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Electoral reforms: two ordinances approved

The Information Minister said the Covid SOPs are not being implemented in letter and spirit in Karachi

ISLAMABAD, MAY 04 (DNA) – Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said that the Federal Cabinet has approved two ordinances as part of electoral reforms to ensure transparency in elections.

He was briefing media about the decisions taken in the Federal Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad Tuesday.

The Minister said one ordinance will enable the Election Commission of Pakistan to use electronic voting machines in elections, while the other empowers the ECP to take steps to give the overseas Pakistanis right to franchise.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said the government s electoral reforms consist of four parts, including EVMs, e-voting for overseas Pakistanis, Biometric and Legislation. He said EVMs have been developed and the government has unveiled its legislation agenda for the purpose. He said work is underway on Biometric and E-voting.

Referring to the ECP s decision of recounting of votes in the by-election in NA-249 Karachi, the Minister said re-polling should be held in the constituency because the winning candidate will be getting only five percent votes

Speaking about the Covid situation in the country, the Information Minister said the Covid SOPs are not being implemented in letter and spirit in Karachi, and the Sindh Government should look into it. He said the Cabinet has approved the Sindh Government s request for deployment of the army for ensuring implementation of the SOPs.

Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said the Cabinet approved 90-day remission to jail prisoners on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr. However, this remission will not applicable to the prisoners of heinous crimes.

He said the facility of succession certificates through NADRA is also being provided to overseas Pakistanis, and in the first phase, desks are being opened in twenty-four embassies. He said the Cabinet has approved issuance of a commemorative coin to pay tribute to NED University Karachi on 100 years of its establishment. The Minister said the Cabinet also approved to waive off 10 percent withholding tax on private sector bids in Railways. Responding to a question, the Minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia will greatly contribute to expand bilateral ties.

NA-249: PML-N’s request for vote recount accepted

The recounting would be conducted of all the polling stations in the constituency

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has accepted PML-N candidate Miftah Ismail’s request for a recount in the NA-249 by-poll.

The ECP, in a statement, directed all the political parties to reach the office of Returning Officer at 9:00am on May 6 where the recounting would be held.

The recounting would be conducted of all the polling stations in the constituency.

Ismail had written a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, seeking a vote recount in NA-249 after he lost the poll by 683 votes. PPP’s Qadir Khan Mandokhel had pulled off a surprising victory in the April 29 election.

The PML-N had also requested the ECP to conduct a forensic audit of the votes in the NA-249 constituency. In his letter, Ismail had mentioned that presiding officers from 34 polling stations did not WhatsApp the results.

Ismail had said that the party “did not receive results from more than 30 polling stations”.

He had also claimed that many Form 45s were not signed and that the counting of votes on the Form 45 given to the party is different from the forms issued by the returning officer (RO), which were not provided to them.

A four-member bench headed by the CEC heard Ismail’s request for a recount, in which Latif Khosa from PPP and Salman Akram Raja from PML-N argued.

During the hearing, PML-N lawyer Salman Akram Raja presented Form 45 to the commission and said that under the law, a signed Form 45 must be given to every polling agent. “At 167 polling stations, Form 45 was not signed by any polling agent. Not a single Form 46 has been issued to us and none of them were signed. Something happened with Form 45 and Form 46 after polling ended.”

He said the issue of Form 46 was problematic and should be investigated as no presiding officer had issued it at any polling station, except one. The procedure was not followed as per the law and we were officially told a difference of 683 votes, he said.

The PML-N’s counsel said the matter of Form 45 and 46 shows interference and demanded a recount in the whole constituency. “This matter should be fully investigated as the whole process has become suspicious.”

On the other hand, PPP lawyer Latif Khosa argued that no complaint was lodged with the RO or the Election Commission during or after the polling and the RO is not bound to accept the recount request.

“They didn’t provide evidence and just said that there are doubts,” he said.

Khosa said this application is absolutely “unjustified.”

Later, after the arguments of both parties were concluded, the Election Commission reserved its decision.

Shehbaz, Maryam delighted over ECP decision

ISLAMABAD, MAY 04 (DNA) – Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and Vice President Maryam Nawaz said that they were happy to learn that PML-N’s demand for a vote recount in NA-249 has been accepted.

In a tweet uploaded on Tuesday, the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly said that the narrow difference in votes of the top contestants necessitated this in the interest of transparency.

Shehbaz stressed, “Credibility of vote is a sure foundation of democracy.” It may be mentioned here that the Election Commission of Pakistan has ordered a vote recount in the NA-249 by-election.

The ECP also ordered all parties to reach the Returning Officer’s office in Karachi on May 6 at 9am for the vote recount.  PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz also tweeted, “Alhamdolillah we got a recount and we hope to win Insha’Allah but even if we don’t, we will not relent and try all we can till we get our stolen votes and seat back. Will fight tooth and nail for the right of people of NA-249.”

Senator Musadik Malik congratulating PML-N candidate Miftah Ismael said, “The ECP orders a recount. Many congratulations to all, especially to Miftah. Does this decision now indicate what happened in the elections.” He tweeted, “NA 249: Form 45 is the official summary of the polling results, required by the law to be signed by each polling agent. The signs confirm that the results are verified. Otherwise, as is the case here, one can issue Form 45, and subsequently stuff the polling boxes accordingly.”

ARTWORK IN FULL SWING ON UNDERPASSES, BRIDGES TO ENHANCE BEAUTY OF ISLAMABAD

ISLAMABAD, MAY 4 (DNA) – According to the Chairman CDA Instructions, artwork and telegraphy work is in full swing in the underpasses and bridges to further enhance the natural beauty of Islamabad.

7th Avenue’s bridges and underpasses and three underpasses on Shaheed  Millat road the artwork and calligraphy have been beautified. In addition, a beautiful specimen of truck art has been designed on the pedestrian bridge near I-8. has been added to.

According to details, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is working day and night to enhance the beauty of Islamabad. Artwork and telegraphy work is underway on underpasses and bridges to enhance the beauty of Islamabad.

7th Avenue but the bridges and underpasses have been beautified with art and calligraphy. The pedestrian bridge near I-8 has been beautified with truck art design. In addition, three underpasses of Shaheed Millat road have been beautified with artwork and calligraphy.

Students from colleges and universities affiliated to the University who are learning and specializing in this art have specially participated. Special attention is being paid to clean and restore illegal wall chalking and pamphlets at important Markaz.=DNA

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FORMER NAVAL CHIEF ADMIRAL KARAMAT REHMAN NIAZI LAID TO REST IN ISLAMABAD

DNA

Islamabad, MAY 4 – Former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karamat Rehman Niazi was laid to rest in Islamabad. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi beside former Naval Chiefs, retired & serving Tri-Services officials and civilians participated in late Admiral’s funeral prayers.

 The Admiral had an illustrious Naval career spanning over four decades. He has the unique honour of being the first Commanding Officer of Pakistan’s first Submarine GHAZI, remained pioneer Commander of Submarines Squadron and Director of Submarine Operations. The Admiral was one of the valiant war veteran who saw action in both 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak Wars. During the war of 1965, the Admiral was commanding maiden Pakistani submarine GHAZI and under his bold and able leadership, GHAZI kept the entire Indian Fleet confined in its harbour.

Not only this naval action infused fear in the enemy lines but provided significant strategic leverage to Pakistan. The Admiral in all his professional pursuits exhibited dynamic leadership skills, impeccable moral strength, extraordinary professional competence and highest sense of responsibility.

Admiral Karamat Rehman Niazi joined Royal Pakistan Navy in November 1948 and completed his initial training from Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, UK. He was a graduate of National Defence College, Pakistan. In March 1979, he was appointed as 8th Naval Chief of Pakistan Navy. The Admiral had dynamic and distinguished career encompassing various Command and Staff assignments, both afloat and ashore including Commander Submarines, Commander 25th Destroyer Squadron and Commander Pakistan Fleet. He also served as Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Operations) and Vice Chief of Naval Staff.

  In recognition of his military valour, meritorious services and outstanding performance, the Admiral was awarded Nishan-e-Imtiaz (Military) and Sitara-e- Jurrat.

  Floral wreath was laid by Chief of the Naval Staff on Admiral’s grave. Beside, floral wreaths on behalf of President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Senior Naval Officers and notable Civilian were also laid on the grave.=DNA

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FRANCHISES ASK PCB TO HOST PSL MATCHES IN UAE: REPORTS

LAHORE, MAY 4 (DNA) – All six franchises have reportedly asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to organise the remaining matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The cash-rich T20 competition was postponed indefinitely in March earlier this year after seven players and staff members tested positive for Covid-19.

Later, the PCB announced after consulting with the franchises as well as the National Command Operation Center (NCOC)—the country’s leading body in the fight against coronavirus—to organise the remaining matches of the sixth edition of Pakistan’s premier T20 competition from June 1 to June 20 in Karachi.

However, as per ESPNCricinfo, the franchises have asked the board to organise the remaining matches in the UAE.

It is believed that the request was made following an indefinite postponement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 on Tuesday after six players and staff members taking part in the competition were tested positive for coronavirus.

Pakistan, just like India, is witnessing a sharp rise in coronavirus cases over the last few months and in April, the country registered the most number of deaths in a single month since the pandemic began in 2020.=DNA

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RCCI, TDC INK MOU

RAWALPINDI, MAY 4 (DNA) – A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (RCCI) and The Diabetes Centre (TDC) here on Tuesday.

RCCI President Nasir Mirza  and CEO TDC Mr. Tahir M. Abbasi signed the MoU and exchanged the documents. Senior Vice President Osman Ashraf, Vice President Shahraiz A Malik, Secretary General Irfan Manan Khan, Manager Marketing TDC, Imran Ali Ghouri and other were present at the ceremony. Under the agreement, RCCI and TDC will develop a liaison and close cooperation aiming to bring awareness for prevention, control of diabetes  and provide service to the business community associated with the Rawalpindi chamber .

TDC offered special discounts for RCCI members including consultation fee, lab tests, diabetes education and other medical facilities.

On the occasion, Nasir Mirza said that Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce has also signed MoUs with various hospitals for the convenience of its members so that they can get quality health care and treatment facilities at affordable rates.

 CEO TDC Tahir Abbasi said that the number of diabetics in Pakistan is increasing rapidly. Medical camps will also be conducted in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness about diabetes.

TDC is Pakistan’s first specialized diabetes hospital that provides medical care for diabetes and its all complications under one roof.=DNA

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ICCI, UKPBC sign agreement to promote Pak-UK bilateral trade ties

ISLAMABAD, MAY 4 (DNA) – The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and UK Pakistan Business Council (Pakistan Chapter) (UKPBC) have signed an agreement of cooperation to work jointly for further improving bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and UK. For this purpose, a ceremony was held at Chamber House in which Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, President ICCI and Khursheed Barlas, President UKPBC Pakistan signed the MoU.

By signing the agreement, ICCI and UKPBC have agreed to work together for organizing an investment conference on Pakistan in the UK in the summer season this year to highlight the investment potential available in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy including SEZ in order to attract more investors from the UK including overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan.

Both will also work in close collaboration with their respective governments to further enhance business linkages between the private sectors of both countries. They will work jointly to enhance bilateral cooperation between their respective members in order to explore new avenues of promoting bilateral trade and economic relations between Pakistan and the UK.

Speaking at the occasion, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that Pakistan and UK have the potential to increase their bilateral trade from current £ 3 billion to £ 10 billion by developing direct connectivity between their private sectors. He said that close cooperation of UK companies with Pakistani counterparts would help in producing value added products and improving our exports.

He said that ICCI and UKPBC will work together to foster greater business linkages between the member companies of both trade bodies in order to explore new opportunities of trade promotion, JVs and investment. He said that both sides shall provide regular support to each other and exchange information on business and investment opportunities so that the business community of both sides could take benefit of all potential business opportunities.

 Khursheed Barlas, President, UK Pakistan Business Council said that the UKPBC with an organizational chapter in Pakistan was a developing organisation building stronger business relations between Pakistan and UK. He said that UKPBC in cooperation with ICCI would make strong efforts to achieve the objectives and goals envisaged in the agreement for the mutual benefit of business communities of both countries.=DNA

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CABINET APPROVES ORDINANCE TO GIVE ECP AUTHORITY TO USE EVMS

ISLAMABAD – Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry said that the federal cabinet has approved two ordinances and gave the Election Commission of Pakistan authority to use electronic voting machines.

He was talking to media after the cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The minister said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf wants re-election in Karachi’s NA-249. The voter turnout was just 21 per cent, he said.

The winning candidate got only 5% votes, Chaudhry said.

There’s a common perception that the NA-249 by-election was rigged, the minister said.

Karachi least implementing Covid-19 SOPs

Fawad Chaudhry said that Sindh and Karachi are following least coronavirus SOPs.

Lack of implementation of SOPs in Karachi will hurt whole country, and Chaudhry said.

We want 100% implementation of SOPs, he said. Right now the RR rate of implementation is 68%.

‘NO TALKS POSSIBLE WITH VIEW THAT IGNORES TURKISH CYPRIOTS’

Rejecting the Greek Cypriot stance on the Cyprus issue, Turkey‘s ruling party on Monday stated that there would not be any negotiations with an approach that fails to recognize Turkish Cypriots.

No negotiations of any kind are possible with a view that ignores the Turkish Cypriots or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and ignores their just cause, Ömer Çelik, spokesman for the Justice and Development (AK) Party, told reporters in the capital Ankara after a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Board.

“If the EU agrees to become a plaything for the Greek Cypriot administration, good luck to them,” Çelik said, referring to Greek Cypriot administration leader Nicos Anastasiades’ remarks that he would complain about Turkey and the TRNC to European leaders.

Çelik added that the TRNC should be recognized as a state that has equal international vision and status.

Cyprus has been mired in a decades-long dispute between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, despite a series of diplomatic efforts by the UN to achieve a comprehensive settlement.

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 TurkeyGreece, and the UK.

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was founded in 1983.

The Greek Cypriot administration, backed by Greece, became a member of the European Union in 2004, although most Greek Cypriots rejected a UN settlement plan in a referendum that year, which had envisaged a reunited Cyprus joining the EU.

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