KARACHI: A National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team on Thursday conducted an hours-long ‘raid’ at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD) to investigate charges of financial and administrative irregulates, reported The News.

The authority hasn’t released an official statement on the matter but a NAB source told The News that a five-member team led by Deputy Director Qamar Abbasi “visited the health facility” when NICVD failed to provide “some documents” within the due date. The inquiry had been launched over two years ago and NAB says that it found the executive director of NICVD was in possession of evidence related to the alleged commission of offence(s) during the last 10 years.

The raid drew a strong reaction from the employees of the cardiac-care facility who held a protest against what they called ‘harassment’ by the anti-graft agency. Azra Maqsood, Chief Operating Officer of the NICVD, said the NAB investigators remained at NICVD for over six hours and due to the harassment and uncertainty, medical services, except emergency, remained suspended for several hours, causing suffering to hundreds of patients.

The NICVD officials said the NAB team comprising five officials entered the hospital at around 2:00 pm and remained there for six hours, questioned staff and officials from different departments and inquired about financial affairs and transactions, number of employees and their nature of jobs, recruitment policies, purchase of medicines, equipment and machinery as well as other items required to run the health facility.

“Ironically, all the information has already been provided to them as inquiries by NAB are underway for the last two years and they have been furnished with each and every document they asked for,” the COO added.

A spokesman for the NICVD said NAB was conducting an inquiry for the last two to three years and could not prove any irregularity. “But such raids not only tarnish the image of a premier health institution but also terrorize the staff,” he added.

Reacting to the NAB’s raid, a large number of employees gathered at the NICVD’s main building and held a demonstration against the investigating agency, saying administration and staff of the country’s best cardiac-care facility were being defamed on the behest of some unscrupulous elements.

“A ghost employee, Dr. Tariq Shaikh was recently terminated by the NICVD administration and it is said that he has connections in the NAB. At the behest of Shaikh, the NAB officials raided the NICVD today and terrorized the staff and patients at the hospital,” one of the protesting employees, who identified himself as Ahmed Ali, alleged.

The NAB more than two years ago initiated an inquiry against the NICVD over corruption charges. It had transpired during the inquiry that the executive director of NICVD was in “possession of information/evidence whatsoever, which relates to the commission of the offence(s)”, the NAB letter reads. While initiating the inquiry in September 2018, it had sought complete record in original and certified copies of structural formation of NICVD, year-wise sanctioned strength and appointments made in different cadres including regular, contractual, contingency, and daily wages based posts during the last 10 years.

“The NAB had also sought details of appointments in different cadres during the last 10 years, pay structure of different grades, annual budget details, and expenditure during the last 10 years, details of procurement including drugs, machinery, etc, internal, external and third-party audit reports of last 10 years,” said the source giving details of the letter sent by NAB to the executive director of NICVD.

PPP Parliamentary Party leader in the Senate Sherry Rehman strongly reacted to the raid and called it a move from the Centre to “hijack” the “best public sector hospital” from the Sindh government. “It is shocking that a hospital has been raided by NAB. Hospitals are not even attacked during wars. Has the government lost all sense? What is the purpose of this NAB raid when the administration has been providing all the information?” she added. She said that “Nabgardi” was endangering peoples’ lives as the OPD and emergency sections were closed. Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani also condemned the raid and said the NAB-Niazi alliance was now endangering the lives of patients in the country.

ISLAMABAD : President Dr Arif Alvi in his message on Eid Miladun Nabi (PBUH) urged the Muslim world leaders to put forth a unanimous demand before the international organisations to ensure the sanctity of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and desist from blasphemy and desecration.

He said the condemnable incidents of blasphemy in the West had invited the wrath of Muslims across the globe. Such incidents created disintegration and also violated the spirit of interfaith harmony and dialogue, he added.

President Alvi said it was essential to spread the teachings of Holy Prophet (PBUH) and true message of the Holy Quran in order to better tackle Islamophobia and highlight real spirit of Islam.Referring to the growing threat from second wave of coronavirus in the country, he advised the people to adhere to anti-COIVD precautions, particularly during Milad processions to prevent spread of the disease.

Greeting the countrymen on Eid Mailadun Nabi (PBUH) marking the Holy Prophet’s birth anniversary, he said the prophet had purged the society of ignorance and oppression. He said the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was sent as mercy for the whole mankind and the humanity’s real success lied in adhering to his teachings.

The president viewed that Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s teachings were a role model for the humanity besides being essential for a better understanding of Islam. He said in the early Islamic history, the Holy Quran and the personality of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were the only sources to attract people towards Islam.

ISLAMABAD  : Eid Miladun Nabi (S.A.W.) is being celebrated with great religious zeal and fervour across the country today.

The day dawned with thirty one guns salute at the federal capital and twenty one guns salute at all the provincial capitals. Special prayers for the unity of Muslim Ummah and the progress and prosperity of the country were offered in the mosques after Fajr prayers.

Special conferences, events and Mehfil-e-Milad are being arranged to pay respect to the last messenger whose life and teachings are a beacon of light for the mankind. People are also taking out processions on the occasion.

An International Rehmatul-lil-Alameen (SAW) Conference will be held in Islamabad today under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.

The opening session of the conference will be chaired by President Dr. Arif Alvi while Prime Minister Imran Khan will preside over the concluding session.

Prominent Ulema and Mashaikh, scholars and foreign delegates will participate in the conference and threw light on various aspects of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW).

Muslims across the world observe the Prophet Muhammed’s (PBUH) birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awwal.

KARACHI : New Commander of Karachi, Vice Admiral Faisal Rasul, on Thursday called on Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah here.

Chief Minister congratulated the Command Karachi on his new posting.

Murad Ali Shah during the meeting said that he wanted a cadet college in Sujawal district of Sindh. ” The cadet college will provide an opportunity of quality education to the children of fishermen,” Shah said.

The Command Karachi assured his wholehearted cooperation to the chief minister for the new cadet college.
Chief Minister of Sindh presented Sindh’s traditional gifts to the new Commander Karachi, a spokesperson of the chief minister house said.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah earlier in a meeting with Pakistan’s Naval Chief Admiral Amjad Niazi had called for providing opportunities to the children of fishermen n in Pakistan Navy and urged for encouragement to the fishermen to join the navy.

“The fishermen have a strong bond with the sea and their relation with the navy should be strengthened,” Shah stated.

After enjoying a few days in Turkey, former Pakistan cricket team captain Wasim Akram believes that Pakistan should model itself like Turkey.

“If Pakistan should model itself on any country, it should be Turkey,” said the former left-arm pacer who was impressed by the Turkish people’s hospitality, food and their ability to welcome the world.

“They have done well. Pakistan has so many untapped resources, InshAllah we will get there one day,” said the former Pakistan team skipper.

Last week, Wasim Akram had announced that he was in Turkey and terming Istanbul “a mesmerising city”.

The famed cricket commentator’s visit comes as numerous Pakistanis head to Turkey for vacations and artistes of popular Islamic history drama, Ertugrul, announce their trips to the South Asian nation.

“Hello from stunning Istanbul first time ever must say it’s a mesmerising city,” Akram wrote, adding hashtags #amazing and #ElectricCity.

RAWALPINDI : Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Thursday addressed a media briefing to set the record straight about the events surrounding February 27 — the day Pakistan downed two Indian planes and captured an Indian pilot.

“Yesterday such a statement was given in which facts surrounding the events that day were attempted to be twisted,” he began by saying.

He said that after the Pulwama incident, on February 26, India violated all international principles and attacked Pakistan. “They not only faced defeat but humiliation all over the world.”

“Our timely response derailed their efforts. Their planes and the explosives they had come to rain down on the Pakistani people, they instead dropped on empty mountains. They left in a panicked state after being confronted by our planes. “

He said that in response, the Pakistan Army, in accordance with the people’s wishes, sought to “teach the enemy a lesson”.

“On this decision, all civil and military leadership was on a single page. We responded with full might in the light of day and shot down two planes, along with arresting their pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan [Varthaman],” said the DG ISPR, recalling the events.

He said that the enemy was in such a panicked state that it shot down its own helicopter.

Maj Gen Iftikhar said that Pakistan secured a “clear victory” that day against India. He said not only was India’s hollowed state of preparedness exposed that day but the entire Pakistani nation’s heads were held high.

He said this triumph was not only celebrated in Pakistan but the entire world recognised it. “India held its non-availability of Rafale jets accountable for the defeat,” he added.

The DG ISPR said that the government of Pakistan, in a measured and responsible move, decided to “give peace a chance” and hand over the captured war prisoner Wing Commander Abhinandan over.

He said the move, which was in accordance with Geneva Convention, was lauded the world over.

“I wish to set the history straight once more. Pakistan first demonstrated it capability and resolve. The decision was then made keeping all war options in mind and from a position of strength,” Maj Gen Iftikhar said.

He stressed that the civil and military leadership were prepared to combat “any sort of situation” with full preparedness.

“We gave them a bloody nose and its still hurting,” the DG ISPR said.

He said that linking the “mature response of a responsible state” with regard to Wing Commander Abhinandan’s release to any thing else is “highly regrettable and misleading”.

“This is actually tantamount to making Pakistan having the upper hand on India and its victory against it controversial,” he said.

Maj Gen Iftikhar said he thinks this would be unacceptable to any Pakistani.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ayaz Sadiq lied confidently over Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman issue, who was captured by Pakistan on February 27.

Expressing his views on the floor of the National Assembly, Fawad Chaudhry said Pakistan gave a befitting reply to India after the Pulwama incident and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) hit the enemy after entering their territory.

He advised the opposition to recheck their behavior and added that criticism over the federal government is always welcomed but the state should not be subjected to criticism.
The federal minister said the government will only hold dialogues with the opposition on national issues, not on corruption cases.

Earlier in the day, Special Assistant to Prime Minister of Pakistan on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill said that PM Imran Khan wanted peace and it was the only reason that Indian pilot Abhinandan was released.

Talking to ARY News, Dr Shahbaz Gill said that PML-N MNA, Ayaz Sadiq should be ashamed of himself over his statement on the floor of the National Assembly.

“Sadiq’s statement indicates his affection with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif”, while many of PML-N lawmakers do not agree with elder Sharif’s policy, he added.

ISLAMABAD: Proving its commitment to eradicate drugs from our homeland, Anti Narcotics Force Pakistan seized 2293.845 Kgs narcotics valuing US$ 79.848 Million internationally, arrested 15 culprits and impounded 8 vehicles while conducting 16 counter-narcotics strikes throughout the country. The seized drugs comprised of 2257.771 Kg Hashish, 26.474 Kg Heroin, 7.600 Kg Opium & Amphetamine (Ice) 2 Kg.

ANF Balochistan, the staff of Police Station Regional Directorate ANF Quetta recovered 1500 Kgs Hashish from a nullah situated at Killi Daman Tehsil Gulistan District Qilla Abdullah.

ANF Punjab, the staff of Police Station, Lahore conducted an operation at House of the accused Naeem Akhtar Buttranwali road, near Grid Station Aroop, Gujranwala and recovered 46.800 Kg Hashish from the said house. In another operation, police station Faisalabad established a naka near Sahinwala Toll Plaza Faisalabad and arrested accused namely Gul Taiz Khan resident of Lakki Marwat, and 9.600 Kg Hashish was recovered from the personal possession. In third Operation, Police Station Sialkot intercepted a Honda City Car near Dry Port Chowk, Wazirabad, Sialkot, accused namely Muhammad Shahid resident of Faisalabad was arrested on the spot and recovered 4 Kg Opium from secret cavities of the seized car. In fourth operation, Police Station Lahore raided at Shell Petrol Pump Shahdarah Chowk, Lahore and recovered 1.650 Kg Heroin from personal possession of the arrested accused namely Muhammad Ijaz Iqbal resident of Rahim Yar Khan. In fifth operation, Police Station Regional Directorate,Lahore intercepted two vehicles Toyota Hilux Vigo Dala and Toyota Corolla Car at Ghazi Ghat Toll Plaza District D.G Khan. Three accused persons namely Raz Muhammad resident of Peshawar, Muhammad Tahir resident of Charsada and Muhammad Haroon Rasheed resident of Lahore were arrested on the spot and recovered 606 Kg Hashish from secret cavities of the seized vehicles.

ANF Sindh, the staff of Police Station Korangi, Karachi conduct a raid at Bilal Chowrangi near Korangi Industrial area, Karachi and recovered 2 Kg Hashish. In another operation, the staff of Police Station Korangi, Karachi intercepted a Suzuki Car at Bilal Chowrangi near Korangi Industrial area Karachi and recovered 2 Kgs Heroin & 1 Kg Hashish. Accused Muhammad Yasir resident of Karachi was arrested on the spot. In third operation, the staff of Police Station Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi conducted a raid at New Subzi Mandi, Super Highway Karachi and recovered 32.805 Kgs Hashish from personal possession of the arrested accused namely Niamat Ullah resident of Quetta.

ANF Rawalpindi, the staff of Police Station Regional Directorate Rawalpindi, intercepted a accused namely Haji Imam Din resident of Islamabad at Islamabad International Airport, who was travelling to Heathrow (London) through flight no.BA-260 and recovered 1.824 Kg Heroin (Brown) from his Shoes. In another operation, the staff of Police Station Dina while establishing naka near Tarakai Toll Plaza, Main G.T Road Sohawa, District Jehlum intercepted a Motorcycle and apprehended two accused namely Shoaib Muhammad & Ayaz Khan residents of Swabi with recovery of 2.466 Kg Hashish from shoes of the both accused.

ANF KP, Police Station DI Khan in collaboration with Lakki Marwat Police conducted an Intelligence based operation near Pezu bypass near Indus Highway Lakki Marwat and recovered 8.400 Kg Hashish from arrested accused namely Naseeb Khan resident of Lakki Marwat. In another operation, police station KP intercepted a Suzuki car near Tarnab CNG, Tarnab Farm Peshawar and recovered 21 Kg Heroin & 2 Kg Amphetamine (Ice) which was laying in the diggi of seized car. Two accused namely Said Amin and Kabul Khan residents of Khyber District were arrested on the spot. In third operation, Police Station DI Khan intercepted a Toyota Hilux Vigo during naka near Darbang road, at the spot, the said vehicle managed to escape which was chased by ANF Team. Thereafter, vehicle diverted to sugarcane fields, where taking advantage of night all three accused (leaving behind vehicle) ran away, upon whom cross fired were also exchanged between ANF team & smugglers. Upon detail checking of the seized vehicle, 42 Kg Hashish was recovered, which was tactfully concealed in rear body of the vehicle. The recovered drug was being smuggled from Quetta to DI Khan. In fourth operation, the staff of Police Station Peshawar Det at Shin Qamar, intercepted a car, arrested an accused namely Shakeel Ahmed resident of District Khyber and recovered 5.500 Kg Hashish from the said car. Later on, who managed to escaped from the site. An FIR was registered against the accused person. In fifth operation, the staff of Police Station Regional Directorate ANF KP in collaboration with 166 Wing Barra Rifles, intercepted a Suzuki Mehran Car, Muhammad Rasool resident of District Peshawar with recovery of 3.600 Kg Opium and 1.200 Kg Hashish which was concealed under driving seat of the said vehicle.

All cases have been registered at respective ANF Police Stations under CNS Act 1997 and further investigations are underway.

STATEMENT

Ops:                16

Accused:         15

Vehicles:         8

Total Drugs:    2293.845 Kgs

Total Worth: 79848363 (79.848 Million US $)