. The routes leading to Muzaffarabad were blocked with barricades at Shahrah-e-Srinagar, while heavy police contingents remained present on the thoroughfare. The day dawned with large number of participants from Bhimbar, Mirpur and Kotli marched towards Muzaffarabad in groups. The protests turned violent when police and long march participants clashed near Islam Garh. Police said that the protesters opened fire on them as they tried to block their way, which led to Mirpur Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Adnan Qureshi being shot in the chest. The cop succumbed to his injuries after being shifted to the hospital, while three protesters were also severely injured. Meanwhile, several other cops and protesters also got injured during the teargas shelling by the police and stone pelting by the demonstrators in Kotli. The violent protesters damaged multiple vehicles, including a magistrate’s car at the Poonch-Kotli road.
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worldwide. PM Sharif also welcomed the historic opportunity for business communities from both nations to connect, which will drive development and growth in both countries. Furthermore, he highlighted the historic opportunities arising from increased business interactions between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, facilitated by visits from Saudi officials, including the
Foreign Minister. He lauded Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s sincerity in fostering strong relations with Pakistan, emphasizing the mutual benefits derived from such collaboration. ‘Pakistan seeks foreign investments in diverse sectors’ Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in attracting investments from the UK and other countries. Talking to British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott in Islamabad, he said Pakistan has enormous potential in agriculture, food security, information technology, tourism, mining and other sectors. The Prime Minister said Pakistan and UK have long-standing ties which are getting stronger with time. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan is moving towards institutional reforms and digitization of FBR is in final stages. The Prime Minister said measures are being taken at the macro and micro economic level to revive the country’s economy. The British delegation appreciated the government’s education emergency initiative. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present on the occasion.
IMF demands revision of power purchase agreements, gas tariff hike from June
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GOVT ASSURES GLOBAL LENDER OF ALL POSSIBLE MEASURES TO REDUCE CIRCULAR DEBT PROFIT
AGENCIES
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has demanded Pakistan to revise power purchase agreements and increase gas prices on a half-yearly basis starting in June. According to a news report, the government has assured the global lender of a timely tariff hike as the administration in Islamabad is striving for a longerterm loan agreement with the IMF. A comprehensive plan for full cost recovery from consumers has been drafted to address the circular debt plaguing the power sector after reaching Rs2,083 billion as of January. Furthermore, the government has committed to implementing reforms to reduce the circular debt or maintain stocks in the fiscal year 2024-25. On the other hand, the circular debt in the power sector remained over Rs2,600 billion, while the IMF has also demanded measures to stop electricity theft and improve the transmission system. The global lender has also asked for issuing a notification for the annual rebasing of the electricity tariff in fiscal year 2024-
25.
The measures demanded further include revising power purchase agreements and reforms in subsidy for agricultural tube wells. The IMF also insists on meeting the target of Rs2,300 billion circular debt in the power sector by June. In response to the IMF’s demand for a uniform gas price for cost recovery, the government has assured that steps will be taken to ensure consistency across regions and industries. Disparities in gas prices for different sectors will be minimized to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
The IMF has also called for all fertilizer companies to charge the full price of gas, indicating a broader push for transparency and accountability in energy pricing. In light of these proposals, the government has assured the IMF that the difference in gas prices for various regions and industries will be reduced. However, amidst these reforms, the government has emphasized the need to protect vulnerable households from the impact of tariff adjustments. Measures will be put in place to safeguard the interests of lowincome families during the implementation of electricity and gas tariff revisions.
Zardari granted presidential exemption in Park lane, toshakhana references ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
An accountability court in Islamabad on Saturday granted presidential immunity to President Asif Ali Zardari from criminal proceedings in Park Lane and Toshakhana references of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). Accountability court Judge Nasir Javed Rana issued a written decision on the president’s petition and halted all proceedings against Zardari. According to the court order, since Zardari was elected to the president’s office this year, no criminal proceedings can be launched against him and any proceedings already underway have been stayed or paused. The president had last month petitioned the court under Section 248(2) of the Constitution, which states that no criminal proceedings can be launched or continued against a sitting president or governor. The prosecutor “did not contest the petition”, concurring with its contents and raising no objections. The judgment noted that the president sought immunity as per Article 248 (2) of the Constitution, following which no case can be registered or action taken against the petitioner. The written order further added that the prosecution raised no objection to the president’s plea, hence it was approved and case proceedings were halted until the end of Zardari’s tenure as president of Pakistan. The Park Lane case accused Zardari of influencing relevant authorities during his tenure as the president – from 2008 to 2013 – to allegedly obtain loans for his front companies. Zardari allegedly received a loan of Rs1.5 billion released for Parthenon Private Limited “with ill intention”, and the money was later claimed to have been transferred for his personal use through fake bank accounts. The anti-graft buster accused him of causing a loss of Rs3.77 billion to the national exchequer. Earlier on April 22, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) submitted a report to an accountability court informing it that President Zardari has presidential Immunity in Thatta water supply case under Article 248 of the Constitution. During the hearing, Zardari’s counsel maintained that his client enjoyed presidential immunity, therefore, proceedings against him could not be carried out. The court issued notice to NAB seeking its arguments on the matter and adjourned the hearing of the case till today. The water supply reference pertains to the special initiative department allegedly illegally awarding the Thatta water supply scheme contract to a private contractor. In January 2023, an accountability court returned a corruption reference against Zardari after amendments to NAB law. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) supremo Nawaz Sharif has also filed a petition against the Toshakhana vehicles reference. The accountability court has scheduled arguments on Nawaz Sharif’s petition for May 23 and issued a notice in this regard.
UN chief, Qatari PM agree on preventing full-scale Rafah operation as Gaza deaths near 35,000 DOHA
AGENCIES
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has discussed the dire situation in Gaza with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, with the officials agreeing that a full-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah would have catastrophic consequences and must be prevented, Al Jazeera reports quoting UN read-out. Guterres expressed “deep appreciation for Qatar’s continued mediation efforts to broker a deal for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of hostages”, the statement added. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has discussed the dire situation in Gaza with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, with the officials agreeing that a full-scale Israeli military operation in Rafah would have catastrophic consequences and must be prevented, Al Jazeera reports quoting UN
read-out. Guterres expressed “deep appreciation for Qatar’s continued mediation efforts to broker a deal for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and the immediate release of hostages”, the statement added. Death toll reaches 35000 Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza has said that at least 34,971 people have been killed in the Palestinian enclave during Israel’s military bombardment in Gaza, AFP reports. The tally includes at least 28 deaths in the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 78,641 people have been wounded since fighting broke out on October 7. Hamas armed wing releases video of hostage held in Gaza Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine alQassam Brigades, has released a video of a man held hostage in Gaza and seen alive in the footage, AFP reports. The man is seen speaking in the 11-second clip, which is superimposed with text in
Arabic and Hebrew that reads: “Time is running out. Your government is lying”. Egypt refuses to coordinate with Israel on entry of aid from Rafah crossing: report Egypt has refused to coordinate with Israel on the entry of aid into Gaza from the Rafah crossing due to Israel’s “unacceptable escalation”, Egypt’s state-affiliated Alqahera News satellite TV has reported, citing a senior official. Reuters reports the official also said that Egypt held Israel responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip. Israel army reports more rockets at key Gaza crossing The Israeli army has said rockets were launched from Rafah in southern Gaza towards the Kerem Shalom crossing, which was temporarily shut earlier this week after deadly fire, AFP reports. “Four launches were identified that crossed from the Rafah area”, the military said in a statement, adding that one rocket was intercepted by Israeli air defences “and the rest fell in open areas” around Kerem
Shalom. It added that “no injuries were reported.” Pro-Israel website ramps up attacks on pro-Palestinian student protesters Weeks after attending a pro-Palestinian
demonstration, Egyptian-American student Layla Sayed received a text message from a friend drawing her attention to a website dedicated to exposing people it says promote hatred of Jews and Israel.