Ahsan Iqbal recovering well, will continue his treatment in Pakistan, says son

LAHORE: Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who was injured in gun attack last weekend, is recovering well, his son Ahmad Iqbal informed media here Friday.Speaking to media outside the Services Hospital Lahore, Ahmad said it was Ahsan Iqbal's decision to get treated at a Public Hospital despite offers by leading Private Hospitals, adding that his decision has increased the confidence of the people towards the public health facilities.The minister is thankful to the brilliant team of doctors and the administration of Services Hospital Lahore, the son said. “My father will continue his treatment in Pakistan as he has full confidence in the ability of Pakistani Doctors and country’s its health facilities,” Ahmad stressed.He went on to says that that family is hopeful that JIT formed by the Punjab gov't will bring the perpetrators responsible for the attack on Ahsan Iqbal.He said his father has given strict directions to ensure that his security arrangements should not affect any patients receiving treatment at the Services Hospital.Ahsan Iqbal was shot at and injured during a corner meeting in his constituency in Narowal on May 06.

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PML-N decides to take legal action against NAB chief

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Friday decided to take legal action against National Accountability Board Chairman Justice (retd) Javed Iqbal over false allegations of money laundering leveled against Nawaz Sharif, Geo News reported.A meeting of party's Central Executive Committee, attended by PML-N's senior leaders,  was held today  to mull the response over NAB's allegations. The PML-N rejected the clarification given by the anti-graft body.Speaking on the occasion,  Nawaz Sharif termed NAB's actions as personal vendetta  and demanded apology from the ex-judge.The meeting also took  important decisions regarding forthcoming elections. On Tuesday, the NAB press release boldly levelled serious allegations of money laundering on Nawaz with a dangerous but clear mention of transfer of huge amount of foreign exchange to India. On Wednesday, in its clarification, the NAB referred to the media report as “alleged media report”.The media report, which ended up bringing huge embarrassment for the NAB and its chairman, was an Urdu column published in a Islamabad based newspaper.On Tuesday within hours after the NAB’s press release, the report of transfer of $4.9 billion to India by Nawaz Sharif was categorically rejected initially by the State Bank of Pakistan and later by the World Bank as well. 

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Wazir Khan Mosque: An Architectural Relic

LAHORE: Pakistan, land of the pure, was destined to be created as an Islamic state the day first Arab Muslim trader set foot on the sub-continent. The creation of Pakistan in 1947 was made possible as the Muslim civilization spread and preserved itself for centuriesto come. The Islamic civilization provided the Muslims distinct identity in India and this impact was reflected in all spheres of life.The lasting imprints of Islamic history are conspicuous in all areas of life including religious practices, art, education, andculture.The eternal sway of the Muslim culture can easily be traced through the archaeological and architectural preserves in all parts of the region especially Lahore. The earlier sites constructed on the classical Islamic architectural pattern in the region are famous for their quality of being picture-less.Muslim architecture which saw its hey-day during the Mughal period in India when it introduced a fusion of Islamic-Persian architecture and the local art which ultimately came to be known as Mughal architecture, Lahore.Out of these architectural masterpieces many have stood the test of time and have been preserved for eternity.The Mughal architecture and the historic city of Lahore have made their mark across the globe and the great English poet JohnMilton (1607-80) 'known for his grand style in the epic poem' alludes to the Agra and Lahore to emphasize expansive landscape,"His eyes might there command whatever stood City of old or modern fame, the seat/ Of mightiest empire, from the destined walls / Of Cambalu, seat of Cathian Can,/ And Samarcand by Oxus, Temir's throne, /To Paquin of Sinaen Kings, and thence To Agra and Lahore of Great Mogul…" The grandeur of the Mughal architecture and advancements was well-known across the seven seas and by the time John Milton penned down his paradise lost in 1667.Lahore hosts many architectural masterpieces like the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort (Shahi Qila), Tomb of Shahjehan, Jahangir's Tomb, Shalimar Garden, and Wazir Khan Mosque. Lahore Fort and Shalimar Garden have been on the cultural heritage list of UNESCO since 1981 while Badshahi Mosque and Wazir Khan Mosque have been on the UNESCO's tentative list to be adopted as a cultural heritage since 1993.The Wazir Khan Mosque is such an architectural masterpiece which mesmerizes the onlooker with its majestic architecture and extensive faience tile work. The mosque contains some of the finest examples of Qashani tile work, taza kari (fresco) painting, stone and chuna (lime plaster) decoration on the interior and exterior walls. It has been described as 'a mole on the cheek of Lahore' while British historian Lockwood Kipling said, "The beautiful building is in itself a school of design". The Wazir Khan Mosque is a feast for the onlooker for its finest mosaic tile work while the walls have been adorned with Persian poetry and verses from the holy Quran in calligraphy.Mosque's floral designs and patterns emerge in symmetrical and harmonious waves which bring a sense of tranquility to the mosque's echoing halls. It is a haven of tranquility for the worshippers and the knowledge seekers in a city which has been surrounded by the din of the market-places and the noise of the households in the modern walled city of Lahore. The mosque is said to have been built to fortify an ancient subterranean tomb of the saint Syed Muhammad Ishaq Gazrooni, also known as Miran Bashshah, who had migrated from Iran during the 13th century to Lahore. It was once the fancied worship-place for Friday prayers of the emperors for its immaculate beauty and close proximity to the seat of the Mughal empire and is accessible from the Delhi Gate, one of the thirteen gates of the historic city.Wazir Khan mosque was built in 1641 after seven years of love's labour on the command of Lahore Governor (Wazir) Hakim Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan. Hakim Shaikh Ilm-ud-din Ansari, a native of Chiniot, was the court physician to emperor Shah Jehan and was elevated as Governor (Wazir) of Lahore.There is another tale about the construction of this architectural wonder. People believe that Hakim Shaikh ilm-ud-din had cured Queen Nur Jahan (1577-1645) and she had rewarded him with all the gold ornaments she was wearing. The gold was set-aside by the Wazir who later proclaimed the construction of Wazir Khan mosque. It is also commonly believed that the Wazirabad (a city in Punjab) was also named after the Governor Shaikh Ilm-ud-din while another mosque Wazir Khan was also constructed in the city. Another hallmark of Wazir Khan mosque is the calligrapher's Bazaar at the entrance of the mosque which is marked by a large verandah with a dome atop. According to an architectural heritage preserver Kamil Khan, Wazir Khan Mosque has its symbolism,adding that the frescos round the base of the domes with fruits of every kind on the platters and tress in pairs are a reference to the Paradise.Wazir Khan Mosque is an eternal masterpiece of architecture with a masterful blending of magical calligraphy, geometrical forms and floral decorations into its structural fiber which has turned the mosque into a paragon of artistic beauty, balance and grandness for the generations to come.

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Nawaz firm on taking on NAB over money laundering issue

ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif vowed to not step back on NAB money laundering allegations terming them as a ‘very serious’ matter.Talking to journalists outside accountability court on Friday, the PML-N Quaid said what is happening today we never saw it even during military regimes.Today, we have convened a meeting of party's Central Executive Committee, top decision making body, to discuss this issue, the elder Sharif said.Nawaz said he had discussed this with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi too.Earlier this week, the accountability bureau said in a statement that the anti-graft body is verifying media reports that Nawaz Sharif had illegally transferred $4.9 billion to India helping New Dehli strengthen forex reserves. The World Bank denied releasing any such details in the report. PM Abbasi asked the National Assembly to summon NAB Chairman Justice Javed Iqbal and constitute a special committee to probe it.And on Thursday, Nawaz dared the bureau’s chairman to furnish proof of money laundering to India against him or quit the office within 24 hours.Terming the allegations as shameful, Nawaz said the NAB and its chairman had lost credibility.Alleging that his disqualification was predetermined, he stated that NAB’s press release was an episode of an upcoming accountability drama. “They deposed me for an Iqama when they could not prove corruption. I have faced over 70 hearings – they are hunting for something that can be used to send me packing for good.”Referring to the NAB's probe against him involving alleged money laundering of $4.9 billion to India, he said the cases being heard against him by an accountability court were also based on unverified media reports, originating from the so-called Panama Papers. “You can recall that I was not named in the Panama Papers but whatever happened is before you," he said.

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Pakistan imposes restrictions on US diplomats

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday enforced restrictions on US diplomats, in a tit-for-tat move against Trump administration's similar measures against its diplomats.In a notification issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the US diplomatis have been deprived of several facilities that were earlier available to them. The facilities include:1) Use of tinted glass on official and rented transport2) Use of non-diplomatic number plates on official vehicles30 Use of diplomatic number plates on unspecified/rented vehicles4) Use of bio-metrically unverified/unregistered cell phone SIMs5) Hiring or shifting of rented properties without prior NOC6) Installing radio communication at residences and safe houses without prior NOC7) Overshooting visa validity periods and having multiple passportsUnder the Trump administration’s decision, the officials of the Pakistan Embassy and four consulates are required to get permission from the State Department five days before going beyond the set limits.

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Targeted killing of Hazaras is ethnic cleansing, observes CJ Nisar

QUETTA: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday observed that for him targeted killings of Hazara community is akin to ethnic cleansing.The CJP had taken suo moto notice of continued attacks on Hazara Community in Quetta and sought a comprehensive report from the Ministry of Interior and government of Balochistan as he questioned whether the community was not part of Pakistan and who was responsible for maintaining law and order situation.During today's hearing Balochistan police chief presented the details of incidents took place in the province. Since 2012, 250 people have become victim of targeted killings, he said adding that out of these, 96 belonged to Shia sect, while 106 security personnel embraced martyrdom.CJP Nisar directed the IGP to prepare a strategy for the security of Hazaras. It is our responsibility to ensure their security and that is why I had to take notice of this serious issue, he remarked.According to a report by the National Commission for the Human Rights released in March this year, the Hazara community has suffered 509 killings in Quetta city during the last five years, January, 2012 to December, 2017.During the month of April, 2018 alone, there have been four separate terrorist attacks on Hazara men resulting in the death of six persons. The right to life is the most sacred human right guaranteed by Article 9 of the Constitution.Taking suo motu notice of such an alarming situation, the CJP issued notices to the government of Balochistan through its Chief Secretary and Home Secretary, its IGP, Frontier Constabulary, the Government of Pakistan through the Interior Secretary and the Secretary Ministry of Defence for filing their reports within 10 days, on measures taken by the respective forces and agencies under their charge to ensure the security of Hazara community in Quetta and also to report causes for their failure to safeguard the lives of the members of the Hazara community.

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Pakistan, India need to engage, resolve disputes: NSA Janjua

ISLAMABAD: National Security Adviser Lt General (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua Thursday said Pakistan and India were nuclear powers and both needed to engage each other, resolve disputes and move forward as their tense relationship was having an effect on the whole region.Speaking at a seminar on “peace a dividend for development and stability in Afghanistan”, he said relations between India and Pakistan were not good.“Both countries are not talking to each other and the relations between them are tense.” The two countries had to think whether they wanted to remain enemies forever, he added.He said Pakistan would continue to play its role for peace in the region and would work along with Afghanistan under their cooperative framework to achieve regional stability.“Peace in Afghanistan is necessary for stability in the region. Pakistan direly wanted peace and progress in Afghanistan.” He recalled that Afghanistan was abandoned by world powers after the withdrawal of USSR which created a vacuum.Afterwards, the attack on United States on 9/11 created chaos and everyone supported United States in the war on Afghanistan and the US dismantled Taliban regime by using excessive force.“We are now trying that Taliban join the political process but at that time after 9/11 they were not allowed to take part in the elections.” The adviser said 35,000 Pakistani citizens and 22,000 soldiers of all ranks and seniority were martyred because of militancy in Pakistan, which had to bear financial cost of billions of dollars.He told that it was very difficult to manage the Pak-Afghan border because of the treacherous terrain.Hundreds of routes existed in FATA areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from where thousands of people daily cross borders.He opined that Pakistan and Afghanistan were ideally located, had huge economic potential and by developing cooperative relationship could have a great common future.He welcomed the Afghan leadership’s desire seeking peace through dialogue, saying Pakistan would facilitate the noble initiative as peace in Afghanistan was essential for peace in Pakistan, which had supported efforts for political reconciliation.“Pakistan will continue to support peace efforts in Afghanistan.” The adviser said Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan needed to become massive trade corridors, adding Pakistan could become an industrial hub and could connect consumer markets from Asia to Europe.

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PM chairs meeting of parliamentary leaders on FATA reforms

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Thursday chaired a meeting of parliamentary leaders and representatives of various political parties at PM''s Chamber in the National Assembly.Matters relating to implementation of FATA reforms were discussed during the meeting.The meeting was attended by Chief (JUI-F) Moulana Fazal-ur-Rehman, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Leader of Opposition, Mahmood Khan Achakzai (PKMAP), Minister of Housing and Works Akram Khan Durrani, Minister of State for SAFRON Ghalib Khan, Sartaj Aziz, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, Syed Naveed Qamar, Dr.Farooq Sattar, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Nasir Khan (MNA), Sahibzada Tariq Ullah (MNA), Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Lt.Gen. (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, and Alhaj Shah Jee Gul Afridi.

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Imran Khan lacks ability to create new province: Bilawal Bhutto

Layyah: PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned that PTI was try to use South Punjab province as an election ploy. “Did Imran Khan keep his previous promises? Did he end terrorism in 90 days? Did he fix the education and health systems in 90 days? Did he eradicate corruption in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 90 days?” Bilawal questioned, while addressing a gathering at Layyah on Friday. “Imran Khan changes his stance according to the place. In Lahore, he talks about the establishment of administrative units and when he meets politicians from South Punjab, he promises to make the new province in  100 days.”Imran Khan lacks the capacity to create a new province, he said. “Where were all these people who have joined PTI? For five years, they enjoyed power and never raise the issue in the assembly,” Bilawal said, referring to 20 PML-N’s MNAs and MPAs from South Punjab who joined PTI. “Do they think people are fools? Do they think that people lack political understanding? They are using this as a ploy to win your votes,” the PPP chief said. Bilawal said that PPP had laid the foundation for South Punjab province six years ago and at that time the very same people had opposed his party.“Only PPP has the courage and ability to address major challenges such as change of name of KP and FATA reforms. And if there is any party which can make South Punjab province, it is going to be the PPP.” 

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Pakistan slams double standards in terror fight

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has voiced its dismay at the failure of UN Sanctions Committee to approve Islamabad’s request to place Jamaat-e-ul-Ahrar terrorist Umer Khalid Khurasani on terror list. “We are aware that the UN Al-Qaeda/ISIL Sanctions Committee did not approve Pakistan's proposal to list Umer Khalid Khurasani a.k.a Abdul Wali, the leader of Jamat-ul-Ahrar since it could not reach consensus due to objection by a member,” Foreign Office spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal said on Friday. “As the discussions of the Sanctions Committee are confidential, we are not in a position to comment on these deliberations. The Committee has not yet formally conveyed this development to us,” he said. “However, we are deeply disappointed over the failure of the Sanctions Committee to list Wali who is a known terrorist and has the blood of hundreds of innocent Pakistanis on his hands.”He said that if the organization Jamaat-ul-Ahrar has been listed by the Sanctions Committee, its leader should also have been listed. “This action demonstrates the double standards prevailing in the international fight against terrorism and also show complete disregard of the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in this fight,” he added.Khurasani is accused of orchestrating the December 2014 terrorist attack on Army Public School in Peshawar, which left 150 people mostly children and staff members killed. According to some media reports, US has objected to Khurasani's listing on the basis of his location in Afghanistan.

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