Day: June 26, 2024

The process of election of Chairmen of different Standing Committees of National Assembly has been started. Syed Naveed Qamar has been elected as Chairman of Standing Committee on Finance, Hina Rabbani Khar as Chairperson Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani Communications, Abdul Qadir Patel Maritime Affairs, Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination , Khalid Magsi Water Resources and Rana Iradat Sharif has been elected as chairman Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs. Source: Radio Pakistan

The intelligence and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have secured a major and significant breakthrough by arresting a key commander and head of the Defence Shura of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Khawarij, Nasrullah alias Maulvi Mansoor. He was rounded up as a result of a very complicated and difficult operation. The plot to construct hideouts for launching terrorist activities under the nexus of TTP Khawarij and Balochistan Liberation Army Majeed Brigade in Balochistan has been foiled. In his revelations, the detained commander Nasrullah alias Maulvi Mansoor said before joining TTP, he had been taking part in subversive activities from the platform of Baitullah Mehsud. He revealed that he had fled to Afghanistan during operation Zarb-e-Azb. The TTP commander said that he carried out terrorists attacks on Pakistan Army posts in South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Dera Ismail Khan and along Pak-Afghan border. Commander Maulvi Mansoor said he was serving as the head of the TTP Defence Shura and was centra lly controlling all of its military, financial and administrative affairs when arrested. The detained TTP Commander disclosed that Indian secret agency RAW managed affiliation of BLA Majeed Brigade and TTP Khawarij under the complete patronage of Afghan Taliban. He further disclosed that it was the objective of RAW to keep sustain the nexus of BLA and TTP, build terrorist hideouts in Khuzdar area of Balochistan and to sabotage Pak-China Friendship and CPEC. Maulvi Mansoor said that TTP and BLA nexus is also aimed at building a narrative of missing persons by carrying out activities for kidnapping for ransom. He said that TTP commander Noor Wali held meetings with RAW officials at Indian Embassy in Kabul and TTP is completely being funded by RAW. He said Noor Wali Mehsud had also been meeting with BLA commander Bashir Zeib at the Indian Embassy in Kabul. Maulvi Mansoor said the entire TTP leadership including Maulvi Noor Wali Mehsud and BLA Majeed Brigade Commander Bashir Zeb is hiding in Afghanistan. H e said the interim Afghan government is backing Khawarji commander Mufti Noor Wali, while Bashir Zeb and Noor Wali are also free to move across Afghanistan. The TTP captured commander said that he had also exchanged harsh words with Noor Wali Mehsud on the issue of BLA affiliation with TTP. He said some people of BLA activists do not want anyone else to be a partner in the looting activities in Balochistan. Maulvi Mansoor disclosed that he believes that BLA betrayed them. He sought forgiveness not only from Allah, but also from all those people who were harmed by his so-called Jihad. The detained TTP commander further revealed that many "missing people" are hiding in Afghanistan. He appealed to the tribesmen to open their eyes and be vigilant that leaders of terrorist outfits enjoy perks and privileges while they kill innocent children in terrorist activities. Source: Radio Pakistan

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has accorded approval to joint ventures project between Chinese and Pakistani companies regarding the transfer of Chinese industries to Pakistan. He gave this approval while presiding over a high-level meeting on matters related to Board of Investment in Islamabad today, he said promotion of national and foreign investment in Pakistan is the top most priority of the government. He directed to submit a comprehensive report on the progress of Memorandum of Understandings signed between Pakistani and Chinese companies at Shenzhen during his visit to China. The Prime Minister further directed to revise the Special Economic Zones One Stop Shop Law in the context of developments after his recent visit to China. The Prime Minister said the government is taking all possible steps to provide business-friendly environment to traders and investors. He said there is great potential for relocation of China's textile, leather, footwear and other industries in Pakistan. Briefing t he meeting, the Secretary Board of Investment said steps are being taken regarding relocation of Chinese industries in Pakistan, while services of Chinese experts are being hired for the establishment of Islamabad Business Facilitation Center. It was further informed that draft regarding Ease of Doing Business Act is also being sent to Cabinet Committee on Legislative Affairs soon. Source: Radio Pakistan

Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has stressed for enhancing the inter-parliamentary cooperation between Pakistan and Australia. He was talking to Australian High Commissioner Neil Hakins in Islamabad. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said Pakistan accords high value to its relations with Australia and wants to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. He highlighted Pakistan's significant sacrifices in the war against terror and its humanitarian efforts, including the support extended to hundred thousands of Afghan refugees. Yousuf Raza Gilani also emphasized Pakistan's proactive role in combating climate change, underscoring the country's ongoing initiatives and achievements in this critical area. The Australian High Commissioner commended Pakistan for its unwavering commitment and efforts in the fight against terrorism and combating climate change. Both sides reiterated their commitment to further strengthening cooperation in various fields, especially agriculture and education for the mutu al benefit of both nations. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan and Sweden have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and forge a broad-based relationship anchored in robust economic cooperation. The understanding was reached during18th round of Bilateral Political Consultations held between the two countries in Islamabad today. Additional Foreign Secretary (Europe), Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, led the Pakistani side, while the Swedish side was headed by Director General of the Global Department of the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt. The two sides reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation covering political relations, trade and investment, education, and people-to-people contacts. Expressing satisfaction over the trajectory of Pak-Sweden relations, they agreed to coordinate on all issues of mutual interest at multilateral fora including the United Nations and European Union. The Swedish side briefed the Pakistani side on the steps taken to promote interfaith harmony in Sweden. Important regional and global developments also came under discussion. Director General Dag also separately called on the Foreign Secretary and exchanged views on strengthening Pak-Sweden bilateral relationship. Pakistan and Sweden are celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Source: Radio Pakistan

The United Nations' International Day in Support of Victims of Torture was observed on Wednesday. The day was first observed by United Nations General Assembly in 1997 to raise awareness about the suffering of people who undergo torture. The day helps to raise awareness that torture is a crime against humanity. The theme of the day this year is 'Torture Is A Crime, End It Now'. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan says US House of Representatives' resolution on political situation in Pakistan stems from an incomplete understanding of the political situation and electoral process in Pakistan. In response to media queries regarding the passage of House Resolution 901, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Pakistan believes that timing and context of this resolution does not align well with the positive dynamics of Pak-US bilateral ties. She said Pakistan, as the world's second-largest parliamentary democracy and fifth-largest democracy overall, is committed to the values of constitutionalism, human rights and rule of law in pursuance of our own national interest. The Foreign Office Spokesperson said Pakistan believes in constructive dialogue and engagement based on mutual respect and understanding and such resolutions are therefore neither constructive nor objective. She said we hope that the U.S Congress will play a supportive role in strengthening Pakistan-U.S ties and focus on avenues of mu tual collaboration that benefit both our peoples and countries. Source: Radio Pakistan

Home Minister Balochistan Mir Ziaullah Langau says anti-state elements are providing financial assistance to terrorists in Balochistan. Addressing a press conference in Quetta today, he said India is involved in all terrorists' activities in Pakistan. He said Indian agencies are inciting youth of Balochistan against the development of Balochistan. The Minister reiterated that anti-state elements will not succeed in their nefarious designs. Source: Radio Pakistan