ANKARA, Sept 8 /DNA / – During a recent visit to Turkiye, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Upon his arrival, the Air Chief was received by the Turkish President at the Presidential Complex in Ankara. The meeting underscored a mutual commitment to enhance defence collaboration between the two nations.

During the meeting, Chief of the Air Staff emphasized the shared values and aspirations that form the foundation of the deep-rooted brotherhood between Pakistan and Turkiye. He also expressed his unwavering commitment to enhance the existing bilateral ties in Military-to-Military and Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation with Turkiye, especially in the field of defence production and joint development of Next Generation Aerospace technology. The Air Chief reiterated his resolve to further deepen the strong bond of brotherhood that unites the two nations in the face of shared challenges and expressed his desire to explore future avenues of collaboration in the defence and aviation sectors.

President Erdogan praised Pakistan Air Force’s progress in niche technologies such as Cyber, Space, Artificial Intelligence and Electronic Warfare, which aligns with the current PAF leadership’s focus on development of Multi-Domain Capabilities. President Erdogan acknowledged the strides attained by Pakistan’s Aerospace industry in the domains of design, research and software development capabilities over the past couple of years and urged for a more significant workshare in the software integration, design and development of Next Generation Fighter program codenamed KAAN.
He emphasized the importance of sharing niche & disruptive technologies developed in Pakistan in order to bolster multi-domain capabilities of both countries. The Turkish President also expressed his desire that the existing Joint Working Group for Aerospace industry collaboration transitions from quarterly to monthly follow-ups, with a revitalized National Level Framework set to be signed soon.

Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu also held separate meetings with Turkish Air Force Commander General Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Chief of Turkish General Staff General Metin Gurak and Minister of National Defence of Turkiye General Yasar Guler, further solidifying the defence ties between the two nations.

The historic visit of Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force to Turkiye not only strengthens the existing ties between the two brotherly countries but also signifies the enduring commitment of both nations to work collaboratively towards a more secure and prosperous region.

LAHORE: As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares to flex its political muscle in Islamabad today, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari claimed on Sunday that such power shows would bring the party’s founder, Imran Khan, out of jail.

The major opposition party is set to hold a public rally in Sangjani, a locality of the federal capital, today, with convoys of loyalists led by senior PTI leaders arriving from various cities across the country.

“Today, they [PTI] are going to stage a drama in Islamabad,” said Bokhari in a press conference, slamming the Imran-founded party’s power show in the federal capital.

She added that such public gatherings and rallies would do nothing to release the incarcerated ex-premier.

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She said that the PTI founder could only be released from jail via courts after facing cases against him. “There is neither an NRO for him nor will these power shows change anything,” she added.

The provincial minister said that the government was not afraid of political events, however, “we are concerned about their [PTI] past activities.”

She was referring to the violent protests that erupted after the ex-premier’s arrest on May 9 last year in which government and military installations were attacked by protesters.

She alleged that the former ruling party was “planted to create disturbance in Pakistan”.

Bokhari said that no one would be allowed to disturb the law and order situation at any cost.

Prior to the PTI power show, the federal government passed the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024”, aimed at regulating public gatherings. President Asif Ali Zardari signed the bill into law.

The new law empowers the district magistrate to regulate and ban public assemblies in the federal capital, proposing a punishment of up to three years or/and an unspecified fine to the members of an “unlawful assembly”.

It also proposed that repeat offenders will be liable to imprisonment for a term that may extend to 10 years.

To a question related to the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) supremo, the politico said that she would not respond to Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s criticism against the coalition government as he was a senior politician.

However, she stressed that the cleric’s remarks on the floor of the National Assembly were important in that he said that the country could not bear the dire consequences of toppling the incumbent government.

‘Fake videos to hide low attendance’
Bokhari alleged that the former ruling party “is spreading fake videos and photos to hide low attendance at the federal capital’s rally”.

“[Islamabad] public gathering is being advertised by the party’s leaders via fake videos and photos,” Bokhari said while speaking to Geo News.

She said that the PTI has failed to gather people for its public gathering while its Punjab leadership refused to bring people to the political event.

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“[Former president] Arif Alvi had shared a video of the August 14 event which was actually from Kashmir. Even a person like Alvi has no option other than sharing old videos to show a large participation in the forthcoming rally. However, the former president deleted these videos [from his social media account].”

She further claimed that Shahbaz Gill and other YouTubers belonging to the PTI were also spreading fake videos in desperate attempts for face-saving.

He said that the local administration issued a no objection certificate (NOC) to the PTI for its public gathering and it is their turn to gather people for it.

Bokhari alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s resources were being used to bring people to the party’s Islamabad event.

“[KP Chief Minister] Ali Amin Gandapur had distributed Rs5,000 to the PTI workers to attend a power show and we don’t know what is today’s rate?”

She was pointing towards a video that went viral last month which showed CM Gandapur distributing Rs5,000 notes among PTI workers who reached the federal capital for the August 22 rally before it was abruptly cancelled.

The top leadership of the opposition party had faced criticism from party leaders and workers for not being able to hold the public gathering in Islamabad after it called off its previous rally and rescheduled it for September 8 after the local administration revoked the NOC citing security concerns.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan had said the rally was deferred till September 8 following the instruction of the PTI founder.

ISLAMABAD: Following the directives issued by the district administration, the police have launched a crackdown after the deadline of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) much-hyped rally at outskirts of the federal capital ended on Sunday.

The rally kicked off with tight security in the federal capital as the participants of the rally gathered at the venue — Sangjani locality, while multiple caravans moved towards the city under the leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, despite roadblocks at various points.

The former ruling party had been finally allowed to hold the gathering today (September 8) under a no-objection certificate (NOC) issued earlier in the week, after postponing it twice — once in July and then in August — after authorities revoked the permission. The multiple deferals drew scathing criticism from other leaders and workers for not being able to hold the public gathering.

However, the Islamabad district administration put the security on high alert this morning and blocked off multiple arteries leading to the capital city, in the light of the “Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024” aimed at regulating public gatherings, which was signed into a law by President Asif Ali Zardari just a day ahead of the rally.

The public rally began with PTI leader Hammad Azhar addressing the crowd, stating that the hindrance created by the incumbent rulers evinced that they were afraid of incarcerated Imran Khan and his supporters.

He also signalled launching of a movement in Punjab — headed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz — and urged party workers to “be ready”.

Azhar, the former federal minister, pointed out that most of PTI’s Punjab leadership is imprisoned, paying tribute to incarcerated leaders, including Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Umar Sarfraz Cheema.

Firebrand politician Sher Afzal Marwat also reiterated the same and said they will soon hold rallies in Punjab for the release of jailed Imran and the supremacy of law and the Constitution.

“We will enter Punjab with 50,000 people from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within a week,” he said, adding that they will even set off on foot and face the tear gas.

Meanwhile, party leader Muhammad Ali Khan said they had never thought that Imran Khan would be jailed, lamenting that many other PTI leaders, including Qasim Suri, Shehryar Afridi, and Murad Saeed, had been forced to leave the country.

Listing the former ruling party’s demands, Ali Khan demanded that those who came to power on the back of Form 47 release the PTI founder, warning that otherwise, “you will be swept away by the sea of people.”

He also called for the restoration of the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law.

“When an attempt was made to subvert the Supreme Court and judiciary under the guise of legislation, Imran Khan urged people to take to the streets,” Ali Khan said, adding that, as all institutions have been destroyed, hopes are now pinned on the apex court.

Deadline for rally conclusion ends
As the PTI leaders addressed the gathering, Islamabad district administration issued a notification of the deadline for rally conclusion, according to which, the party is supposed to wrap up the event by 7pm.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon said that PTI has been officially notified about the time limit and an action will be taken on the violation of the NOC.

“Not concluding the gathering within the deadline will be considered a violation of NOC,” he added.

The official further stated that the loudspeakers and microphones will be turned off and entry points into the city will be closed after the deadline’s end to prevent any further incoming participants.

As soon as the deadline ended, the district administration directed the police to take action against the rally-goers for not complying to the NOC.

The authorities stated that the organisers violated the rules and regulations by not concluding the gathering before the 7pm deadline.

In response to the crackdown, PTI workers began pelting stones at Islamabad police, injuring many security personnel, including Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shoaib Khan.

Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi called the injured police personnel to inquire about their well-being and directed authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the wounded officers.

Meanwhile, additional forces have been summoned to Chungi No 26, the location where the clash between the police and party workers originally started.

‘Explosives discovered’
Earlier, the police found a suspicious bag near the PTI gathering venue in Sangjani. A hand grenade, detonator, electric wires and other explosive material have been recovered from the bag, said police.

Police said the bomb disposal squad was sent to the site and an investigation was underway.

The authority concerned has directed the police officers to remain within their jurisdiction, equip the personnel deployed on duty with full kit and ensure that mobile phone is not used during duty hours.

To bolster security, a heavy contingent of law-enforcement personnel, including police, Rangers, and paramilitary forces, were be stationed at the rally venue and across the capital.

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 8: PTI leaders on Sunday called for the immediate release of their party founder, Imran Khan, while criticising the government for marginalising the party during a major rally on the outskirts of Islamabad.

The party is staging the rally today to gain support for Imran’s release, who has been imprisoned since last August. Imran was expected to be released from prison after a district and sessions court accepted appeals against his conviction in the Iddat case.

However, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested him in a new Toshakhana case shortly afterward.

His sentences in the previous two Toshakhana cases were already suspended while he was acquitted by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the cipher case.

The rally began with Party leader Hammad Azhar addressing the crowd, stating that supporters had gathered today to establish the rule of law and the supremacy of the Constitution in the country.

He added that no obstacle would deter them today.

“We will, God willing, secure Imran Khan’s release.”

Speaking during the rally, PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan demanded Imran’s release and lamented how the party’s leaders were being “sidelined” by the government.

“I never thought there would be a day that Imran Khan, who formed our party to save Pakistan, would be put in jail”, Ali Muhammad said.

He added that today, neither PTI stalwarts Murad Saeed and Shehryar Khan Afridi were present at the rally, not was Qasim Khan Suri.

“Why can Murad Saeed not come out of hiding? Is it a crime to love Pakistan, or speak the truth? We will continue speaking the truth, as will our children”, he asserted. “Today, Pakistan’s biggest party is in Pakistan, but our workers cannot go to parliament. What is their crime?”

The rally, initially scheduled for July and later August, had been postponed twice after authorities revoked permission, citing security risks and fears of unrest.

For the past several months, the PTI had been trying to get approval for a public meeting in the capital but it was not allowed by the administration.

The party approached the Islamabad High Court (IHC) for permission in March after receiving no response from the district administration.

In July, the PTI announced a protest but it was postponed as district administration did not allow the party to hold the protest. The meeting was rescheduled for August 22 but district administration cancelled the NOC at the eleventh hour, giving a new date of Sept 8.

Police block Islamabad’s entry points ahead of rally
As the party finalised its preparations for the rally today, the capital police blocked almost all entry points of the city amid intelligence reports of a ‘medium-level’ terrorism threat in light of the political gathering.

The 21 points blocked with containers are Nicholson’s Monument, New Margalla Road turn on G.T Road, Sangjani Toll Plaza, Water Tanki on Margalla Road, New Margalla Road Loop opposite F-10/2, 26 Number Chongi, Zero Point, Faisal Chowk, Khayban Chowk, Rawat T-Cross, Khanna Bridge, Tramri Chowk, Shahpur Road Turn, U-Turn on Murree Road, Bridge on Murree Road near Traffic Office, Faizabad, 9th Avenue, Gandum Godown, Golra Mor Haji Camp, Motorway Old Toll Plaza, and Tarnol Phattak, they added. All the roads leading to the ‘red zone’ except for the Margalla Road are also blocked.

PTI supporters attempt to climb the stage at a party rally on the outskirts of Islamabad on September 8. — DawnNews TV
The party’s Punjab spokesperson Shaukat Basra said in a post on X that the Punjab police hierarchy had given “unconstitutional” orders to its formations across the province (to stop workers).

Speaking to Dawn, Basra said the party leadership had changed its strategy in the wake of the police movement and asked its workers across the province to reach Islamabad individually. “Workers have been asked to avoid police action and reach Islam­abad individually,” Mr Basra said.

The district administration earlier this week issued a no-objection certificate to the public gathering on the outskirts of Islamabad, with a condition that the permission can be cancelled at any time in case of a “security situation”.

The venue is a 350-kanal compound located on Paswal Road near Sangjani and is reportedly under the control of the military establishment.

The selection of the venue has also energised the PTI workers as they believe that the ice has started to melt between the PTI and the powers that be.

‘Fascist government’
Senior PTI leader and former Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser decried the placement of containers and police blockades, deeming them the measures of a “fascist government… creating a hostile environment”.

“It is unfortunate that this fascist government with a stolen mandate is creating such a hostile environment,” Qaiser said in a video message uploaded by the PTI to X. “They approved the NOC (non-objection certificate) and the court has permitted the rally, but Rawalpindi has been closed off.”

He accused the government of defying court orders by attempting to block routes to the rally.

“They break the law themselves, yet they lecture us on it,” he stated.

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 8: /DNA/ – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif administering polio vaccination to children to kickstart countrywide Special Anti Polio Campaign. Islamabad, 8 September, 2024.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called upon the nation to support the government’s efforts in promoting literacy and ensuring education for all, emphasising the importance of building a bright future for the children and the country.

“Literacy is a fundamental human and constitutional right that guarantees the future of our country,” the prime minister said in a message on Sunday, International Literacy Day.

Literacy Day is observed every year on September 8 to remind policymakers of the critical importance of literacy. This year’s theme of the day is: “Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace”.

The premier said literacy was not merely the ability to read and write, it was a gateway to empowerment, economic opportunities, and active participation in society.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing the education agenda, striving for a more informed and sustainable nation”, he said, adding, “Education is the backbone of our society. For this purpose, we have declared an educational emergency across the country, launched an enrollment campaign for students, and initiated mid-day meals for children in schools.”

To reduce the dropout rate and encourage every child to complete their education, the prime minister pointed out that the government had introduced scholarships and other incentives.

In this rapidly emerging world, developing literacy and skills in line with technology was inevitable, the prime minister said. He said the government was implementing a comprehensive plan to integrate technology into the educational system, ensuring that the youth were equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.

He said private sector and civil society organisations were equal partners in the government’s efforts.

“By establishing effective partnerships, we can link education with employment and self-employment opportunities, creating a stronger and more inclusive workforce,” he added.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad administration on Sunday put security on red alert, blocked off multiple arteries leading to the federal capital as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to hold a public rally at Sangjani locality today.

The authority concerned has directed the police officers to remain within their jurisdiction, equip the personnel deployed on duty with complete kit and ensure that mobile phone is not used during the duty hours.

Meanwhile, police have recovered a suspicious bag from near the PTI gathering venue in Sangjani. A hand grenade, detonator, electric wires and other explosive material have been recovered from the bag, said police.

Police said the bomb disposal squad was present at the site and investigation was underway.

To bolster security, a heavy contingent of law-enforcement personnel, including police, Rangers, and paramilitary forces, will be stationed at the rally venue and across the capital. These forces will be on alert to counter any potential violence stemming from the PTI gathering, officials told The News.

After the local administration of the city revoked its no objection certificate and sealed roads leading to the federal capital on August 22, PTI had put off its public gathering in Islamabad and rescheduled it for September 8 (today).

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan had said the rally would now be held on September 8, as per instruction of PTI founder Imran Khan.

“We postponed the jalsa following a meeting with the PTI founder in Adiala jail,” he said.

Containers placed at key points
In order to maintain the law and order situation, containers have been placed at various key points to restrict traffic movement in the federal capital.

All the routes leading to the red zone have been sealed with containers. Only the relevant persons can take the Margalla road route to enter the red zone. The artery from Chongi No. 26, GT Road Taxila, has also been closed.

The Islamabad Expressway has been closed from different points, while Faizabad, Khanna Pull and Rawat T Chowk too have been blocked.

Closure of thoroughfares between Islamabad and Rawalpindi has created immense trouble for residents of the twin cities, despite the fact that alternate routes have been provided for people’s facilitation. Police have also been deployed on the alternate paths.

Moreover, the metro bus service from Rawalpindi Saddar Station to Pak Secretariat has been suspended due to the political party’s public gathering in Sangjani, on the district administration’s directive.

In a bid to prevent potential unrest during the PTI jalsa, the law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) and the district administration have decided to effectively isolate the venue from the rest of federal capital, officials revealed to The News.

On the other hand, the rally venue has scores of sand mounds, pits and mud. Due to the rough and uneven ground, the organisers faced difficulty in placing chairs.

Preparations are almost complete and the rally is expected to begin in the afternoon.

Bill passed to regulate rallies in Islamabad
In a related crucial development, a day before the rally, President Asif Ali Zardari signed a bill into law to regulate holding of public assemblies at certain places in Islamabad.

With the assent of President Zardari, “The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024” has been enacted as a law. With the official gazette notification, as an Act No XIX of 2024, it comes into force at once.

The new bill empowers the district magistrate to regulate and ban public assemblies in the federal capital, proposing a punishment of up to three years or/and an unspecified fine to the members of an “unlawful assembly”.

It also proposed that repeat offenders will be liable to imprisonment for the term that may extend to 10 years.

The bill says the ban on assembly under the proposed law would remain in force for the duration specified by the district magistrate, which may be extended if the conditions necessitating the ban persist.

“An officer-in-charge of a police station, on the instruction of the district magistrate, may command any assembly likely to disturb the public peace to disperse. It shall then be the duty of the members of such an assembly to comply and disperse accordingly,” it reads.

After the passage of the bill to regulate public gatherings in the federal capital, PTI chairman requested the Islamabad administration not to obstruct their jalsa as they had already obtained a no objection certificate from the district administration.

LONDON, Sep 7 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar said on Saturday that the claims of Pakistan being in international isolation have been proven wrong due to the active guidance and tireless efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his team.

Speaking to the media, Dar highlighted that Pakistan has secured a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for two years, garnering 182 votes— a significant increase compared to the single-vote majority it achieved 12 years ago. The first congratulatory message was received from David Lammy, the UK Foreign Secretary.

He stated that Pakistan will actively contribute as a non-permanent member during its term and is currently engaged in discussions with permanent member states to finalize its agenda. Pakistan aims to play a proactive role in addressing global conflicts and plans to strongly advocate for the issues of Palestine, Kashmir, and Islamophobia at the UNSC.

He emphasized that it is the global community’s responsibility to implement UN resolutions on international conflicts. He expressed regret that the UN resolutions on Kashmir remained unimplemented.

Similarly, resolutions concerning the Gaza bombings have yielded no results, despite the tragic loss of over 40,000 Palestinian lives. Pakistan will persist in advocating for these issues across all forums, including the OIC, D8, and the UN.

Dar mentioned that he has already taken up the issues of Palestine, Kashmir, and Islamophobia at various forums.

Additionally, for the first time, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has appointed a special representative of the Secretary-General specifically to combat Islamophobia.

He noted that Pakistan has already sent nine consignments of medical and essential supplies to Palestine. Moreover, Pakistan has decided to continue the education of Palestinian medical students whose studies were interrupted or left incomplete by admitting them to complete their studies in Pakistani medical colleges.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that efforts are underway to quickly restore flights between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, which will benefit the Pakistani diaspora.

“We’ve updated laws to meet UK Aviation Authority standards to resolve the PIA flight issue,” Dar said. He also noted that a previous PTI minister’s statement had led to the grounding of Pakistani aircraft in Europe and the UK.

During his UK visit, Dar revealed plans to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and outsource Islamabad International Airport, aiming for completion by the 10th of next month. He stressed that Pakistan values its partnership with the UK, with the Pakistani diaspora being a key element of this relationship.

Discussing his meetings with UK ministers and others, he described his discussion with the British Foreign Secretary as highly positive, with both parties committed to elevating their bilateral strategic relations. With over 1.7 million Pakistanis residing in the UK and a trade volume exceeding four figures, the partnership is poised for significant growth.

He said that the incumbent government not only aims to grant voting rights to overseas Pakistanis but also seeks to allocate 5 to 7 special seats in Parliament for them. However, this requires a constitutional amendment, which would need the cooperation of other parties.

He mentioned that the current government plans to introduce a dedicated housing scheme in the federal capital for overseas Pakistanis through the Capital Development Authority (CDA), allowing them to own a plot or house there.

He stated that, through his efforts, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) of Pakistan has approved the long-awaited completion of the Mirpur-Islamgarh Bridge over the Mangla Dam, the country’s second largest reservoir, in response to the demand from the Kashmiri community.

Criticizing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government without naming it explicitly, he noted that the country’s economy, which was ranked 24th in 2017, fell to 42nd in subsequent years due to the inexperienced policies introduced after 2018. Electricity prices surged to nearly 47 per unit because of PTI’s misguided policies, which could have been around Rs15 per unit had the PML-N government not been overthrown in 2017.

He said that if the no-confidence motion against PTI had not succeeded, a default was inevitable. Nevertheless, he emphasized that Pakistan has the potential to reach new heights with dedication and effective use of its resources. He also condemned the May 9 incident as distressing, asserting that attacks on security installations are unacceptable.

He stated that Pakistan has the potential to rise. Currently, 24 State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are being privatized on a fast-track basis. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working tirelessly to revive the economy, with a focus on IT development and youth training. The country’s agriculture also has significant growth potential, while the judicial system requires improvement.