ISLAMABAD, Feb 16 /DNA/ – Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan hosted female heads of various missions in Islamabad. Seen in the picture are Ambassador of Italy, Ambassador of Philippines, High Commissioners of Canada and Kenya, Ambassador of the European Union, Charge d Affaires of India and High Commissioner of United Kingdom. -DNA
EU to organize family-focused festival ‘EuroVillage’
ISLAMABAD, Feb 15 (DNA):The European Union and its Member States will organize the popular, family-focused festival ‘EuroVillage’ on February 17 at Jinnah Convention Center, Islamabad.
“The doors of the family event will open at 2 pm to welcome the Pakistani public to get a taste of European food, culture, music, and sustainable actions,” said a news release issued here on Thursday.
The EU and Member States are centering this year’s celebration around the theme of co-creating a sustainable future.
Titled “Stronger Together – Sustainable Forever,” the event aims to showcase the 60+ years of a strong connection between the EU and Pakistan.
This celebration underscores the collaborative partnership in development, economics, culture, research and education, and political engagement, demonstrating how the EU and Pakistan are stronger together.
EuroVillage is co-organized by the diplomatic missions of the European Union and of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Spain.
It will include information and activity booths for both adults and children with interactive games, selfie corners, food, and an opportunity to meet the diplomatic teams and learn about areas of our evolving partnership.
The event will feature live performances by European performers and Pakistani artists including Farhan Saeed and
Qurat-ul-ain Baloch.
A Paradigm Shift in Pakistani Politics
Dr. Muhammad AkramZaheer
Last week in Pakistan, something surprising happened in the big national election. Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), won more votes than anyone expected. This unexpected win has made many people worried about what might happen next in the country. People are concerned that this could lead to more confusion and problems in the government. Imran Khan has been a well-known figure in Pakistani politics for a long time. He leads PTI and has promised to bring in a new and better way of running the country, with transparency, accountability, and economic growth. However, the election results have made people doubtful and anxious. Many are questioning whether the election process itself can be trusted. The national election had been delayed for a long time, creating uncertainty and suspicion among the people. Delays in elections often make people not trust the process, and the long wait had made many wonder why it was postponed in the first place. The sudden turn of events in favor of PTI has only added to these doubts, creating an atmosphere of political uncertainty that might harm the stability of the nation. One major worry about PTI’s unexpected win is that it might lead to more political problems. A sudden change in who holds power can make the country’s political institutions shaky, which could affect how the government works and puts policies into action. Without a clear decision from the voters, existing challenges could become even more difficult to handle, leaving the country in a state of political uncertainty.The surprising outcome has also raised questions about the health of Pakistan’s democracy. Democracy relies on openness, fair play, and accepting the results of elections. PTI’s unexpected victory has led to claims of irregularities and manipulation from other parties, making people doubt if the results are legitimate. Such accusations can make people lose trust in the democratic process, making them doubt the power of their vote to bring about real change.
Before the election, people thought that no party would get the most seats in the National Assembly. Many expected Nawaz Sharif’s party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), to get the most seats and easily make a government with the help of other parties. On the other hand, Imran Khan’s PTI faced challenges from the military, which affected its chances. Surprisingly, independent candidates linked to PTI won the most seats, giving them the chance to create a new government. This unexpected result has created uncertainty and might cause more political issues in Pakistan. The voter turnout was about 47%, which is higher than usual for Pakistan but lower than the previous election in 2018. The National Assembly has 336 seats, and the election was for 266 seats. PTI got the most seats with 92, followed by PML-N with 77, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) with 54, and MuttahidaQomi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) with 17. PTI, officially banned, is expected to join forces with an approved party to combine their votes. The election results have divided political forces into two camps. PTI, claiming election manipulation, plans to appeal to the courts and protest peacefully. PML-N, the other camp, is negotiating with other parties to create a coalition government. PML-N seems to have a clearer path to getting the majority needed to govern.
The military seems to be the biggest loser in the election. The results show that the public is angry at the military’s involvement in the election process. The military, which hasn’t faced such criticism since 1970, is now on the defensive. Despite strong arguments between PTI’s leader and the military, some repairing of relations might be needed for PTI’s leader to regain freedom and office. However, it is likely that Pakistan will end up with a weak and unstable coalition government. This government may struggle to address the significant economic, social, and environmental issues facing the country. Both PTI and PML-N, whether in government or opposition, may spend much of their time questioning the legitimacy of the government and demanding new elections, making the 2024 national election another challenge for Pakistan’s democracy.
CJP comes down hard on army over its businesses
Army should do its work and courts will do their job, remarks CJP Qazi Faez Isa
Court Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would only work on defence-related matters and not run any business.
The assurance was sought from CJP Isa during a hearing of a petition filed against commercial activity being done on military land.
During the hearing, CJP Isa remarked that the army was conducting business and had set up marriage halls on military lands. He then sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would remain the “protector” and not do any business.
“Can you get this assurance?” CJP Isa asked the attorney general. He also added that everyone should work as per their mandate.
“The army should do its own work and courts will do their job,” said CJP Isa.
In response, AGP Mansoor Usman Awan stated that as per principle, everyone should do their job.
However, CJP Isa insisted that if the AGP had the directives then he should give the assurance to the court.
On this point lawyer for the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) intervened and told the court that the building from which the dispute started belonged to his client. He added that the allottees sold the land based on fake documents and now a five-story building sits there.
At this, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that the ETPB was a bystander when the five-story building was being constructed.
However, CJP Isa observed that it would not have been possible without the involvement of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). He then further remarked that the assets of officers above the rank of inspector at the SBCA should be checked.
“The Karachi sub registry’s assets should also be audited by the FBR. The residents of demolished buildings should receive money from all assets beyond means,” said the CJP. He also added that the Sindh government would never do an inquiry on this.
On this point, the director general of the SCBA appeared in court and the CJP inquired how many inspectors and officers were part of the department.
The DG informed the court that currently there are 1,400 employees with the SCBA out of which 600 are building inspectors and 300 are senior inspectors.
LHC grants bail to Elahi
Abid Raza
Lahore: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday granted PTI President Parvez Elahi bail in a case pertaining to an alleged illegal appointment made in the Punjab Assembly during his recent stint as the chief minister.
Initially taken into custody on June 1 last year, the former Punjab CM has faced a series of releases and re-arrests, and has remained in detention ever since. The legal challenges coincided with the state’s crackdown on the PTI that followed the violent May 9 protests that saw important government and military installations vandalised.
The case at hand pertains to the alleged illegal appointment of Muhammad Khan Bhatti as the principal secretary to the chief minister during Elahi’s tenure as the Punjab CM.
However, Elahi is not expected to be released as he is still under arrest in other cases.
Today, Justice Shehram Sarwar Chaudhary presided over the hearing while Advocate Amir Saeed Rawn and Farman Munis appeared as Elahi’s counsels.
During the hearing, Rawn informed the court that a judicial magistrate had discharged Bhatti from the case.
He argued that the notification for Bhatti’s appointment as the principal secretary had been issued by the Punjab chief secretary before Elahi assumed the role of the CM.
Rawn said that the provincial chief secretary had not been made a respondent in the case, adding that the case was filed on a “political basis”.
Subsequently, the court granted Elahi bail against surety bonds worth Rs100,000.
Kashmir Dispute Spotlighted: Ambassador Khan addresses human rights concerns at Belarus university event
Minsk, 14 FEB (DNA) – Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan held an interaction with the faculty and students of the Belarus State Economic University on 13 February 2024. The two and half hour long event was attended by over 120 students and ten faculty members.
The theme of the discourse “Challenges to Peace & Security and Economic Development in South Asia”, also included an introduction to Pakistan & its Foreign Policy as well as Pakistan-Belarus relations. The genesis of Kashmir Dispute & the ongoing human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir was particularly highlighted. A short documentary on Pakistan was also shown to the students. The students were also served with a few Pakistani delicacies.
Prior to the lecture, The Ambassador also held a meeting with the First Vice-Rector of the University, and discussed possibilities of forging institutional collaborations with the Pakistani institutions. The two sides also agreed to hold similar interactions in the future as well.
Ramiz Raja returns as commentary panel announced for PSL 9
Former Pakistan captain and renowned commentator Ramiz Raja has returned to the commentary panel for the ninth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Meanwhile, former Australian captain Michael Clarke is also set to make his PSL debut as a commentator. Clarke, aged 42, has been an active broadcaster since retiring as a player.
The lineup of foreign commentators includes the dynamic Ian Bishop, known for his insightful and captivating commentary, alongside Danny Morrison, Simon Doull, Pommie Mbangwa, Mark Butcher, Dominic Cork, and Mike Haysman.
Bishop will make his second appearance in the PSL after calling the 2017 season. Mbangwa will return after calling the 2022 edition of the PSL. Butcher, Cork, and Haysman are also synonymous with the PSL, and they will bring excitement to the tournament with their voices and thrilling calls with the mic in hand.
Alongside Ramiz, the Pakistani commentators also form an exciting lineup with Waqar Younis, Bazid Khan, and Aamir Sohail joining Urooj Mumtaz, Sana Mir, and Marina Iqbal. Tariq Saeed and Ali Younis will provide commentary in Urdu. Erin Holland and Zainab Abbas will be the presenters during PSL 9.
On the other hand, PSL production is set to maintain its broadcasting standards this season as well. A total of 30 high-definition cameras, including the buggy cam, will stream high-quality action to PSL fans around the world. Spidercam will not only bring dynamic angles to TV audiences but has also been upgraded with microphone and speaker enhancements for conducting on-field player interviews during the matches.
The DRS technology will be available throughout the PSL, while drone cameras will be used to enhance the quality of streaming. Fans will see a change in on-screen graphics during the matches with the integration of revamped augmented reality graphics and player video headshots.
It must be noted that PSL 9 will be held in four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — with the final of the event taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on March 18.
Like the previous edition, the PSL 9 will take place in two legs with Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosting 14 matches between them from February 17 to 27. The action then moves to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where 16 matches will be held from February 28 to March 12. The event will then move to Karachi in its entirety for the playoffs.
Indigenization is a top policy of naval headquarters: Naveed Ashraf
KARACHI, FEB 14 /DNA/ – Achieving another milestone in indigenous submarine development project at Pakistan, the Keel Laying Ceremony of second HANGOR Class Submarine was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW). Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
As per the defence agreement between Pakistan and China for development of 08 x HANGOR Class Submarines, 04 submarines are under construction at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry in China whereas remaining 04 are being built at KS&EW under Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement. This is the 2nd Submarine to undergo Keel Laying at KS&EW. Earlier, in Dec 2022, Keel Laying of first Submarine was successfully undertaken and currently it is at advanced stage of construction.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf said that it is a matter of great pride to witness the Keel Laying of HANGOR Class Submarine at Karachi Shipyard in collaboration with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co. Ltd (M/s CSOC). He lauded the joint efforts and performance of Ministry of Defence Production, Pakistan Navy, Karachi Shipyard (KS&EW) and M/s CSOC for construction of these Submarines. Chief of the Naval Staff highlighted that indigenization is a top priority of Naval Headquarters policy which is being manifested by construction of these state of the art Submarines at KS&EW.
Earlier during his welcome address, the Managing Director KS&EW, Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas highlighted that Karachi Shipyard is fully cognizant and completely aligned with the goals set forth by Government and Pakistan Navy in pursuing self-reliance in submarine construction. These submarines are a testimony of our commitment to this national cause. He also thanked Ministry of Defense Production and Pakistan Navy for their continued support and cooperation in realizing various projects at hand.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of Embassy of China, M/s CSOC (China), M/s WSIG (China) and other high-ranking government officials including distinguished guests from MoDP and armed forces of Pakistan.
Nawaz sacrifices PM slot for his daughter Maryam
The prevailing uncertainty surrounding the election results may have prompted Nawaz Sharif to reconsider his political position and thus not to present himself as the next prime minister of Pakistan
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif appears to have made a strategic move by relinquishing his prime ministership, potentially paving the way for his daughter, Maryam Nawaz, to be nominated for the Chief Minister position in Punjab. Analysts speculate that Nawaz’s decision may have been influenced by advice to step back due to the contested nature of his election to the national assembly seat. There is a concern that an unfavorable decision could pose challenges for him.
Another contributing factor to Nawaz Sharif’s change of stance is the lackluster performance of the PML-N in the general elections. Preliminary reports suggest that the party secured only 30 to 40 seats. While these reports await confirmation, it is evident that a significant number of losing candidates have turned to the courts to challenge the election outcomes. The prevailing uncertainty surrounding the election results may have prompted Nawaz Sharif to reconsider his political position and thus not to present himself as the next prime minister of Pakistan.
Over the course of history, the relationship between Nawaz Sharif and the Establishment has consistently proven to be tumultuous, marked by frequent conflicts that have led to the overthrow of Nawaz Sharif’s government on three separate occasions, either through military intervention or judicial processes. Given this historical backdrop, the anticipation was high that the dynamics between these two entities would continue to be strained in the recent political scenario.
It was foreseeable that the powers-that-be were inclined to keep Nawaz Sharif away from the prime minister’s office once again, considering the challenges and conflicts that had arisen in the past. This recurrent pattern suggested a deep-rooted difficulty in the coexistence of Nawaz Sharif and the Establishment.
Even amidst uncertainties surrounding the amicable coexistence between Maryam Nawaz and the Establishment, given her historically assertive stance, it remains crucial to observe the trajectory of their relationship in the days ahead. The Sharif family, by retaining key positions, may face criticism, particularly concerning the concentration of power within their ranks.
Notably, Aleem Khan, the IPP President and a candidate for the chief minister role, seems to have diminished prospects based on recent developments. The evolving political landscape demands a nuanced analysis of power dynamics and potential repercussions for both Maryam Nawaz and the broader political landscape. The dynamics between key figures and the distribution of roles within the Sharif family will undoubtedly be subject to scrutiny, shaping the narrative and perceptions in the coming days.
