Bilawal Bhutto also announced launching a programme at union council level to eradicate hunger in the country

DNA

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday took a dig at Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif as election campaign goes full throttle in the country.

Appreciating the party supporters’ enthusiasm at Liaquatpur rally, the former foreign minister said Sharif was spotted in PML-N’s rally in Hafizabad a day earlier and, “I fear he may again return to his den after seeing you”.

While wielding a copy of his party’s manifesto that primarily focus on economic uplift of public, Bhutto said no other party was paying heed to the difficulties being faced by people.

He highlighted the key points of the PPP manifesto, saying 17 ministries will be abolished in order save Rs300 billion for public. He vowed to redirect the Rs1,500 billion given to elite in wake of subsidy toward public.

He als promised to implement the 10-point manifesto of his party in letter and spirit once he is voted to power by people on Feb 8.

He also shared his plans to assist the youth, saying they will be helped by the state through “youth card” if the PPP managed to make the government in centre.

Bilawal Bhutto also announced launching a programme at union council level to eradicate hunger in the country.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz Sharif heaped praise on the steadfastness of the party despite facing a litany of challenges.

She emphasised, “good and bad times are very part of politics but the PML-N has not left the field and is always ready to serve the masses with a renewed zeal.”

She made these remarks while addressing a rally in Khanewal where the PML-N chief organiser said she could not be more grateful as a lot of people have come to attend the PML-N’s power show despite the inclemency of the weather.

Counting his difficulties, she said she was informed about the death of her mother in Adiala Jail but the support she has always received from the party and the people has increased her determination for service.

Talking about the challenges faced by the PTI, she said who gave PTI the impetus to attack the state on May 9, who asked it to abstain from the intra-party polls besides adding only the PML-N could have faced significant challenges with heroism as the party has always enjoyed the support of people.

PML-N senior vice president said Nawaz Sharif was not taking revenge from the PTI founder as the former has left his matter at the hands of Almighty.

Chief Minister Punjab reiterates his resolve to finish the public welfare project completion task at the earliest

Abid Raza

LAHORE: Saudi Arabian Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Ahmad Al-Maliky visited the Chief Minister’s office in Lahore on Friday and met with Punjab CM Mohsin Naqvi.

Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi warmly welcomed Ambassador Nawaf Bin Saeed Ahmed Al Maliky.

The ambassador of Saudi Arabia also recognized the extraordinary speed of completion of public projects by Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and paid tribute to his public services.

The Saudi ambassador said that Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s tireless efforts are visible in Punjab, especially in Lahore and Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his team are seen working all the time.

A new example of extraordinary development was established in Punjab during one year, thanks to Mohsin Speed, Saudi Ambassador said.

He said many cities including Lahore are looking more beautiful than before with the completion of development projects.

Pakistan has everything, it needs sincere people like Mohsin Naqvi and planning, said Saudi Ambassador.

On the occasion, CM Mohsin Naqvi said that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have an eternal relationship and will last forever.

Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in difficult times, said Mohsin Naqvi.

He said that we cannot forget the role of Saudi Arabia for the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

We are grateful to the Saudi government for the unprecedented support of Saudi Arabia, Mohsin Naqvi

DNA

KARACHI: In view of the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Iran, the number of overflying flights and those using Pakistani airspace has decreased by 50%.

On Thursday, the number of flights using Pakistani airspace was 450

According to sources, on normal days, 700 to 750 flights per day fly over Pakistani airspace. The number of overflying flights has now reduced to 50% due to the Iran-Pakistan tensions.

The sources said that airlines paid the Civil Aviation Authority in dollars for using Pakistani airspace.

The reduction or ending of overflying flights within the Pakistani airspace will also have a negative impact on revenue.

Pakistan on Thursday morning conducted “a series of highly coordinated and specifically targeted precision military strikes” against alleged terrorist hideouts in Sistan-Baluchistan province of Iran in which reportedly “a number of terrorists” were killed.

The action comes a day after Iran carried out airstrikes in Balochistan’s Panjgur area, allegedly targeting the Jaish al-Adl group. The strikes had killed two children and injured three girls.

PESHAWAR, JAN 19 (DNA) — President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Fuad Ishaq and Chief Commissioner, Regional Tax Office Peshawar Zafar Iqbal have agreed to hold an open forum at the Chamber level aiming to resolve the problems of the business community at their doorstep.

According to the details, an important meeting between SCCI President Fuad Ishaq and Chief Commissioner RTO Peshawar Zafar Iqbal held at the Regional Tax office, said a press release issued here on Friday.

The meeting was attended by SCCI Senior Vice President Sanaullah Khan, Vice President Ijaz Khan Afridi, Commissioner Inland Revenue RTO Peshawar Dr Syed Farooq Jamil and Additional Commissioner Audit RTO Peshawar Fazli Malik.

During the meeting, the participants thoroughly discussed reforms in the tax system, reduction in tax rates and holding of an open forum at the Chamber level for immediate resolution of taxpayers’ problems. On this occasion, the SCCI chief expressed his satisfaction with the tax officers for facilitating the business community.

Fuad Ishaq made several suggestions regarding reforms in the tax system, simplifying the tax system and solving the problems faced by the taxpayers, on which the Chief Commissioner Regional Tax Office Peshawar Zafar Iqbal and other senior officers fully agreed.

The Chamber president emphasized that the government and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) should take effective measures to widen the existing tax base and simplify the tax system. He demanded for provision of facilities and relief to the business community and implementation of business-friendly policies.

Fuad Ishaq said that the business community is facing difficulties in the present situation and stressed that serious measures should be taken to solve their problems. Later, Chief Commissioner RTO Peshawar Zafar Iqbal while talking about the recommendations presented by the SCCI chief Fuad Ishaq and other members of the delegation, assured that the RTO Peshawar will take all possible steps to solve the problems of the business community. — DNA

DNA
ISLAMABAD, 19 Jan: There has been a remarkable upsurge in activism among the Muslim population in the US following the Israeli aggression against Gaza, specifically in efforts to raise awareness and support for the Palestinian cause. The conflict has ignited a strong sense of urgency and unity among the Muslims, and, as a result, their voices are increasingly being heard, which has strengthened the community. This is also evident in the display of solidarity of the general American public towards Muslims in support of this cause.

This emerged during a discussion titled ‘Gaza, Emerging World Order, and American Politics’ by Dr Zahid Bukhari, Pakistani American political analyst and former director, American Muslim Studies Program at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. The session held was hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), and also joined by Khalid Rahman, chairman IPS, Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman IPS, and Dr Fakhr-ul-Islam, Advisor, Research & Academic Outreach IPS.

Dr Bukhari observed that the rise in activism is a continuation of the American-Muslim community’s efforts to put across their point of view in the years following the 9/11 events. However, what is striking is that the current movement is not confined solely to the Muslim population; it has garnered widespread support from the American public, who are increasingly aligning themselves with the cause of Gaza.

He said that while the older generation, particularly those who affiliate with the Republican Party, may lean towards supporting Israel, there has been a noticeable shift in opinion among the younger generation, including some Democrats, whose perceptions about the Palestine issue have changed.

Moreover, the media is showing perceptible switches in its stance regarding Muslims and the Israel-Palestine issue. In this regard, Dr Bukhari elaborated on the shifting perspective of certain media organizations that have subtly altered their coverage to include the Palestinian narrative, something unthinkable sometime back.

Dr Bukhari said this change is not only occurring in the media landscape but also in the state of the world order, which is undergoing substantial transformations. He emphasized the prevalent belief that, despite America’s considerable soft power, there is a perceived decline in its influence through hard power. Although the US retains its status as a superpower, it is vital to acknowledge the emergence of other influential nations. Consequently, there is a growing debate about whether America’s dominant role will persist or be overtaken by another country. He pointed out that China and other nations are steadily gaining strength and influence and are emerging as potential competitors.

Dr Bukhari said these changing power dynamics, combined with the ongoing clash of opinions between the American general population and the government, have the significant potential to impact the US sociopolitical conditions. He added that this poses a daunting challenge for the US government to navigate the changing environment.

Supporting Dr Bukhari’s observations, Khalid Rahman emphasized that despite the perception of America’s diminishing influence, it still has a considerable role in shaping global public opinion. He noted that while there is a shift in power dynamics, the period of transition is gradual, which is a crucial factor to consider in understanding the complex interplay of forces impacting the world order.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 19 /DNA/ – In a momentous diplomatic exchange, Foreign Minister Jalil Jilani engaged in a high-level conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Amirabdolahian on the telephone today.

 The dialogue, held today, marks a significant step towards fostering enhanced bilateral relations between the two neighboring nations.

The discourse between Foreign Minister Jilani and Foreign Minister Amirabdolahian revolved around the spirit of mutual trust and cooperation, reflecting Pakistan’s eagerness to collaborate with Iran on a multitude of fronts.

At the core of their deliberations was the shared commitment to address regional challenges and promote stability. DNA

British High Commissioner visits UK-supported solar farm helping tackle climate change in South Punjab

ISLAMABAD, JAN 19 /DNA/ – British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, has seen first-hand how UK partnerships with Pakistan are leading the global transition to green energy.

The Atlas Solar Farm, supported by the UK government’s development finance institution British International Investment, provides an additional 100 MW of clean and affordable power to over 100,000 residential consumers. In turn, this helps them to avoid 106,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE said:

“Pakistan has immense potential to be a leader in solar, which could power the whole country. The UK is already investing in this innovation, playing a key role in a healthier more sustainable future.”

While in South Punjab, the High Commissioner met with development partners, including Maries Stopes Society, Captain (Rt) Saqib Zafar, Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab, and Eng. Amir Khattak, Commissioner Multan. The UK has supported the Government of Punjab to reduce its unsustainable debt by 469 billion rupees by streamlining wheat operations and reducing liabilities by 2.7 trillion rupees through pension reform.

She also visited MG Apparel manufacturing plant, a subsidiary of Mahmood Textiles Limited, which is one of Pakistan’s biggest supporters and leading exporters of clothing to the UK. 

ISLAMABAD, JAN 19 /DNA/ – The Centre for Strategic Perspectives (CSP) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a fruitful in-house session with Mr. Andrea Margelleti, President of the Centre for International Studies (Ce.S.I.), Italy. The meeting brought together key representatives from both organizations, including Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood; the Director and Research team CSP; and members of the Italian mission in Pakistan.

The exchange of views covered key global and regional developments of mutual interest. There was a particular focus on Pakistan-Italy relations, which both sides acknowledged as robust and enduring in nature. They expressed gratification that the bilateral relationship was steadily expanding across a broad spectrum.

In the global and regional arena, the two sides discussed Ukraine and the security issues in Europe; developments in the Asia-Pacific; situation in the Middle East since 7 October 2023; regional stability in South Asia; post-August 2021 Afghanistan; and recent developments in West Asia.

These in-depth exchanges underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to actively promote and contribute to mutual understanding on issues related to global peace and stability. The dialogue reflected a shared recognition of the intricate interconnections between regional and international dynamics, underscoring the importance of cooperative efforts in fostering a more secure and harmonious global environment.

The session concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and the Centre for International Studies. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, on behalf of ISSI, and Mr. Andrea Margelleti, representing Ce.S.I., signed the MoU, reaffirming their commitment to deeper collaboration between the two think-tanks on various research initiatives and academic endeavors in the future.