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China reassures Pakistan on ties ahead of Modi-Xi summit

BEIJING: Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif met with Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.During the meeting both the sides agreed to enhance mutual cooperation for peace and regional stability and extend cooperation to fight rising unilateralism and protectionism.Asif stated that Pakistan is happy to see the leaders of China and India hold informal meetings and believes that together they will play an active role in the establishment of regional peace and improvement of bi-lateral ties between their countries.Khawaja Asif also apprised Wang Yi about the situation prevailing in Occupied Kashmir.On the occasion, Wang Yi said that the current development of Sino-Pakistani relations enjoys a good momentum. The two sides maintain close and comprehensive contacts and coordinate with each other on major international and regional issues.He added that the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has progressed smoothly, bringing real benefits to the local people.Wang Yi shared how China is willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan to implement the consensus of the leaders of the two countries, carry out closer strategic communications, develop comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation, and push China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level. China will continue to firmly support Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard national sovereignty, seek its own development, and create a good external environment, he said.During the meeting, Pakistan Ambassador to China Masood Khalid and other senior diplomats of both countries were also present. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest.Yesterday, Wang Yi met with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province from 27-28 April where he will hold an informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping to improve bilateral relations.Khajawa Asif said that Pakistan is an all-weather friend of China and no matter how the situation changes, the two countries will always stand side by side. Pakistan is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels with China, promote the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and other major cooperation projects, and continuously deepen the close relationship between the two sides. Pakistan firmly supports China’s core interests and wishes that China will play a greater role in international and regional affairs, he added.He also wished the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao Summit to be a complete success. Asif further told Wang Yi that Pakistan is looking forward to a meaningful meeting between heads of states of the SCO at Qingdao in June this year in which President Mamnoon Hussain is expected to attend. Asif also congratulated on the re-election of Xi Jinping as President of China and Wing Yi on his re-election as foreign minister and his new responsibilities as State Councillor.

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Russian delegation due in Pakistan as Moscow eyes big-ticket investment

Reports in local and foreign media have recently suggested that Pakistan has been drifting away from the United State due to American policies and President Trump's bellicose rhetoric.As Americans continue to make Islamabad scapegoat for their failures in Afghanistan, Pakistan also seeks to decrease its reliance on Washington and further strengthen relations with China.As part of its effort to find new allies and friends, Pakistan has also sought to establish relationship with Russia, which has shows keen interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation. Senior Pakistani journalist Syed Talat Hussain who is associated with Geo News, on Monday revealed that a big Russian delegation led by Mayor of Leningrad is coming to Pakistan as Moscow "plans on purchasing banks, laying down railways lines and enhancing their interest in telecommunications"." As America's role shrinks, other powers court Pakistan" he wrote.Talat Hussain further revealed that the Russians see Bank Alfalah as a big ticket investment in Pakistan. Elaborating on why he thinks Russians would want to invest, he said "Pakistan is a country of strategic location, warm water ports and open to alternatives to its traditional dependence on US".

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Pakistan appoints first-ever female diplomat in Saudi Arabia

Fouzia Fayyaz has been appointed as councilor at Pakistan’s embassy in Saudi Arabia, making her the first-ever female diplomat in the Kingdom in 70 years. Talking to Daily Jang, Fouzia stated that Pakistan is a progressive country that has always recognised the potential and status of women as they continue to excel in their respective fields. The foreign ministry has always taken initiatives to broaden opportunities of success for women, she further added. She also said that with her appointment more and more women have now been inducted at the section of the embassy of which she is in-charge. According to Fouzia, her determination to soar to new heights stems from the fact that she had a very supporting father who gave equal importance to education of girls as boys. Hailing from southern Punjab, Fouzia acquired a Master’s degree in English Literature from Islamia University in Bahawalpur after which she gave her CSS exams. He first appointment was in Washington D.C and then in New Delhi where she also rendered services as diplomat.

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Karachiites react to reports on 'closure' of Do Darya eateries

All the restaurant located at Karachi's Do Darya shoreline along the Arabian Sea are expected to be shut down in June, according to reports circulating on the social media.People are discussing the reports, and most of them are disappointed with the authorities' reported decision to shut the restaurants down. A Twitter user Usama Qureshi said the restaurants are being closed since an agreement between the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and the owners of the restaurants is going to expire.Another user, however, was not convinced and said this was not the first time he heard the news about the closure of the strip.But Qureshi said according to an agreement reached between by both the parties, June 7th is the deadline. A Twitter user from Khyber Paktunkhwa called the reports of the closure of the restaurants as shocking, recalling a trip to the food strip for a dinner with his family members.But, another user Malik Hassan received the news with indifference saying the food strip is for elite class. "This is for elite class. We should also have it for ordinary citizen on street something better," he wrote.Another said "Please find some creative solutions to save this beautiful relaxing spot for Karachiwalas"

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Dispute between K-Electric, SSGC resolved: PM Abbasi

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday said that the dispute between two warring utilities K-Electric and Sui Southern Gas Company has been resolved and the SSGC has been instructed to provide required gas supply for power generation.

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Nawaz returns to face trial

ISLAMABAD: Ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz late on Sunday returned home from London to appear before the accountability court in Avenfield reference.Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court last year, is due to appear in court today (Monday) over allegations linked to London properties the family owns.Last week Nawaz Sharif along with his daughter went London to see his ailing wife Begum Kulsoom who has been getting treatment for her throat cancer. Their arrival has brought all the speculations to an end that Nawaz might not return because of a likely conviction in corruption cases against him.An accountability court on Friday had granted a one-day exemption to Nawaz and Maryam from personal appearance in the Avenfield Apartments reference, while rejecting their applications seeking exemption till April 27.In a tweet on Sunday, Maryam Nawaz confirmed that they were leaving for Islamabad, ending the speculation.

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Hard times are over, says DG ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Asif Ghafoor on Sunday said that “hard times are over and the good ones in sight,” adding that difficulties and comforts both are shared. DG ISPR, in a press statement, said that on the Army Chief’s instructions, a jirga was held to resolve the issues of traders from North Waziristan Agency, adding that there exists no issue that can not be resolved through talks.In the meeting between tribal notables and the civil-military leadership, it was decided to form a committee under the supervision of NWA’s political agent that will assess the losses incurred by Miramshah's shop-owners.In his tweet, military spokesperson said; “Consolidating dividends of peace. Through hardships is the road to peace. Hard times are over and the good ones are in sight. Let us stay steadfast. Difficulties/comforts both are shared,” the ISPR DG said.“We can do it, we are doing it and we shall do it together till the final destination of enduring peace in Pakistan,” DG ISPR added.The ISPR DG added that residents of the tribal areas had joined hands with the forces to make great sacrifices for the establishment of peace, adding that the operations conducted by the armed forces had eliminated terrorism.The resolution of problems faced by citizens is the first priority of the state, said the ISPR DG. He stressed that he would not let the country’s peace be put at stake by enemies of the state.Tribal notables chanted slogans of “long live Pakistan Army and Pakistan” at the end of the jirga.

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K-Electric responsible for Karachi?s power shortage: Shehbaz

KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif Sunday said K-Electric was mainly responsible for the power crisis in the mega city of Karachi.The prime minister had convened a meeting to discuss the power issue being faced by Karachi, he said, adding that its residents should get uninterrupted power supply during the holy month of Ramadan.Shehbaz Sharif was talking to media-persons here after meeting with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (Bahadurabad) leaders.Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif was received by MQM-P Convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui at the party’s Bahadurabad office.Shehbaz Sharif said he had not come to Karachi with any political agenda. For the sake of development in the metropolis, the PML-N stood by the MQM-P (Bahadurabad), he added.He said Karachi was the face of Pakistan, that was why former prime minister Nawaz Sharif took a bold political decision for restoration of peace in Karachi in 2013. “Peace has been restored in the city, which can be gauged from the fact that 80 per cent of extortion has ended,” he added.On the occasion, MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said various political, economic and development issues were discussed with Shehbaz Sharif during the meeting.He said both the parties would together in future for the city’s development. -Support for Karachi’s development -Speaking at a luncheon reception hosted by Awami National Party (ANP) leader Shahi Syed here at Mardan House, the PML-N president said Karachi was a mega city, the City of Lights and face of Pakistan, and he would restore its lost glory.Shehbaz said terrorism and target killings in the city had ended to a great extent and assured the PML-N’s support for the development of the commercial hub of the country.He said joint efforts would be made for the development and prosperity of the country.ANP leader Shahi Syed lauded the efforts of Shehbaz Sharif as the chief minister for the development of Punjab province. Everyone would have to make efforts for the development of Karachi, he added.

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SC suspends LCWU vice chancellor Dr Uzma

LAHORE: The Supreme Court (SC) Sunday suspended Vice Chancellor of Lahore College For Woman University (LCWU) Dr Uzma Qureshi.The court ordered the Punjab government to form a new inquiry committee to look into the allegations against Dr Uzma Qureshi’s eligibility within three days.The court also ordered for the appointment of acting vice chancellor from three senior most professors of the university.The bench comprising Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and Justice Ijazul Ahsan passed the orders while hearing a notice over appointment of Dr Uzma Qureshi as the LCWU VC.As the proceedings began, the Secretary Higher Education Department stated that Dr Uzma Qureshi was appointed as the LCWU VC after completing due process.To a court query, the secretary stated that an inquiry committee was formed by the Punjab chief minister to look into the allegations that Uzma Qureshi’s research articles were not up to the mark, but the report could not be completed as one of its member did not participate in the process.However, he said that the remaining committee members were of the opinion that the articles were up to the mark.To which, the chief justice observed that a new search committee should be formed for selection of the VC and after due process, appointment should be made on merit.At this stage, some staff members of the university also appeared before the bench and complained about Dr Uzma Qureshi.However, Dr Uzma Qureshi submitted that she had done everything with all integrity.She further submitted that efforts were being made to malign her.Later, Provincial Minister for Higher Education Department Ali Raza Gillani also appeared before the bench, on being summoned and submitted that he was not minister at the time of appointment of Dr Uzma.He also assured the court that its all directives would be complied with, after seeking instructions from the chief minister.At this, the chief justice gave option to Dr Uzma Qureshi to resign from the post and directed that a new vice chancellor should be appointed after due process.The search committee tasked to select the Punjab University vice chancellor should be given this assignment also, he added.But later, the court suspended Dr Uzma Qureshi after she refused to resign and directed the government to form afresh an inquiry committee to look into the allegations regarding her eligibility.Meanwhile, the bench also ordered the Secretary Higher Education Department for ensuring appointment of new Punjab University vice chancellor within six weeks, while rejecting a request for three months’ time for the purpose.

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Bilawal blames PML-N for Karachi power woes

MULTAN: Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto has blamed PML-N government for prolonged loadshedding in Karachi, saying the Center is not providing enough electricity for the metropolis.Bilawal stated that the reason behind long hours of loadshedding in Karachi is the wrong decision of privatization of K-Electric (formerly Karachi Electric Supply Corporation), and the insufficient supply of electricity to the city by the federal government. However, it is Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) to be blamed for the privatization of K-Electric, he said. On a different matter, when asked about the possibility of upcoming caretaker prime minister, Bilawal said that PPP is the pioneer of introducing a democratic tradition of appointing caretaker PM in consultation with opposition, saying that talks are underway to finalise the candidate for the slot. On the other hand, Pakistan has a weak democratic system, Bilawal said, adding that ‘it happened for the first time in history when PPP peacefully transferred powers to the next elected government in 2013', although a great majority is in favour of democracy. When you do not honour voters then no politicians will be honoured in the country, opined Bilawal. However, he expressed hope in the judiciary of the country stating that he he has expectations from Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar. Under democracy, each institution works in its prescribed limits: the judges do not speak, rather their verdicts and judgments do, just as the Supreme Court announced historical judgment on Panama scandal, he added. Bilawal also said that the judiciary should consider taking suo motu over lack of justice to poor people.Speaking about Sindh, Bilawal said that PPP’s government in the province also launched a Union-Council based Poverty Reduction Program and this unique program has so far pulled out 600, 000 families from stark poverty. The program also lends financial aid to women on interest-free basis so that they could plan for their better future and live a stable and self-reliant life, Bilawal added. Talking about the services his party has rendered to the people of Pakistan in the past, Bilawal stated that his grandfather Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto during his tenure introduced land reforms, snatched big lands from feuds, and distributed them among the poor peasants because PPP is the party of peasants, workers, students, and more importantly the masses.

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Several women come out in support of Ali Zafar amid allegations of sexual harassment by Meesha Shafi

Singer-songwriter and actor Ali Zafar is caught in the eye of a storm since singer-songwriter Meesha Shafi made allegations last week that the pop star has sexually harassed her on two occasions, including once when they were jamming last year. Since then, a number of women have come forward with their own stories against Ali Zafar, leveling similar sexual harassment allegations.However, now more women have stepped up, but in support of Ali Zafar. Among them is singer and model Aqsa Ali who took to Instagram and maintained that she was present at the jam session Meesha Shafi has spoken of (in an exclusive interview with Instep) and was astonished that “she (Meesha Shafi) would take a lie to this level” and that her conscience doesn’t allow her to stay quiet.She stated, “As I am the part of concert crew, I travel internationally and locally with Ali Zafar, and I have seen girls throwing themselves at him and his gentlemanly response to that, which is so rare for any rockstar. (In fact) we all travel like friends and we work in a very comfortable environment.”She added: “Today finally Meesha tells us what she says happened to her, that Ali harassed her at a jam or did something wrong to her and I cannot stay quiet. I was at this jam session because I sing in Ali’s band and so was her manager and our entire band. I am astonished that she would take a lie to this level, which so many of us can prove wrong. We all have pictures, we were there and event manager was there and it was a great jam session. I am a woman and I would never allow wrong to any woman. But come on, it's a serious matter and we should be really clear on everything rather than putting accusations on people and then saying sorry you cannot question any woman; it’s wrong. Ali is a genuine person, who treats people around him nicely and has always been a support system for everyone. Accusing someone is easy but living with the guilt is difficult. As a woman, I felt sad with her rude behaviour towards everyone including the band but more (so) I feel bad that she’s causing disrespect to this international movement of women and all of us female musicians and hard-working women.”Similarly, Lahore-based singer Kanza Munir also took to Instagram in support of Ali Zafar and refuted Meesha Shafi’s allegations of sexual harassment against the star. “I have been working with Ali Zafar on and off since the past 3 years or so and up until now I’ve been quietly observing the current situation because I am no judge of personal character be it Meesha Shafi or Ali Zafar,” she began in her note on Instagram. “However, I stand witness to this particular ‘Jam’ late last year that Meesha mentions in her interview with The News,” she added. “The whole house band, along with myself and another fellow female vocalist, were present during this session and whatever interaction took place between the two was in front of and at least 10 other people. All I can say is that this particular statement that she makes here is rather odd. I have toured with the Ali Zafar band a lot of times and all my trips have been really pleasant and professional and we’ve spent hours jamming together. It would be great if this important movement isn’t taken for granted or misused for personal reasons, stealing limelight from real causes. Rest, time will tell!”In another statement released on social media, Fahad Rehman, former manager of Meesha Shafi has written a long statement describing the artist to have “a terrible temper” before adding: “Now I don’t know what happened between Ali and her [Shafi] but I do know that she has the capability to blackmail and malign one’s reputation. Without hard evidence, I would take everything she says with a ton of salt.”While most members of the music and entertainment industry have maintained an eerie silence on the matter, at least two artists have lent support to Ali Zafar including film actor Resham and Zafar’s Teefa in Trouble co-star Maya Ali.Momina Mustehsan, however, in a carefully worded statement, released on social media not only stated that she too has been a victim of harassment but that the issue is bigger than Ali Zafar and ended her statement with a provoking question: “I would want to ask Ali Zafar and all other men one question: do you think you have ever, knowingly or unknowingly, violated a woman in any way or form? If you have, I request you to acknowledge your fault and apologise unconditionally.”Artists who have lent support to Meesha Shafi include Urwa Hocane as well as Osman Khalid Butt, who noted on Twitter, “A woman breaks her silence about abuse, withstands character assassination & further abuse on social media, her story turns into memes & tone-deaf jokes that trivialize the issue, she fears ostracization - but sure, she did it for the cheap publicity."Meesha Shafi’s decision to speak has also had a trickle-down effect on the industry at large. Ayesha Omar has also spoken about having faced harassment and how Shafi’s decision has inspired others to break the silence. The singular voice of reason, Mahira Khan said on the matter, “The sick mentality of those commenting on an issue as serious as sexual harassment as casually as they are just shows where the root of this problem exists - in our minds. We will continue to breed harassers for as long as we continue to desensitise this issue.”

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