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Pakistan taking steps to improve governance, PM Shehbaz tells Chinese investors
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RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated his resolve to make Pakistan a great nation and regain its position by following the Chinese development model through utmost hard work and a sharp focus on industrial and agricultural progress. “If we follow the Chinese model, I have no doubt, Pakistan will regain its position in the comity of nations and will be respected like our Chinese brothers are respected by friends and foes … We will follow your model, work hard untiringly, put in our sweat and blood, and make Pakistan a great country,” the prime minister said addressing the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Reception in Beijing. He told the gathering of Pakistani and Chinese business leaders that Pakistan would follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision to focus on progress and prosperity by avoiding conflicts and cited immense Chinese progress and projects like the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Global Security Initiative (GSI).
The prime minister, who is in China on a five-day official visit, advised the Pakistani people against being dejected or losing hope rather than standing up and accepting the challenge to reach the level of Chinese progress within a few years or decades. He said that the China-Pakistan friendship had no parallel in the world which remained unshakeable and unreachable even during the storms, wars, and earthquakes. Recalling the Chinese journey of swift development to become the second biggest economic and military power under President Xi’s vision, PM Shehbaz said it was achieved only through hard work and untiring efforts. “All Pakistanis will also have to pass through this thorny process. There is no other way to earn respect in the world,” he remarked. He said having come into being two years after Pakistan, China took its trade to trillions of dollars while Pakistan’s hovered around $30-40 billion in terms of exports. PM Shehbaz said that China has excelled in information technology and artificial intelligence. He also referred to the “wonderful” bilateral cooperation in the
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Pakistan taking steps to improve governance, says PM
space programme as Pakistan recently sent a lunar satellite and a space satellite recently with Chinese collaboration. Referring to the sad and gruesome attack by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) killing five Chinese workers in KhyberPakhtunkhwa’s Besham in April, PM Shehbaz condemned the incident and conveyed his deepest condolence to the families of those who were killed. He said that the incident which sent a
shockwave across Pakistan was the nefarious plot of enemies of China-Pakistan friendship and CPEC as well as those who did not want to see bilateral ties rising to the apex of glory.“I want to make a solemn pledge that whatever is humanly possible, we will put in all measures and arrangements to protect the lives of every Chinese citizen in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, K-P, G-B and AJK. I want to make a solemn commitment that the security of Chinese nationals will be
Pakistan clinches non-permanent seat on UN Security Council with vast majority UNITED NATIONS app
After a robust campaign lasting for months, Pakistan was elected to a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council on Thursday, receiving an impressive 182 out of 193 votes from the General Assembly, significantly exceeding the required two-thirds majority of 124 votes. The election results were met with loud applause in the General Assembly hall as President Dennis Francis announced the new non-permanent members: Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama, and Somalia. These countries will take over from Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland when their terms conclude at the end of this year. Pakistan is set to replace Japan in the Asian seat starting January 1, 2025, marking its eighth term on the Council. Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent
Representative to the UN, shared his excitement, stating, “This election reflects the international community’s trust in Pakistan’s commitment to the UN Charter.” He highlighted Pakistan’s resolve to cooperate closely with other Council members to promote peace and resolve conflicts amicably. Pakistan’s agenda for its term includes promoting regional peace and security, supporting self-determination in Palestine and Kashmir, seeking stability in Afghanistan, addressing security issues in Africa, and enhancing the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations. Akram emphasised the importance of these priorities during Pakistan’s upcoming term. As a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, Pakistan has over 4,000 personnel deployed globally and has been a key player in international peace efforts over the past half-century. The new non-permanent members will join the Council’s five permanent members — the United States, Russia,
China, the United Kingdom, and France — along with the non-permanent members elected last year: Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia. PM, Dar rejoice as Pakistan secure membership of UNSC for 2025-26 Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his delight and congratulated the nation as Pakistan has been elected as a member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2025-26. “Proud moment as Pakistan receives a resounding 182 votes and is elected to the United Nations Security Council for the term 2025-26,” the prime minister wrote on X (formerly twitter). “Our election to the Council with such overwhelming support of UN member states at this critical time bears testament to the international community’s confidence in Pakistan’s diplomatic standing as well as to our commitment to global peace & security, he said adding “We look forward to working with the international community to address
pressing global challenges. We will continue to play our role in promoting peace, stability, and cooperation among nations”. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also extended his heartfelt congratulations to the nation on Pakistan’s election as a non-permanent Member of the UN Security Council for the term 2025-26 with overwhelming support of 182 votes. He said Pakistan looked forward to upholding its commitment to the UN Charter’s vision of preventing war & promoting peace; fostering global prosperity; and promoting universal respect for human rights. “We remain determined to contributing effectively towards the maintenance of international peace & security in line with UNSC’s mandate,” he said in a post on X. He also commended the excellent election campaign and teamwork by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan Mission to the UN, and all the missions abroad.
Govt shares Imran Khan’s cell’s picture ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
The federal government has shared the picture of the cell where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan is incarcerated. According to the details, the government submitted the pictures along with other documents to the Supreme Court and refuted the claims regarding denying counsel access to Imran Khan in the NAB amendments case. The government also denied the allegations of mistreatment and solitary confinement, stating that the PTI chief is being provided with all necessary facilities, including books, air conditioner, TV, and meetings with lawyers. Moreover, they argued that the Supreme Court can constitute a commission to investigate the facts if it is considered necessary. The federal government has also provided a list of people who have met with the PTI founder in jail, refuting the claims of being denied access to legal counsel. During the last hearing of the National Accountability (NAB) Ordinance 1999
amendment case Supreme Court allowed Khawaja Haris to meet PTI founder. “Khawaja Haris can meet PTI founder, whenever he wants”. The SC
also ordered to provide all the records of the NAB amendments case to the plaintiff, Imran Khan. It is pertinent to mention here that a five-member SC larger bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, and also comprising Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi is hearing the case. The federal government filed the review plea in the NAB amendments case under the SC Practice and Procedure Law and made the Federation of Pakistan, National Accountability Bureau and PTI founder respondents. Citing no violation of basic rights with the NAB amendments, the federal government pleaded with the SC to nullify its decision in the case. “Legislation is the right of the Parliament,” the plea said. In a majority 2-1 verdict, the top court approved Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan’s petition challenging amendments made to the country’s accountability laws during the tenure of the previous Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)led government.
more than that of my own and my children,” he assured. Pakistan taking steps to improve governance, PM Shehbaz Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said Pakistan was taking steps to improve governance, increase the tax net and ensure ease of doing business to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). During a meeting with China Exim Bank President Dr Wu Fulin in Beijing, the premier said the results of reform measures had started appearing as the “inflation in the food sector had been controlled to a great extent”. He said that the current account deficit had narrowed and public debt had been brought to a more sustainable level, Radio Pakistan said. On Tuesday, PM Shehbaz and most of the federal cabinet members landed in China’s tech hub of Shenzhen as they embarked on their five-day trip to the neighbouring country to seek more investments. This is the premier’s first visit to China following the February 8 general elections, and will likely see the inauguration of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
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FIA gets two-day physical remand of Sarim Burney KARACHI
Staff RepoRt
A local court Thursday granted a two-day physical remand of Sarim Burney to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on charges that the renowned rights activist was involved in human smuggling. Investigation Officer Chaudhry Bilal produced Burney before Judicial Magistrate Khaleequ Zaman, a day after his arrest on charges of human trafficking. He requested the court to order the social worker’s 14-day physical remand in police custody. The IO said that Burney’s custody was required to record his statement, obtain the relevant record and arrest his co-accused. He also maintained that there was a risk of evidence being destroyed if the FIA was not given custody. After hearing the arguments, the magistrate handed over the accused to FIA on a two-day remand with a direction to produce him on completion of the remand as well as a progress report on the case. Meanwhile, the court rejected Burney’s request to discharge him from the case. During the hearing of the case today, the social worker’s lawyer requested the court that his client be released as there was no case with regards to the matter. His lawyers maintained that Burney’s services to the society were outstanding and that he was arrested on false and baseless charges. “Sarim has received awards for social services. He cannot imagine doing anything wrong,” said his lawyer. Burney — who runs the Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International, a non-profitable entity — was taken into custody on Wednesday after he landed at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi following his visit to the United States. According to FIA, the social worker was arrested on charges of human trafficking which includes smuggling and illegally sending children to the US after American authorities filed a complaint against him. He was, as per FIA, accused of trafficking more than 25 children to the US and illegally getting them adopted in the country. He has also been accused of fraud and falsification of documents, said the agency. Subsequently, the allegations of smuggling children to the US triggered an investigation against the social worker. FIA’s investigation officer requested the court to order Burney’s physical remand for investigation regarding the matter. Lawyer Syed Asif Ali was representing Burney in the case. He requested the court to spare some time for the social worker’s team of counsels to arrive at the court following which the court allowed them 15 minutes, adjourning the case for some time.“Initially, there were reports that Sarim Burney was being taken to the Malir court. Our legal team had gone there,” the lawyer said, asking the court to provide some respite.
Supreme Court reserves verdict on NAB amendments case ISLAMABAD
Staff CoRReSpondent
A five-member bench of the Supreme Court of Pakistan has reserved its verdict on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case following the completion of arguments. A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Aminuddin Khan, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, heard the federal government’s intra-court appeal. Former prime minister Imran Khan, the jailed founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), appeared before the court via video link from Adiala Jail. Representing the Pakistan Peoples Party, Farooq H. Naek presented his arguments before the court. The federal government has challenged the apex court’s majority verdict in September last year, declaring amendments to the National Ac-
countability Ordinance (NAO) 2002 illegal. After concluding the arguments, the court reserved its decision. Chief Justice Isa drafted the order for today’s proceedings. In the written order, the chief justice stated that any party wishing to submit a written response may do so. He noted that the case had been brought to the Supreme Court on arbitration issues, remarking, “NAB has kept the money with itself. How can you keep even a single rupee with you?” The chief justice instructed the NAB prosecutor general to appear in person. Naek argued that no NAB cases were initiated during the PPP’s tenure. To this, the chief justice responded, “Do not bring the party’s matters before us.” Justice Athar Minallah questioned how the federal government was affected. The chief justice also inquired about NAB’s budget report and addressed Imran Khan, asking if he had anything further to add. The court’s written order demanded a
Imran Khan admits ignoring parliament a ‘mistake’ ISLAMABAD
Staff RepoRt
During a Supreme Court hearing on the review of NAB amendments, Imran Khan, the founder of PTI, acknowledged his mistake of not attending parliament in a dialogue with Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The former prime minister argued on Thursday that there has been an unannounced imposition of “martial law” in the ten-year budget record from NAB and dismissed the response submitted by NAB’s lawyer. It was stated that any party may file a response within seven days.
country, alleging that his swift conviction within five days was orchestrated to hinder his participation in the general elections. During a hearing of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case in the Supreme Court, Khan voiced his grievances regarding the victimisation he was subjected to since his removal from power in April of 2022.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 03 “Transparency and accountability are paramount,” remarked the chief justice. “We expect detailed records and clear answers.” Earlier, Chief Justice Isa remarked that
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excluding unelected individuals from the domain of the NAB law is discriminatory. Justice Athar Minallah asked why only elected public office holders are subjected to NAB’s jurisdiction and were the unelected excluded. He added that the exclusion of unelected individuals from the jurisdiction of the NAB law was discriminatory. Justice Athar Minallah remarked that no elected representative or relevant minister can make a summary without the the approval of the respective Secretary. “If a Secretary writes in the summary that this is against the rules, can the Minister approve it? High-ranking officials should have the courage to deny it.” Meanwhile, Chief Justice Isa said that the same party that challenged the law in the Supreme Court had also challenged it in the High Court. “Shoaib Shaheen challenged the law, Hameed Khan Sahib was his lawyer, the High Court had issued a notice, then why did he come to the us,” he added.