The Prime Minister and his family seemingly badly shaken by the so-called Panama leaks, appear to have partially grappled with the situation. The government spin-doctors have thwarted the opposition onslaughts on the PM and his family members, who do own some offshore companies. These wizards are trying to prove that the PM does not personally own any offshore company and that he does not have any link with the companies owned by his children. Even the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ) has clarified that PM Nawaz Sharif’s name was mentioned inadvertently. The Opposition, especially Imran Khan, on the other hand seem averse to giving a lifeline to the PM.
CARLOS MORALES: Spain sees CPEC as a game changer
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
Mr. Carlos Morales Ambassador of Spain gave an exclusive interview to Centreline and Diplomatic News Agency (DNA). The ambassador, inter alia, touched upon issues related to bilateral as well multilateral spheres. He particularly talked about cooperation between Spain and Pakistan and underlined various steps with a view to further cementing these relations. Excerpts from his interview.
To begin, we must extend our compliments for the wonderful Flamenco Festival at PNCA recently. Please share some more details of the event and do you plan to arrange more music concerts in the future also?
Men Contraception: Spiral Taboo wrapped with myths and misperceptions
By Yasir Habib Khan
A brawl erupted at Ali Town, vicinity of Raiwind, some miles away from the residence of PML-N rulers in Lahore. Furious gathering were shouting at Bilal Ahmed (social worker) saying “are you gone mad. How dare you to talk about male contraception.” “Better to get lost before agitated people lose their cool and kill you as you have committed an unapologetic sin,” gathering fired salvo.
When asked Hassan Nauman, 40, one of the outrageous’ mob, violently utters that getting the message across about “condom or other contraceptive” are off-limits in social, cultural and religious circles. “We are honorable community. We neither share such private matter even with close family members nor in public,” he asserts in tantrum.
Turkish Airlines new office in Islamabad starts functioning
ISLAMABAD, APR 12 (DNA) – Turkish Airlines has opened a new office location in the heart of Islamabad, strengthening its presence in the capital city. Strategically located in main F7-Markaz, the new office will be able to serve air travelers more conveniently.Grand launch took place recently followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony attended by the crème de la crème from the travel world, diplomats, media, government and private sector as well.
Adel Elarbi : Tunisia, Pakistan ties on the move
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
Ambassador of Tunisia Adel Elarbi talked to Centreline and Diplomatic News Agency (DNA) on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Tunisia. The ambassador talked about bilateral relations. He also talked about various avenues where both Tunisia and Pakistan can cooperate. Text of his interview is given below.
Let us begin with bilateral relations, how would you describe these relations and if you could share with our readers the initiatives taken by you or those you intend to take to further cement these relations?
A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness screened at Canadian HC
DNA
The Oscar winning documentary, ‘A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness,’ directed by Pakistani Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, was screened today for the second time in Pakistan by the High Commission of Canada, the British High Commission and UN Women.
Heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Obaid-Chinoy were offered by the three hosts: High Commissioner of Canada Heather Cruden, British High Commissioner-Designate Thomas Drew and UN Women Country Representative Jamshed Kazi.
Pak, Tajik relations deep-rooted in history, says PM Nawaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD, MAR 16 (DNA) -Chairman Majlisi Namoyandagon of Tajikistan Mr. Zuhurov Shukurjon called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at PM House on Wednesday.
Warmly welcoming the Chairman, the Prime Minister said that excellent relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan are deeply rooted in history, religion and common culture.
The Prime Minister noted with satisfaction that relations between the two countries are making progress in all areas including energy, trade and defence. Parliamentary relations play an important part in improving relations between the two countries, said the Prime Minister.
OPINION: Human Rights: A perspective
JUSTICE (R) A. N. CHOWHAN
Justice( R) Ali Nawaz Chowhan delivered this lecture at Islamabad Serena Hotel as part of Oxbridge lecture series. Here are excerpts from the lecture.
PRELUDE: I begin telling you a seldom uttered truth which is also my strong belief that Pakistan was created to promote ideals of human rights not otherwise.
Now I pay my compliments and tributes to: a) Ms. Eleanor Roosevelt who chaired the Commission that drafted Universal Declaration of Human Rights .The EU who used GSP+ as an incentive for the creation of National Commission For Human Rights in Pakistan, c) To His Holiness The Pope for his unprecedented humanitarian efforts. I further take this opportunity of requesting His Holiness to intervene in Indian held Kashmir for the protection of human rights as in my view he is the only person who can intervene after the wars between the two neighbors, failure of diplomatic efforts and the UN resolutions. We have already requested His Holiness in this connection, d) To Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor for the Federal Republic of Germany for generously accepting refugees from Syria, e) The Oxbridge Society for its work to foster scholarship and particularly Mr. Irshad Ullah Khan whom I have given the alias the spirit of Islamabad—In German Zeigiest
Pak Sarzameen Party comes into being. Whither MQM?
ANSAR MAHMOOD BHATTI
On March 23 Mustaf Kamal along with his cohorts announced to form a new political party named Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP). The former MQM members, some of them even big guns, have already joined this new party while greater efforts are under way to bring more and more people to this newly-born outfit. The creation of this party has led to speculations about who will ultimately head this party and what will be the future of Mutahidda Qaumi Movement (MQM)?
