ISLAMABAD, OCT 9: /DNA/ – A high-profile Saudi investment delegation, led by Saudi Minister of Investment, Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Falih, has arrived in Pakistan for a three-day visit.

The delegation was warmly received at Noor Khan Airbase by Federal Ministers Dr. Musadik Malik, Jam Kamal Khan, and Abdul Aleem Khan.

The delegation includes officials and companies from sectors such as energy, mining, minerals, agriculture, business, tourism, and industry.

Business-to-business meetings with Pakistani companies are scheduled, and several agreements are expected to be signed.

Dr. Musadik Malik welcomed the delegation, emphasizing the importance of their visit for strengthening Pakistan-Saudi trade relations and highlighting the long-term economic benefits for Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 9 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has paid rich tribute to the Security Forces for foiling a terrorist attack on an FC check post in Zhob. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of Havaldar Jamshed Khan, who was martyred in the firing incident.

Mohsin Naqvi commended the bravery of security forces, saying, “I congratulate the brave personnel of the security forces for thwarting the attack and sending two terrorists to hell.” He further stated that security forces deserve appreciation for foiling the terrorists’ nefarious plans.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 9: Expressing deep concern over the upcoming three-day Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga organised by the recently-proscribed Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi warned that anyone found involved in facilitating the banned organisation would be dealt with iron fist.

“We will not allow parallel judicial system [in the country] in any case,” he said while addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The presser came days after the Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition government banned the Manzoor Pashteen-led PTM, citing risk to “peace and security”.

“The federal government having reasons to believe that the PTM is engaged in certain activities prejudicial to peace and security of the country […] is pleased to list the PTM in the First Schedule as a proscribed organisation,” read the notification issued by the Ministry of Interior.

The ban has been placed under Section 11B of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

Prior to the government’s move, the now-proscribed PTM had announced to hold a three-day Pashtoon Qaumi Jirga from October 11 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Khyber district.

Addressing the presser today, Naqvi said the government has no objection to the holding of jirga, but “bringing thousands of people isn’t called a jirga.”

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“On one hand, they are referring to the gathering as a jirga and on the other, they are portraying it as a court,” the minister said, warning that the government will now allow a parallel judicial system at any cost.

He pointed out that the ban was imposed as the PTM was involved in promoting rhetoric against state institutions and the government.

“No one has any objection to raising voice for rights, but attempts to stoke hatred and ethnic division cannot be tolerated,” he warned.

Furthermore, the security czar said that he was aware that the leaders from a few major political parties had met PTM leaders and expressed solidarity on the issue of rights, but they clarified that talking about rights while advocating picking up weapons was not possible.

Naqvi assured that the federal government was also ready to sit down and hold talks about human rights.

Following the ban, the minister said, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan governments placed 54 and 34 PTM members in the fourth schedule, respectively.

He said if an organisation is declared a proscribed entity, its offices are sealed, bank accounts closed, arms licenses, passports, and identity cards are cancelled, along with media and travel restrictions.

The interior minister made it clear that facilitators and abettors of the banned organisations will also face the same restrictions as per the law.

RAWALPINDI, OCT 9 /DNA/ – In early hours of 09 October 2024, a group of terrorists tried to attack a Frontier Corps’ Post in Zhob District.

The attempt to enter the camp was effectively thwarted by the security forces personnel, and resultantly two terrorists, including a suicide bomber and HVT Terrorist Umar @ Umari, were sent to hell, before they could cause the intended damage.

Terrorist Umar@ Umari was involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces as well as innocent civilians, including recent attack on convoy of Deputy Commissioner, Sherani.

However, during intense exchange of fire, Havildar Jamshed Khan (age: 39 years; resident of: Dera Bugti District), having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat.

Sanitization operation is being conducted to neutralize any other terrorist present in the area.

Security forces of Pakistan, in step with the nation, remain determined to thwart attempts at sabotaging peace, stability and progress of Balochistan, and such sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our resolve.

Shamim Shahid

PESHAWAR — Situation turned violent ad worst when police personnel Wednesday reportedly resorted to opening of fire against activists of banned Pushtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) assembled in connection with three days grand Pashtun Jirga at Ghundai-Reggi near Peshawar. 

Though  neither police nor any other from  civil administration said nothing about firing incident but banned PTM activists alleges that three persons were killed and 15 other injured. Killed PTM activists belong to Quetta, Bajaur and North Waziristan. Doctors  in Peshawar Hayatabad Medical Complex while confirming death of three said, conditions of several amongst eight injured still critical. Rescue 1122 also confirmed killing of three as a result of police firing.

Awami National Party MPA from Bajaur along with District Mardan Mayor Himayat Ullah Mayar also rushed to Hayatabad Medical Complex whereas he denounced killing of three youngsters who were begging nothing else but peace for Pushtoons.

 On the other hand, amidst frequent government acts and actions, banned Pushtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) continue its efforts in connection with grand three days Pakhtoon Jirga scheduled to be commenced from Friday. Early on Wednesday, police squads from both Peshawar and Khyber initiated action against venue of the Jirga, at Ghundai-Reggi connecting Jamrud Tehsil of Khyber with Peshawar and ejected the tents and other materials. 

The venue was bulldozed by law enforcing agencies after getting its occupation. However, later hundreds of banned PTM activists assembled on the site and they got back occupation of the site after resistance. But in the meantime, police personnel again resorted to firing against them, which caused injuries to several. The inured rushed to Jamrud Tehsil hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex where later three succumbed to injuries. So far no any official confirmed killing or injuring of any PTM activist. 

Besides deployment of heavy contingents of police on the site where three days Grand Jirga will be commenced from Friday, the law enforcing agencies blocked entry/proceeding of PTM activists to Peshawar from Baluchistan and almost districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Scores of PTM activists have been arrested throughout the province in last 24 hours. Barrister Saif advisor to Chief Minister has confirmed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated steps for the implementation of Federal Government decision regarding banning of PTM by imposition of Section 144 in Khyber and netting out of its leaders and members.  

ISLAMABAD, OCT 9 /DNA/ – Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan Ms. Mary O’Neill visited Higher Education Commission, Islamabad and met Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed. She was accompanied by a delegation including representatives from University College Dublin, the National University of Ireland, and Dublin City University.

The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for continued collaboration between the two countries in the higher education sector.

The Ambassador O’Neill, the first resident Irish Ambassador to Pakistan, briefed the Chairman on the opening of the first Irish Embassy in Pakistan and expressed appreciation for the contributions of the Pakistani community in Ireland, particularly in medicine and social services.

The Chairman reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to strengthening educational partnerships with Ireland, emphasizing the recognition of qualifications, faculty and student mobility, creation of scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students, and collaboration in joint research projects addressing shared challenges like climate change, water conservation, food security, and artificial intelligence.

The Ambassador thanked the Chairman for his support and dedication to advancing educational and scientific cooperation between Pakistan and Ireland.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 9 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing its reform agenda and meeting structural benchmarks to lend permanence to macroeconomic stability, promote inclusive, sustainable growth and end Pakistan’s reliance on external borrowing.

He made it clear that the only way this goal could be successfully achieved was by changing the DNA of the economy by moving it from away its usual boom-and-bust cycles and leading it to a sustained export-led growth encouraging investment and FDI flows into export-oriented sectors and getting access back to the international capital market.

He made this observation during a meeting with a high-level delegation from the Asian Development Bank that called on the Minister at Finance Division today. The visiting delegation was led by Mr. Donald Bobiash, Executive Director of Asian Development Bank and Mr. Shigeo Shimizu, Executive Director Asian Development Bank while Mr. Yong Ye, Country Director Asian Development Bank and other senior officers from the ADB and Finance Division were also present.

Senator Muhammad Auragzeb welcomed the delegation and shared with them a roundup of ongoing structural reforms and the resultant growth trajectory and improvement in key economic indicators.

He particularly highlighted an efficient management of twin deficits backed by buoyant remittances and healthy exports, a steep fall in inflation from a 38 pc high of last year to a 44-month low of 6.9 pc in September last, and reduction in the policy rate by 450 bps with expectations of more cuts in coming months.

The Minister also mentioned the stability in exchange rate, growth in forex reserves to $10.7 billion after the signing of the IMF accord and the stock exchange index crossing 85,000 figure to indicate a growing business confidence and favourable investment climate leading to further institutional flows into the country.  

He credited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with personally overseeing and spearheading the implementation of wide-ranging structural reforms in key sectors, including taxation, energy, SOEs, privatization, rightsizing of government and pension reforms.

He called the recent signing of a National Fiscal Pact between federation and the provinces a milestone in achieving harmony in driving the pace of structural reforms and incentivizing the provinces to mobilise greater tax resources, rationalize their development expenditures and improve their governance to meet the development goals.

Senator Muhammad Auragzeb thanked ADB for its continued support to Pakistan’s development agenda and its assistance provided in key sectors. He said Pakistan looked forward to further deepen its partnership with the ADB through enhanced assistance and support for its reform programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Donald Bobiash, Executive Director of Asian Development Bank, Mr. Shigeo Shimizu, Executive Director Asian Development Bank and other ADB officials expressed their appreciation for the bold reforms undertaken by Pakistan for stabilizing its economy and achieving sustainable growth. They reaffirmed ADB’s support for ongoing reforms and strengthening the country’s fiscal framework. They also assured the bank’s support for Pakistan’s development goals and its efforts for inclusive growth, innovation, and climate action.

ISLAMABAD, OCT 9: The Ministry of Finance issued a clarification on Wednesday regarding a previous statement about the Chinese citizens who were killed in a blast near Karachi airport.

“None of the two Chinese engineers were part of the ongoing talks regarding the independent power producers (IPPs),” the ministry said.

The statement came in the light of federal Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb’s account on the matter.

A report published by The News cited the finance czar as saying that he, along with Power Minister Awais Leghari, had led negotiations with the power companies by requesting them for debt re-profiling and extended maturity, due to which the government might bring a reduction in power tariff.

“The personnel of negotiating IPPs were attacked in Karachi,” Aurangzeb had said and termed it a highly unfortunate episode.

Three people, including two Chinese nationals, were killed in a suspected suicide attack near the Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night (October 6). The explosion also left dozens of others injured.

The government attributed the attack to the outlawed Majeed Brigade.

Authorities have detained nine individuals, including a woman, over suspicion in relation to the ongoing investigation into the deadly blast.

The incident drew a strong reaction from the country’s top leadership with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressing deep shock and sadness over the attack.

“Pakistan stands committed to safeguarding our Chinese friends. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure their security and well-being,” the premier said in a post on X.

Condemning the attack, the Chinese embassy confirmed that a convoy from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company was attacked near the airport.

The United States also condemned the attack, as State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, while addressing a news briefing in Washington, said: “We condemn the deadly attack near Karachi’s international airport and we are deeply saddened by the reported loss of life and injured victims.”

ISLAMABAD, OCT 9 /DNA/ – The British High Commission is amongst the earliest development partners to support the regions in Pakistan worst hit by floods.

Monsoon rains have caused extensive damage to the lives, livelihoods and vital infrastructure throughout Pakistan. There have been over 350 deaths, over 650 injuries and damage to over 78,000 homes in Pakistan. UK support is meeting the urgent humanitarian and early recovery needs of the most vulnerable affected families in the 13 worst hit districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan, Punjab and Sindh.

Working with Concern Worldwide led consortium and the World Food Programme (WFP), the UK are supporting over 130,000 affected families (approximately 900,000 individuals) through emergency relief and restoration of infrastructure and livelihoods. The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy’s, first speech in his role set out climate, nature and clean energy as top priorities for the UK.

Immediate support includes provision of temporary shelters, essential relief items as well as cash assistance for the affected families. Work has already begun to restore damaged drinking water and sanitation infrastructure, irrigation channels, remove debris, and restore damaged infrastructure. The agricultural industry was particularly affected by the floods, and the UK are helping to restore people’s livelihoods through supporting climate smart agriculture, livestock provision, and vocational skills training.

British High Commissioner, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, said:

‘Monsoon may be ending, but recovery has only just begun. Once again flooding has resulted in a loss of lives, livelihoods and destruction of infrastructure. We’re providing immediate relief and early recovery assistance to families whose lives have been overturned by these floods. But we’re also at the forefront of helping Pakistan improve its resilience against climate change, helping to prevent future disasters.’

Climate change is a priority for the UK Government. During the devastating floods of 2022, the UK helped over 2.3 million people, dedicating a total of £39 million in UK aid. The British public mobilised and raised £41.5m as part of the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal. Support included emergency cash assistance, shelter kits, nutritional support, learning kits and infrastructure repair.

The UK’s focus is on improving Pakistan’s longer term climate resilience, rather than purely responding to disasters. The UK has already helped 1.5 million people improve their resilience to extreme climate events, and aims to support a further 3 million people in the next 4-5 years.