pakistan

Abbasi calls outgoing NA ‘worst in history’, regrets to be a part of it

Published

2 months ago

August 10, 2023

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Abbasi calls outgoing NA 'worst in history', regrets to be a part of it

Former prime minister and a senior leader of the ruling PML-N Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was on Wednesday candid when he termed the outgoing National Assembly as the “worst in the history of the country” which did not do legislation for providing relief to masses.

In his farewell remarks on the floor of the lower house of parliament, Abbasi, the son of a decorated Air Force veteran Air Commodore Khaqan, he offered an apology to the countrymen on being part of it.

He said that not even a single piece of legislation in the last five years was done to ease masses woes.

He did not hesitate to say that the record of past five years’ legislation was a proof of his assertion. “If one sift the record, he will see all the government bills were not meant to provide relief to the people.”

Abbasi felt ashamed as “today people have lost confidence in the system, which could not be restored through meaningless legislation but with deeds.”

According to him, it might take a decade to turn around the country’s economy and held “everyone of us” responsible for it. He suggested to form a “truth commission” to find out “who did what with the country.”

The ex-premier pointed out that a number of parliamentarians were surrounding the interior minister today for his signatures for getting licenses. “Why this process cannot be streamlined,” he added.

“People say that all members of the assembly are corrupt and we show that they are correct,” he said, pointing out that 40 to 53 bills of private members were passed in the National Assembly in a matter of days.

It raised questions about the credibility of members of the house, he maintianed.

Abbasi was also critical of the National Assembly speaker for “causing unprecedented damage to the reputation of the house.”

He said that “the speaker is considered the custodian of the reputation and dignity of the house. Dignity of the house has taken a nosedive. There is an impression that parliamentarians come to plunder national wealth.”

He urged the chair and the members to take care of the dignity of the house.

He also raised questions about taxation system. “Whether parliamentarians pay taxes?” he asked and added “parliament has the power to give approval to impose taxes on masses, whereas parliamentarian themselves don’t pay taxes.”

“How the parliament could impose taxes on people when they themselves do not pay taxes. This is not leadership that you do not pay taxes but impose on people,” he stated.

Abbasi said the government was running by taking loans at 24% interest; the same is true for defence expenses and the functioning of the parliament.

Ironically, no one asked elected representatives about taxes. “I remained in NAB’s custody but I was never questioned whether I paid taxes or not,” he added.

He said that the previous regime also caused an irreparable loss to the dignity of the house when a member in custody was not produced, he used to remind the then-speaker of his responsibilities to act as the custodian of the house.

He recalled that every “un-parliamentary” act was committed and abusive language was used in the house during the previous regime’s tenure.

Later, talking to media outside parliament house, he said he did not wish the former prime minister arrested and imprisoned.

However, if the PTI chief is innocent, justice would eventually prevail, he added.

The ex-premier required a great deal of soul-searching on the actions that led to his incarceration, Abbasi concluded.

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pakistan

Pakistan, Qatar agree to further strengthen cultural ties

Published

12 hours ago

September 27, 2023

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Pakistan, Qatar agree to further strengthen cultural ties

Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to further strengthen the cultural ties.

The understanding reached during a meeting between Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Abdulrehman bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani on the sidelines of the 12th conference of the Culture Ministers of Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization of OIC held in Doha, Qatar.

They emphasized the importance of advancing negotiations on the proposed Pakistan and Qatar cultural exchanges.

Both the ministers discussed the bilateral relations and cultural issues of mutual interest.

In his speech during two days conference, Jamal Shah said ICESCO should create special opportunities for their craftsmen, musicians, writers and film makers where they can showcase their works with Islamic countries and rest of the world to represent aspirations of their people.

The minister also met with the DG ICESCO and the Culture Minister of Palestine and focused on cultural exchanges and strengthening relations.

Jamal Shah also met with the Iranian and Somalian Counterparts and discussed areas of cooperation and the need for increasing cultural exchanges and strengthening relations.

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pakistan

Maryam tasked to welcome Nawaz

Published

1 day ago

September 26, 2023

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Preparations to welcome Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif on his return home have entered the final stages.

According to the sources, the party has decided to give women a vanguard role in welcoming Nawaz Sharif.

On her return from London, Maryam Nawaz will hold a special meeting with the women’s wing. The message of the party will be conveyed to the women.

According to the party sources, the women leaders who completed the tasks given regarding the reception of Nawaz Sharif will be nominated for specific seats in the upcoming general elections.

The women who fought for the party during the last five years will be nominated for specific seats.

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pakistan

Ministry prepares Hajj policy 2024

Published

1 day ago

September 26, 2023

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Caretaker Religious Affairs Minister Aneeq Ahmed says Hajj policy for 2024 has been prepared and approval will be taken from the cabinet in 10 days.

The caretaker minister of religious affairs said the Hajj policy would include a short period of Hajj including the 40-day Hajj.

“Now Pakistani pilgrims will not lost. Hajj pilgrims will be given two suitcases of specific colour and design. QR codes will be affixed on the suitcase. In the case of Haj pilgrims, there will be details of the pilgrims, name, passport number, residence, school number and other information will be recorded on the suitcase,” the minister explained.

Ahmed further said Hajj pilgrims would now be able to stay in touch with their families in Pakistan at all times.

“Pilgrims will be given a special mobile package for the first time. An agreement has been reached with Saudi Arabia’s mobile phone company. You will be able to make audio and video calls on your mobile phone, and you will be able to talk unlimitedly with a mobile package of Rs4,000,” the caretaker religious affairs minister concluded.

Earlier, the Ministry of Religious Affairs announced the introduction of a short Hajj.

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs was held in which Caretaker Minister of Religious Affairs Aneeq Ahmed said these time Hajj arrangements were being made ahead of time. He said the duration of Hajj would be 18 to 20 days.

“The short Hajj would be decided by the pilgrims themselves and the duration of the short Hajj will be from 18 to 30 days,” he said.

The caretaker minister of religious affairs said the Saudi government had offered to give Pakistanis official residences.

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