Govt to meet all requirements of IDPs, says Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD: In order to avoid donors’ fatigue, Pakistan will not make any formal request to multilateral or bilateral donors for seeking financial assistance to help over half a million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the wake of ongoing military operation in North Waziristan Agency (NWA).

Instead of seeking donors’ assistance, the government has decided to meet all requirements of IDPs through its own domestic resources.“Without seeking formal request to the donors, assistance of the multilateral and bilateral creditors and friends will be welcomed,” added the sources.

Pakistan’s military has launched operation against Taliban and their supporters to flush them out from NWA region that caused displacement of over half a million IDPs in Bannu area.“The government has taken the decision in principle that it will meet all requirements of IDPs from its own resources and formal request to donors’ assistance will not be sought. We have so far provided over Rs 2 billion and will also meet upcoming requirements.

The government has deducted one day salary of all public sector employees getting salary from federal budget that generated more than Rs 350 million,” official sources confirmed to The News here on Monday.

When contacted to Federal Minister for Finance and Revenues, Ishaq Dar confirmed to The News on Monday that the government was meeting all requirements would continue it for all IDPs in future as well.

However, high-ups in Finance Ministry told this scribe that the government so far released over Rs 2 billion for IDPs and more resources would be earmarked to meet their requirements.“We have also met financial requirements of Armed Forces to conduct this operation and will also meet the financial requirements for IDPs,” said the official.

So far 572,529 people, belonging to 44,633 families have been registered as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which started on June 15th. The UAE Government has released an assistance of $ 20.5 million for the IDPs on humanitarian grounds, while US has extended an assistance of $ 31 million. Finance Ministry has released Rs. 2 billion so far for providing relief to the IDPs. Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet has approved 60,000 tons of wheat costing Rs. 2.8 billion for distribution among the IDPs.

When inquired why the government was not making formal request through flash appeal of UN for IDPs assistance, the sources said that the government knew about donors’ fatigue keeping in view experience obtained by Islamabad as result of floods in 2010 and 2011.“This decision has been taken at the top level to avoid seeking official help from the donors but if someone comes forward they will be welcomed,” concluded the sources.

Only election tribunals can meet Imran’s demand, says ECP

 

ISLAMABAD: As the PTI chief Imran Khan shows his intent to even go to the extent of dissolving the KP government if his demand for verification of votes in four constituencies is not met, the Election Commission of Pakistan has categorically said that such a decision could only be taken by the Election Tribunals and no one else.
Without going into the political aspects of the matter, Secretary ECP Ishtiaq Ahmad told The News here on Wednesday that what the PTI was demanding with respect to the recounting of votes in four NA constituencies purely fell in the jurisdiction of Election Tribunals.

As per the law and the Constitution, the secretary ECP explained, the verification of the votes and their recounting could only be ordered by the Election Tribunals. When asked if the government or the Election Commission could do this as demanded by the PTI, the ECP secretary said that he had explained what the law and the Constitution says.

Under the law, he said the ECP can order recounting and even re-election in any constituency where it is convinced of prima facie irregularity but it could be done only within 60 days of the elections. After the lapse of this period all such matters have to be dealt by the Election Tribunals.

Although Ishtiaq Ahmad avoided to directly respond to the question if the government or the ECP could seek re-counting or re-election on their own, another senior official of the Commission on condition of not being named said that it could not happen under the law and the constitution.

The source added that neither the government has any legal or constitutional right to refer such a matter to the ECP nor the Commission has any mandate to entertain such a request from the government.

Under the law only the Election Tribunals, and not the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) or the government, are empowered to order rechecking, recounting or verification of any poll related documents to ascertain their authenticity.

Section 46 of the Representation of Peoples Act (ROPA) 1976 envisages that a tribunal may order inspection of any counted ballot papers or opening of packets of counterfoils and certificates.

The law says that such an order may be made subject to such conditions as to persons, time, place and mode of inspection, production of documents and opening of packets as the concerned tribunal may think expedient. In making and carrying into effect an order for the inspection of counted ballot papers, care will be taken that no vote will be disclosed until it has been held by the tribunal to be invalid.

Where such an order is passed, the production by the ECP of any document in such manner as may be directed will be conclusive evidence that the document relates to that specific election, according to the law. Any endorsement on any ballot papers or their packet papers or documents so made available will be prima facie evidence that the ballots or documents are what the endorsement states them to be.

The National Database & Registration Authority (Nadra), which has expressed its readiness to do verification of thumb impressions, will come into play to do this job only if an Election Tribunal ordered so.

It can’t do so on its own or on the direction of the government. The ECP also has no authority to seek such authentication under the law.Any person aggrieved by the decision of a tribunal may, within 30 days, appeal to the Supreme Court.

Under Section 103AA of ROPA, if, from facts apparent on the face of the record and after such summary inquiry as it may deem necessary, the ECP is satisfied that, by reason of grave illegalities or violation of the ROPA or the rules, the poll in any constituency ought to be declared void, it may make a declaration accordingly and order re-election. While exercising this power, the ECP will be deemed to be a tribunal to which an election petition has been presented.

But, according to ROPA, the ECP may exercise this power before the expiration of 60 days after publication of the name of the concerned returned candidate in the official gazette. Where it does not finally dispose of such a case within this period, the election of such contestant will be deemed to have become final, subject to a decision of a tribunal.

Indian PM Modi to meet Obama in September: reports

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Washington for his first meeting with President Barack Obama in September, media reports said Thursday, as the two leaders look to re-build strained ties.

Modi, who assumed office last month after a landslide election victory, has accepted the invitation from Obama for discussions and the dates for the meeting were being finalised, the Times of India newspaper said.

The Hindustan Times said the Indian side had asked for the meeting to be held on September 26, around the time of Modi´s maiden address at the UN General Assembly. "All pending bilateral issues will be discussed in the one-day meeting as Modi is keen to push the relationship forward for its economic returns for India," the English-language daily said, quoting sources.

The election of the Hindu nationalist Modi, 63, posed a headache for the United states which refused him a visa in 2005 when he was chief minister of Gujarat.

The refusal stemmed from claims he turned a blind eye to anti-Muslim riots in the western state three years earlier that killed some 1,000 people. Modi denies the allegations.

A senior official in the Indian foreign ministry refused to comment on the reports about the meeting in Washington but said a press statement was likely to be issued later in the day.

Relations between Washington and New Delhi were thrown into crisis by the arrest of an Indian diplomat in New York on charges of breaking visa laws by underpaying her maid last December.

The episode, which drew a furious reaction from New Delhi, was a blow to efforts to build a strategic partnership between the world´s biggest democracies who both view China´s rise with suspicion.

Modi has displayed no rancour publicly about the visa ban by Washington, telling an interviewer before his election that foreign relations "should not and cannot be influenced by incidents related to individuals".

His top campaign promise has been on the economy, and he courted Western investors in Gujarat even while governments shunned him.

Shujaat, Pervez Elahi, Qadri meet in London

LONDON: Pakistan Muslim League-Q leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Pervez Elahi met Awami Tehreek leader Dr Tahirul Qadri on Friday.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting Qadri said that the prevailing system in Pakistan was against the aspiration of people of Pakistan and it would do nothing for the masses.

“I have given 10-point agenda, our meeting with Q-league leaders will continue on Saturday,” he said and added that all those want to eliminate system of corruption and rigging were backing him

Speaking on the occasion, Shujaat Hussain said that his London visit was amid at meeting Tahirul Qadri.

Pervez Elahi said that situation was deteriorating in Pakistan as the incumbent government was based on rigged election

PAF can meet all challenges including that of Taliban: Air chief

 

SARGODHA: Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force (PAF), has said the PAF is ready to cope with all challenges, including any operation against the Taliban.
He was talking to the media on the occasion of the induction of the first batch of F-16 jets comprising five aircraft from Jordan here on Sunday. An impressive ceremony was held to induct these aircraft in the inventory of the PAF. Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt was the chief guest on the occasion.

Nawaf Khalifa Saraieh, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Pakistan, and other high ranking officers from the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army also attended the ceremony.The air chief said that these aircraft would enhance the PAF capability to counter any internal and external threats.

He further said that PAF would perform its duties as envisaged by the Government of Pakistan. He also said that these aircraft had been purchased from Jordan at a nominal cost.“The aircraft have been purchased from the Royal Jordanian Air Force after a series of negotiations held between the concerned ministries and the concerted efforts of Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt,” an official said.

According to a senior PAF official, in order to avoid extra burden on the national exchequer, the PAF opted for the used planes as they have been acquired at a nominal cost per bird and could serve for a longer duration.

The PAF has acquired a squadron of F-16A/B aircraft, which were in the use of Royal Jordania.The first batch has been flown by PAF pilots from Jordan while the remaining aircraft are planned to be flown in to Pakistan very soon. Acquisition of these aircraft would not only augment the aerial defence of the country but also greatly assist in pilot training. Additionally, it is yet another manifestation of the brotherly relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the two air forces. The PAF is already effectively using this state of the art, multi-role aircraft for the past three decades. The purchased aircraft are in immaculate condition and have been upgraded for flying in the coming years.Earlier, on the arrival of the air chief, he was received by Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command.

Palestinians meet on peace talks, reconciliation

RAMALLAH: A key Palestine Liberation Organisation body began on Saturday talks after Israel pulled out of US-sponsored peace negotiations in response to a Palestinian reconciliation deal with Hamas.

The meeting of the PLO´s Central Council at its West Bank headquarters in Ramallah started shortly after 0800 GMT.A member of the Islamist movement Hamas was attending the meeting and Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas was expected to deliver a speech during the opening session.

The council had called the meeting over the crisis in negotiations, but will also discuss the deal struck Wednesday between Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, and Fatah, a key PLO faction.

Israel suspended the peace talks over the deal, saying it would have no dealings with a Palestinian government backed by Hamas, which is pledged to the destruction of the Jewish state.

Israel and the United States had been hoping to extend the faltering peace talks beyond their April 29 deadline, but the efforts hit a wall last month when Israel refused to release a final batch of Palestinian prisoners.

The Palestinians retaliated by applying to adhere to 15 international treaties and then Abbas, who also heads the PLO and Fatah, listed conditions for extending the talks beyond the deadline.

Abbas said he would agree to an extension if Israel freezes settlement construction in the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem, frees the prisoners and begins discussions on the future borders of a promised Palestinian state.

Israel dismissed the conditions.

In the unity deal penned this week, the rival Palestinian factions agreed to bury their differences and establish a "national consensus" government under Abbas within weeks.

The move infuriated Israel, which said it would "not negotiate with a Palestinian government backed by Hamas, a terror organisation that calls for the destruction of Israel".

Israel also vowed unspecified "measures" in response.

On Friday, State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said US efforts to broker a peace deal had not failed, but were currently in a "holding period" as Palestinians and Israelis decide their next move.

She noted Abbas had insisted that any government formed with Hamas backing would "represent his policies, and that includes recognition of Israel, commitment to non-violence, adherence to prior agreements and commitment to peaceful negotiations toward a two-state solution."

Palestinian prime minister Rami Hamdallah told Abbas on Friday that he would resign if the president deemed it necessary for the formation of the new unity government, official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

Nawaz, Zardari to meet today

 

ISLAMABAD: The scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Co-Chairman Asif Zardari here on Wednesday has a conspicuous significance in the backdrop of developments taking place on the horizon of national politics and events requiring keen attention, including the ties between the civil and military leadership.
The composition of the delegations of the two sides indicates that financial issues and constitutional affairs would be on top of the list in the course of deliberations. Prime Minister Nawaz will be assisted by Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Science and Technology Minister Zahid Hamid while Asif Zardari will have with him Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Senate Mian Raza Rabbani and Sindh Minister for Finance Syed Murad Ali Shah. The meeting will be held in the Prime Minister’s House on Wednesday afternoon and will be followed by lunch. Nawaz and Asif will also have one-on-one meeting after the delegation level talks. It would be the first meeting between the two leaders since the incumbent government assumed office last year.

High-level sources in the Prime Minister’s House told The News that the request for the meeting came from former president Zardari and it was conveyed to the prime minister late last month. Interestingly, those were the days when the prime minister visited the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan at his Banni Gala house in the suburbs of the federal capital. It would be pertinent to mention here that Asif Zardari publicly advised Nawaz Sharif not to let former president Pervez Musharraf off the hook. He used derogatory language about Musharraf when he was offering a piece of advice to the government. It is almost certain that the two will discuss the fate of the case of former military ruler, security affairs and the ongoing process of dialogue with the Taliban. The PPP was on board with regard to the decision for undertaking talks with the Taliban. The PPP strongly supported the decision taken on September 9th in the all-party conference (APC) held in Islamabad last year where the government was mandated to have talks with the Taliban. Other political issues will also come up for discussion, the sources said.

The sources reminded that the government was pursuing the Pakistan Protection Ordinance (PPO) with all seriousness. The National Assembly has passed it and it may hardly sail through the Senate where the PPP is the largest party and commands the opposition in that house.

Inclusion of Federal Minister Zahid Hamid, who is piloting the legislation in the two houses of parliament, in the prime minister’s delegation and leaders of the opposition in the two houses of parliament with visiting former president indicates that adoption of PPO would be yet another subject of discussion.

Senator Mian Raza Rabbani has already hinted at reconciling with the PPO provided the government agrees to certain amendments in the piece of legislation. Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah has also been following a soft path regarding the legislation in question, the sources said.

It is understood that other opposition parties, especially the MQM, would be uncomfortable with an agreement between the two parties on the PPO since it has been opposing it tooth and nail. The MQM is alleging that its workers are being nabbed under the PPO which is already enforced as a presidential ordinance. The meeting will also deliberate on fiscal issues as the budget season is approaching and the Sindh government has been asking the federal government for generous fiscal assistance for its development projects.

The sources said that Wednesday’s meeting would be monitored by the TIP since it has been alleging throughout that Nawaz and Zardari are one and the same. They are running their politics under clandestine compromises. The meeting will have a considerable impact on national politics as the prime minister is mulling to have similar meetings with some other political leaders.

Corps commanders to meet today

ISLAMABAD: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, has convened a scheduled corps commanders conference today (Wednesday) at the GHQ, Rawalpindi, where the security situation in the country and reports pertaining to operational matters would come up for discussion.

Experts dealing with national security issues are of the view that the routine conference has attained significance in statement of the COAS who has made it amply clear that “while our country is faced with multiple internal and external challenges, Pakistan Army upholds the sanctity of all institutions and will resolutely preserve its own dignity and institutional pride.” The COAS said this while responding to the concerns of soldiers on undue criticism of the Institution in recent days.

Sources told Geo News that the army commanders will also review govt-Taliban talks and security situation in the country.

However, the ISPR, the media wing of the army, said that it will be a routine Corps Commander Conference.

Corps commanders to meet today

 

ISLAMABAD: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, has convened a scheduled corps commanders conference today (Wednesday) at the GHQ, Rawalpindi, where the security situation in the country and reports pertaining to operational matters would come up for discussion.
Experts dealing with national security issues are of the view that the routine conference has attained significance in statement of the COAS who has made it amply clear that “while our country is faced with multiple internal and external challenges, Pakistan Army upholds the sanctity of all institutions and will resolutely preserve its own dignity and institutional pride.” The COAS said this while responding to the concerns of soldiers on undue criticism of the Institution in recent days.

Meanwhile, sources told The News that the PM House hosted an informal meeting on Monday evening where the statement of General Raheel was discussed and again on Tuesday Prime Minister Nawaz had discussion with the two federal ministers who have become focus of the controversy. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his team have already made up their mind for dealing with the tangle as he will be posted about the further developments during his trip to China that will be commencing today. The sources pointed out that the GHQ will deliberate about the statements of the ministers and relevant events in the commanders’ conference.

Govt committee, Taliban Shura likely to meet today

ISLAMABAD: The first direct meeting between the committee representing the government and Taliban Shura is expected to be held today (Tuesday) in North Waziristan, sources said.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday chaired a meeting attended by ISI chief Lt. Gen Zaheerul Islam and members of the talk committee. The minister sought suggestions for the proposed agenda of talks with the militants.

Taliban committee member Prof. Ibrahim said that the meeting between the government committee and the Taliban Shura was likely to be held on Tuesday or Wednesday in which members of the coordination committee of the militants will also take part.’

Taliban, government committee to meet in FATA: Prof Ibrahim

PESHAWAR: Professor Ibrahim has informed Geo News that the meeting between the Taliban shura and government committee will be held in FATA in the next two days.

The Taliban committee member said the location for the meeting had been decided but was being kept secret. Professor Ibrahim added that he was not aware of the agenda for the meeting.

According to Ibrahim members of the Taliban committee will also be present during the meeting.

 

Did Virat Fly To Sri Lanka To Meet Anushka?

Though Anushka Sharma claims to be just friends with the Indian cricketer Virat Kohli, the reports suggest otherwise. According to reports, Virat Kohli was spotted travelling on a flight from Sri Lanka. It is rumoured that Virat flew all the way to Sri Lanka to meet his lady love Anuskha, who is currently shooting for Anurag Kashyap's Bombay Velvet.

 

Earlier, the rumoured couple was caught together on the streets of Auckland. Anushka had allegedly flown down to Auckland to spend quality time with her Virat, who was then playing for the Test matches with team India in New Zealand. If reports are to be believed that the duo has been trying to catch up every time they get a chance.

Obama to meet Ukrainian PM at White House: official

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will meet in Washington this week with Ukraine's interim prime minister, in a show of support amid a tense stand-off with Russia over control of Crimea.
Obama will host crisis talks with Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk on Wednesday, US Deputy National Security Adviser Tony Blinken said, confirming earlier reports.
"He has invited the Ukrainian prime minister to come to the White House on Wednesday to further demonstrate... support," Blinken told NBC television's "Meet the Press" program.
Yatsenyuk had earlier announced in Kiev that he would travel to the United States, but gave no details of planned meetings.
Blinken said the US leader has been rallying world support for the Kiev's beleaguered fledgling administration and against Russia's incursion into the Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula.
"We've seen the president put together a major international support package. In terms of isolating Russia, what we've seen as a result of the mobilized support is the financial markets in Russia have hit lows, the ruble has hit a low, investors are wondering whether to get involved in Russia because of the instability," Blinken said.
"All of that is exacting a real cost and a real consequence."
He added: "The president has made clear that going forward in coordination with our partners and allies we have in place a mechanism with sanctions to raise the cost significantly.
"But this is really a choice for the Russians to make. They have to decide whether they want to resolve the diplomatically or whether they want to face growing isolation, growing economic cost."

Suzanne's Father & Father-in-law Secretly Meet Her?

It's been almost two months since Hrithik Roshan and his estranged wife Suzanne Roshan broke-up. Their marriage hit the rocks over frequent conflicts and tiffs. Since then, Hrithik has been staying in his father's home in Juhu, while, Suzanne has rented an apartment in Versova. Their sons Hridhaan and Hrehaan, who are currently staying with Suzanne now, don't get to spend much time together with their parents.

 

Even as Duggu's father Rakesh Roshan and Suzanne's father Sanjay Khan came down trying ways to make them patch up, the outcome still remains unpredictable. Both the father and father-in-law have reportedly met Suzanne at her apartment to discuss. We wonder if their efforts will pay off.