ISLAMABAD : An accountability court on Monday indicted Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari in Park Lane properties and Thatta water supply references.
The references were taken up by AC Judge Azam Khan.
During the hearing, the PPP leader pleaded not guilty in the cases. The court has also indicted 19 accused in Park Lane and 15 accused in Thatta water supply references.Copies of the references were handed over to the accused.
Earlier on September 28, an Islamabad accountability court had indicted former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur, and other accused in a supplementary reference filed against them by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the mega-money laundering scam.
Accountability Judge Azam Khan handed over a copy of the charge-sheet to the PPP co-chairman, his sister and other accused named in the reference for perusal. They pleaded not guilty and opted to contest these charges.
On September 23, the court had dismissed the ex-president’s applications seeking acquittal in the three supplementary references.
Multan : Zeeshan Malik (84) set the platform for table-toppers Northern to beat Sindh by 13 runs to win the 10th contest of the National T20 Cup.
Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Nawaz bagged two wickets each to restrict Sindh to 191-7 in reply to 205-runs target.
Set to chase 205 runs, Sindh lost Sharjeel Khan earlier for just a run but Khurram Manzoor and Azam Khan smashed 82 runs together to set the tone for Sindh to chase the total.
Azam Khan scored his second T20 fifty with the help of five towering sixes and four boundaries. He made 55 runs off 28 balls before being catched out at short third man off Shadab Khan.
Khurram accelerated the inning later on but no other batsmen partenered with him to finish the match. At a strike-Rate of 123.07, Khurram scored 64 runs off 52 balls with the help of nine boundaries and a six.
Anwar Ali tried hard in the end to win the match for Sindh but he couldn’t stay at the crease till the end. He scored 37 runs off 17 deliveries laced with five boundaries and two sixes.
Earlier, Zeeshan powered Northern to 204-5 in 20 overs. His powerful inning included nine boundaries and a maximum. Haider Ali contributed 35 whereas Umar Amin scored 20 in the end to further strengthen the score of tope ranked Northern at the points table.
For Sindh, Sohail Khan and Mohammad Husnain bagged two wickets while Mir Hamza took a scalp.
To the oppositions criticism it can quite rightly be said that they are divided and their roadmap has been unclear. Further they have not aligned their objectives and there seems to be disagreement on many fronts. This is mainly due to the difference on approaches and ideology; such as PMLN demands a midterm elections, whereas PPP seems to support the idea of in house change and at the same time JUI-F has certain demands based on their which are not acceptable by the other two major parties
Muhammad Asghar
Over the course of two years, a number of APC’s have been held by the opposition. However these have not had a substantial impact on the political frame apart from the fact that, these conferences only created headlines in the media. The recent APC was held on 20th September and the real question arises is whether this time it will have an impact or no?
Before discussing the impact of this APC, let’s take into account of what results came from the previous APC’S. The first of its kind was held right after the general elections of 2018, the claim back then was that the general elections were massively rigged and the joint opposition demanded a probe into the matter. To the joint oppositions credit they all seemed united and determined for reaching a conclusion, which will lead to electoral reforms to avoid rigging in the next elections.
This joint opposition’s determination and unity started to fade away as soon as the individual parties were faced with their own issues arising such as the NAB investigations. The second time the APC took place, it resulted in the a long march led by the JUI-F Leader Fazal Ur Rehman, yet again the it did not leave an impact as the opposition got divided, PMLN had completely avoided being part of the long March, whereas PPP was a part of it but did not actively participate, hence leaving the impression the JUI-F chief was all alone. Lastly the opposition last seemed united and active when they got together in order to change the Chairman Senate, however that resulted in humiliation for the joint opposition as motion failed and Mr Sanjrani was able to save his post.
To the oppositions criticism it can quite rightly be said that they are divided and their roadmap has been unclear. Further they have not aligned their objectives and there seems to be disagreement on many fronts. This is mainly due to the difference on approaches and ideology; such as PML-N demands a midterm elections, whereas PPP seems to support the idea of in house change and at the same time JUI-F has certain demands based on their which are not acceptable by the other two major parties.
Another important factor that is to be considered is that NAB investigations that the lead leaderships of PML-N and PPP are facing. Since the start of PTI’s tenure major leaders such as the ex President Asif Zardari current opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, ex PM Abbasi, ex Opposition Leader Khursheed Shah, Saad Rafique and many others have been arrested on various allegations, a number of them have been released on bail while some such Khursheed Shah and Hamza Shehbaz are still in custody. This has hindered the process of progression as the political parties have been facing internal crisis due to it. As none of them have been convicted as per now, nor it seems that trails will be reaching to a conclusion any time soon; these arrest can be dubbed as a pressurizing tool used by the federal government to keep the opposition divided and keep them indulged in NAB investigation. The claim of the opposition that NAB is being used to target opposition leaders, further acting as a tool to keep the opposition leaders pressurized and not move as a joint front is supported by the decision by the hounerable judges in the case of Saad Rafique.
Despite these setbacks it now looks as if opposition has finally found a strong footing, further this time opposition parties seem united. The reasons which constitute to this analysis is that, the APC held this time was from a major political party the PPP, plus the fact that the Chairman of the PPP Bilawal Bhutto was able to bring all major faces of opposition on one table. The significance of this APC is perhaps more than those before as it saw the ex President Zardari joining and to Mr Bhutto’s credit he made the ex pm Nawaz Sherif make his political comeback after one year and join the APC through the video link.
Another important factor of this APC is the timing. The PTI regime has been in power for two years, it came into power by promising change and progress in Pakistan and the masses had high hopes in PM Khan. However the PTI government has failed miserably on all fronts, the economy is at an all-time low, inflation rate is high, the currency has further devalued, unemployment rate is higher than ever, according to reports the corruption levels have increased and all necessities of life health, education, and medicines are all out of common persons reach. Hence the public pulse of the moment suggests that people have lost faith in PTI regime and want things to improve, which has resulted in masses looking at the opposition to raise their voice and improve the current conditions.
It should also be noted that the opposition finally has a clear roadmap. In the press conference held by the joint opposition after the APC has announced Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to expel the ‘selected’ government? The PDA has demanded PM Khan’s resignation and in case that does not happen a series of protests has been announced in all provinces starting from October which will ultimately lead to a Long March in January. Further PMLN focused on electoral reforms, and discussed ways to stop rigging, Mr Bhutto focused all the aspects as well as raised his voice for free and fair election in GB and general election, further raised an important point to lift the censorship the media is facing and urged the masses to support the PDM and to hold those accountable who back away. In conclusion it can be said that the opposition is finally in the right direction and if it proceeds as planned it might cause problems for the federal government, plus this APC has left an impact already, thus it can be said that this APC hosted by Bilawal Bhutto was successful one.
Ambassador Aleksandar Borisov Parashkevov allegedly accepted graft money of USD 40,000/- for importing the car for a Pakistani guy; This newspaper wrote on September 03, 2020 that foreign diplomats have continuously been misusing their privileges available under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and selling duty-free imported luxury vehicles to local businessmen, official documents have revealed
EXCLUSIVE
Ansar M Bhatti/DNA
ISLAMABAD: Associate. Prof Aleksandar Borisov Parashkevov, the newly-appointed Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan has been called back soon after his appointment, over corruption charges.
The ambassador, according to sources, was yet to present his credentials to the President of Pakistan. So this is quite rare in the diplomatic history that an ambassador is called back without presenting his credentials to the host country.
According to reports, the newly-arrived Bulgarian ambassador Borisov allegedly got himself involved in import of cars for Pakistani people and liquor beyond his stipulated quota.
He has been called back because of this Bentley car issue. Details reveal the car imported by the Bulgarian ambassador availing his diplomatic position, was in use of a Pakistani.
The Customs officials intercepted the car and asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to verify its credentials. When the case arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry official outright said that the car was imported by the Ambassador, despite the fact Ambassador imported the car for his Pakistani friend.
Sources say the Ambassador Aleksandar Borisov Parashkevov allegedly accepted graft money of USD 40,000/- for importing the car from that Pakistani guy.
In a second instance, the Bulgarian ambassador also tried to make his fortunes by accommodating his Pakistani collaborators by importing liquor beyond his stipulated quota.
In November 2019 the ambassador placed an order for liquor. He was authorized to import consignment weighing 1482 KGs while when the container arrived it weighed over 2,600 KGs.
Upon knowing this the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote a letter to the Director General of Customs Intelligence, Islamabad asking him to thoroughly inspect the container.
“ While this Ministry is coordinating with the concerned embassies for inspection of these consignments ( For possibility of mis-declaration/smuggling of liquor above approved quantity) you are requested to please ensure that these consignments must not be released/cleared or exported back by the Customs authorities with inspection”, the Ministry further wrote to the Customers Intelligence Director General.
It may be mentioned there that a total of 15 embassies consignments were seized by the Customs that month, on same charges and the Bulgaria ambassador’s consignment was at the top of the list. List of all those 15 countries is available with Islamabad POST and shall be made public in coming days with complete details.
This newspaper had already published a news regarding misuse of diplomatic status by some of the diplomats and diplomatic missions. This newspaper wrote on September 03, 2020 that foreign diplomats have continuously been misusing their privileges available under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and selling duty-free imported luxury vehicles to local businessmen, official documents have revealed.
Pakistan Customs seized nine very expensive vehicles that were imported by foreign diplomats but were in the use of private persons.
This has not only caused a Rs250-million revenue loss in nine cases but also put the security of other diplomats at risk due to the use of fake or duplicate diplomatic number plates.
The report further stated that in 2019 Pakistan Customs confiscated at least 16 very expensive vehicles, including nine in July alone that were imported in the names of diplomats but had been in the possession of private persons, according to the FBR official record.
At the prevailing taxes and duty rates, the estimated tax evasion in the 16 cases is Rs444.6 million, which also indicates how pricey the vehicles were.
ISLAMABAD, Oct 04 (DNA): Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi on Sunday said that for the first time, the government would appoint a permanent representative at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to safeguard the shipping interests.
In a statement on social media networking site, he said “Once again Ministry of Maritime Affairs is setting a tradition.” He said that Pakistan would also be contesting to secure a seat in category “C” in the upcoming IMO elections of 2021.
The minister said the ministry has invited applications from the interested candidates for the post to represent Ministry of Maritime who will be based at London, UK. DNA
CHINIOT, Oct 04 (DNA): Three students have prepared a smart cane to assist visually impaired, blind people to walk more independently and safely.
The smart white cane has been prepared by three students of the University of Lahore’s Sargodha Campus namely Naveed Ahmed, Zaafar and Ghulam Ahmed.
A visually impaired or blind person can easily detect obstacles on ground, surface textures, pot holes etc while travelling with a standard white cane. Designed to replace the traditional white cane used by the visually impaired around the world, this smart cane offers users hazard detection including a hurdle or water on surface.
In case of a mishap with the person carrying the smart stick, pressing a button in it will communicate three relatives of the visually impaired person. With development of technology, inventors in different parts of the world, working to help the people with blindness to walk more independently and safely with smart canes. DNA
KARACHI, Oct 04 (DNA): As many as 3,409 police officials and personnel have contracted coronavirus in the Sindh province while performing their duties.
The police spokesman said that 19 personnel embraced martyrdom while discharging their duties due to coronavirus. Currently, 24 cops are undergoing treatment while 3,366 of the infected personnel, have recovered from the infection.
Sindh Chief Minister has said on Saturday that 267 new cases of coronavirus and three more deaths were reported during the last 24 hours.
The total count of coronavirus deaths reached 2,520 and 81 more patients recovered from the virus, had said Sindh Chief Minister, adding that 1,397,676 samples were tested in Sindh. In Sindh, 138,050 confirmed cases were reported so far and 130,811 patients recovered from the coronavirus.
Earlier on September 30, the Sindh government had imposed “micro smart lockdown” in several neighborhoods of Karachi to prevent the spread of deadly coronavirus. DNA
Azerbaijan’s defence ministry meanwhile said its forces had “captured new footholds” and President Ilham Aliyev claimed that his forces took the village of Madagiz
STEPANAKERT (DNA) -: Amid fierce clashes, Armenia leaders said it was facing a ‘historic threat’ as the country reported heavy losses during the long-sought dispute at Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Yerevan’s defence ministry claimed separatist forces in Karabakh had repelled a massive attack by Azerbaijan, seven days after fighting erupted again in the decades-old dispute over the ethnic-Armenian breakaway province, but the Azerbaijan forces rejected this claim saying they had taken over key areas.
Armenia also announced the deaths of 51 more separatist fighters, taking the number of fatalities on both sides above 240.
Azerbaijan’s defence ministry meanwhile said its forces had “captured new footholds” and President Ilham Aliyev claimed that his forces took the village of Madagiz, a strategic hamlet within firing range of an important northern road.
The clashes took place after the regional capital Stepanakert came under artillery and rocket fire, with local defence officials reporting further explosions later in the day.
The fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh has threatened to draw in powerful players like Russia and Turkey.
Armenia is in a military alliance of former Soviet countries led by Moscow, which maintains a military base there, while NATO member Turkey has signaled its full support for Azerbaijan’s military operations.
ISLAMABAD – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has blocked thousands of anti-Islam and anti-Pakistan URLs on internet in the country, according to a report issued by the internet regulator.
In its report to parliament, the PTA said it had identified at least 59,712 anti-Islam URLs on the websites. Of them, 46, 431 have been blocked.
According to the report, Pakistan’s internet regulator has also blocked 16,703 URLs over sectarian “hate speech”. The PTA said it had identified 20,041 URLs which had the content against “defence of Pakistan” and of them, it has blocked 13,620 URLs.
At least 5,607 URLs were blocked for posting anti-judiciary content, the report said.
The PTA said it has provided details to the FIA to initiate legal action against people involved in posting unlawful content.
