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Cabinet approves legal action against Imran, aides over ‘cypher’ audios

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ISLAMABAD, OCT 2: The cabinet has formally given the go-ahead to hold an inquiry into the audio leaks purportedly featuring PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his party leaders, it emerged on Sunday.

On Friday, the cabinet suggested that legal action could be taken after a steady stream of audio recordings surfaced, most recently of informal conversations allegedly between Imran and his aides — Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Asad Umar and his former principal secretary Azam Khan — purportedly discussing the cypher that the PTI chief has for long presented as evidence of a “foreign conspiracy” to oust him from office.

According to Cabinet Division documents dated October 1, which Dawn.com has seen, the Friday meeting had constituted a sub-committee “to deliberate and recommend actions regarding the conversation of the former Prime Minister Imran Khan, his political associates and the then secretary to the PM, available on the internet regarding the cypher message received from Parep Washington (Cypher No. 1-0678 dated March 7, 2022)”.

“Therefore, the apex investigation agency (FIA) may be directed to inquire into the matter by constituting a team of senior officers, which may co-opt officers/officials from other intelligence agencies for the purpose, and to proceed further against the perpetrators in accordance with the law,” the memo said.

The cabinet also sought the implementation report on its suggestions “immediately”.

In a handout issued after the Friday huddle, it was revealed that a copy of the cypher had gone “missing” from the Prime Minister House records, and the cabinet had subsequently formed a special committee which would determine the legal action to be taken against all those involved, including the ex-premier, ex-principal secretary to prime minister Azam Khan and senior ministers.

“The cabinet committee will consist of the representatives of the coalition parties in the government, along with ministers,” the handout issued had said.

The handout had declared that the “theft of diplomatic cypher records is an unforgivable crime” and violation of the Official Secrets Act, 1923.

The cabinet was told that the audios purportedly featuring Imran and his aides exposed “the criminal conspiracy of the former government”, while the cypher was given “fictitious meanings for political mileage and subsequently it was stolen after fraud, forgery, fabrication.”

Meanwhile, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz maintained that the cypher was not just a piece of paper, saying “it belongs to the state of Pakistan.”

“Whoever violates the interests of the state by betraying the national trust should be made an example so that no foreign agent dares to harm the country in a political guise.”

PTI leaders react to cabinet’s decision

Senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the cabinet summary has “proved that the cypher is a reality”.

“The government has accepted our stance on the cypher,” he told a gathering in Multan today. Qureshi said his party is not afraid of the investigations announced by the government.

“We never took a step that harmed the interests of Pakistan. We served this country with dignity and will continue doing so,” he insisted.

Fawad Chaudhry pointed out a date of the cypher received to the then government in the summary issued by the cabinet, saying he hoped that PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz “will not change her position on cypher investigation from independent commission”. Senator Shibli Faraz also said the cypher is a reality, adding it was also shared by the PTI government with the National Assembly speaker and the chief justice of Pakistan among others.

“What is the discussion about? Is it to divert the attn from tanking economy or smoke screen Dar’s & Maryum NRO?” he asked.

Audio leaks

A couple of audios purportedly featuring Imran and his party leaders have surfaced on social media so far, prompting clamours from leaders of the ruling coalition for an action against the ex-premier for allegedly undermining national security.

In the first audio clip leaked on Sep 28, the former prime minister can be heard telling Azam to “play up” the cypher and turn it into a foreign plot to oust his government. He, however, adds that there is no need to name any country. “We only have to play it up. We don’t have to name America. We only have to play with this, that this date [of the no-trust vote] was [decided] before.”

To this end, Azam is heard suggesting to Imran to call a “meeting of then-foreign minister Qureshi and foreign secretary wherein we will ask Qureshi to read out the letter. So whatever he will tell us, I will type it down and convert it into [meeting] minutes” so that it becomes part of the office record.

Later in another audio clip that surfaced on social media on Sep 30, a voice, believed to be Imran’s, was heard saying: “Shah Jee we have to hold a meeting tomorrow […] you and the three of us (Imran, Qureshi and Azam Khan) and the foreign secretary.

Maryam calls for awarding exemplary punishment to Imran on cipher affair

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LAHORE, OCT 2 (DNA) — Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz has said that cipher is not only a piece of paper, rather it is the trust of the state and those who violate the trust of the state of Pakistan, they should be awarded an exemplary punishment so that a foreign agent in the guise of a political leader can never dare inflict harm on the country after accepting dollars. 

In a tweet posted on Sunday, Maryam wrote: First he (Imran) forged (the cipher) and now he says that it has gone missing out of fear that he might be arrested.  “This cipher is not just a piece of paper but the trust of the state of Pakistan.

 Whoever harms the interests of the state by violating the national trust should be made an example so that no foreign agent dares to damage the country by changing political garb for dollars.”

Meanwhile, talking to media persons in Narowal on Sunday, Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that the government would not arrest PTI Chairman Imran Khan in any false case.  “If Imran is wanted in some case, then even his public rallies cannot save him,” he added.

Iqbal said the former prime minister played a very dangerous game in the history of Pakistan. He violated the Secret Act by losing the cipher.  “The audio leak has proved that the Haqeeqi Azadi (real freedom) movement was just a drama,” the minister said adding that whatever money Imran collected in the name of floods, he was spending it on his public meetings. =DNA

Pakistani politics is always on the boil

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Situationer

Ansar M Bhatti

After the Dawn leaks, Wikileaks and Panama Papers, the Audio Leaks have caused a stir in Pakistani politics. Despite the fact that like the past leaks, these leaks too would ultimately die down without causing any major dent to those mentioned in these leaks, it remains a fact that the political climate has become charged and rough.

It appears as if the leaks have been leaked very carefully making sure that they cover all leading political parties and their leaders. Some more leaks are expected to be disclosed in near future covering those stakeholders, which have hitherto not been mentioned. Historically, such leaks have never altered the dynamics of Pakistani politics.

Their effect has always proved transitory in nature. The Dawn leaks were perhaps the biggest challenge that Pakistani politicians and especially the PNL N had to face. In those leaks the then government of Nawaz Sharif reportedly got news published in Dawn that the extremist outfits were supported by the Pakistani Establishment. Ostensibly, the story had certain other dimensions as well but this was the point that adversely affected the PML N government and the Establishment relationship. The PML N government and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were able to survive that jolt but perhaps for the time being.

In 2016 when the Panama Papers made headlines across the globe, the scandal badly hit the Pakistani politicians as well. The Sharif family particularly had to bear the brunt of this scam, which ultimately cost Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif his post. The Supreme Court disqualified him for hiding his employment facts in his statement submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan.

In the same case Maryam Nawaz was also sentenced for ten years for aiding in that ‘crime’. But interestingly last week she was exonerated from all charges and acquitted by the Islamabad High Court. Nawaz Sharif too wants to get relief in the case. The Dawn leaks and Panama Papers, as a matter of fact, did not play any role in sending the Nawaz government packing, however they, for sure, set the very basis for that. Isn’t it an irony of Pakistani polity that the arch rivals of that past seem to have become ‘trusted’ partners!!

 The Audio leaks, in my view, won’t be able to make any difference for such kind disclosures or security breaches are taken seriously only in those countries where morality rules supreme. In Pakistan’s case morality is simply a non-extent factor when it comes to politics and running the government affairs.

All said and done, time is running out for the major political players such as PML N, PTI and to some extent PPP as well. The PPP indeed has gained a lot from the incumbent arrangement because in normal circumstances it was impossible for them to grab so many ministerial and advisory positions. Therefore the PPP would like to continue to the hilt with a view to making maximum out of this arrangement. The party knows very well that in the next elections it cannot win so many seats therefore this is the best time to make fortunes.

The stakes for the PTI and PML N nevertheless are quite high. Both parties are equally poised in the political arena. It is also a fact that the incumbency factor may damage PML N in the elections as it has failed to come up to the expectations of masses. After Ishaq Dar’s return the economy is likely to improve a bit but still challenges ahead are stupendous. After Dar’s return the internal differences are likely to subside because Ishaq Dar shall play a role of the unifying factor. His presence however may also eclipse PM Shehbaz’ stature as Dar happens to be a powerful person within the party. Even when Nawaz Sharif was the Prime Minister, Dar was often dubbed as the de facto prime minister. A similar situation may also crop up again.

Regarding US Cypher, it has been my consistent view that the cable was very ordinary in nature but Imran Khan and his party need full marks for exploiting it successfully in their favour. It is too late now for the audio leaks to make any dent to the popularity of the PTI because it has already built a very strong narrative against its govt dismissal on the basis of that cipher.

The government plans to tighten the noose around Imran Khan to stop him from launching any mass movement. The hawks within the PML N believe in an early arrest of the PTI Chairman while others do not support this idea with the fear that the move may backfire. Imran Khan on his part needs to act quickly if he really wants to reap benefits of his narrative because any delay may cost him dearly. It is an established fact that in politics timing is the most important thing. Those who have the ability of rising to the occasion indeed can gain a lot.

Germany enhances financial support to €56 million for flood victims

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 2: German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas has announced that Germany scaled up financial assistance to €56 million for families affected by floods.

In his tweet, the German Ambassador said the aid was increased to help families and deal with the devastating effects of recent flooding, adding, “We will continue to stand by the brave people of Pakistan and extend our help and support during this tragic time.”

The aid will supply food, hygiene products, medical supplies, etc., to the flood victims in Pakistan.

“Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, as expressed by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and federal chancellor Olaf Scholz in their letters of condolences to their respected counterparts.

Federal Minister Svenja Schulze held a video conference with the minister for climate change Sherry Rehman, on 7 September, he added.

He said that the homeless would be able to return to their home regions as quickly as possible.

Pakistan has asked for international help, and Germany is coordinating its support towards Pakistan with other donors.

It is pertinent to mention that several projects of bilateral support for Pakistan have been implemented already, e.g., for Baluchistan, or announced. In close cooperation with the government of Pakistan, Germany has expedited its short-term humanitarian assistance and middle-and long-term cooperation for Pakistan in this difficult situation.

The total amount of German support for Pakistan currently adds up to approx. € 56m.

The ministries in charge are in close contact with their Pakistani partner institutions. Germany will continue to cooperate closely with Pakistan in addressing the devastating effects of climate change.

Our Football has reached FIFA World Cup, now time for footballers reach there too: PIDE Webinar

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ISLAMABAD, OCT 2 /DNA/ – Doing sports better “our Footballs have reached FIFA World Cup, its time we make our footballers reach there too.” Pakistan also has tremendous talent; despite the lack of facilities and opportunities, our athletes have outperformed tough competitors.

These views were expressed during a webinar conducted by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) on Sports and Society in Islamabad. 

The speakers included Dr. Ameer Ali Abro from the University of Sindh, Mr. Nasrullah Rana, a fitness coach and expert of the Pakistan Strength and Conditioning Association, and MR. Shan Muhammad Sham represented Pakistan’s national karate team from 1999 to 2004 and was the coach of the Pakistan Wada Karate team.

Accordingly to the Press Release issued from the PIDE, the main theme of the discussion was Pakistani Society’s mindset towards health, fitness, and sports. We as a society are not conscious of preventive health measures, and neither do we appreciate the importance of physical health. In the modern world, where Technology has replaced and shaped many things, one of them is a lack of physical activity. From pizza delivery to shopping, every aspect of our life is influenced by Technology. But as much as Technology has brought positives, it has also brought with it some unwanted side effects. The major one of those is that e-entertainment through gadgets has, in a way, replaced physical sports. There was a time that the young school boys used to get their badminton racket or cricket bat and ball at every opportunity they got. Street cricket and street footballs were a common sight in the evening. However, now that physical activity has been replaced by Pub-g, one doesn’t have to gout for food but can order it through apps; even doctors are available for online services.

While Technology might be a factor, the Pakistani Society’s mindset has been responsible for the lack of attention toward physical fitness. Nasrullah Rana deliberated in detail on the mindset of the Parents as he had experienced during his career as a coach. “parents think that there is a tradeoff between physical health and academics” was a complaint he often has to deal with as a coach. Rana emphasized the importance of sports in maintaining physical, mental, and cognitive health. Sports are even used as a therapeutic practice in some countries. The veteran coach stressed the importance of raising awareness among parents and school administration about the importance of sports.

Carrying the curative aspect of sports further, Dr. Ameer Ali Abro presented his research on the subject of sports and Society. Dr. Abro’s study focused on sports being used as a technique to counter extremism, and it had an effect of uniting diverse groups and being a promoter of Tolerance. The professor talked at length about the positive impact of sports on youth. He reported the findings of his study that sports could be used as a tool to bring unity to a heterogeneous and diverse Society.

However, athletics is a profession. A professional athlete has to pass through many barriers before he enters the field to practice. Therefore, the opportunity cost for the athlete is very high. This warrants research that can make us discover ways to help our athletes. The karate coach said this from his personal experience s an athlete and a coach in the field.

The webinar ended with final comments by Fida Muhammad Khan from the PIDE School of Social Sciences, saying that Pakistan has tremendous talent, and our athletes outperformed tough competitors despite the lack of facilities and opportunities. We, as research institutions, should find ways to solve the problems of the sports industry in the country. Our football has reached FIFA; its time that we as s research institution try to find a solution that how will our footballers reach FIFA world cup.

APBF hails UN’s recommendations to relax debt burden on Pakistan

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DNA

ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Business Forum, while appreciating the United Nations’ view to relax debt burden on Pakistan by suspending repayments and restructuring loans, has observed that the IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other lenders should consider the UN recommendations with a view to provide humanitarian support to the calamity-hit Pakistan.

APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood said that we back the government, which has already reached out to bilateral creditors to see if it can get some relief, as the country pays a large chunk of its tax money to foreign creditors. Last year, Pakistan paid $11.6 billion to lenders, which is more than its central bank has in its reserves at the moment, he added. It is very welcome that Pakistan has called for a moratorium on interest payments, as most of their debt consist of loans, which are borrowed to pay off previous loans, trapping them in a vicious debt cycle, he added.

APBF Chairman Ibrahim Qureshi asked the world community to think of debt write-off for countries like Pakistan that will help them to cope with the post-flood sufferings. He observed that Pakistan lacks fiscal space and a proper health system. Therefore, the most appropriate response that the IMF, World Bank and G20 countries can give, at the moment, is abandoning the loan instead of a temporary relief, he said.

Ibrahim Qureshi pointed out that there is no benefit of interim debt relief on principal and interest payments, as the suspension period for debt relief will remain only for few months and all debt service falling due in this period will be packaged into a new loan on which the repayments will again start after a short period, to be paid over three years. He asked them to extend grants to Pakistan instead of loans. APBF President Syed Maaz Mahmood said that the debt servicing would eat up more than two-fifth of country’s total budget, as it is the top category in expenditures in FY23. Recalling the earthquake of Haiti in 2010, he said the World Bank had announced total cancellation of all remaining Haitian loans, which was made possible by contributions from Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. He said that the World Bank and other lenders should also show the same generosity in the case of Pakistan.

He said that the central bank’s foreign exchange reserves have declined stridently during last couple of months mainly owing to external debt servicing. He argued that the creditors should consider debt relief so that Pakistan could prioritize financing its disaster response over repaying loans. Pakistan’s payments could be suspended at the earliest to free up fiscal space for urgent disaster response and recovery, which have been aggravated by the catastrophic floods, he added. He also proposed some restructuring or debt swaps, whereby creditors would forgo repayments in return for Pakistan agreeing to invest in climate change-resilient infrastructure. Pakistan, whose external debts total about $100 billion, was struggling with a balance-of-payments crisis that strained its ability to repay loans even before unprecedented flooding recently. The country, which has been particularly hard hit by the global surge in commodity prices, received a $1.1 billion bailout from the IMF last month. The disaster has amplified the challenges, affecting more than 30 million people and causing an estimated $30 billion in damage. Syed Maaz argued the creditors to find a longer-term solution that would involve lowering Pakistan’s debts down to a sustainable level to enable the government to put people’s needs first.

The APBF President said that the country’s economy is witnessing an unprecedented damage under the government’s controversial agreement with the International Monetary Fund, as it has wreaked havoc on the industry by unleashing a slew tsunami of unbearable hike in prices of utility.

Chairman Senate assures to include private sector in foreign delegations

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Islamabad, OCT 2 /DNA/ – Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate has assured that he would try to include the members of ICCI in foreign delegations so that they could explore new avenues for promoting Pakistan’s exports. He said that the role of the business community was very important in the economic development as the economy would grow and strengthen if business activities would flourish.

He stressed upon the business community to focus on Africa, ASEAN and other potential regions for trade and exports. He said this while addressing as Chief Guest a Reception organized by Muhammad Shakeel Munir, outgoing President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry to pay tributes to the former Presidents of ICCI.

The former Presidents ICCI Group Leader Khalid Iqbal Malik, Inayat Ullah Miraz, Khalid Javed, Baser Daud, Waqar Aslam Hamdi, Mohsin Khalid, Zubair Ahmed Malik, Tariq Sadiq, Abdul Rauf Alam, Nasir Khan, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi, Mian Shaukat Masud, Zahid Maqbool, Yasir Sakhi Butt, Zafar Bakhtawari, Shaban Khalid, Sheikh Amir Waheed, Muhammad Ahmed and Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, incumbent President Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Jamshaid Akhtar Sheikh outgoing Senior Vice President, Muhammad Faheem Khan outgoing Vice President ICCI and a large number of members of business community were present at the occasion. Wafaqi Tax Mohtasib Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Ambassador of Turkmenistan and Dean of Diplomatic Corps H.E. Mr. Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan Nguyen Tien Phong

Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Shakeel Munir paid rich tributes to the valuable services of former Presidents ICCI. He said that the ICCI had taken a humble start in 2 rented rooms and today the institution owned two multi-storey buildings. He said that every President ICCI made useful contributions in building these assets of the Chamber during his tenure and played an important role in resolving the key issues of the business community. He also highlighted the key achievements of his tenure including some mega events organized by him like national level Property, Housing & Construction Expo, All Parties Conference for Revival of Economy, ICCI Business Excellence Awards 22, Women Entrepreneurs Expo, Environment Expo, Marble Expo, opening of Facilitation Desks of Africa and ASEAN in ICCI.

Group Leader Khalid Iqbal Malik also highlighted the role of former Presidents ICCI in promoting the cause of the business community and resolving the issues of the business community.

Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani gave awards to the former Presidents ICCI in recognition of their valuable services for the institution and for the business community.

Islamabad to compete Lahore in National Women’s Basketball opener 

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AFZAL JAVED

ISLAMABAD, Oct 02: Host Islamabad will compete against Lahore in the opening match of the National Women’s Basketball Championship starting from today (Monday) here at Liaquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex. 

 According to the championship organizing secretary and Federal Basketball Association (FBBA)  General Secretary Ouj-e-Zahoor said that all arrangements have been completed for the successful five-day championship where top eight teams taking part in the event have been divided into two pools.

He said that Pool “A” comprises defending champion Pakistan Wapda, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Quetta while Pool “B” includes teams from Pakistan Army, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar.

Ouj-e-Zahoor said that Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination Ehsan Ur Rehman Mazari will be chief guest in the opening ceremony of the championship hosted by Federal Basketball Association under the umbrella of Pakistan Basketball Federation (PBBF). 

Four matches will be held on daily basis in the championship as matches between Islamabad and Lahore, defending champion Wapda and Quetta, Army and Peshawar, Karachi and Rawalpindi will compete on the opening day. 

The semi-final round of the championship will be played on October 6 while the final will be played on October 7.

Schedule: 

October 3 (Day-1): Lahore vs Islamabad; Karachi vs Rawalpindi; Wapda vs Quetta; Army vs Peshawar.

October 4 (Day-2): Wapda vs Rawalpindi; Army vs Islamabad; Karachi vs Quetta; Lahore vs Peshawar.

October 5 (Day-3): Wapda vs Karachi; Rawalpindi vs Quetta; Islamabad vs Peshawar; Army vs Lahore.

October 6 (Day-4): Semi Finals 

October 7 (Day-5): Final

Pakistan received US$ 90.2 million from China for flood relief

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 2 (DNA): As large swaths of Pakistan are inundated by floodwaters and over 33 million people have been affected by the unprecedented monsoon rain-triggered floods, China’s continuous response efforts for Pakistan have exceeded 644.1 million RMB (equivalent to US$90.2 million).

According to Gwadar Pro, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan shared details about China’s support for Pakistan in flood relief. As per details, the Chinese government extended support of RMB 400 million, the Chinese Army RMB 100 million, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries donated RMB 125 million, and the Red Cross Society of China provided RMB 2.1 million.

“All walks of life in China are motivated to assist Pakistan in fighting the floods. In the face of disaster, China stands with Pakistan, “reads a statement shared on the Embassy’s official Twitter account.

The monsoon rains and floods have affected over 33 million people in the country as well as killed 1678 people and left 12864 others injured. As per NDMA’s latest updates, 2,045,349 houses have been totally or partially damaged. The floods also damaged 13,074 km of roads and 410 bridges.

Several Pakistan-based Chinese companies are also taking part in relief activities while the Chinese government is also expected to help the country in rehabilitation activities.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other Pakistani officials have time and again expressed profound gratitude to President Xi Jinping and the government of China for their sincere efforts and financial assistance during this critical time.

China and Pakistan have a long history of helping each other during natural disasters and calamities. The continued assistance from Beijing for the victims of floods in Pakistan has once again proved that China is a devoted friend─ you can count on it to be there in weal and woe.

UN Military Advisor meets COAS Gen. Bajwa

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RAWALPINDI, OCT 2 /DNA/ – General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) called on General Birame Diop (Senegal), United Nation’s (UN) Military Advisor to Secretary General during an official visit to United States (US).

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation including natural disaster caused by flood across the country came under discussion. COAS appreciated the role of the office of UN Military Advisor in promoting UN core values and their response during crises.

The UN Military Advisor expressed his grief over the devastation caused by ongoing floods in Pakistan due to climate changes and offered sincere condolence to the families of the victims. He assured full support to the flood victims.

UN dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution in UN peacekeeping Missions & extraordinary achievements in counter terrorism.=DNA

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