Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins called for the development of budget-friendly accommodations in the area

Ansar M Bhatti

ISLAMABAD: Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins highlighted that uninterrupted flights to Gilgit-Baltistan could significantly boost tourism in the region. He noted that Gilgit-Baltistan is blessed with natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for both local and international tourists.

Hawkins made these remarks during the launch event of “Reverie of Highlands” by Gaynor Shaw at the Islamabad Serena Hotel. Gaynor Shaw, wife of former Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Geoffrey Shaw, traveled from Australia to attend the event.

The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges and the role of such works in fostering understanding and appreciation between nations. He also urged the government of Pakistan to address the frequent cancellations of flights to Gilgit, which force tourists to travel by road—a challenging option, especially for older visitors.

Hawkins acknowledged the fragile ecology of the region, noting that while tourism brings economic benefits, it also comes with environmental costs. He called for the development of budget-friendly accommodations, as not everyone can afford to stay in five-star hotels. Additionally, he stressed the need for efforts to maintain the pristine environment, highlighting that rubbish and waste in some areas detract from the region’s natural beauty.

In conclusion, Hawkins expressed that with a little attention and effort, Gilgit-Baltistan could become a world-class tourist destination, particularly appealing to international visitors.

Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, underscored the hotel’s commitment to supporting cultural and literary initiatives, marking the formal launch of this remarkable publication.

Serena Hotels, under the banner of Cultural Diplomacy, hosted the book launch of “Reverie of Highlands” by Gaynor Shaw at the Islamabad Serena Hotel. The event celebrated Shaw’s journey through the northern regions of Pakistan, capturing the enchanting landscapes, vibrant culture, and resilient people through her lens as an artist and photographer. The book launch was attended by diplomats, cultural patrons, tourism enthusiasts, and members of the literary community, making it a significant cultural event.

Gaynor Shaw, the wife of former Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr. Geoffrey Shaw, has artfully documented her experiences and insights in this compelling book.

“Reverie of Highlands” is a tribute to the beauty and diversity of Pakistan’s northern areas, reflecting her deep connection and appreciation for the region.

Former Pakistani diplomat Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry shared his impressions of the book, highlighting its significance in promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage, followed by an inspiring speech from Shaw herself, offering insights into her journey and the creation of her book.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6: The crescent moon for Muharram has not been sighted in Pakistan and the first day of the month will fall on Monday (July 8), Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad announced on Saturday.

Accordingly, Ashura — the 10th day of Muharram will fall on July 17.

The announcement was made after the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee met in Quetta to sight the crescent of Muharramul Haram 1446 Hijri.

Chairman of the moon-sighting body Maulana Abdul Khabir presided over the meeting to sight the moon of the first month of the Islamic calendar.

The meetings of zonal and district bodies of the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will also simultaneously be held at their respective headquarters.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted unlikelyness of Muharram moon sighting today due to partly cloudy or cloudy weather in most parts of the country as the moon-sighting body gets busy.

The Met Office had said that the new moon would be born on the crossing conjunction point at 03:57 PST on July 6.

Muharram is regarded as one of the four sacred Islamic months. Ashura falls on its 10th day when grandson of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his family members were martyred in the battle of Karbala.

Faithful hold processions and majalis across the country in Muharram, while religious scholars address huge gatherings amid tight security, with thousands of law enforcers deployed to ensure security.

To curb the spread of hate material on the internet, the provincial governments have sought the suspension of six social media applications for about a week during Muharram so that security is not compromised.

Moreover, Sindh government has banned 143 ulema and zakireen for 60 days as part of security measures during the month of Muharram, while Punjab government has requisitioned the services of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers while announcing a ban on pillion riding across the province.

However, the federal government has not yet taken any decision to suspend internet services during Muharram, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior Friday said.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6: A delegation of domestic and foreign petroleum and gas exploration and production companies met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, leading to them announcing a substantial investment of $5 billion in Pakistan over the next three years.

The prime minister has directed relevant authorities to prioritize resolving all issues related to the sector.

Expressing their confidence in Prime Minister Sharif’s leadership, the companies committed to investing $5 billion to enhance Pakistan’s petroleum and gas exploration efforts. Delegation members praised the PM for his serious attention to the sector, acknowledging his efforts in consulting with industry stakeholders, addressing their concerns, and finding solutions.

“Thank you for making us part of the consultation process, listening to our problems and finding solutions,” they said.

During the meeting, it was revealed that 240 drilling sites will be explored over the next three years. The PM invited petroleum and gas companies to explore offshore reserves, emphasizing that local exploration of oil and gas is a top priority for Pakistan.

“Exploration of oil and gas reserves at the local level in Pakistan is our first priority,” he observed, noting that the country spends billions annually on importing oil and gas, and local production could save valuable foreign exchange while making fuel and gas more affordable for the common man.

PM Sharif directed the authorities concerned to provide solutions to all the problems of the petroleum and gas sector on a priority basis.

To ensure the smooth operation and development of the sector, the PM formed a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. This committee, comprising officials concerned, secretaries, and experts, will formulate policy proposals for the exploration and development of oil and gas reserves.

The PM reiterated his commitment to providing solutions for all the challenges faced by the petroleum and gas sector on a priority basis, aiming to boost local production and reduce dependency on imports.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6: The PTI has postponed its power show, which was set to be held in Islamabad’s Tarnol at 6pm today, after the district administration cancelled the no-objection certificate issued to the party.

Earlier this week, the PTI moved the Islamabad High Court to obtain the NOC from the administration. On Thursday, the IHC disposed of the petition when the state counsel claimed that the NOC had already been granted for the rally.

However, the Islamabad administration in an official press release issued on Friday, without naming the party, stated the NOC for the “political gathering” had been cancelled due to “security issues”.

It said the NOC issued by the deputy commissioner was reviewed afresh in the wake of security concerns and the chief commissioner while keeping in view the current security situation, the advent of Muharram, security concerns and reports of law enforcement agencies, decided to cancel the certificate issued for the political gathering.

While speaking to reporters late last night, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan had stated that his party would go ahead with the planned meeting “come what may”.

In a press conference alongside PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan today, Ayub announced that the party had decided to postpone the rally. “God willing […] we will hold it after Ashura through a legal process,” he said.

“Not just this jalsa, we will hold several other rallies in Lahore, Karachi and other cities,” he stated. “Don’t force us towards a mass agitation,” Ayub warned.

He said that coordinates for the Tarnol rally had been given to the party by the district administration. “Our preparations were underway until late last night … but then the police sealed the site and the deputy commissioner cancelled the NOC,” he lamented.

“What was the deputy commissioner on? Were you not in your senses while signing the order? Did you not think of Muharram then?” the PTI leader asked.

At the outset of the media briefing, Barrister Gohar claimed that several PTI workers had been picked up in recent days, vowing to take the matter before the court. “We strongly condemn this state brutality,” he said.

“This government […] will only last a few days. God willing, our struggle for democracy will continue,” he added.

Contempt petition
Earlier in the day, the party filed a petition in the IHC seeking contempt proceedings against the Islamabad district administration and police.

The plea, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, named Islamabad chief commissioner, deputy commissioner, inspector general of police, senior superintendent of police (operations), and the SHOs of Tarnol and Ramna police stations as respondents.

It stated that the party had approached the IHC for the NOC to hold the rally and during the course of the hearing the court was told that permission had been granted for the same.

The plea pointed out that the Islamabad police had arrested PTI Islamabad region’s president Amir Mughal outside the deputy commissioner’s office a day ahead of the planned power show.

“All the respondents have started creating hindrance in holding jalsa having connivance with each other from the start of issuance of NOC,” it stated adding that a number of PTI workers were also harassed.

The petition further said that the reasons cited for the cancellation of the NOC were “malafide”, “based on ulterior motives”, a result of “political victimisation” and a “clear contempt” of the court orders.

It subsequently prayed that contempt proceedings should be initiated against the respondents and the party should be allowed to hold the rally as per the NOC. It also requested that the authorities should be restrained from harassing PTI workers.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 6: Former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday said that “tainted” politicians will not be part of the newly launched political party “Awaam Pakistan”.

“Politicians with tainted reputations will not be a part of Awaam Pakistan,” Khaqan said while speaking at a press conference in Islamabad flanked by his former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders Miftah Ismail and Mehtab Abbasi.

The party’s launching comes as Khaqan, along with Miftah, ex-Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) member Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar had parted ways from their former parties after developing differences with their leadership in recent months

With the trio hinting at establishing a new political platform for months, Abbasi, in April of this year, approached the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the registration of a new political party.

The party’s today’s launch was announced last month by Miftah, who while speaking to Geo News, said that their party aimed to change the entire governance system of the country with the masses as core sources of decision-making.

‘Predatory system cannot continue’
Speaking at the occasion, Miftah said that the existing “predatory” system cannot continue in the country.

“Are you running East India Company,” Miftah said, adding: “This system of the hunter and the hunted cannot continue.”

Lambasting the federal government for its budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, the ex-finance czar said that those earning merely Rs50,000 per month are asked to pay tax, but no tax is demanded from the one owning thousands of acres of land.
“The tax on the salaried class has been doubled in the budget […] the middle class is being crushed,” Miftah said, stressing that the budget in essence is a reflection of the ruling elite’s priorities.

The ex-minister’s comments refer to the tax-heavy Finance Bill 2024, which was assented by President Asif Ali Zardari last week, wherein the government has set out a challenging tax revenue target of Rs13 trillion for the year starting July 1, up about 40% from the current year to strengthen the case for a new rescue deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The rise in the tax target is made up of a 48% increase in direct taxes and a 35% hike in indirect taxes over revised estimates of the current year. Non-tax revenue, including petroleum levies, is seen increasing by a whopping 64%.

Addressing the recently announced anti-terrorism drive “Operation Azm-e-Istehkam,” the politician said: “Today we are going to conduct another operation […] why these operations are needed again and again because you cannot end poverty.”

His remarks come as the federal cabinet last week approved the launch of the counter-terrorism operation following the National Action Plan’s Central Apex Committee’s recommendations to root out militance from the country.

With opposition parties voicing concerns over the anti-terror operation, the government has decided to convene an all-parties conference (APC) “to gain political parties’ confidence” over its decision.