PM expresses gratitude to ‘friendly nation’ for assistance before IMF deal finalised
ISLAMABAD, FEB 24: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed gratitude to a “friendly nation” for providing assistance to Pakistan before the finalisation of negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a loan programme. The prime minister made the comments while addressing an apex committee meeting in Islamabad regarding the National Action Plan (NAP) and National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta). The meeting comes as terrorism in Pakistan has been rearing its head again. He said today’s meeting was regarding the National Counter Terrorism Authority (Nacta), adding that it had become a “dormant institution”. The prime minister said that negotiations with the International Monetary Fund would soon be successful but economic difficulty would still persist in the form of stringent conditions by the Fund.
Source:The Nation
February 24, 2023 20:49 UTC
Grateful to ‘friendly nation’ for assistance before IMF deal: PM
The prime minister added that the IMF deal would be finalised in a week to 10 days. The prime minister said that negotiations with the IMF would soon be successful but economic difficulty would still persist in the form of “very stringent” conditions by the Fund. Pakistan held 10 days of intensive talks with an IMF delegation in Islamabad — from Jan 31 to Feb 9 — but could not reach a deal. However, the bulk of tax measures worth Rs115 billion was already implemented from Feb 14 through statutory regulatory orders. A well-placed source had earlier informed that Pakistan and IMF will sign the staff-level agreement on Feb 28.
Source:The Nation
February 24, 2023 18:56 UTC
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‘Defining moment’: Imran seeks judiciary’s help for early polls
His statement came shortly after PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz accused a "cabal of five" of being behind the ongoing political and economic crises in Pakistan. The group allegedly includes sitting and former Supreme Court judges and the former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief, General (retd) Faiz Hameed. In his address, Imran accused the PML-N of having a history of attacking and buying the loyalties of judges. Imran reminded the judiciary that the Constitution is clear about holding elections within 90 days following the dissolution of the assembly. He maintained that the "court arrest" movement was against the economic meltdown and the incumbent government's attempts to delay polls.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 24, 2023 06:01 UTC
Divisional Level Inter- Collegiate Sports Championship begins
Share:LAHORE - After the completion of district level sports events, the Divisional Level Inter-Collegiate Sports Championship 2023 commenced across the province under the banner of Sports Board Punjab (SBP) and Higher Education Department (HED) Punjab. Sangla Hill Graduate College beat Islamia College Civil Lines by 58-56 in the first semifinal of kabaddi event at Islamia College Railway Road on Wednesday. HED Punjab Secretary Javed Akhtar Mahmood and DG SBP Tariq Qureshi were the guests of honour on this occasion. They also planted saplings on this occasion. Secretary HED Punjab Javed Akhtar Mahmood said that the winning team of kabaddi event will be awarded Rs 150,000, runner-up team Rs 130,000 and third position holder Rs 110,000 followed by a cash prize of Rs 50,000 for fourth position holder
Source:The Nation
February 24, 2023 04:44 UTC
'Jail Bharo' drive hits snags in KP
Share:The fervently promoted "Jail Bharo" movement by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has failed to register a significant impact on the incumbent government, owing to the lackadaisical attitude of PTI workers, resulting in no voluntary surrenders. Amidst the ongoing court arrest drive, the PTI leadership orchestrated spirited rallies and public gatherings in Peshawar and Malakand on the second day, vehemently protesting against the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) led government's alleged political victimisation. On the other hand, the KP police reached PTI stalwarts’ residences who announced to present themselves for “Jail Bharo” drive including former CM Mahmood Khan’s house kept announcing through loudspeakers that they should surrender but no one turned up. SP Abdul Salam Khalid said that PTI workers were doing photo sessions around police vans but no one presented themselves for a court arrest drive. “If anyone gives voluntary arrest, they will be arrested, section 144, and FIR will be registered for blocking the road,” added SP Khalid.
Source:The Nation
February 24, 2023 04:42 UTC
Maryam seeks to resurrect old narrative
Among them were Justice Mazahir Naqvi, Justice Ijazul Hassan, [former chief justice] Saqib Nisar and [justice (retd)] Azmat Saeed,” she said, mentioning the five names. When a common man is aware of the “bench fixing”, she asked, why did Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial not know. It seems that it is now Pervez Elahi’s turn to change his nappies,” the PML-N chief organiser added. “The person, who removed air-conditioner from the jail cell where Nawaz Sharif was lodged, is in hiding. But at that time, Nawaz Sharif did not use workers as shield,” she added.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 24, 2023 04:08 UTC
Lakki Marwat operation results in death of six TTP militants
PESHAWAR: Six suspected militants affiliated with the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed in a joint operation by the counter-terrorism department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Lakki Marwat police on Thursday. The operation was carried out in the jurisdiction of the Dadiwala police station, according to a statement released by a spokesperson of Lakki Marwat police, Shahid Hameed. The latest attack is yet another example of the worsening law and order situation in Pakistan, particularly in KP and Balochistan. The TTP has intensified its attacks, particularly targeting the police in KP and bordering areas of Afghanistan, since the talks broke down in November. This deteriorating security situation was highlighted last month when a powerful suicide blast in a mosque in Peshawar Police Lines killed 84 people and injured many others.
Source:Pakistan Today
February 23, 2023 18:05 UTC
Character assassination
After that, I desire to talk about a trending issue of today through the columns of your esteemed newspaper. To begin with, in the recent few days, I was commemorating that different people are using various sources to show others’ character according to their will. Using audio, video, and cyber-bullying people are pressuring others for childish reasons. It’s a point to understand that character assassination and bullying a person is the worst form of sin. I hope you will publish this letter in your esteemed newspaper so people can know about such a sensitive topic.
Source:The Nation
February 23, 2023 17:41 UTC
Imran Khan blasts PM’s austerity measures, says IMF deal to spiral up inflation
LAHORE – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan hit out at the austerity measures announced earlier in the day by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying such moves would bring no respite for common man facing skyrocketing inflation. He said Shehbaz Sharif was seeking sacrifices from public but the “cabal of crooks” was not ready to bring back he billions stashed in the foreign countries. He admired the people of Lahore and the PTI senior leadership for actively participating in the court arrest drive. He reiterated his allegations against the PDM leaders, saying Shehbaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari along with foreign powers hatched a plan to topple his democratic government. He also urged people to come out if the elections in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were not held within 90 days.
Source:The Nation
February 22, 2023 15:18 UTC
What’s Next for the Blackhawks’ Center Group Without Jonathan Toews?
The Blackhawks’ collection of centers and could-be centers has been a point of a lot of conversation here this season. On paper, it certainly felt like the Blackhawks were taking a significant step backwards down the middle. Over the full season, Blackhawks centers not-named-Toews have won 51.9 percent of their faceoffs. That’s how you win hockey games and how you get better as a group.”How you get better as a group… that’s been a hallmark of the Blackhawks’ centers all season. But that’s a microcosm of the silver linings all over this Blackhawks’ roster.
Source:The Nation
February 22, 2023 03:51 UTC
Mission statement
Share:To live a successful and complacent life, one must make a mission statement and whatsoever the situation arises, one should not deviate from it. And once anyone perseveres on the mission statement, the day comes when it pays back. For instance, Lawrencepur had made a mission statement before the start of their business that they would not compromise on the quality of the fabric come what may whether they get the loss or benefit from their business and Albaik restaurant in Saudi Arabia made their mission statement that they would give a certain amount of money like 2% in charity whatsoever they earn. Both businesses are reputed now and have good names worldwide and people prefer to be their customers. FAISAL ANSAR,Karachi.
Source:The Nation
February 22, 2023 03:41 UTC
Ex-Wild winger Kevin Fiala turns into an All-Star with Los Angeles Kings
Kevin Fiala is only four months into his first season with the Kings, but the former Wild forward feels like he's been there for years. Since his first game against the Wild on Oct. 15, a 7-6 win for the Kings that included a goal and two assists for Fiala, the 26-year-old has become even more of a catalyst for Los Angeles offense. "His skill set's as good as anybody's," Los Angeles coach Todd McLellan said. "That's what I want to improve, especially this season after last season," said Fiala, who signed a seven-year, $55.125 million contract with the Kings after the trade. Injury updateMarcus Foligno skated Monday and Tuesday, but the Wild winger remained out against Los Angeles.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 22, 2023 02:13 UTC
Russian firms showcase guns, missiles at UAE defence expo
PHOTO: REUTERS/FileA major defence expo was kicked off in the United Arab Emirates on Monday with Russian firms participating in the maritime section despite Western pressure on Gulf states to help isolate Moscow and a strong showing by Israeli companies. Russian firms, including Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport, displayed assault rifles, missiles and drones at the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX), part of the biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) event. Men in traditional Emirati garb known as a thobe, as well as military-uniformed men from India, Pakistan and other states, were seen engaging with Russian firms' delegates. Many arms-producing nations vie for influence and contracts from wealthy Gulf Arab countries, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which have moved to diversify their defence partners and want to develop their own industries. Israeli firms had a large presence at IDEX, including Iron Dome anti-missile system-maker Rafael.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 22, 2023 01:56 UTC
Stellantis Partners with GlobalLogic to Open a Software Facility in Poland
North Andover, MA (01845)TodayLight snow this morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%..TonightBecoming partly cloudy after some evening light rain. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 21, 2023 23:14 UTC
Experience the works of city art thespians at Lalit Kala Akademi, Aliganj
Lucknow: On February 20, 2023 at Lalit Kala Akademi, Regional Center Lucknow (Ministry of Culture, Government of India), art gallery no. Jaiswal, renowned photographer Anil Kumar Risal, Alok Kumar, former principal of Lucknow Art College, and senior painter Mohammad Shakeel. Ishaq from Lucknow, Manoj Pawar from Dewas and Dr. Chandrashekhar Kale from Ujjain, 30 pictures have been displayed. On this occasion, Regional Secretary Dr. Devendra Tripathi, former Vice President of State Lalit Kala Akademi Girish Mishra, supervisors Venu Gopal Parashar, Shivram, Pramod Barua and artists and art lovers of the city were present. This exhibition will be open for all the artists and art lovers of the city till February 25 from 11 am to 7 pm daily.
Source:The Express Tribune
February 21, 2023 09:05 UTC