PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday ordered the federal government to provide details of cases against Ali Amin Gandapur, ARY News reported.A division bench of the high court comprises of Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Justice Shakeel Alhmed heard petition of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur seeking details of cases against him."This problem has not yet resolved?" Justice Shakeel Ahmed questioned. "Problems still persist, we don't know the cases registered in Punjab," counsel Arshad Ahmed said."Get bail if involved in any case in Punjab," Justice Shakeel said. "If they will provide us details than we will go to courts. They are not providing us details of cases, and nothing has been shared in writing till now," Gandapur's lawyer said."There are two inquiries against him in D.I.Khan," FIA's Director Legal Abdul Rehman said."He is chief minister of the province and the people of the province have reposed confidence in him," Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim said. "The people have voted him and now he is running the province," Justice Ibrahim further said."It is unlikely that you could not provide him details. Provide details of the cases registered against him, to the petitioner," the bench ordered.The court adjourned further hearing of the case till April 25.
TANDO JAM: In a magnificent example of hard work and dedication, two daughters of a samosa seller passed the Sindh Public Service Commission (SPSC) exam to become grade 17 officers in Sindh's Tando Jam area, ARY News reported. As per details, Habibur Rehman Ansari, a resident of Muzzaffarabad Mohallah, who used to sell samosas in Tando Jam was made proud by his two daughters who became gazetted officers in the Livestock Department of Sindh after passing the SPSC examination.Habib Ansari, the father of the six children, did everything to educate his children and two of his daughters Dr Sabahat and Sadaf Ansari made him proud by becoming officers in 17th grade.Read more: Cop held hours after ‘passing CSS exam to become police officer’Dr. Sadaf was posted as a veterinary Officer in Grade 17 in Tando Jam, while dr Sabahat is working as a veterinary officer in Thatha۔Both the girls expressed their happiness and lauded the efforts of their parents especially their father for getting them educated.
ISLAMABAD: The anti-extremism unit of the Islamabad Police on Tuesday suspended 462 accounts found involved in spreading religious and ethnic hatred on social media platforms in Pakistan, ARY News reported.According to the details, the capital police identified a total of 1522 accounts found involved in spreading negative activities after which the Federal Investigation Agency took action and suspended 462 accounts while, the remaining 1060 accounts will also be closed soon.Upon identifying 1522 accounts, Islamabad Police spokesperson disclosed that a letter was penned to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) requesting the closure of said accounts.The spokesperson disclosed that out of the 462 closed accounts, 65 were implicated in spreading religious hatred, 47 were found propagating anti-national sentiments, and 350 were engaged in disseminating terrorist content.However, efforts are underway to promptly close the remaining 1060 accounts as well.Earlier to this development, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar stated that the government will not tolerate the anti-state use of social media.Addressing a news conference in Lahore today, he said that people should use social media responsibly as the anti-state use of social media will not be tolerated.He maintained that government understands the economic challenges faced by the country and that Prime Minister holds meetings on daily basis to overcome these challenges.Tarar said that the present government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s dynamic leadership, is working tirelessly for Pakistan’s progress.Expressing sorrow and grief over loss of precious lives in a terrorist attack in North Waziristan, the Information Minister said armed forces have presented unprecedented sacrifices during war against terrorism and continue to do so.
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has notified victory of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's Azhar Qayyum as MNA from NA-81 after a recount, ARY News reported on Tuesday. Pursuant to the order dated 11th March 2024 passed by the Election Commission of Pakistan in case No.F.7(427)2024-Law-III(GE), the returning officer NA-81 Gujranwala-V carried out the recounting of votes and as a result of the recounting, PML-N's Azhar Qayyum has been declared the winner with a majority of the votes, the notification read.Earlier Bilal Aijaz, an independent candidate backed by PTI, was declared the winner with 117,717 votes while the PML-N candidate finished as runner-up with 109,926 votesPML-N’s Azhar Qayyum requested that the ballots be recounted, and the Returning Officer (RO) granted his request. Following the vote tally, Azhar Qayyum defeated independent candidate Bilal Aijaz, backed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), by a margin of 3197 votes.After the recounting, Azhar Qayyum secured 110,057 votes while Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) backed independent candidate Bilal Aijaz bagged 106,860 votes.
ISLAMABAD: The District and Sessions court in Islamabad on Tuesday acquitted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in two vandalism cases registered against him, ARY News reported.The PTI founder was booked in two cases at Loohi Bheer and Sahala police stations during the party's long march in Islamabad.Judicial Magistrate Ayesha Kundi acquitted the PTI founder in both cases. The former prime minister is facing more than 100 cases following his ouster from office and currently, he is incarcerated in Adiala Jail after convictions in cipher, toshakhana and 'un-lawful' nikkah cases.Earlier, the District and Session Court of Islamabad acquitted the PTI founder, Asad Umar, Faisal Javed and others in a protest and vandalism case.Read more: PTI founder, Bushra Bibi indicted in £190 million referenceImran Khan, Asad Umar, Faisal Javed Khan, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, Abid Hussain, Ali Nawaz Awan, Zaheer Khan and others were booked at Tarnol police station on February 26, 2022.Judicial magistrate Muhammad Shahbir issued the release verdict by accepting their acquittal pleas in the case.The court judgments mentioned the accused had filed separate acquittal pleas under section 249A of the constitution. The accused can’t be indicted in the case, and an additional trial of the case was a waste of time, the verdict mentioned.
KARACHI: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi expressed dissatisfaction with the facilities and directed to finalize the upgrade plan of Karachi's National Stadium at the earliest, ARY News reported on Tuesday.On the occasion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9 final, chairman PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, visited the National Stadium Karachi and expressed dissatisfaction with the facilities.During his visit, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of PCB Salman Naseer and the manager of the National Cricket Stadium briefed him about the facilities for the spectators in the stadium.Naqvi inspected various enclosures, and boxes and expressed dissatisfaction with the facilities provided in the stadium.Mohsin Naqvi directed the relevant authorities to finalize the upgrade plan and directed to prepare the best pitches for the international matches of National Stadium Karachi at the earliest.Furthermore, he issued directives for the enhancement and embellishment of the stadium building and surrounding enclosure, aiming to provide a more visually appealing experience for fans and asked that constant and special attention be paid to the maintenance of the stadium.READ: PCB empowers national selection committee with full authorityChairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi also met the groundsmen of the stadium and appreciated their efforts in maintaining the ground.It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan is scheduled to host the ICC Champions Trophy in January 2025. Consequently, efforts to upgrade the existing stadiums across the country are currently in progress to meet the requirements of this prestigious event.Meanwhile, PCB is also set to host a tri-nation cricket tournament next year.The Chairman of PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, held a meeting with counterparts from the South Africa and New Zealand cricket boards in Dubai.During these discussions, plans were finalized for a tri-nation cricket tournament scheduled to take place in Pakistan in February 2025.The tournament, titled the Tri-Series, will feature matches between Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand.It was agreed that the teams from South Africa and New Zealand will arrive in Pakistan at the end of January to participate in the tournament.PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi extended invitations for the upcoming tour of Pakistan to both counterparts, emphasizing the importance of international cricket returning to the country.
KARACHI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Tuesday arrested a proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operative from Karachi, ARY News reported. As per details, CTD team on a tip-off conducted an operation near Karachi's Manghopir area and arrested TTP's Wali Rehman along with hand grenades.The CTD officials said Wali Rehman was involved in several terror attacks in Pakistan. In 2004, Wali Rehman, a TTP operative, associated with the sprinter group of commander Azmatullah aka Tariq Group, attacked forces and in 2006, he attacked FC personnel in Qila Saploi.Wali Rehman, who is also an expert in carrying out suicide attacks, fled Dubai in 2009 and upon his return he was arrested.Further investigation was underway.Read more: 17 militants linked with TTP arrested in KarachiEarlier, the law enforcement agencies arrested 17 terrorists linked with proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), including a key commander from Karachi.According to details, a network of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists had been busted by law enforcement agencies during a successful operation in Karachi.Intelligence agencies, in a timely operation, thwarted the terrorists’ plans of attacks in Karachi. The arrested terrorists were wanted for serious crimes such as targeted killings and extortion against law enforcement agencies.
KARACHI: The fire brigade extinguished fire at a restaurant near the city's Cantt railway station, ARY News reported on Tuesday.Two fire tenders participated in firefighting at the restaurant.The cause of the blaze at the eatery could not be ascertained, as people were safely rescued from the place.The railway police as well as rescue agencies personnel reached to the spot after the fire caused smoke at the restaurant and surrounding area.No loss of life immediately reported in the incident.Railway sources said that drug addicts were also used to sit at the cafe. A likely cause might be smoking at the place.At least four persons died and two others sustained injuries as fire broke out in Arshi shopping mall and residential flats near Ayesha Manzil in Karachi in December last year.Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that the fire at the shopping mall was under control, whereas the cooling process is underway.He maintained that the authorities will estimate the losses once the fire brigade officials complete the process.The incident occurred in Karachi’s Ayesha Manzil where fire erupted in foam shops and quickly expanded to residential flats.Police officials said that shopping mall has mostly foam shops which rapidly intensified the blaze.
The Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) supremo, Nawaz Sharif, is set to travel to London next month for routine checkup, ARY News reported on Tuesday.Reports suggested that the seasoned politician – Nawaz Sharif – is set to travel to travel to Saudi Arabia to spend the last 10 days of Ramadan.After spending 10 days in Saudi Arabia, it is anticipated that the former prime minister is expected to travel to London where he will undertake various medical examinations.However, Nawaz Sharif is traveling with plans for his return to Pakistan after his routine check-ups in London.Back in October 2023, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif changed his plans and decided to land at Islamabad International Airport instead of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport.Nawaz, who has been in self-imposed exile since 2019, left for London in the middle of his seven-year jail term on medical grounds.The elder Sharif is currently in Saudi Arabia and he will leave for Pakistan via Dubai on Oct 21Sources privy to the development today revealed that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo will now land in Islamabad at 1:00 pm on special flight FZ-4525.Earlier, it emerged that the PML-N supremo will land at Lahore airport on October 21 and address a rally at Minar-i-Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan are all set to hold the final round of talks today for the release of $1.1 billion tranche under the Stand By Agreement (SBA), ARY News reported, citing sources. As per schedule, the talks were scheduled to conclude yesterday (Monday), but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission extended its stay in Pakistan by a day as both sides have been unable to develop a consensus on a staff-level agreement for the second review.Both sides will discuss the Letter of Intent today, while the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) will also be finalised today, the sources said.Sources within the finance ministry stated that Pakistan has achieved all the goals set by the IMF for the completion of the second review under SBA.Read more: Pakistan ‘rejects’ IMF’s demand for NFC Award revisitFinal the completion of the talks, Pakistan will sign a staff-level agreement with the IMF and in the IMF's executive board's meeting, $1.1 billion tranche under SBA will get the nod.The delegation has expressed its consent on the roadmap of Pakistan’s external financing in so far talks, the sources said.Earlier, it was reported that the government of Pakistan ‘assured’ the International Monetary Fund (IMF) of expediting the privatisation programme.
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has hinted at launching a new political party soon, ARY News reported on Tuesday."We are holding consultations and groundwork in progress for a new political party," he was talking to media while arriving for a NAB hearing. "The country needed a new political party," he said.Abbasi, a former PML-N stalwart, requested to the president and prime minister to save the country and abolish the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)."I don't want withdrawal of cases against me but decision on all these cases," he said.On a question, estranged PML-N leader said that having no contact with Nawaz Sharif, "I am ready to meet him, when he will summon", he added.
KARACHI: Teams of the Pakistan Navy and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) retrieved the body of a minor girl who fell in the main waterline in Malir's Gaghar Phattak, ARY News reported on Tuesday.An 8-year-old girl Sonia, fell into the main waterline, two days ago.The rescue operation to retrieve the girl's body involved divers from the Pakistan Navy, rescue personnel, and a team from the KWSB.According to the Karachi Water Corporation, the girl's body was found 2 kilometers away from the site of the incident, leading to the closure of water supply from the Dhabeji pumping station since Sunday.Read more: Hyderabad: Body of drowned boy retrieved from Indus RiverThe Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) stated that due to the closure of supply, areas including Bin Qasim, Future Colony, and Bhains Colony were affected. However, after the recovery of the girl's body, the water supply from the pumping station has been restored.Earlier, dead boy of a boy among three brothers who drowned in the Indus River in Hyderabad was retrieved.Three brothers were drowned in River Indus near Mehran Bridge yesterday while bathing, Rescue sources said. On getting information, Rescue-1122 initiated a rescue operation.
An earthquake of magnitude 5.4 jolted Southern and Northern parts of Balochistan on Tuesday early morning, ARY News reported. The magnitude of the quake was 5.4 on Richter Scale, the seismic center reported.The tremors were felt in Quetta, Noshki, Chagai, Chaman, Qila Saifullah, Pashin, Mastung and other parts.The epicentre of the earthquake was some 150 kilometers away from Quetta and its dept was 35 kilometers in South and West, according to the seismic centre.However, no loss of life and damage to property was reported from any part of Loralai so far. People came out of their houses in fear by reciting Kalma-e-Tayyaba.Earlier on Feb 19, a 4.5 magnitude earthquake struck various parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly the Ghizer district, sending tremors through the region earlier.According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the epicenter of the quake was along the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border, with a depth of 102 kilometers, causing tremors across the bordering areas.Fortunately, no major damage or casualties have been reported as of now, bringing a sense of relief to the affected communities, a private news channel reported.Authorities are actively monitoring the situation, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to any developments.
Following his brilliant performance in the PSL 9 final, Islamabad United's all-rounder Imad Wasim said he is fit and can play for another 4 to 5 years.“I think I'm happy playing cricket, I'm fit and trying to contribute as much as possible. I've four-five years of cricket left in me," Imad said after the match.Imad Wasim said, "We should have finished the match one over earlier. Hunain Shah kept his nerves and smashed a boundary on the last ball of the inning."Imad Wasim started the innings brilliantly by taking two wickets in his first over, removing in-form Yasir Khan and David Willey.Imad continued to produce magic with the ball as he went on to remove three more Sultans batters — Khushdil Shah, Johnson Charles and Chris Jordan — becoming just the first player to take five wickets in a PSL final.The left-handed batter also remained not out at 19 runs.Islamabad claimed their third PSL title, beating Multan Sultans by two wickets in the final, after emerging victorious in 2016 and 2018 and have become the most successful team in the tournament's history.It should be noted that Imad Wasim was also awarded the title of the best all-rounder of the tournament for his outstanding performance in the PSL, while Islamabad's captain Shadab Khan was honored with the Player of the Tournament award.Read more: PSL 9: Islamabad United beats Multan Sultans to clinch title after 5 yearsWith 24 wickets in PSL 9, Osama Mir was awarded the best bowler of the tournament, while Babar Azam won the award for the best batsman of the tournament.Babar Azam scored 469 runs in 12 matches, but he couldn't break the record for the most runs scored in a single edition.Karachi Kings' Irfan Khan Niazi was named the best fielder of the tournament, and he also received the Emerging Player of the Tournament award.Azam Khan was honored as the best wicketkeeper of the tournament, while the Spirit of Cricket award went to Peshawar Zalmi.
KARACHI: Two siblings Ayaan and Anabiya, who were found after going missing from Karachi’s North Nazimabad area, have been enrolled in Ziauddin School.Ayaan and Anabiya had not been attending school since the outbreak of the corona pandemic. Both children could only receive education up to the first and second grades.Ayaan and Anabiya left their home in North Nazimabad due to their aunt’s 'inappropriate' behavior. Upon the directive of Dr. Asim Hussain, Chairman of Dr. Ziauddin Hospital and a senior leader of the Pakistan People’s Party, the siblings were enrolled in Ziauddin School in Karachi.The educational expenses of Ayaan and Anabiya will be borne by the Ziauddin Trust, and on the instructions of Dr. Asim Hussain, both children will be provided free education from elementary school to graduation. Background Ayaan,11, and Anabiya, 12, had gone out of their house to buy a burger in North Nazimabad Block H at around 11:50 pm on last Tuesday and did not return.Read more: Ayaan and Anabiya return home, accuse aunt, grandmother of torture According to the senior superintendent of police (SSP) central district, the incident is being investigated from various aspects with the help of CCTV footage. The police said that a case of missing children was registered in North Nazimabad’s police station against unidentified individuals. Later, the mother said in her social media message from Dubai “Shukar Alhamdulillah both the kids are recovered,”.The mother further said, ‘Those who took them, dropped them at Hyderi’.The kids in their initial statement said their ‘aunty and maternal grandmother used to torture them”. Ayaan and Anabiya said they spent a night at the house of an uncle and aunty who found them in the street on Tuesday night.
WASHINGTON: The United States (US) warned the Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists and to ensure that terrorist attacks are not orchestrated from Afghan soil."We remain committed to ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists who wish to harm the United States or our partners and allies," State Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel told a press briefing.While condoling the loss of lives of Pakistani soldiers in terrorist attacks and the reported loss of civilians on the other side of the border, Patel urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to address their differences."We have seen reports that Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan in response to the attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, on Saturday at a military post. We deeply regret the loss of life and the injustices sustained during the attack in Pakistan and the loss of civilian lives during the strike in Afghanistan. We urge the Taliban to ensure that terrorist attacks are not launched from Afghan soil, and we urge Pakistan to exercise restraint and ensure civilians are not harmed in their counterterrorism efforts. We urge both sides to address any differences."When asked if the United States is helping Pakistan in counterterrorism operations or intelligence sharing, Patel remarked that the US is in regular communication with Pakistani leaders to discuss Afghanistan in detail, including through our counterterrorism dialogue and other bilateral consultations.Read more: Terrorists inside Afghanistan pose a grave threat to Pakistan’s security: FOCommenting on the meetings of US Ambassador in Pakistan Donald Blome with Pakistani leadership, the Deputy Spokesperson stated that Ambassador Blome met with Prime Minister Sharif on March 15 to discuss a broad range of bilateral issues, including partnering with the Government of Pakistan on regional security.The United States (US) supports continued economic reforms with and through the International Monetary Fund, trade and investment education, climate change, and other private sector-led economic growth issues that we continue to engage with our Pakistani partners on, along with a range of other issues.Meanwhile, White House Spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre also offered condolences for the killings of Pakistani soldiers and urged the Afghan Taliban to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorists once again.
KARACHI: Imad Wasim’s all-round performance powered Islamabad United to clinch Pakistan Super League (PSL) title after five-long years by defeating favourites Multan Sultans in the ninth edition final at National Bank Stadium here on Monday.Set to chase 160 for their third PSL title, Islamabad United had a flying start to the pursuit as their new opening pair of Colin Munro and Martin Guptill scored 20 off the first two overs.But the duo failed to continue the flying start as Munro fell victim to Khushdil Shah on the first delivery of the fourth over. He made 17 off 13 with the help of four boundaries.The United then lost two more wickets in quick succession as Salman Ali Agha (10) and Shadab Khan (4) perished after scoring cheaply.But Guptill remained firm and kept the scoreboard ticking in a crucial fourth-wicket partnership with Azam Khan before a mix-up drew curtains on his tremendous knock.He remained the top-scorer for the United with a 32-ball 50, peppered with four boundaries and three sixes.Azam then partnered with Imad Wasim for a brief 19-run partnership, which lasted in the 16th over, courtesy of a brilliant DRS by Mohammad Rizwan off Usama Mir.He smashed four boundaries and a six on his way to a 22-ball 30.The United then sustained another massive blow to their pursuit as in-form Haider Ali and Faheem Ashraf walked back in consecutive overs, bringing the equation down to 129/7.The two-time champions then needed 31 off 17 deliveries with Imad and Naseem Shah at the crease.The duo batted sensibly and brought the United in touching distance before Mohammad Ali dismissed Naseem Shah with a bumper on the penultimate delivery.Islamabad United needed one run off the final delivery with Hunain Shah on the strike. The No.10 batter sensibly guided the ball towards the third-man region to steer his team over the line.For the Sultans, Iftikhar Ahmed and Khushdil Shah bagged two wickets each while Usama Mir, Mohammad Ali and David Willey struck out a batter apiece.Opting to bat first, Multan Sultans managed to register a subpar total on the board in the PSL 9 final despite Usman Khan's anchoring half-century and Iftikhar Ahmed's late onslaught.The Sultans got off to a dismal start to their innings as their young opener Yasir Khan (6) fell victim to Imad Wasim in the second over.Promoted to bat at No.3, vice-captain David Willey (6) had a brief stay at the crease as he too, fell victim to Imad after hitting the latter for a six.Following the slump, Usman Khan then joined his skipper Mohammad Rizwan in the middle and the duo launched recovery.The pair added 53 runs for the third wicket before Rizwan fell victim to his United counterpart Shadab Khan in the 10th over after scoring a run-a-ball 26.Usman then took reigns of the Sultans' batting expedition and put together brief partnerships with Johnson Charles and Khushdil Shah before perishing in the 16th over.He remained the top-scorer for the Sultans with a gutsy 57 off 40 deliveries, laced up with seven boundaries and a six.His dismissal sparked a lower middle-order collapse, triggered by Imad Wasim's sensational last over, who returned with tremendous bowling figures of 5/22 in his four overs.Consequently, the Sultans had been reduced to 127/9 in 17 overs before Iftikhar Ahmed launched a counterattack.The right-handed batter smashed three boundaries and as many sixes on his way to a blistering 32-run cameo which came off just 20 deliveries.Besides Imad, skipper Shadab chipped in for the United with the ball, picking up three wickets for 32 runs in his quota of four overs.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Sher Afzal Marwat on Monday claimed that he had submitted evidence against Maryam Nawaz to Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) as he accused the latter of orchestrating an assassination plot against him, ARY News reported.Marwat had asserted that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader had hired 'contract killers' to assassinate him. According to Marwat, the alleged contract to assassinate him was not just a verbal threat but involved tangible financial transactions.The PTI leader suggested that the chief minister's involvement came to light through intercepted telephone conversations, which he intended to share with relevant investigation authorities.Speaking at ARY News programme ‘Off The Record’, Sher Afzal Marwat clarified that the Federal Investigation Authority (FIA) had not summoned him regarding his press conference against Punjab Chief Minister, but for a tweet against her.Read More: Sher Afzal Marwat levels ‘serious allegations’ against CM Maryam NawazThe PTI leader alleged that Maryam Nawaz authorised $100,000 to payment for the sinister plan, and the transaction had taken place in Dubai. “Evidence in this regard has been submitted to FIA today,” he added.Responding to a question, Marwat said that PTI founder Imran Khan expressed his disappointment when Mahmood Khan and Asad Umar left the party. However, Imran Khan was happy when Ali Zaidi and Imran Ismail quitted, he claimed.He opined that no member, who left the PTI, should be taken back. “Parvez Khattak once told him that he will return to PTI in 20 days after fixing some issues. When this message was conveyed to Imran Khan, he denied,” he alleged.Marwat also claimed that PTI founder wasn’t happy with former president Arif Alvi as “he did not fulfill the responsibility he should have”.
Punjab finance minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman on Monday presented the provincial budget for fiscal year 2023-24 worth Rs4480 Billion was tabled during the Punjab Assembly session in Lahore.While presenting three three-month budget for the year 2023-24 in Punjab Assembly, he said that in last 21 days, Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz had started 28 big projects.He said this three-month budget was aimed at progress and prosperity of people of the province.He said that ‘Ramazan Nigheban package’ was being implemented successfully with a cost of Rs 30 billion.He said the Punjab government had made price control system fully active and prices and supply of essential items were also being monitored.The Punjab Finance Minister said that zero tolerance policy had been adopted to overcome hoarding, adulteration and illegal profiteering.Demand and supply of agricultural and essential items were also being improved, Mujtaba Shuja, added.He said that funds had been allocated for 28 big projects, adding that these projects included setting up of Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore at a cost of Rs 10 billion, IT Infrastructure Investment Programme, Punjab IT Graduates Internship Programme, Global IT Certification Programme, Punjab Chief Minister Helpline, Provincial Database Authority, Free Wi-Fi in Punjab, Punjab Dastak Programme, Overhauling of Rural Health Centres and Basic Health Centres, Health Sector Development Programme, Ambulance Service on Motorways, Air Ambulance, Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Hospital in Lahore, Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Hospital in Sargodha, Punjab Education Programme, Free Laptops for Students, CM Internship Programme, CM ‘Hunarmandi Programme’, Punjab Agriculture Transformation Programme, Model Agriculture Malls, Aquaculture Shrimp Farming Programme, Construction and Maintenance of 82 roads, Punjab Road Infrastructure Programme, ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Programme’, Smog Free Punjab, Electric Buses and Electric Bikes and etc.He said that total volume of three months budget for the year 2023-24 is Rs 4480.7 billion. The total income was estimated at 3331 billion 70 crore rupees. As many as 2706 billion 40 crore rupees would be obtained for Punjab from the distributable income of the federation under the NFC award.While the provincial revenue had been estimated at 625.30 billion rupees with an increase of 25 percent from last year in which 240 billion rupees were expected to be collected from the Punjab Revenue Authority with a 26 percent increase, 99.20 billion rupees from the Board of Revenue with a 4 percent increase and 45.50 billion rupees from the Excise Department with a 5 percent increase, he added.He said that the non-tax revenue had been estimated at 231.80 billion rupees with an increase of 42 percent. In the current financial year, 513.73 billion rupees for salaries, 392.10 billion rupees for pensions and 627.70 billion rupees had been allocated for local governments.The development budget for the financial year 2023-24 was estimated at 655 billion rupees, while the amount allocated for projects / programs / grants supported by foreign aid was 113.2 billion rupees. 36 percent of the development budget consisted of social sector, 39 percent infrastructure, 8 percent production sector and 4 percent services sector, he added.Similarly, he said, 13 percent of the development budget had been allocated for various programs and public welfare special initiatives. He said social security measures were estimated at 20 billion rupees, the rate of increase in salaries and pensions of provincial employees was 35 percent in the basic pay scale for grades 1 to 16.Whereas, according to the basic pay scale of grades 17 to 22, the salaries had been increased by 30 percent and the pension had been increased by 17 percent, he added.He said that a provincial database authority would be established with Rs 50 crore to have accurate data for various sectors.A total of Rs 473.62 billion had been earmarked for the health sector. The provincial government would start four programs for complete overhauling of rural health centers and primary health centers with 40 billion rupees so that no citizen was deprived of the right to health, he said and added that Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research would be constructed in Lahore with 30 billion rupees for which an initial amount of Rs 50 crore had been kept in the development budget of the last three months of the current financial year.He said that 45 billion rupees had been set aside for the public-friendly and poor-promoting health insurance program in the current financial year. New day care centers for working women would be established across Punjab with one billion rupees.The minister said that an amount of 1.40 billion rupees had been allocated in the development budget for the welfare of minorities. He said that a total of 79.12 billion rupees had been allocated for the development of the agriculture sector.A total amount of 25.75 billion rupees had been allocated in the transport sector for travel facilities, he said and added that a journalist endowment fund of one billion rupees would be established so that media works could be provided with the best medical treatment as well as support for the families of martyred or deceased media works. Along with this, he said, a big program of construction and repair of 82 roads and highways was being started with 320 billion rupees, through which 2659 km long roads would be repaired. He further said that Rs 5 billion would be spent on the project of “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” program, Rs. 2 billion will be spent on selected buses and Rs. 1 billion on the project of electric bikes for smog-free Punjab.Under Suthra Punjab, a program of 2 billion rupees for solid waste management, 5 billion rupees for repairing streets and sewers, and a project of CM Plant for Pakistan would be started with 1 billion rupees. He said that the Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore would be started with 10 billion rupees, the Global IT Certification Program with 1 billion rupees and the Punjab Dastak program with 25 crore rupees. By which people would be able to benefit from 43 government services sitting at home.Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman said the Punjab government had allocated 236.37 billion rupees for important social sectors such as education, health, water supply and sanitation, women’s development, sports and youth affairs, population welfare and social security which was 36 percent of the current financial year’s development budget.He said that a total of 595.8 billion rupees had been set aside for the education sector in the current financial year. Out of which 537.40 billion rupees had been kept under non-developmental budget which was 26 percent of the total non-development budget of the current financial year.He said that 57.68 billion rupees had been allocated for the development budget of the education sector, which was 9 percent of the total development budget.Out of the overall development budget allocated for the education sector, 44.41 billion rupees had been earmarked for school education, 9.36 billion rupees for higher education, 2.99 billion rupees for the literacy and non-formal education department, and 92 crore rupees for special education, he added.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali said that the party stood by its decision to ally with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), ARY News reported.In a statement issued here, Barrister Gohar Ali said that some of the party leaders had a 'difference' of opinion in allying with the SIC, adding that the majority approved the decision.The PTI chairman termed the decision a 'right' one. He said that 'unlike' Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), the PTI takes decision in consultation with the party's members."The PTI's core committee holds many meetings to make a final decision," Barrister Gohar Ali added.Responding to Sher Afzal Marwat's statement in which he termed alliance with the SIC a mistake, the PTI chairman said that it was Marwat's opinion.He said that the PTI would fully participate in parliamentary politics and would neither boycott any elections nor resign from the assemblies.Read More: Sher Afzal Marwat Calls PTI-SIC merger ‘a Mistake’Earlier on March 15, PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat called his party’s merger with Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) ‘a mistake’ while demanding an investigation into the party’s ‘wrong decisions’.Speaking to a private news channel, Afzal Marwat said that his party’s alliance with Sunni-Ittehad Council (SIC) was ‘a mistake’ and is now paying the price in the form of losing its reserved seats.PTI sealed its alliance with the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) in a bid to claim its share of reserved seats in the national, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies.
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