Bilawal wants probe into vote of trust
Meets Ch. Shujaat Hussain in Lahore and asks for support in Chairman Senate election
Abid Raza
LAHORE, Mar 7 (DNA): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has declared that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has the final say on bringing a no-confidence motion against the PTI government.
Addressing a joint press conference with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart and Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz at his Model Town residence in Lahore on Sunday, Bilawal said “The PDM will take a final decision on no-trust motion against the government and it will also decide about the timing of such a move.”
Bilawal maintained that it seemed 178 MNAs were not present in the National Assembly during polling on the vote of confidence in Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday.
“President Arif Alvi had already admitted that the prime minister had lost the support of the majority of the House,” he added.
“The president has accepted the opposition’s stance,” said Bilwal. “We just contested a senate election [but] the president of Pakistan has accepted that Khan Sahib has lost his majority and he asked him to prove his majority in the national assembly.”
Bilawal said that everyone wants to get rid of ‘Wasim Akram Plus’ and an ideal Chief Minister of Punjab.
“We have learned a lot from the past senate chairman election,” said Bilwal. “Had we not learned anything, we would have lost the secret ballot election in the National Assembly.”
The PPP chairman averred “We have learnt a lot from the past elections and now we will stay united and we will succeed.” He said “We will fight this government in a democratic way. If we stay united we can take down any puppet government whose fearful leader rushed for the vote of confidence.”
He termed the vote of confidence a reflection of Imran Khan’s inner fears. Bilawal said they will approach every senator to seek vote for the chairman. “We will also contact PML-Q in this regard. I will visit the residence of Chaudhry Brothers as the PML-Q was once an ally of the PPP government,” he added.
On his part, said during their meeting the PPP chairman congratulated him on his release from prison and he greeted Bilawal on the victory of Yousaf Raza Gilani in the Senate elections. said he had learnt a lot from the Charter of Democracy and they will make important decisions from the PDM platform. “Today poor people are not finding any medicines. Cotton and wheat production have gone down,” he added.
He said whatever happened outside the parliament on Saturday was not good for democracy.
Govt to pay ‘heavy price’: Maryam
-says discussion took place on the long march, the NA-249 by-election and the candidate to field
Khayyam Abbasi
ISLAMABAD: PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Sunday warned the government that it will have to “pay a heavy price” for the way the PML-N leaders were “assaulted” a day earlier outside parliament.
Violence broke out on Saturday as a session of the National Assembly convened for a vote of confidence in the prime minister. PTI and PML-N members exchanged hot words which escalated to an exchange of physical blows.
Maryam’s words came as she addressed a media conference following a meeting between the party leadership.
She said a discussion took place on the long march, the Daska by-election, the NA-249 by-election and the candidate to field.
Maryam, speaking of the incident outside parliament, said: “The party will not take this lying down. The disrespect shown to senior leadership will not be tolerated.”
The PML-N vice president denounced the assault on Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Ahsan Iqbal, Miftah Ismail, Marriyum Aurangzeb, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Khurram Dastagir and Musadik Malik which took place “in front of cameras” and said there was “great anger” within the party ranks over the matter.
“You can keep this lecture you like to give us on ethics and morality to yourselves,” she said addressing the government.
“You will have to pay a heavy price for this. If you slap us twice, we will slap you ten times,” she added.
Maryam said that the “thuggery” displayed, especially with Marriyum Aurangzeb, “is a debt on each PML-N member — one that they know full well how to pay”.
Of confidence vote and Amir Liaquat’s entry
Ansar M Bhatti
I returned to the Press Gallery of the National Assembly after quite a long time. The event was voting for the confidence vote of the Prime Minister Imran Khan. The vote result was expected as I had predicted in my March 6, 2021 front page comment. Likewise opposition parties’ staying away from the National Assembly was also expected and from the opposition’s perspective, it was a smart political move because the Prime Minister’s getting vote of confidence in the presence of the opposition parties would have proved counterproductive for the opposition.
As I pointed out in my March 6 column that the prime minister and his government have every reason to complete five years term however they have to address woes of people, which are multiplying with each passing day. The prime minister though assured during his winning speech that he had an understanding of people’s miseries and genuinely wanted to take on them but that is what he has been assuring ever since his taking over of the government. As rightly said by MQM leader Khalid Maqbool and Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid Ahmed that it was now time to deliver and provide immediate relief to people. Shaikh Rashid particularly became emotional while talking about ordeals of the poor people. He passionately made an appeal to the prime minister to personally look into these issues before it gets too late.
MQM’s Khalid Maqbool and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) Fehmida Mirza spoke about unfilled promises of the prime minister. They tried to convey a message to the premier that they might change their course in case their demands were not met, which according to them, were pending since long. The GDA also complained that PTI members from the Sindh Assembly did not vote for their candidate in the Senate elections. These two parties are now girding up their loins to give the government a tough time in the election of Chairman Senate. MQM especially has desired to get the post of deputy chairman Senate while GDA wants more ministerial slots. The opposition no doubt has a majority in the Senate however in view of the past precedents, it is difficult to predict that it would be able to get its man elected as the Chairman Senate. Thanks to the horse trading phenomenon, which we will see again at its best at the time of election of the Chairman Senate.
During the session, I observed why PTI MPs seem wary of their leadership. A severe communication gap between the prime minister and the MPs turned out to be an apparent reason. The MPs, even the senior ones, were behaving like kids. They were more interested in having a glimpse of Imran Khan. Their second task was to get a selfee with him. One MP was seen mumbling that the prime minister did not even recognize him. Here one has to admit Nawaz Sharif and Yousaf Raza Gillani as prime ministers were much more kind and cordial towards their members. Yousaf Raza Gillani used to greet and meet all MPs with open arms and always with a smiling face.
TV anchor and politician from Karachi Dr. Aamir Liaquat made a surprise entry when he requested the Speaker National Assembly that he wanted to recite naat. After getting permission Aamir started reciting naat but with modifications in favour of the prime minister, for which he received kudos from his boss yet his own colleagues took him to task for making such modifications’. Dr. Aamir’s sole purpose was to snatch PM attention and media coverage, which he was able to get.
Summing up, the Press Gallery was also abuzz with muttering that who will be the next ISI chief and will this change of guards take place smoothly? It is indeed a routine matter and thus one should not cast any aspersions. Similarly a reshuffle in the Federal Cabinet is also talk of the town these days.The opposition is expected to points its guns towards Punjab and KPK now. In this case change of Punjab and KP chief ministers may be predicted as govt would never like the opposition to cash in on its weak links in Punjab and KP provinces.
Security Forces conduct separate IBOs in Datakhel, North Waziristan
DNA
RAWALPINDI, MAR 7 – Security Forces conducted 2 separate IBOs in Datakhel, North Waziristan and Zoida, South Waziristan. During intense exchange of fire, 4 terrorists including terrorist commanders Abdul Adam zeb alias Dung (TTP Bismillah group), terrorist commander Molvi Mehboob alias Molvi (TTP Sajna group) and terrorist commander Mir Salam alias Anas (TTP Sajna group) killed.
Terrorist commander Abdul Adam zeb remained involved in more than 20 terrorist activities against Security Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and local population since 2014 including IED attacks, firing, attacks on government buildings, target killing, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and recruiting & organising terrorists in Muhammad khel, Boya, Datakhel of North Waziristan and Zoida areas of South Waziristan.
Terrorists commanders Molvi Mehboob and Mir Salam were close associates of Baitullah Mehsud and other TTP’s terrorist commanders. They remained involved in the attacks on Security Forces and LEAs security chekposts, Military convoys, attack on Ladha Fort in 2007, IED attacks and other sabotage activities in South Waziristan.
Work on manufacturing of new portrait of Quaid-i-Azam underway
ISLAMABAD, MAR 7 – Work of Capital Development Authority (CDA) on the manufacturing of a new portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is underway. The portrait will be inaugurated on March 23.
The portrait has been designed by renowned designer Jamal Shah.According to detail, portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah which was displayed at Express Way was damaged by the heavy rains in the August of last year. The administration of CDA then decided to replace the portrait.
Chairman CDA has given the approval of new design which is prepared by a renowned designer, Jamal Shah. The project will be completed within the time period of three months.This new portrait will be capable of competing with the harsh weather. Length and width of the new portrait will be 50 feet and 60 feet respectively. New features have been added for writing Unity, Faith, and Discipline.
Work on the construction of three walls for these wordings is also underway. A protective wall has been constructed across the portrait to ensure its safety. A ceremony will held on March 23 to unveil the portrait.
Work on manufacturing of new portrait of Quaid-i-Azam underway
ISLAMABAD, MAR 7 – Work of Capital Development Authority (CDA) on the manufacturing of a new portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is underway. The portrait will be inaugurated on March 23. The portrait has been designed by renowned designer Jamal Shah.
According to detail, portrait of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah which was displayed at Express Way was damaged by the heavy rains in the August of last year. The administration of CDA then decided to replace the portrait. Chairman CDA has given the approval of new design which is prepared by a renowned designer, Jamal Shah.
The project will be completed within the time period of three months.This new portrait will be capable of competing with the harsh weather. Length and width of the new portrait will be 50 feet and 60 feet respectively. New features have been added for writing Unity, Faith, and Discipline. Work on the construction of three walls for these wordings is also underway. A protective wall has been constructed across the portrait to ensure its safety. A ceremony will held on March 23 to unveil the portrait.
Istanbul: 11th Bosphorus Summit to begin Monday
ISTANBUL, MAR 7: An international economic summit meeting in Istanbul will kick off Monday under the theme of “Living In an Age Of Uncertainty.”
The 11th Bosphorus Summit, organized by the International Cooperation Platform, will host academics, politicians, and experts from all around the world.
Top Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Transport and Infrastructure Minister Adil Karaismailoglu, are expected to participate in the summit.
During the summit, several topics will be discussed, such as agriculture, international cooperation, smart cities, defense industry, China’s One Belt One Road Initiative, finance sector’s future, and digitalization.
The two-day summit will be held in the Conrad Istanbul Hotel.
PDM to decide on no-confidence motion against govt: Bilawal
LAHORE, Mar 7 (DNA): Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has declared that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has the final say on bringing a no-confidence motion against the PTI government.
Addressing a joint press conference with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) stalwart and Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz at his Model Town residence in Lahore on Sunday, Bilawal said “The PDM will take a final decision on no-trust motion against the government and it will also decide about the timing of such a move.”
Bilawal maintained that it seemed 178 MNAs were not present in the National Assembly during polling on the vote of confidence in Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday.
“President Arif Alvi had already admitted that the prime minister had lost the support of the majority of the House,” he added.
“The president has accepted the opposition’s stance,” said Bilwal. “We just contested a senate election [but] the president of Pakistan has accepted that Khan Sahib has lost his majority and he asked him to prove his majority in the national assembly.”
Bilawal said that everyone wants to get rid of ‘Wasim Akram Plus’ and an ideal Chief Minister of Punjab.
“We have learned a lot from the past senate chairman election,” said Bilwal. “Had we not learned anything, we would have lost the secret ballot election in the National Assembly.”
The PPP chairman averred “We have learnt a lot from the past elections and now we will stay united and we will succeed.” He said “We will fight this government in a democratic way. If we stay united we can take down any puppet government whose fearful leader rushed for the vote of confidence.”
He termed the vote of confidence a reflection of Imran Khan’s inner fears. Bilawal said they will approach every senator to seek vote for the chairman. “We will also contact PML-Q in this regard. I will visit the residence of Chaudhry Brothers as the PML-Q was once an ally of the PPP government,” he added.
On his part, said during their meeting the PPP chairman congratulated him on his release from prison and he greeted Bilawal on the victory of Yousaf Raza Gilani in the Senate elections. said he had learnt a lot from the Charter of Democracy and they will make important decisions from the PDM platform. “Today poor people are not finding any medicines. Cotton and wheat production have gone down,” he added.
He said whatever happened outside the parliament on Saturday was not good for democracy.
Earlier, received the PPP leader who was accompanied by senior PPP leaders including Yousaf Raza Gilani and Qamar Zaman Qaira. During their meeting, they discussed the political situation prevailing in the country and the upcoming election of Senate chairman. Moreover, Bilawal appreciated Hamza Shehbaz’s resilience during his stint in the prison.
According to the sources, Bilawal extended every possible support to the PML-N in Punjab, while Hamza Shehbaz said the decision of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will be accepted about when to present a no-confidence move in Punjab. Sunday’s meeting at Model Town was not the first direct contact between Bilawal Bhutto and Hamza Shehbaz.
On Thursday last, Bilawal had telephoned Hamza Shehbaz and congratulated him on the victory of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani in the recently-held Senate polls. Both the leaders agreed to pace up the joint struggle from the 11-party opposition alliance PDM’s platform during their telephonic conversation.
It may be recalled that Hama Shehbaz got bail just a few days ago before the Senate polls and also attended the dinner hosted by Bilawal for leaders of the PDM leaders a day before the Senate elections. Gilani defeated PTI candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh with a margin of five votes 169:164. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh shook hands and congratulated Gilani after the Senate election, however, the cabinet minister termed it “the victory of the money”.
It is noteworthy that Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has convened a meeting of heads of the alliance’s constituent parties on Monday to devise a post-Senate elections strategy. DNA
=======
Solution to Cyprus issue difficult, but possible: EU foreign policy chief
“While the road ahead will not be easy, solutions can be found,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in his comments after separate meetings with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar and Greek Cypriot administration’s leader Nikos Anastasiadis.
A solution to the Cyprus issue is difficult but possible, the EU foreign policy chief said Saturday. “While the road ahead will not be easy, solutions can be found,” said Josep Borrell after separate meetings with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’s (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar and Greek Cypriot administration’s leader Nikos Anastasiadis.
Borrell said he encouraged both sides to seize the opportunity of the 5+1 meeting in Geneva in April, and sit at the negotiation table prepared to compromise.
“The European Union fully supports the resumption of the Cyprus settlement process under UN auspices, as soon as possible,” he said.
Noting that the process is not supposed to start from scratch, Borrell said: “There is a framework, including UN Security Council resolutions, with convergences to build on, with the support of the UN, the Guarantor Powers and the European Union.”
“It will not be an easy process but it can be done, for the benefit of all Cypriots, for Europe, and for regional stability,” he underlined.
After meeting with Borrell on Friday, Tatar said the participation of the EU in the 5+1 meetings as an observer will not be right, and Turkish Cypriots will not approve of that, on the grounds that “they cannot be expected to be objective.”
CYPRUS DISPUTE
The island of Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when a Greek Cypriot coup was followed by violence against the island’s Turks and Turkey’s intervention as a guarantor power.
It has seen an on-and-off peace process in recent years, including a failed 2017 initiative in Switzerland under the auspices of guarantor countries Turkey, Greece, and the UK.
The TRNC was founded in 1983.
In 2004, the plan of then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for a solution was accepted by the Turkish Cypriots but rejected by the Greek Cypriots in twin referendums.
The 2017 Crans-Montana Conference in Switzerland held with the participation of the guarantor countries — Turkey, Greece, and the UK — ended in failure.
The informal 5+1 meeting on the Cyprus issue, which will be held in Geneva, Switzerland on 27-29 April 2021, will seek to determine whether common ground exists for the parties to negotiate a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem within a foreseeable horizon. It will be attended by two parties on the island, the three guarantor countries of Turkey, Greece and the UK, and the UN.
While Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration support a federation on Cyprus, Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) insist on a two-state solution reflecting the realities on the island.
