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BILawaL accuses PML-N of faILING TIes wITh us, NoT hoNourING PoLITIcaL aGreeMeNTs Friday, 15 November, 2024 I | 12 Jamadi ul Awwal, 1446
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 129 I 8 Pages I Islamabad Edition
g g Opposes ban on VPNs Acknowledges Pak-US Says PML-N violating and slow internet speeds, relations not good at agreements particularly stating govt did not moment, even during his regarding PSDP’s preparation consult with stakeholders tenure as foreign minister through consultation
PPP opposes Punjab Agricultural Income Tax Bill 2024 LAHORE
STAFF REPORT
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KARACHI STAFF REPORT
PP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has slammed the ruling coalition for allegedly failing the relationship with the United States and blocking the virtual private networks (VPNs). “The government is misleading the people about 4G internet services while in reality only 3G services are being pro-
vided,” the PPP chairman asserted while speaking to reporters in Karachi. Bilawal expressed frustration with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing the party of violating agreements and failing to provide PPP with respect in the federal government. “The government has deviated from commitments made to the PPP during constitutional discussions,” he regretted, saying it was about personal grievances rather about honour and political integrity.
reports on Pak-china joint security ‘motivated by agenda to create confusion’: fo ISLAMABAD
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on Thursday opposed Punjab Agricultural Income Tax 2024 which was presented by the government during Punjab Assembly session on Thursday. PPP parliamentary leader in provincial assembly Ali Haider said that the government has not taken PPP onboard about the key bill therefore PPP has decided to oppose the passage of the bill and PPP also decided to walkout of the session to register protests against the government’s unilateral move. Ali Haider Gilani said that the PML-N government did not consult the PPP on the Agricultural Income Tax Bill, saying it seemed that the govern“Politics is about respect, not resentment. If the judiciary had representation from rural Sindh, we would have de-
ment does not need the PPP votes. He further said the government will definitely pass the bill based on its majority, but the PPP will not be a part of this bill. He said the level of seriousness on the part of the government is that there is only one minister in the house, other ministers did not bother to come in the assembly. Talking to media outside Punjab Assembly, PPP MPA said that Pakistan People’s Party is a pro-farmers party and it will not allow government to put more burden on the farmers. Ali Haider lamented that parliamentary party has decided to oppose the bill as the government was not bothered to share proposed document with PPP. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf alos opposed the bill, terming it anti-farmers. The party lawmakers also staged walk out of the assembly session. manded equality,” he remarked, referring to Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Sacrifice of valiant soldiers exemplify unwavering dedication towards country’s defence: COAS
Two soldiers martyred, three terrorists killed in Balochistan’s Harnai IBO
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan on Thursday rebutted reports suggesting that Beijing pushing Islamabad to join security efforts in Pakistan, calling them as “speculations motivated by an agenda to create confusion.” Speaking at the weekly press briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said: “We do not respond to media speculations that are based on unreliable sources and motivated by an agenda to create confusion about the nature of this relationship. “We advise media to ascertain the motivation of individuals who feed them such stories,” she stressed. The statement by Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch comes amid heightened security concerns, with China’s envoy recently expressing frustration over the attacks, which Baloch said were “perplexing” remarks. However, on Monday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Pakistan in countering terrorism. Lin Jian also asserted that China and Pakistan had “the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm China-Pakistan relations and ensure that terrorists will pay the price”. The FO spokesperson further asserted: “We would not allow any effort to derail the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.” Two major deadly attacks have occurred this year — a March blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bisham killed five Chinese nationals while another blast near Karachi airport last month killed two citizens of the neighbouring country. A media report this week, citing “five Pakistani security and government sources”, stated Beijing was pushing Islamabad to allow its own security staff to protect thousands of Chinese citizens working in Pakistan. Echoing her Chinese counterpart’s remarks, Baloch asserted: “Pakistan and China have the resolve and capability to foil any attempt to harm ChinaPakistan relations, including by spreading stories about the nature of our cooperation.
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RAWALPINDI STAFF REPORT
The Chief of Army Staff expressed that the sacrifice being made by the valiant officers and soldiers exemplify the unwavering dedication towards defending the country against the menace of terrorism. He highlighted that the nation stands in solidarity with the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies in the fight against Fitna al Khawarij and all those who hold their reins, according the military media wing on Thursday. Earlier, funeral prayer for Major Muhammad Haseeb Shaheed (aged 28, resident of District Rawalpindi), who embraced martyrdom while defending the motherland in Harnai district, Balochistan, was held at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi, said a statement issued by the ISPR.
General Syed Asim Munir, NI(M), Chief of Army Staff, Mr Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister PD&SI Ahsan Iqbal along with senior military and civil officials, officers, soldiers, and family members of the Shaheed, attended the ceremony, it added. Major Muhammad Haseeb, along with Havildar Noor Ahmed (38), having fought gallantly, made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat during an intelligence based operation in Balochistan’s Harnai district, said the military’s media wing on Thursday. The ISPR, in a statement, said that during the operation, an improvised explosive device exploded on the leading vehicle of security forces, resultantly, Major Muhammad Haseeb, a brave officer, who was leading his troops from the front, along with Havildar Noor Ahmed embraced martyrdom.
RAWALPINDI
STAFF REPORT
Two soldiers, including an officer were martyred after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on the leading vehicle during an intelligencebased operation in Balochistan’s Harnai district, said the military’s media wing on Thursday. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “On 14 Nov 2024, on the reported presence of terrorists planning to target innocent civilians in Harnai District, security forces under Major Muhammad Haseeb were immediately mobilised to sanitise the area.” It added: “Own troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location and resultantly three terrorists were sent to hell.
NAB seeks IHC to overturn Imran, wife Toshakhana sentences ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday requested the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to nullify sentences handed down to former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife In the Toshakhana case and remand back the case for further proceedings. The development came during Chief Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Miangul Hasan Aurangzeb presided over the hearing on Thursday, reviewing appeals against the sentences.
NAB prosecutor, Amjad Pervez stated that he disagreed with the manner in which the trial and sentencing were conducted, admitting that he had already called for suspending the sentences. Barrister Ali Zafar requested exemption for his clients from appearing in person, to which Justice Farooq responded, “Don’t worry, we’ll order it.” Pervez expressed no objection to the exemption request. Barrister Zafar argued that the trial process was flawed, describing it as a “jail trial” with rushed proceedings that violated his clients’ rights. He highlighted that on January 29, the right to cross-examination was
cut short, and Bushra Bibi’s statement was recorded late at night. He noted that Khan’s statement was not recorded until January 31, and argued that the rushed process had compromised the defence. Following Zafar’s arguments, Justice Farooq directed him to consult further with Imran Khan regarding the prosecutor’s remand request, warning, “If you oppose NAB’s proposal, we will rule on merit.” Justice Aurangzeb added that if technical errors are ignored, the court could choose between ordering a retrial or addressing the case’s merits directly.
Privatisation board rejects PIa bid, looks for new options g
Federal Minister for Privatisation calls on board members to present ideas for a more robust privatisation framework PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
In a major development, Pakistan’s Privatisation Commission Board rejected a Rs10 billion bid for a 60% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), submitted by Blue World City Consortium, and explored alternative pathways for the airline’s privatisation. The bid fell significantly short of the government’s minimum target of Rs85 billion, prompting the board to refer the matter to the Cabinet Committee for further deliberation. Chairing the high-level meeting, Federal Minister for Privatisation Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized the need for thorough planning and called on board members to present ideas for a more robust privatisation framework. “The privatisation process must align with our national interests,” said Khan. “Our goal is to improve transparency and value in every transaction.” The board also formed a three-member committee to evaluate future bids and to oversee privatisation procedures more closely. Khan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to moving forward on the PIA privatisation process, despite the challenges. In the meeting, Secretary Privatisation Commission highlighted interest from foreign carriers. “Airlines like Turkish and Singapore Airlines are interested in PIA, so we must consider every option seriously,” the Secretary noted. Khan assured the board that PIA’s future remains a top priority and stressed the importance of acting quickly. “The lessons we learn from PIA’s privatisation will guide future efforts,” Khan added. “We are committed to ensuring the best outcomes for the nation and keeping investor concerns in mind.” During the session, additional topics were discussed, including the status of other ongoing privatisation initiatives. Board members expressed optimism about improving bid offers for stateowned enterprises in upcoming tenders.
PTI and PPP supporters clash in Karachi’s Gizri during LG by-elections KARACHI
NEWS DESK
A clash erupted between supporters of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Karachi’s Gizri area on Thursday. The scuffle broke out as Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab was speaking to the media shortly after casting his vote during the Sindh local body byelections. Videos of the incident captured supporters from both parties pushing, jostling, and chanting slogans, creating a chaotic atmosphere at the polling venue. Addressing the media amidst the disturbance, Wahab emphasized the need to resolve political conflicts through parliamentary dialogue rather than public confrontations. He remarked, “Political issues should be solved through the parliament, not by stirring people up and taking to the streets.” He further stressed that constructive dialogue is essential, saying, “Instead of inciting people, we should come together with a serious approach, as political problems demand political solutions.” In this by-election, a total of 68 candidates are contesting for 10 vacant seats across various constituencies in Karachi. These seats include leadership positions such as the chairman of UC-9 in Malir Town, chairman of UC7 in Model Colony Town, and vice-chairman of UC-5 in Yaseenabad Gulberg Town, among others. The election covers numerous areas, including UC7 of Korangi Town, UC-6 of Landhi Town, and UC-13 of Saddar, among other wards in Karachi. The registered voter base for these constituencies exceeds 295,700 individuals, with approximately 157,600 male voters and 137,800 female voters participating in the election process across 168 polling stations established throughout the city.
FinMin advocates for innovative climate solutions at COP29 to support vulnerable communities
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Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlights Pakistan's first climate-focused agricultural fund to tackle climate challenges and ensure food security PROFIT
MONITORING DESK
At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the need for innovative climate solutions to aid vulnerable communities, particularly those least responsible for global emissions yet most impacted by climate change. Speaking at the “Acumen’s Climate Action Fund for Pakistan” event held at the Pakistan Pavilion, the finance minister stressed the importance of supporting sectors like agri-
culture, which are critical to Pakistan’s economy but face severe risks from climate change. Aurangzeb highlighted a key milestone for Pakistan in its fight against climate challenges: the launch of the country’s first climate-focused fund dedicated to enhancing agricultural resilience. This initiative, designed to help Pakistan’s agricultural sector adapt to the changing climate, aims to ensure food security and protect the livelihoods of small farmers. The minister outlined the vision behind the Acumen Climate Action for Pakistan
(ACAP) Fund, describing it as the nation’s first private-sector fund focused on climate action. The fund, which seeks to support businesses that build agricultural resilience, is particularly focused on benefiting smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural workforce. The goal is to reach 13 million small farmers, providing them with the resources and tools to adapt to the evolving climate landscape. Romina Khurshid Alam, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, also spoke at the event, praising the Acumen
Climate Action Fund as a groundbreaking initiative for Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Alam stressed the urgent need for such initiatives, noting that projections suggest Pakistan’s agricultural productivity could decline by 8-10% by 2040 due to the impacts of climate change. She explained that the fund’s focus on offering patient capital to agribusinesses, particularly those working with smallholder farmers, is essential for promoting sustainable farming practices and securing food resources for the future. Alam emphasized the importance of ad-
dressing climate risks to ensure the resilience of Pakistan’s agriculture sector and promote long-term food security. “This initiative is not just about economic growth, but about securing the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis who depend on agriculture for their survival,” she said. The discussions at COP29 underscored the critical need for targeted climate finance solutions that can drive tangible change, particularly in vulnerable sectors like agriculture, and contribute to building resilience against the increasingly severe impacts of climate change in Pakistan.