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.

ISLAMABAD, SEP 7 (APP) – President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday paid tribute to the security forces for a successful operation against Khawarij and foiled a terrorist attack on FC Headquarters in Mohmand.

“Our security forces successfully eliminated all the four Khawarij involved in the attack,” the president said in a statement issued by the President’s House. He commended the security forces for eliminating all four terrorists involved in the attack.

President Zardari praised the security forces’ effective and courageous action against the terrorists, saying that the entire nation was proud of its brave soldiers who were always ready to defend the motherland. He reiterated that terrorists will not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs.

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 7: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has paid a tribute to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on the occasion of Air Force Day, celebrated annually on September 7.

In his message, the PM lauded the endless sacrifices and professionalism of the PAF, recalling the heroic actions of the pilots during the 1965 war.

Reflecting on the historic events of September 7, 1965, Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the courage and bravery displayed by the PAF, particularly when they were outnumbered by the enemy. “Despite facing overwhelming odds, the brave men of the Pakistan Air Force crushed the nefarious intentions of the enemy,” he stated.

The PM specifically mentioned the legendary PAF pilot MM Alam, who etched his name in history by destroying five enemy aircraft within a minute, a feat that remains unmatched.

“MM Alam’s extraordinary achievement not only crushed the pride of the enemy but also solidified the PAF’s reputation as a formidable force,” he said.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed the nation’s pride in the Pakistan Air Force and saluted the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country. “The entire nation is proud of our Air Force. We salute the martyrs of the PAF who laid down their lives in defense of our motherland,” he added.

Air Force Day is being celebrated with enthusiasm across the country today. Special ceremonies were held to honour the PAF’s contributions, including a solemn event at the grave of Rashid Minhas, a national hero and recipient of the Nishan-e-Haider, Pakistan’s highest military award.

Air Vice Marshal Aamir Shehzad, who holds the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz, was the special guest at the ceremony, which was also attended by Shaheed Rashid Minhas’ brother, Anjum Minhas.

The day serves as a reminder of the valor and dedication of the Pakistan Air Force, as the nation collectively honors the Shaheens who have defended the skies of Pakistan with unparalleled bravery.

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 7: The government is renegotiating contracts with independent power producers (IPP) to rein in “unsustainable” electricity tariffs, said the head of the power ministry, as households and businesses buckle under soaring energy costs.

Rising power tariffs have stirred social unrest and shuttered industries in the $350 billion economy, which has contracted twice in recent years as inflation hit record highs.

“The existing price structure of power in this country is not sustainable,” Federal Minister of Power Division Awais Leghari told Reuters in an interview on Friday.

He said discussions were underway between power producers and the government because “there is a clear understanding on both sides that the status quo can’t be maintained.”

Leghari stressed that all stakeholders would have to “give in to a certain point” — though without compromising completely on business sustainability — and this would have to be done “as soon as possible”.

Faced with chronic shortages a decade ago, dozens of private projects by IPPs were approved, financed mostly by foreign lenders. The incentivised deals included high guaranteed returns and commitments to even pay for unused power.

However, a sustained economic crisis has slashed power consumption, leaving the country with excess capacity that it needs to pay for.

Short of funds, the government has built those fixed costs and capacity payments into consumer bills, sparking protests by domestic users and industrial associations.

Four anonymous sources in the power sector told Reuters that changes to contracts demanded included slashing guaranteed returns, capping dollar rates and moving away from paying for unused power.

On Saturday, local media outlet Business Recorder said in a report citing sources that 24 conditions have been proposed for the transition of capacity based model to take-and-pay model.

However, Leghari told Reuters that no new draft agreements or specific demands had been officially sent to power companies and said the government would not force them to sign new watered-down contracts.

“We would sit and talk to them in a civil and professional manner,” he said, adding that the government has always maintained contractual obligations to investors, both foreign and local.

He said contract revisions would be by “mutual consent”.

Energy sector viability was the focus of a critical staff-level pact in May with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $7bn bailout. The IMF’s staff report stressed the need to revisit power deals.

Talks on reprofiling power sector debt owed to China as well as negotiations on structural reforms had already initiated but progress has been slow. Pakistan has also committed to stop power sector subsidies.

Leghari said current rates were not affordable for domestic or commercial consumers and this was hurting growth because power prices were no longer regionally competitive, putting critical exports at a disadvantage.

He said the aim was to bring tariffs down to nine US cents per unit for commercial users from about 28 cents currently.

Mahnoor Ansar

ISLAMABAD: In a vibrant celebration of culture, artistry, and women’s empowerment, Serena Hotels, under its Culture Diplomacy initiative, has collaborated with Nomad Gallery to organize a two-day Crafts Festival on the 7th and 8th of September 2024 that will showcase Pakistan’s rich artistic heritage. This festival marks a significant milestone as Nomad Gallery celebrates 40 years of creating a space for artistic voices and supporting women’s empowerment within the cultural community.

The festival will also feature the beauty of the Kalash people and their cultural contributions with the screening of the award-winning documentary “Discovering Greater Chitral”, which celebrates the natural beauty and heritage of the region.

The crafts festival will offer a dynamic showcase of handicrafts, textiles, design aesthetics, and contemporary art, focusing on women’s economic empowerment and cultural preservation. Artisans and women entrepreneurs from regions across Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Kashmir, will present exquisite creations such as jewelry and textiles, reflecting Pakistan’s diverse artistic traditions.

H.E. Georg Steiner, the Swiss Ambassador to Pakistan, inaugurated the festival as the guest of honor. Speaking on the occasion, he said: “Art and culture are powerful tools for promoting mutual understanding and strengthening the ties between communities. This festival is an excellent platform to showcase the creativity and strength of Pakistan’s artisans, especially women who are using their craft to drive economic and social change “.

As part of Serena Hotels’ Culture Diplomacy initiative, this Crafts Festival is an indication to the continuing commitment to preserving cultural heritage and empowering communities. Through its extensive CSR programs, Serena Hotels has long supported the development of sustainable tourism and cultural preservation, providing platforms for artisans and entrepreneurs to thrive.

KARACHI,  Sep 6: A graceful ceremony for induction of MILGEM Class Corvette PNS BABUR and Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS HUNAIN was held at PN Dockyard Karachi. President of Pakistan, MrAsif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

PNS BABUR is a multipurpose Ship built and commissioned at Istanbul Naval Shipyard on 23 Sep 23. PNS HUNAIN, an Offshore Patrol Vessel was built and commissioned at DAMEN Shipyard, Romania on 25 Jul 24.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Guest dilated upon the precarious geo-strategic environment in the Indian Ocean and the need to have a potent Naval force to counter growing traditional and non-traditional challenges. He remarked that induction of state of the art ships on Defence Day of Pakistan is a milestone achievement. He reiterated that induction of these ships in PN Fleet will consolidate and enable the Fleet to meet its ever-growing operational responsibilities. The Chief Guest also mentioned that PN Ships BABUR and HUNAIN equipped with state of the art weapons, sensors and robust machinery, will In Sha Allah serve Pakistan Navy for years to come. Chief Guest formally handed over the ships’ scrolls to the Commander Pakistan Fleet which marked the induction of PN Ships BABUR and HUNAIN in PN Fleet.

In his welcome address, the Chief of the Naval Staff termed the induction of these ships in PN Fleet as a major milestone in capacity building of PN Fleet. He acknowledged the government’s full support for providing best possible resources for this purpose. He also acknowledged the professional competence of M/s ASFAT, Istanbul Shipyard, DAMEN Shipyard Galati Romania and the entire project team for delivering potent ships which showcased the deep rooted friendship and cooperation between friendly countries.

The ceremony was also attended by HE Mr Bilal Burdali, Deputy Minister of National Defence Turkiye, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of the Naval Staff, senior reps of construction yards, political leadership and high ranking officials of the Armed Forces.