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BaLoChISTaN vIoLeNCe IS aNTI-NaTIoNaL, agaINST INTeReST of PeoPLe of PaKISTaN: PM Wednesday, 22 January, 2025 I 21 Rajabul Murajjab, 1446
g ALL ECONOMIC INDICATORS SHOWING A PM SHEHBAZ SAYS GWADAR AIRPORT WOULD NOT ONLY BENEFIT BALOCHISTAN POSITIVE TRAJECTORY, TESTIFYING GOVT’S BUT PAKISTAN’S OVERALL ECONOMY EFFORTS TO STABILISE ECONOMY: PM
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XV No 197 I 8 Pages I Karachi Edition
ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
RIME Minister Shehbaz Sharif has strongly criticised those involved in violence and destruction in Balochistan, labelling such acts as anti-national and against the interests of the people of Pakistan. Speaking at the federal cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to stability and development in the region. The prime minister said the elements involved in killings in Balochistan were not only against Balochistan, but were the “enemies of Pakistan”. “Creating hurdles in completion of Gwadar Port is also animosity with Pakistan,” PM Shehbaz said, adding that “the enemies of Pakistan do not want the operationalisation of Gwadar Port.” The prime minister also paid tributes to the armed forces and people of Pakistan for “rendering matchless sacrifices to eliminate Fitna- al-Khwarij from the country”, a term that the state uses to refer to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Highlighting economic development, the Prime Minister commended China for completing the Gwadar International Airport with a $230 million grant. He stated that the new airport would significantly boost the country’s economy and aid in the recovery of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The newly inaugurated Gwadar International Airport would not only benefit the economy of Balochistan but Pakistan’s overall economy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday during a federal cabinet meeting, according to Radio Pakistan. Pakistan’s largest Gwadar International Airport became operational on Monday with the landing of the first PIA flight from Karachi carrying 46 passengers. He said the start of flight operations from Gwadar International Airport was “welcoming”.
SC verdict on Bazai’s de-seating case exposes PML-N’s fraudulent practices: PTI ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lauded hailed the Supreme Court (SC) detailed judgement in MNA Adil Bazai’s deseating case and said that the apex court’s judgment not only established ECP’s bias and prejudice, but it also once again exposed PML-N’s fraudulent practice, which is a continuation of the party’s long history of lies and dishonesty. PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram in a strongly-worded statement, asserted that the SC’s detailed judgment has once again put an indelible stamp on the Sharif family’s notorious reputation as Pakistan’s most fraudulent family, saying this family has brazenly committed fraud time and time again, showing no remorse or shame for their actions. He highlighted that the nation is well aware of the Sharif family and its party’s fraudulent practices, including the fake documents presented in the Panama case, such as the fake Qatari letter and trust deed with Calibri font, as well as fake medical reports used to escape the country. Moreover, PTI CIS stated that the ECP’s conduct in the said case further substantiates PTI’s arguments on consistent bias and prejudice of electoral body against PTI while favoring PML-N for which CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja repeatedly violated the constitution and he must be held accountable for defying his constitutional obligations. Waqas emphasised that the SC’s judgment and Justice Ayesha Malik’s additional note not only established the electoral watchdog and corrupt Sharif’s dynasty’s nexus to manipulate the elections but the decision further testified the PTI’s stance of mega polls robbery on February 8, 2024 to convert landslide PTI’s victory into a defeat, resultantly to fraudulently impose the Sharif on the nation. Waqas emphasized that the apex court’s judgment, along with Justice Ayesha Malik’s additional note, exposed the electoral watchdog’s collusion with the corrupt Sharif dynasty to manipulate elections and further testified that the PTI was robbed of a landslide victory on February 8, 2024, and instead imposed the Sharif regime on the nation through fraudulent means.
Interior Minister discusses bilateral ties with key US officials WASHINGTON
STAFF REPORT
The premier also talked about other issues, including exports, electronic vehicles, and other economic indicators. He said it was welcoming to witness a record increase of IT exports to the tune of $346m in December last year. “We should also focus to push for more IT exports,” he said. He added the government was also taking a number of steps to promote electric vehicles in Pakistan. PM Shehbaz also welcomed the World Bank’s pledge of providing $20 billion under the country partnership framework for the next 10 years to support inclusive and sustainable development. “Under this, country partnership framework, investment will be made in different social sectors of the country,” he said. The prime minister said all economic indicators
were showing a positive trajectory, which was testament to the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy. He said the government is also making hectic efforts to provide the best facilities to Pakistani pilgrims during Haj this year. PM Shehbaz welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement between freedom fighter group Hamas and Israel, declaring Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction process in Gaza. The Prime Minister condemned the loss of over 50,000 Palestinian lives due to Israeli aggression. The Federal Cabinet took up a plethora of items on its agenda, with particular focus on the prevailing political situation in the country. According to the report, the meeting deliberated upon the economic issues, which is among the 16-point agenda.
PTI sixth biggest political party of world, largest in country: Barrister Gohar g
PTI CHAIRMAN RUES DELAY IN ISSUANCE OF INTRA-PARTY POLLS CERTIFICATE DESPITE FULFILLING LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ISLAMABAD
STAFF REPORT
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan lamented over the delay in issuance of a certificate of intraparty elections by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) despite responding to all constitutional and legal questions. Talking to media outside ECP, he said the PTI held the intra-party elections in accordance with the constitution and law, adding that a certificate of the intra-party elections was their constitutional and legal right, expressing hoping that the party would receive it in the next hearing. He recalled that during the raid on the party office, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) had seized various important documents. Barrister Gohar emphasized that PTI is one of the largest political parties in the world and the largest political party in Pakistan. The PTI chairman added that the procedure outlined in the constitution will be followed for appointment of chief election commissioner, adding that it will be completed once a parliamentary committee is formed. He stated that everyone stood with PTI founder Imran Khan, who is the symbol of the party. Earlier, the ECP conducted a hearing on the intra-party elections of the PTI.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi participated in the prestigious Lincoln Liberty Ball dinner in Washington, receiving a warm welcome from American officials and dignitaries. During the event, Naqvi met with prominent figures, including Senator Tommy Tuberville, Congressman Ken Calvert, former British Prime Minister Liz Truss, and Mississippi Governor Philip Bryant. Discussions focused on mutual interests and avenues to strengthen bilateral relations. The minister also extended congratulations to US senators and congress members on Donald Trump’s assumption of the presidency. “This is a historic day for America,” Naqvi remarked, expressing confidence in the Trump administration’s potential to open a new chapter in US-Pakistan relations. Naqvi noted the enthusiasm of the American public during the celebrations, calling it a testament to their support for President Trump. He expressed his best wishes for the American people and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering collaboration. President Zardari, PM Shehbaz congratulate Donald Trump on assuming office President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended their congratulations to Donald Trump on becoming the 47th President of the United States. President Zardari conveyed his best wishes to the new US president, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sentiments in a post on X. “I look forward to working with him to strengthen the enduring Pakistan-US partnership,” PM Shehbaz wrote. Highlighting the decades-old collaboration, the prime minister added, “Over the years, our two great nations have worked together closely to pursue peace and prosperity in the region and beyond for our peoples & we shall continue to do so in the future.”
Kurram: Tull-Parachinar Road closed for search operations KURRAM
STAFF REPORT
The hearing, chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja was attended by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar. The CEC informed the court that the case was pending since April 30, 2024, and PTI had not yet filed a written reply. To this, Barrister Gohar said that PTI had replied to the notice and would present the response to the petitions on the next hearing. The ECP adjourned the hearing until February 11 while ordering PTI to file the reply by then. During ECP hearing, Barrister Gohar declared that PTI is the only party that conducted intraparty election, claiming the party to be the sixth biggest political party of the world. The PTI chief informed the court that out of the total five petitioners against PTI intra-party
elections, the petitions were not contested and they would reply at the next hearing to the ECP. He said the PTI’s symbol is Imran Khan, who has written a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly for the appointment of the new Chief Election Commissioner. Meanwhile, Akbar S Babar, a founding member of PTI, also addressed a press conference, saying that PTI accounts should be frozen till the decision of the case. He said that PTI’s organizational setup has no legal status and currently it is ruled by the infiltrators who have no link with it. Akbar S Babar further alleged that a coterie of vested interests has captured the PTI, and the judgment in the £190 million foreign funding case has brought many people into the limelight.
The district administration has closed Tull-Parachinar Road for one week owing to search operations in areas of strife-torn Lower Kurram. Local administration has announced that due to search operations in several areas of Lower Kurram TullParachinar Road will remain closed. Meanwhile, a protest sit-in continuing at Mandori, as the central highway has been blocked for last 113 days. Kurram’s district administration has said that arrangements being made for the internally displaced persons (IDPs). Meanwhile, a convoy of 22 trucks carrying relief items including edibles, medicines and other essential commodities have reached Hangu. Earlier, security forces taken control of Bagan Bazaar in Kurram, aiming to restore order in the region. Several bunkers, four each belonging to the Watezai tribe and Tori tribe in Irfani Kalay, have been vacated during the operation. In the light of attacks on convoys and unrest, a search operation has been launched to apprehend the culprits. According to tribal elder Haji Kareem, door-to-door searches are being conducted to locate the miscreants involved. Security sources confirmed that the operation is focused on eliminating threats and ensuring safety of travelers and residents in the area. On January 18, Deputy Commissioner Kurram Javedullah Mehsud said that a major operation will be launched in four locations of the district to eliminate the terrorists. He said the displaced persons being relocated to Tal and Hangu for their safety.
Trump pulls security clearances from 50 ex-intelligence officials in Hunter Biden fallout WASHINGTON
NEWS DESK
Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to revoke the security clearances of more than 50 ex-intelligence officials who had cast doubt on the Hunter Biden laptop controversy, likening it to a “Russian information operation” in 2020. The move, announced Monday, underscores Trump’s continued clashes with the intelligence community and is seen as a response to critics from his presidency. Legal experts predict the decision could spark lawsuits, with affected officials likely to challenge its legality. The list includes prominent names such as James Clapper, former Director of National Intelligence, and John Brennan, former CIA chief. Both served under President Barack Obama and were vocal critics of Trump. Also named is John Bolton, Trump’s former na-
tional security adviser, who has publicly criticized the former president in the past. Mark Zaid, a lawyer representing several of those impacted, said the move appears symbolic. “This isn’t about security—it’s about politics. We are prepared to contest this in court,” he said. The controversy traces back to a letter signed by over 50 former intelligence officials ahead of the 2020 presidential election. The letter suggested the release of Hunter Biden’s emails, allegedly retrieved from a laptop, bore hallmarks of a “Russian disinformation campaign.” Although the letter’s signatories acknowledged they couldn’t verify the authenticity of the emails, their warnings influenced public discourse around the election. Trump’s then-intelligence chief, John Ratcliffe, dismissed the claims, saying no evidence linked the emails to Russia. The emails, first published by The New
York Post, were shared by Trump ally Rudy Giuliani and detailed Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. Subsequent investigations into Hunter Biden led to tax and firearm charges, but President Joe Biden recently pardoned his son. Typically, security clearances are revoked on a case-by-case basis, following internal reviews. Trump’s sweeping executive order breaks with precedent, raising questions about its procedural integrity and potential political motivations. Trump has frequently accused intelligence agencies of bias, especially during probes into alleged Russian interference in his 2016 campaign. This decision continues his efforts to challenge the institutions he has long criticized. As lawsuits loom, the move highlights the enduring tensions between Trump and the intelligence community, ensuring further legal and political battles ahead.