“Even if our [political] opponents unite [against us] they won’t be able to defeat the PPP

Nazir Siyal

Karachi: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Monday expressed hope that the country’s next prime minister will not be from “Lahore” — the stronghold of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Speaking to media in Karachi, the former foreign minister said that his party will contest the polls “on its own” and on the basis of its elections manifesto.

“We won’t look towards anyone [else] and [will rely] on public’s [support] for [success in elections],” Bilawal said adding: “[Although] anyone can be a candidate for the prime minister, the final decision is that of the people.”

Bilawal also termed PPP’s success in Sunday’s local government by-polls as merely a “trailer” and said: “The people proved [by voting] that they are with the PPP”.

The PPP leader’s remarks come as the party, on Sunday, won big in the LB by-polls held across 14 districts of Sindh with Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab winning the union committee (UC) chairman seat from Karachi’s Saddar Town area.

Meanwhile, Karachi’s deputy Mayor Salman Murad of the PPP along with Saifullah Noor also won the chairman’s seat from Malir district and Maurpur town, respectively.

“Even if our [political] opponents unite [against us] they won’t be able to defeat the PPP,” Bilawal said.

“The PPP won yesterday despite not being in government,” he added.

The party chairman also claimed that his party will mirror LB by-polls success in upcoming general elections.

“It is necessary that PPP forms the government [in order to] introduce people-friendly projects.”

“February 8 will be the day of victory for the manifesto of [Zulfikar Ali] Bhutto Shaheed and Benazir Bhutto,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that last week, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in pursuant to the directions of the Supreme Court) announced that general elections will be held on February 8, 2024 — ending months of ambiguity surrounding the polls.

The top electoral body announced the poll date after consulting with President Arif Alvi on the court’s directions.

The apex court’s three-member bench headed by CJP Isa — while hearing multiple pleas seeking timely elections within 90 days — also ordered the caretaker government to “ensure the conduct of general elections on February 8”.

Commenting on the revelation that America-made weapons were used in the attack on the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) base in Mianwali, the former minister said that it was unfortunate that the weapons left by the United States in Afghanistan — during their hasty withdrawal — have found their way into the hands of dacoits and terrorists.

Bilawal was referring to last week’s terror incident where the security forces eliminated nine militants in a clearance operation after a failed terrorist attack on the air base in a swift response by the troops.

“Whether it be Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Sindh’s Katcha area [the miscreants] have which the US left behind in Afghanistan,” he said.

The ex-foreign minister also reiterated his party’s staunch stance against all forms of extremism and reassured to curb the menace of terrorism via the effective implementation of the National Action Plan — if his party comes into power.

Furthermore, expressing his views on the May 9 riots, the PPP leader was of the view that there should be a provision of some kind of pardon for those “not involved” in the incident.

Opens process of dialogue with all parties

Abbas Hasmi/DNA

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on Monday directed the party leaders to begin their preparations for the elections — scheduled to take place on February 8, 2024. 

The directions were issued in a meeting at the PML-N’s central secretariat in Lahore where the three-time prime minister was welcomed by party president Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N Senior Vice-President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz and other leaders. 

Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, PML-N Election Cell Chairman Senator Ishaq Dar and Central Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb also attended the meeting. 

The PML-N’s election campaign has entered a new phase as Nawaz starts his meetings with party members, said the party on its official X account, formerly Twitter. 

In the meeting, the members also discussed the future political activities of the party and the current political situation in the country. 

Speaking to the leaders, Nawaz said that they will start the journey to development from where it was left off. 

This was the first meeting of the PML-N supremo at the central secretariat after his return to Pakistan. He arrived in the country on October 21 after four years of self-exile in London. 

Following the meeting, Asif while speaking during a press conference said that Nawaz Sharif will contest in the upcoming elections. 

The former defence minister also addressed the concerns raised by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) about the level playing field. 

“Everyone has a level playing field, there is no unfairness,” he said.

As the time of general elections drew nearer, the rift between the former allies grew with the PPP persistently voicing concerns regarding the absence of equal opportunities to prove itself ahead of the polls.

‘Nawaz Sharif will contest in upcoming polls’

Aurangzeb, while speaking during a press conference after the meeting, said that Nawaz will contest in the February 8 elections and will become the prime minister for the fourth time.

“Nawaz Sharif has started conducting meetings from today and met the senior leadership of the party,” she said, adding that the party is ready for elections under Nawaz’s leadership.

Marriyum also said that the PML-N has formed a committee to work on the party’s manifesto.

“If anyone can steer the country out of crisis, it is Nawaz Sharif. We are ready to end inflation from Pakistan under Nawaz’s guidance,” said the former information minister.

Marriyum said PML-N was ready to bring peace and unity to the country.

Speaking about the rising rifts between PPP and PML-N, Marriyum said that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) alliance is still established today.

“Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Fazlur Rehman and others have played their role in the service of the people,” she said.

Marriyum told the PPP to “stop whining about the level-playing field and come to the election field”.

She further said that the demand for a level playing field shows that the people of Pakistan have already given a decision in favour of Nawaz Sharif on October 21.

Taking a jibe at PPP, the former federal minister said that their demand signifies their defeat in the polls. “On one hand, PPP says there is no level-playing field, while on the other hand, it says it will clean sweep the elections,” she added. 

The Supreme Court has ordered the government to ensure the conduct of general elections on February 8. The orders during the hearing of multiple pleas seeking timely elections within 90 days of the dissolution of the assemblies.

The court, in its order, mentioned that the notification of the general election date has also been issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), stating that no party has any objection to holding elections on February 8.

ISLAMABAD – 6 NOV /DNA/ – In a significant step towards strengthening the bonds of humanitarian collaboration, Head of Delegation from Turkish Red Crescent, Mr. Ergest LIMKA met with Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari. The call on, held at National Headquarter of Pakistan Red Crescent here on Monday, showcased the commitment of these two esteemed organizations to work hand in hand for the betterment of communities in Pakistan.

The meeting commenced with warm greetings and expressions of solidarity from Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent, who emphasized the longstanding relationship between the two organizations. Mr. Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari acknowledged the pivotal role that Turkish Red Crescent has played in providing support and assistance during numerous humanitarian crises, both within Pakistan and on a global scale.

Head of Delegation Mr. Ergest LIMKA, representing TRC, reciprocated the sentiment and reaffirmed their dedication to support PRCS in humanitarian endeavors. He commended Pakistan Red Crescent for its tireless efforts in humanitarian work within the country.

The discussions during the meeting revolved around various aspects of cooperation, including support in on going PRCS Recovery program in Sindh and Baluchistan which may cover Livelihood ,Cash Voucher Assistance (CVA) Nutrition ,Shelter and Migration program and also Strengthen the effective coordination between the PRCS and Turkish Red Crescent, Support for Iftaar and Qurbani project.

Expressing gratitude for the continuous support, Chairman Laghari assured Mr. Ergest LIMKA of a close working relationship to fortify the partnership and deliver impactful, life-saving services to those in need. The meeting culminated with a symbolic exchange of tokens of appreciation, signifying the shared commitment of both parties to alleviate suffering and enhance the well-being of vulnerable communities.

In the end, Chairman PRCS Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari presented memento to the TRC Head of Delegation Mr. Ergest LIMKA.

Rawalpindi, NOV 6 /DNA/ – Security forces conducted an intelligence based operation in general area Tirah, Khyber District on reported presence of terrorists.

During conduct of the operation, own troops led by Lieutenant Colonel
Muhammad Hassan Haider, effectively engaged the terrorists’ location as a result of which three terrorists were sent to hell, while three terrorists got injured.

However, during intense exchange of fire, four brave sons of soil; Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Hassan Haider (age: 43 years, resident of Islamabad), Naik Khushdil Khan (age: 31 years, resident of District Lakki Marwat), Naik Rafique Khan (age: 27 years, resident of District Charsadda) and Lance Naik Abdul Qadir (age: 33 years, resident of District Murree), having fought gallantly embraced Shahadat.

Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area.

Security forces of Pakistan are determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve.

In a groundbreaking moment during the ICC World Cup 2023, Angelo Mathews etched his name in cricket history as the first-ever batter to be timed out in international cricket. The incident took place during a riveting clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the heart of Delhi. Mathews’s untimely exit added an unexpected twist to the match that had fans on the edge of their seats.

When a batter is dismissed in cricket, the regulations state that the incoming batsman must be ready to face a ball within two minutes of the fall of a wicket. However, Mathews found himself in an unusual predicament. Just as he was about to take his stance, disaster struck when the strap of his helmet snapped. A frantic scramble ensued as Mathews urgently sought a replacement helmet. It was during this interlude that Shakib, the Bangladeshi captain, seized the opportunity to appeal to the umpires, ultimately leading to the unprecedented ruling of Mathews being timed out.

The incident sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, sparking debates and discussions on the validity and fairness of the ruling. The timing of Mathews’s exit was indeed a rare and perplexing moment in international cricket.

Smog-Enshrouded Delhi Hosts a Historic Match

Prior to this dramatic cricketing event, the backdrop of the match itself was nothing short of historic. Delhi, the host city for the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup match, had been grappling with severe air pollution. In a peculiar twist of fate, this smog-choked metropolis had the distinction of being ranked as the planet’s most polluted major city.

Delhi’s air quality had fluctuated between “poor” and “severe” in the days leading up to the match. With a staggering population of 30 million, the city had been under the watchful eye of environmentalists and health officials.

The severity of the air quality crisis was so palpable that some players and coaches from both teams had resorted to training with face masks in the days preceding the match. The polluted atmosphere had forced the cancellation of practice sessions, particularly affecting Bangladesh players who suffered from asthma and had to remain confined to their hotel rooms.

As the Sri Lanka innings got underway, alarming levels of PM2.5 particles, notorious for their ability to enter the bloodstream, were recorded at a staggering 184 micrograms per cubic meter, as per data from IQAir. This figure was over 12 times the daily maximum recommended by the World Health Organization.

In a stark revelation, a Swiss-based international monitoring company had declared Delhi as the world’s most polluted major city on that very day. The city’s dubious distinction served as a grim reminder of the ongoing environmental crisis that has become inextricably linked with the Indian capital.

Cricket vs. Environmental Concerns

Cricket is a sport that has often weathered various challenges, including unfavorable weather conditions. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines, air quality is typically assessed and treated as a factor similar to weather conditions. The decision regarding the match’s continuation or postponement ultimately rests with match officials who consider the welfare of the players and the feasibility of conducting the game under the prevailing circumstances.

Notably, this was not the first instance of severe pollution affecting a cricket match in Delhi. In December 2017, during a Test match, Sri Lankan players had been compelled to don masks to shield themselves from the toxic air. The pollution levels had soared to such heights that even Indian bowler Mohammed Shami had succumbed to the conditions, vomiting on the pitch.

The incident involving Angelo Mathews and the backdrop of environmental concerns have further fueled the debate about the intersection of sports and environmental responsibility. The world of cricket is now left to grapple with the question of how to ensure the well-being of its athletes while adapting to the ever-evolving challenges posed by our environment.

This historic match in Delhi will undoubtedly be remembered not only for the cricketing drama it brought but also for the environmental concerns that loomed large over the proceedings. As the cricketing world continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how it will address and navigate these pressing issues in the future.

DNA

Rawalpindi: A delegation of the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) headed by President Saqib Rafiq called on Eduard-Robert PREDA Charge D Affaires a.i/ Minister Plenipotentiary at the Romania Embassy in Islamabad.

Charge D Affaires of the Romanian Embassy appreciated RCCI’s efforts in promoting trade and diplomatic ties. He urged Pakistani businessmen to explore trade and investment opportunities for mutual benefit of the both countries.

Mr. Eduard-Cristian SONEA Political Counselor, Senior Vice President Muhammad Hamza Sarosh, Vice President Faisal Shahzad and Secretary General Irfan Manan Khan were also present in the meeting.

President Saqib Rafiq during the meeting urged for opportunities in non-conventional sectors including Pharma, IT, Services, Surgical Goods, Machinery tools and parts. He said that Pakistan considers Romania an important country not only in the context of the EU but also in view of Romania’s historical role as a supporter of multilateralism.

Matters related to enhancing the bilateral trade, investment opportunities, networking & chamber to chamber connectivity, exploring new markets and visit of trade delegation and information sharing from both sides to enhance trade relations and to explore the potential cooperation between both countries came under discussion.

President Saqib Rafiq also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mr. Nicolae Goia (late) Former Ambassador of Romania in Islamabad.