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PAKISTAN OBSERVES DAY OF MOURNING OVER ASSASSINATION OF ISMAIL HANIYEH TODAY Friday, 2 August, 2024 I | 26 Muharram, 1446
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PM SHEHBAZ CALLS HANIYEH’S MARTYRDOM IN TEHRAN A FLAGRANT VIOLATION OF INT’L LAWS
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 33 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
MEETING OF ALLIED PARTIES IN GOVT ALSO ANNOUNCES TO OFFER FUNERAL IN ABSENTIA FOR ISMAIL HANIYEH
HUDDLE DECIDES ON TABLING A RESOLUTION IN PARLIAMENT TO EXPRESS FULL SOLIDARITY WITH PEOPLE OF PALESTINE ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday strongly denounced the attack that led to martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, chief of Hamas Political Bureau, in Tehran, terming it a barbaric act that was a flagrant violation of international laws and rules. The extraterritorial assassination, he said, had sparked widespread condemnation across the world including Pakistan, Turkiye, Russia, Iran, China and Malaysia which had denounced the attack in the strongest words. Ismail Haniyeh’s children and grandchildren had also been ruthlessly martyred, he added. The prime minister was chairing a meeting on the situation of Palestine which was attended by the parliamentarians representing the government’s allied political parties. Shehbaz Sharif said that the bloodshed in Palestine continued for last nine months claiming lives of many innocent Palestinians everyday. Over 40,000 Palestinians including thousands of children had been martyred till date. “The world is silent over this barbarism,” he said. “Such terrorism and extremism is highly condemnable.” The prime minister said Netanyahu was out to destroy Palestine. Despite clear verdicts of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and resolutions of the United Nations, Israel could not be stopped from its barbaric acts.
He expressed gratitude to the countries from the West such as Ireland and Spain who had openly supported the Palestinian cause and its two-state resolution. Earlier, the allied parties in government decided that the nation would observe a day of mourning across the country on Friday (tomorrow) to express solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters and to condemn the Israeli state-sponsored terrorism in Palestine. A consultative meeting of the allied parties on the deteriorating situation in Palestine, in a joint declaration, also announced that the funeral prayer in absentia for Ismail Haniyeh, chief of Hamas Political Bureau, who was assassinated in Tehran on Wednesday, would be offered by the nation after Friday prayers. The meeting, which was presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, also decided to present a resolution in the
PTI decides to expand opposition alliance in meeting with Imran ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Asad Qaiser announced on Thursday that incarcerated party founder Imran Khan has approved the formation of a “grand opposition alliance” by expanding the Tehreek Tahafuz-e-Ayin-e-Pakistan (TTAP) platform. “PTI decides to expand the opposition alliance in meeting with Imran Khan,” former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser said during talks with media outside Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail alongside the party’s Secretary-General Omar Ayub Khan and others on Thursday. Qaiser revealed that the PTI plans to unite all opposition parties for a robust anti-government movement. He added that the upcoming power show in Swabi aims to raise a “strong voice” for the release of Imran Khan and other detained leaders. “This country will only be governed in accordance with the law and the Constitution,” he emphasised. Qaiser also criticised the current government over rising electricity bills, calling them “unacceptable” for the inflation-hit masses. He expressed PTI’s support for Jamaat-e-Islami’s (JI) sit-in on Rawalpindi’s Murree Road, protesting against the steep hike in power bills since July 26. Speaking on the occasion, Omar Ayub urged the public to attend the Swabi gathering on August 5 in large numbers to show solidarity with the former prime minister and PTI. Ayub stated that during their meeting, Imran Khan strongly condemned the killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and criticised the West for failing to stop Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians. He called for the international community to take effective steps to ensure peace in Palestine and end Israeli brutality in Gaza. Addressing criticism over PTI’s demand for negotiations, Ayub clarified that no discussion took place regarding dialogue.
Parliament to express full solidarity with the people of Palestine. The participants of the meeting strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli brutalities in Palestine for last nine months, and expressed full solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters. They also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. They were of the view that the Hamas leader’s assassination incident was a conspiracy to sabotage the efforts to get stopped the ongoing Israeli atrocities on the Palestinians and establish peace in the region. Such incidents destroyed the world peace. The prime minister termed the ongoing Israeli state-sponsored terrorism in Palestine a tragedy for the Muslim Ummah. The meeting demanded to ensure immediate provision of humanitarian aid to
the unarmed Palestinians. It was decided that Pakistan would continue to provide relief goods, besides taking effective measures for the medical assistance of the oppressed Palestinian brothers and sisters. It was further decided that the injured Palestinians would be brought to Pakistan for treatment. The meeting also decided that Palestinian medical students would be admitted to medical colleges in Pakistan with financial support to continue their education. The participants were of the view that with the ongoing genocide and statesponsored terrorism in Palestine, Israel was violating the resolutions of the United Nations, the decisions of the International Court of Justice and international laws, while the world community remained a silent spectator. They asked the international community to adopt a clear stand against the Israeli brutalities, as otherwise it would be a question mark against viability of international laws and institutions for future generations. The meeting also urged the international community, including the United Nations to break their silence and immediately get stopped the ongoing genocide of the oppressed Palestinians by the Zionist forces and bring Israel to justice for war crimes. Leaders and senior representatives of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League-Q, Pakistan Muslim League Zia and National Party attended the meeting.
Nepra warns against revisiting power sector contracts, urges adoption of new technologies PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
On Wednesday, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) expressed concern over ongoing negative campaigns targeting investment contracts in the power sector. Nepra cautioned that distribution companies could face significant challenges if they fail to embrace new technologies. “You cannot forcibly revisit contracts; doing so has future repercussions and costs,” warned Amina Ahmed, Nepra’s Member for Law, during a public hearing on a proposal to add Rs2.63 per unit to consumer bills for electricity consumed in June.
Ahmed emphasized that contracts with independent power producers (IPPs) are finalized transactions. “These are closed deals,” she said. “If someone believes a contract was a mistake, it should be addressed as such initially. However, legally, these transactions cannot be reopened.” She suggested that a thorough study is needed to reform the sector, noting that many issues in Pakistan stem from negative campaigns against contractual commitments. Nepra advocates for technological advancements Nepra’s Technical and Consumer Affairs Member, Rafique A. Shaikh, criticized media reports that have sensationalized contract
extensions for some IPPs. He clarified that these extensions involve only energy payments on a ‘take & pay’ basis, without capacity payments or foreign exchange costs. These extensions were granted solely for technical reasons, with no adverse impact on tariffs. Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA) CEO Rehan defended a small IPP criticized for extending its generation license, stating that the extension had no tariff impact and was not operational, thus under suspension. Shaikh acknowledged that while Nepra is aware of high consumer tariffs, these are largely due to challenging macroeconomic conditions.
ment of State, Vedant Patel, was questioned about a United Nations (UN) report highlighting the rise of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Patel stressed that the US is collaborating with international partners for counter-terrorism efforts in Afghanistan, ensuring that the country is never used as a launching pad for attacks on the US.
Addressing concerns about attacks on Pakistani forces from Afghanistan, Patel mentioned that the US is working closely with its partners and allies on counter-terrorism efforts. He also highlighted the threat posed by Daesh, describing it as an international terrorist network with the capability and ambition to carry out attacks worldwide.
US working to counter emerging threats from Afghanistan, says State Department WASHINGTON
STAFF REPORT
United States is actively working to mitigate emerging threats from Afghanistan, stated Deputy Spokesperson for US Department of State, Vedant Patel. This response came during a press conference where the Deputy Spokesperson of the US Depart-
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Pakistan’s liquid foreign reserves reach $14.39 billion as of July 26, 2024 g
THIS MARKS A NOTABLE INCREASE IN COUNTRY'S RESERVE POSITION PROFIT
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan’s liquid foreign reserves stood at $14.39 billion as of July 26, 2024, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). This marks a notable increase in the country’s reserve position. The foreign reserves are comprised of two main components: Reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan: $9.10 billion Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks: $5.29 billion During the week leading up to July 26, 2024, the SBP’s reserves saw an increase of $75 million, rising to $9.10 billion. This boost reflects a positive development in the country’s foreign exchange reserves and contributes to strengthening Pakistan’s economic stability. The total liquid foreign reserves represent a crucial buffer for the country, providing a cushion against external economic shocks and supporting overall financial stability. The rise in reserves held by the SBP indicates improvements in foreign currency inflows and bolsters the central bank’s ability to manage exchange rate fluctuations and support economic policy objectives. The detailed breakdown of reserves underscores the significant role played by both the central bank and commercial banks in maintaining the nation’s foreign exchange position.
Pakistan dismisses Iranian statement on Parachinar situation as ‘unnecessary’ ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan has dismissed an Iranian statement regarding the situation in Parachinar as ‘unnecessary’, asserting that the comments did not reflect the full situation. Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch addressed the matter during her weekly press briefing, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to ensure the safety of its citizens and maintaining regional stability. Mumtaz stated that any loss of life is unacceptable and assured that the Ministry of Interior is actively working to address the security concerns in Parachinar. “Pakistan is responsible for the protection of its citizens, and the Iranian statement on Parachinar is unwarranted, lacking a comprehensive understanding of the situation,” she remarked. The foreign spokesperson said that Pakistan is confident that Iran will investigate and share findings of the probe into the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political chief of Hamas. “Regarding the assassination of the Chief of the political bureau of Hamas, Pakistan is looking for further announcements from the Iranian authorities,” Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told reporters. “We have complete confidence that the Iranian authorities will investigate and share the findings of this unfortunate assassination. We will make further comments when these findings come out,” she added. The top Hamas leader was assassinated when his residence was targeted in the upscale area of Tehran. Haniyeh was in the Iranian capital for the oath taking ceremony of the new Iranian president. Pakistan condemns Israel’s continuing adventurism in region Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned Israel’s continuing adventurism in the region and its aggression against Lebanon with its strikes of July 30, also calling for holding to account the killers of Ismail Haniyeh, the Chief of the Political Bureau of Hamas in Tehran. “Targeting individuals inside sovereign states is a violation of international law and global norms. Such acts carry the seeds of further escalation. It is yet another demonstration of indiscriminate and disproportionate Israeli aggression that has continued unabated to the detriment of regional and global peace and security,” Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at her weekly press briefing.
15 killed, 29 injured as Israel bombards another school in Gaza GAZA/BEIRUT AGENCIES
Israeli forces hit a school in Shejaia in Gaza on Thursday, killing at least 15 people and wounding 29, Palestinian civil emergency services said, as fighting continued in various parts of the Gaza Strip. The military said it had targeted fighters operating in a compound within the school that it said was used as a hideout for Hamas commanders and fighters. “Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, surveillance, and additional intelligence,” it said in a statement. It gave no information on any casualties but accused Hamas of deliberately operating in civilian infrastructure. Hamas denies using civilian facilities such as hospitals and schools for military purposes.
‘Definite’ response after Israel ‘crossed red lines’ Meanwhile, Hezbollah vowed on Thursday a “definite” response to Israel’s killing of its top military commander, saying the strike had crossed red lines and the decades-old rivalry between foes had entered a new phase. “The resistance cannot but respond. This is definite,” said Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, speaking in a televised address to mark the funeral of the slain commander, attended by mourners clad in black waving the group’s yellow-and-green flag. “We are looking for a real response, not a performative response, and for real opportunities. A studied response,” Nasrallah said. An Israeli strike on Hezbollah’s stronghold in the southern suburb of Beirut on Tuesday killed Fuad Shukr, head of the group’s military operations, along with an Iranian military adviser and five civilians. Just hours after Shukr’s killing, the
leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in the Iranian capital Tehran in an attack widely blamed on Israel but that Israel has not officially taken responsibility for. Shukr’s killing was the most serious blow to Hezbollah in nearly two decades and threatened to push the tit-for-tat fighting across Lebanon’s southern border in parallel with the Gaza war into a full-blown regional conflict. It followed an ultimately-failed diplomatic effort aimed at pushing Israel to avoid a hit on Beirut in the aftermath of a strike on the Israelioccupied Golan last weekend that killed 12 children and that Israel blamed on Hezbollah. Nasrallah said the group carried out an investigation that determined it was not responsible for the Golan strike. He said Israel’s attacks on Beirut and Tehran, coupled with a US strike in a province south of Baghdad, in the space of just a few hours showed the conflict had entered new phase of regional war on multiple fronts.
Nasrallah said some countries, which he did not name, had asked his group to retaliate in an “acceptable” way – or not at all. He denounced those attempts and outlined the response would be proportional to Israel’s
targeting of a civilian building in the capital city’s suburbs. “There is no discussion on this point. The only things lying between us and you are the days, the nights and the battlefield,” Nasrallah added in a threat to Israel.