C’wealth media body concerned over attacks on Jang, Geo Writes to PM Nawaz

LONDON: Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) President Rita Payne has written a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressing concern on targeting the Geo TV and Jang Group.

According to a press release, Payne said during the past few weeks, many incidents of attacks on the media in Pakistan have surfaced. Attack on Geo TV anchor Hamid Mir in Karachi and torture on resident editor, Jang Multan, are aimed to muffle the voices of rivals, which is a cause of concern for the CJA.

Payne said she understands that it was time when journalists and editors would cross the line between reporting and intentional commentary on an issue. She said the hard-won freedom of press in Pakistan needs to be protected. She appealed to Nawaz to make sure protection of the media against torture and pressure.

Those protesting and holding marches should wait four years: PM Nawaz

LAHORE: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Wednesday that the politics of the 1980’s and 90’s would no longer work.

Addressing a ceremony to mark ‘Youm-e-Takbeer,’ the prime minister said those holding protests and rallies should step out of the politics of the 80’s and 90’s and wait four years and let the people decide who they want to elect.

“The politics of delivering and fulfilling peoples’ promises will now work not that of the 80’s and 90’s,” Prime Minister Sharif said.

Prime Minister Sharif added that the government’s agenda was the development of Pakistan and asked what the agenda of those holding protests was.

According to the prime minister Pakistan should focus on economic growth.

Sethi briefs PM Nawaz on Pak-India cricket developments

LAHORE: Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi Sunday called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and briefed him about the affairs of the board at length.

Speaking to Geo News here, Sethi said: “meeting with the premier was encouraging”.

The PCB chairman further said he deeply briefed PM Nawaz on the Pak-India cricket and developments in the restoration of the game between two neighboring countries.

“PM Nawaz agreed on the proposal for holding elections in the board at the earliest”, he said and added that the premier would give approval of the PCB constitution after returning from India.

PM Nawaz, who is also Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Cricket, assured full cooperation and provided guidelines to Sethi for the improvement of the game.

Pakistan issues schedule for PM Nawaz visit to India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday issued schedule of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to India, where the premier would participate in the swearing-in ceremony of India's PM-designate Narendra Modi.

According to the statement issued by the foreign office, PM Nawaz will visit India on May 26 to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chauhdry will accompany PM Nawaz.

The statement from Sharif's office said the prime minister had been invited this week by New Delhi to attend the ceremony. Sharif already congratulated Modi over his victory in the election.

Nawaz Sharif will have a bilateral meeting with Modi on Tuesday, May 27. He will also meet the Indian President.

Pakistani PM will return home in the afternoon on May 27.

PM Nawaz to visit Gwadar today

KARACHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will visit Gwadar today (Thursday), Geo News reported.

The premier will be given briefing on Balochistan law and order situation besides pace of work on Gwadar economic corridor.

Nawaz Sharif will also chair high-level meeting on law and order situation in Balochistan. Chief Minister Balochistan, provincial ministers and other officials will attend the meeting

PM Nawaz, Nisar discuss Taliban talks

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif here on Saturday.

During the meeting the future strategy for dialogue with the Taliban and steps required for peace in the country were discussed.

The interior minister met with Prime Minister Sharif ahead of his scheduled meeting with the government and Taliban committees.