PM Shehbaz vows zero tolerance for PTI's 'propaganda against armed forces

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) against peddling the smear campaign targeting the country and the army chief, saying that his government will not tolerate any such propaganda against the security forces.

"The perpetrators of the May 9 riots, who had also attacked parliament and PTV and besieged the PM House in the past, have resorted to new tactics to malign the country and its armed forces as a malicious campaign was run against Army Chief General Asim Munir from the official website of the PTI," said PM Shehbaz, while chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet on Wednesday.

“We will not tolerate any such steps against the country, its innocent people, and its armed forces.”

The prime minister's remarks came two days after Inter-Services Public Relations Director-General (DG ISPR) Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry expressed the same views, calling on the nation to stand up against militants and "digital terrorists".

"Digital terrorism is being done on social media. The army is standing up against terrorists and digital terrorists. The time has come for the entire nation to stand up against them," the chief military spokesperson stated on Monday.

On the same day, the federal capital police arrested PTI's Information Secretary Raoof Hasan from the party's central secretariat in Islamabad for being allegedly involved in propaganda against the country and its integrity.

In today's cabinet meeting, the premier also reiterated his call for national unity to protect the national interest.

The federal cabinet did not discuss about the government's decision to ban the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) during its meeting, sources told Geo News on Wednesday.

However, the federal cabinet huddle did not discuss the much-hyped matter of imposing ban on the opposition PTI and invoking Article 6 (high treason) against the former prime minister Imran Khan, ex-president Arif Alvi and former National Assembly deputy speaker Qasim Suri.

There were reports that the matter of banning the Imran Khan-founded party will come under cabinet's discussion today after Information Minister Attaullah Tarar recently announced that the federal government would impose a ban on the PTI over its alleged involvement in the anti-state activities.

'Terror attacks unacceptable'

PM Shehbaz also pointed out the surge in terror incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, resulting in the martyrdom of the personnel of the security forces and the law enforcement agencies.

He condemned the recent terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of some personnel of armed forces in Pakistan, saying these incidents that indicate the involvement of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) holed up in Afghanistan are "unacceptable".

He said Pakistan was fully prepared to protect its citizens but desired to resolve the matter peacefully.

Two days earlier, the Pakistan Army killed three terrorists who were trying to infiltrate the Pak-Afghan border from Afghanistan, in the Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Moreover, two terrorist attacks took place last week, one in DI Khan and the other in Bannu. Two soldiers and five civilians were martyred in DI Khan while eight other soldiers were martyred while trying to foil a terrorist infiltration into the Bannu Cantonment in the wee hours of July 15.

PM Shehbaz termed this current wave of terrorism a machination against the country, arguing that it was taking place at a time when the coalition government was making efforts for development as it reached a staff-level agreement with IMF despite challenges and announced a three-month relief package for 96% of domestic power consumers.

Highlighting the role of Afghanistan in the wave of terrorism, the prime minister said the government was in interaction with them as Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif also visited there.

He highlighted that the country was hosting Afghan refugees only to be rewarded with the attacks by terrorists from the Afghan soil.

“But how is it possible that we hosted millions of their people here without any complaint? We treated them like our brothers and never considered them as a burden. But we were rewarded in the form of TTP attacks on our citizens to mar the country’s peace and business. This is not acceptable,” he remarked.

Visa fee to be abolished for 126 countries

The prime minister apprised the members of a decision to abolish visa fees for 126 countries as a “quantum jump” to bring ease of doing business and attract businessmen, tourists and travellers to Pakistan.

The decision, made after a threadbare discussion, would be tabled before the cabinet for its consideration, he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said that visitors would get visas within 24 hours through the electronic travel authorisation form. Besides, E-gates would be set up at Gwadar Port and nine airports – initially at the Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi airports.

The prime minister also strongly condemned the unprecedented human rights abuses of Israel against Palestinians as around 40,000 Palestinians had been killed including thousands of children and women.

He said despite the resolutions passed by the United Nations Security Council and UN General Assembly and the decision by the International Court of Justice, Israel remained adamant on its oppression which was highly condemnable.

The prime minister drew attention to the attacks on Pakistan’s missions in Germany and London. He said the Foreign Office had timely taken up the matter and that the envoys of the countries concerned should be given demarches to seek the protection of Pakistan’s missions.

 

Fatwa already issued against attacking Pakistan: Afghan envoy

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PESHAWAR: The Islamic Emirate — or the Taliban administration — had already issued a fatwa (decree) that launching attacks in "Pakistan is not jihad" (holy war), a senior diplomat of Afghanistan said Wednesday.

In conversation with Geo News, Acting Consul General at the Afghan Consulate in Peshawar Hafiz Mohibullah Shakir said that his country’s defence ministry had also made it clear that attacking Pakistan did not fall under jihad.

The Pakistani government has time and again stressed that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists have safe havens in Afghanistan and that the neighbouring nation’s soil was being used for attacks on Pakistan.

Since the Afghan Taliban took over the reins of government in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a rise in terror incidents with 2023 being the deadliest in eight years, despite months left in its conclusion, with officials also saying that Afghan nationals were involved in attacks on security forces.

Asif Durrani, Pakistan's special representative on Afghanistan, said that the banned TTP’s attacks on Pakistan along the borders have increased and that they were “taking shelter on the Afghan soil”.

In response to Pakistan’s repeated insistence on taking action, the interim Afghan rulers arrested 200 suspected militants involved in attacks against Pakistan, Voice of America reported last month, citing Pakistani officials privy to the development.

Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and his Taliban counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi, met on the sidelines of a China-hosted international conference earlier this month.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, said Jilani "underscored that challenges confronting regional peace and stability be addressed in collaborative spirit through collective strategies".

In his conversation with Geo News, Shakir said the TTP militants had migrated to Afghanistan during former US-backed Afghan president Ashraf Ghani’s tenure — 2014-2021. He was overthrown by the Taliban.

“I want to make it clear: No attacks will be launched from Afghanistan on Pakistan,” the envoy added.

'No objections'

The government in Islamabad has ordered illegal Afghan refugees in Pakistan to exit the country by November 1 or face deportation, with the deadline just five days away and millions of Afghans residing in the country.

“We have no objections to the decision taken regarding Afghan refugees, but an appropriate method should be adopted to send them back,” the acting Afghan consul general said.

He said it would be better if the Afghan refugees were given time to wrap up their affairs in Pakistan. “We have also made arrangments for their arrival [in Afghanistan],” he added.

“People can now continue doing their business in Afghanistan. But indeed, it will be hard for Afghan refugees initially when they come back,” Shakir also said.

The caretaker government, earlier this month, had directed all "aliens" — including 1.73 million Afghan nationals — to leave the country following a series of terrorist attacks in which Afghan nationals were found to be responsible for 14 of 24 suicide bombings.

The United Nations (UN) has also said that refugees residing in Pakistan should be allowed to exit the country voluntarily and no pressure should be exerted on them.

Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees since the Soviet Union’s invasion in 1979.

The United States has also "strongly" encouraged Afghanistan's neighbours, including Pakistan, to allow entry for Afghans seeking protection and urged them to uphold obligations in the treatment of refugees, the US State Department said last week.

 

More than Rs8 million looted in Karachi bank robbery

KARACHI: Amid rampant crime rates in the city, the metropolis witnessed another major bank robbery after armed robbers got away with looting more than Rs8 million from a private bank in Karachi on Wednesday

SIU Senior Superintendent Of Police(SSP) Junaid Shaikh — refuting initial reports of four gunmen — confirmed that six robbers, who came on three motorcycles, got away with Rs8.7 million rupees as the security guard didn't put up much resistance.

"There's a CCTV camera outside the bank [...] We are trying to retrieve the CCTV footage to ascertain the route taken by fleeing robbers," Shaikh added.

The robbers also assaulted the bank's security guard and managed to flee with the security guard's weapon with impunity.

"If needed, the bank employees will also be made part of the investigation," the police officer said while apprising that the weapon snatched from the security guard was disposed of by the robbers near the bank.

Meanwhile, a heavy contingent of police arrived at the scene with Sindh Caretaker Interior Minister Brig (retd) Haris Nawaz reprimanding the authorities over the lack of police patrolling in the area.

The minister has directed the Additional IG to submit a report on the incident along with the details pertaining to the resistance put up by the bank's security guard.

The metropolitan city has witnessed a significant surge in crime with the number of people killed by robbers in the city this year rising to 104 in the first nine months of 2023, The News reported earlier this month.

Some 60,000 street crime incidents have been reported in the city this year, according to the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), whose figures show that 59,511 such incidents have occurred between January and August 2023.

Imran Khan's Legal Battle: The IHC Indictment in Cipher Case

https://www.sporttattle.online/2023/10/imran-khans-legal-battle-ihc-indictment.html

On the 20th of October 2023, the political landscape of Pakistan witnessed a significant development as Prime Minister Imran Khan, also known for his cricketing legacy, took the controversial step of moving the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against his indictment in the Cipher Case. The Cipher Case has been a hot topic of debate, with allegations of political manipulation and misuse of power on both sides of the aisle. In this blog post, we'll explore the details of this legal move, the background of the Cipher Case, and the implications it may have on Pakistan's political future.

The Cipher Case: A Brief Overview

The Cipher Case, officially titled "The Inquiry Report into Allegations of Foreign Funding Against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)," is a complex legal saga that dates back to 2014. The case primarily revolves around allegations of illegal foreign funding received by PTI, Imran Khan's political party. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) initiated an investigation into these allegations, seeking to determine if PTI had accepted foreign funds, which is prohibited under Pakistan's election laws.

Imran Khan's Involvement

Imran Khan has been at the center of the Cipher Case since its inception. He has consistently maintained that his party received no foreign funding and has denied any wrongdoing. However, opponents have alleged that PTI did receive funds from abroad, raising questions about the party's transparency and legality.

Imran Khan's Move: A Legal Challenge

The most recent twist in the Cipher Case is Imran Khan's decision to challenge his indictment in the Islamabad High Court. His legal move comes after the Election Commission indicted him for failing to provide the necessary financial records and details about PTI's funding sources, which are crucial for the investigation.

Imran Khan's legal team argues that the Election Commission's decision to indict him is politically motivated and infringes upon his rights as a citizen. They contend that he is being unfairly targeted and that the investigation is being used as a tool to tarnish his political image.

Political Implications

The Cipher Case has become a significant point of contention in Pakistan's political landscape. Imran Khan's opponents have used it as a rallying point to question his government's legitimacy. On the other hand, his supporters view it as a conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the government and derailing his political career.

The move to challenge the indictment in the IHC has further polarized the political discourse in the country. Imran Khan's critics argue that he should cooperate fully with the investigation, claiming that his legal maneuver is an attempt to obstruct justice. Supporters, on the other hand, believe that he is within his rights to seek legal recourse and protect his reputation.

The Future of the Cipher Case

The Cipher Case is far from over, and it remains to be seen how the Islamabad High Court will respond to Imran Khan's plea. The legal battle could take months or even years to reach a conclusion, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's political future.

Conclusion

Imran Khan's decision to challenge his indictment in the Cipher Case has added a new layer of complexity to an already convoluted legal saga. The case has far-reaching implications, not only for the Prime Minister but for Pakistan's political stability and democratic institutions. As the legal battle unfolds, the world will be watching closely to see how this controversy shapes the country's political landscape in the months and years to come.

 

ECP invites international observers, media for election monitoring to ensure 'credibility'

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any thriving democracy. The integrity of electoral processes is vital in ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and respected. To enhance transparency and build trust in their elections, many countries invite international observers and media outlets to monitor their elections. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of international election monitoring and media involvement in upholding the credibility of elections, with a particular focus on the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The Role of International Observers

International election observers play a crucial role in assessing the fairness and legitimacy of electoral processes. Their presence helps ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with international standards, which include transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to the rule of law.

1.1. Assessing Electoral Processes

International observers carefully assess various aspects of elections, including voter registration, campaign activities, polling, and counting. They look for irregularities, malpractices, and any undue influence that could undermine the integrity of the process.

1.2. Fostering Transparency

The mere presence of international observers can deter electoral fraud and misconduct. Observers often release interim and final reports that provide an independent evaluation of the electoral process, contributing to transparency.

1.3. Enhancing Public Trust

The presence of impartial international observers can enhance public trust in the electoral process. When citizens believe that elections are conducted fairly, they are more likely to accept the results and have faith in their government.

Media's Role in Election Monitoring

Media outlets also play a vital role in election monitoring. Their comprehensive coverage and reporting of the electoral process keep citizens informed and engaged.

2.1. Information Dissemination

Media outlets provide real-time information about elections, ensuring that voters are well-informed about candidates, issues, and polling locations. This empowers citizens to make informed decisions.

2.2. Accountability

Media holds political parties and candidates accountable by scrutinizing their actions and promises. Investigative journalism can uncover corruption and misconduct, discouraging such behavior.

2.3. Encouraging Participation

Media coverage encourages citizens to participate in the electoral process by emphasizing the importance of voting and civic engagement.

The ECP's Initiative

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recognizes the importance of international observers and media involvement in ensuring the credibility of elections. In recent years, the ECP has taken several steps to promote transparency and trust in the electoral process.

3.1. Inviting International Observers

The ECP actively invites international observers from reputable organizations and countries to monitor its elections. These observers are given access to all aspects of the election process, from voter registration to vote counting.

3.2. Media Accreditation

The ECP facilitates the accreditation of national and international media organizations, allowing them to cover the elections extensively. Accredited media outlets have access to polling stations, candidates, and election officials.

3.3. Information Dissemination

The ECP collaborates with media outlets to ensure that accurate and timely information reaches the public. They hold press conferences, provide official statements, and engage with journalists to address any concerns.

The Benefits of International Observers and Media Involvement

The participation of international observers and media in the electoral process offers several key benefits:

4.1. Credibility

Their presence adds credibility to the electoral process, reassuring citizens that elections are being conducted fairly.

4.2. Deterrence

The fear of being caught by international observers and media can act as a strong deterrent against election-related malpractices.

4.3. Transparency

Transparency is enhanced through the dissemination of information by media and the independent assessment of international observers.

4.4. Accountability

Media and international observers hold candidates and election officials accountable for their actions, promoting ethical behavior.

Conclusion

The involvement of international observers and media in election monitoring is a critical component of ensuring the credibility of electoral processes. The Election Commission of Pakistan's initiative to invite international observers and engage with the media showcases a commitment to upholding democratic principles and maintaining public trust. As other countries follow suit, the world moves one step closer to fostering robust and accountable democracies

Epic Showdown: Galatasaray Istanbul vs. FC Bayern in the UEFA Champions League.

The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, where the continent's elite teams battle for supremacy. One of the most anticipated fixtures in this competition was the clash between Galatasaray Istanbul and FC Bayern. The matchup between the Turkish giants and the German powerhouse promised an unforgettable night of football. In this blog, we'll delve into the details of this epic showdown, exploring the history, key players, tactical insights, and the thrilling game itself.

A Brief History:

Galatasaray Istanbul and FC Bayern are two storied clubs with rich histories in European competition. Galatasaray is renowned for their passionate fan base and remarkable performances in the Champions League. They famously won the competition in 2000 when they defeated Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout.

On the other side, FC Bayern Munich, one of Europe's most successful clubs, has a stellar Champions League record. The Bavarian giants have won the tournament multiple times, establishing themselves as a footballing powerhouse. Their most recent success came in 2020 when they defeated Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Key Players:

1. Galatasaray Istanbul:

   - Arda Turan: The Turkish playmaker is the heartbeat of the team, known for his vision and creativity.

   - Radamel Falcao: The Colombian striker brings experience and a lethal goal-scoring instinct to the team.

2. FC Bayern:

   - Robert Lewandowski: The Polish goal machine is one of the world's most prolific strikers.

   - Joshua Kimmich: A versatile midfielder who can control the game with his passing and vision.

Tactical Insights:

Galatasaray Istanbul, under their manager, focused on an organized defense and quick counter-attacks. Their home crowd at the Türk Telekom Stadium added an extra layer of intensity to their game. They aimed to exploit the pace and creativity of Arda Turan in the attacking third.

FC Bayern, under the guidance of their astute coach, favored a high-pressing, possession-based style of play. They looked to control the game through their midfield, with Kimmich and others pulling the strings. Lewandowski spearheaded the attack, often linking up with the wide players.

The Thrilling Game:

The match between Galatasaray Istanbul and FC Bayern was a rollercoaster of emotions. Galatasaray, buoyed by their passionate home crowd, opened the scoring early, taking a 1-0 lead through a strike from Radamel Falcao. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, and the Turkish side showed resilience in defense, frustrating Bayern's efforts to equalize.

As the game progressed, FC Bayern started to dominate possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. Robert Lewandowski netted the equalizer with a clinical finish, and the visitors continued to press for the lead. But Galatasaray was resilient, with their goalkeeper making some incredible saves to keep them in the game.

In the dying minutes of the match, Galatasaray launched a blistering counter-attack, resulting in a dramatic late winner, sealing a famous victory. The crowd erupted in jubilation, and Galatasaray Istanbul had once again written their name into the history books of the Champions League.

Conclusion:

The clash between Galatasaray Istanbul and FC Bayern in the UEFA Champions League was a spectacle of footballing passion, skill, and drama. The rich history of both clubs, the key players involved, and the tactical battle on the field all added to the excitement. Ultimately, it was a night to remember for Galatasaray and their fans, as they defied the odds to secure a thrilling victory. Football fans around the world were treated to a game that showcased the beauty and unpredictability of the beautiful game.

Solution of Palestine and Israeal War

Solution for the Palestine-Israel Problem

The well-known conflict between the Arab world and the Jewish state has been a source of ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, leading to several wars. One of the most significant conflicts was the 1967 war, often referred to as "The Six-Day War" or "The Setback." This war pitted Israel against a coalition of Arab states, primarily Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. It arose due to deteriorating relations between Israel and its neighbors and resulted in high casualties on both sides. On June 5, 1967, Israel initiated a series of airstrikes on Egyptian airfields and other facilities, catching Egyptian forces off guard. The majority of Egypt's aerial assets were destroyed, ultimately leading to an Israeli victory. 

Another noteworthy conflict was the Yom Kippur War, also known as the Ramadan War or the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. This war took place from October 6 to 25, 1973, and was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt. Most of the fighting occurred in the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula, both of which had been occupied by Israel in 1967. Egypt's initial objective was to establish a foothold on the eastern bank of the Suez Canal. While this war also saw an Israeli victory to some extent, it further deepened the complexities of the region's ongoing conflict.

Current Problem:

The recent relentless brutalization and widespread violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers have exposed deeply ingrained biases within certain sections of the Western far right. Time and again, some factions of the right claim to be guided by unbiased principles and objective facts. They assert confidently that their criticism of Islam isn't rooted in prejudice but rather stems from a belief that Islam challenges some of their core principles, justifying their position. In light of the latest developments in occupied Palestine, a significant portion of the Western right has rallied behind Israel in its seemingly senseless destruction and oppression of the Palestinian people.

Solution:

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply complex and long-standing issue with no simple solution. It involves historical, political, religious, and territorial dimensions, and various attempts have been made to find a resolution. A comprehensive solution should ideally address the following key aspects:

1. Two-State Solution: Many international efforts have focused on the idea of establishing two separate states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians, coexisting side by side. This solution aims to create an independent and sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, with defined borders and the possibility for both nations to live in peace and security.

2. Borders and Territorial Issues: One of the most challenging aspects of any solution is defining the borders of the two states. Negotiations should address issues such as land swaps, the status of Jerusalem, and the fate of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, among others.

3. Security: Both Israelis and Palestinians have legitimate security concerns. Any agreement should ensure the safety and security of both nations and their citizens. This may involve international peacekeeping forces, security guarantees, and mechanisms to address security threats.

4. Refugees: The issue of Palestinian refugees and their right of return is a sensitive topic. A solution should address the needs and aspirations of Palestinian refugees, whether through compensation, resettlement, or return within the framework of the new Palestinian state.

5. Jerusalem: The status of Jerusalem is a critical issue. Many propose that a future solution should allow both Israelis and Palestinians to have their capitals in Jerusalem, with the city serving as an international or shared capital under international supervision.

6. Mutual Recognition: Both parties should recognize each other's right to exist and have secure, peaceful, and prosperous states. This is a fundamental step toward building trust and cooperation.

7. Economic Development: Economic development is essential for the stability of both states. International assistance and investment should be encouraged to help both nations build strong, self-sustaining economies.

8. Diplomacy and Negotiations: A successful solution requires meaningful negotiations and a commitment to dialogue. International mediators and the support of the international community can play a vital role in facilitating these negotiations.

9. Human Rights and Rule of Law: Both Israel and a future Palestinian state should ensure the protection of human rights and the rule of law, including freedoms, justice, and democratic governance.

10. International Support: The international community, including regional powers and organizations, should support the peace process, enforce agreements, and provide guarantees for its implementation.

It's important to note that reaching a comprehensive and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is extremely challenging and has eluded resolution for many years. However, a commitment to dialogue, compromise, and addressing the concerns and aspirations of both parties remains crucial in any attempt to resolve the conflict.

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shareef shreded in tears at airport due to Pakistan current situation.

 Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shareef shredded in tears at airport due to Pakistan current situation.

Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shareef at airport said:

In my time back when 2017 Pakistan was Growing very fast. Everyone was abled to feed their children the prices of grocery,fuel and electricity was very low.

Every one was able to teach their children at schools. Price of dollar was very less and the Pakistani Rupees was very stable. When i left Pakistan in 2017 i thought that when i will revisit Pakistan it's condition will be good.

But now at this moment when i see Pakistan in this condition i can't control my emotion. If they didn't ruined my government Pakistan will be at very good situation loan was being paid and nobody would be poor.

At this time the price of petrol is 284rs and Dollar is at 275rs but at my time the price of petrol was 100rs and the dollar was at 104rs. I had a lot of plans for Pakistan for its financial and economical growth but they ended my Government and now Pakistan is in very bad situation. But now i have came and i will try my best to make Pakistan a sucessfull country.

I will bring back the time in which every thing was a lot cheaper and life was easy for poor people also.

In his speech he also said that i am not here for any type of revenge i am here because my beloved country is in bad condition.

I always loved my country and i lost my mother and my wife in serving this country.

I am giving speech after 6 year i was visiting courts for two years and i was out of country for 4 year. I worked for my country i established motorway in many cities. But now I will focus on current problems of Pakistan and i will try my best to resolve them. This data was collected by sporttattle.online

 

ICC World Cup 2023: Pakistan asks India to ensure team's safety

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday urged the Indian government to provide foolproof security to the cricket team amid terror threats during the ICC World Cup 2023.

The demand came during a weekly press briefing at the Foreign Office in the federal capital today when Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch was asked to comment on visa delays for Pakistani fans and journalists and media reports regarding terror threats.The Indian government hasn't granted visas to media persons even though they had applied for it much ahead of the mega tournament.

"The host country should provide protection to our cricket team in the ICC World Cup 2023," she said, adding that it is the responsibility of the Indian government to create a favourable environment.

Baloch stated that they are in touch with Indian authorities and hoped that the visas would be issued soon.

The FO spokesperson warned New Delhi against mixing politics with sports

"As the host, India should not hinder Pakistani fans from watching the World Cup."

Security beefed up in Ahmedabad

Meanwhile, the Indian authorities have jacked up security preparations and are on high alert amid a terror threat pertaining to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi stadium.

As reported by the Indian media, authorities have beefed up security protocols with more than 3,000 police personnel deployed in and around the venue — scheduled to host a total of five fixtures including the opening match, Pakistan-India clash, and the tournament's final.

As part of the strict security measures, spectators will not be allowed to carry anything in the stadium other than their mobile phones, per the reporters.

Furthermore, the road leading to the stadium will remain closed during the matches, a move aimed at minimising security risks.

The mega event will commence on Thursday with England taking on New Zealand at the very stadium.

The ICC World Cup 2023 will take place in India with 10 teams fighting for the elusive title across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19.

The tournament will be played in a round-robin format with all teams playing against each other for a total of 45 league matches.

 

Child among two martyred in Afghan cross-border firing at Chaman border

RAWALPINDI: Two Pakistani civilians, including a child, were martyred when Afghan security forces Wednesday opened "unprovoked and indiscriminate" fire on pedestrians crossing the Chaman border, according to the military's media wing.

The unfortunate event took place at 4pm at the Friend Ship Gate of the border crossing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement."The incident occurred at the outbound gate located on the zero line," the statement said, noting that two Pakistani citizens — including a 12-year-old — embraced martyrdom, while another child was injured.

In response, Pakistani troops exercised extreme restraint and avoided any exchange of fire in the presence of innocent passengers to avoid collateral damage, the ISPR statement said.

The Chaman border has been, over the years, repeatedly closed and then re-opened after Afghan forces resorted to such extreme measures, with the Pakistani side stressing restraint.

In today's statement, the ISPR said Islamabad has approached Kabul's authorities to inquire about the reason behind such an irresponsible and reckless act and to apprehend and hand over the culprit to Pakistani authorities.

The military said that the Afghan government is also expected to exercise control over its troops and impart discipline to act responsibly in order to avoid the recurrence of such incidents in the future.

"Pakistan remains committed to [contributing] towards peace, prosperity, and development through positive and constructive bilateral relations, however, such unpleasant occurrences have the potential to harm the sincere intent and purpose."

The bodies of the deceased, meanwhile, have been shifted to the DHQ Hospital Chaman, and the injured child, who was immediately evacuated by security forces, is under treatment.

The development comes a day after Pakistan told hundreds of thousands of Afghans living illegally in Pakistan to leave voluntarily until November 1 or face deportation.

The order came as Pakistan grapples with a rise in attacks the government blames on militants operating from Afghanistan.

Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said 1.7 million Afghans were in Pakistan illegally.

 

PML-N says establishment accepted Nawaz's narrative

A top Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said Wednesday the establishment had accepted party supremo Nawaz Sharif's narrative and backed off from politics.

PML-N Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal, in a presser, said that the former three-time prime minister's narrative has been accepted and the establishment announced openly that it would not interfere in politics anymore."The establishment and the judiciary will have to cooperate to take the country's economy forward," the former planning minister told reporters.

Iqbal added that the country could not bear another experiment, claiming that the cure of all of Pakistan's ills is if an experienced politician like Nawaz is elected back into power.

The senior party leader went on to say that it is up to all stakeholders to ensure that they operate within their constitutional parameters, adding that all state institutions are an asset of Pakistan.

The PML-N's narrative of holding powerful people — that it claims were behind Nawaz's ouster in 2017 — accountable has toned down, and now the party has shifted its focus towards reshaping the country's crumbling economy.

With elections set to take place in January end, the PML-N has kick-started its election campaign and a key driving force behind it is the scheduled return of Nawaz — who has been living in self-exile in London since 2019.

The PML-N supremo — who was disqualified in the Panama Papers case in 2017 — is set to land in Lahore on October 21 and expected to address a rally at Minar-e-Pakistan and later face courts for his pending cases.

In an address to a rally later in the day, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif reassured that Nawaz is coming back to Pakistan not to seek revenge but to "rescue" the country from the ongoing crisis.

Shehbaz reiterated his brother's homecoming on October 21 and said that Nawaz is returning to serve the people of Pakistan and recommence the journey towards prosperity once again.

 

Nawaz Sharif coming back to lead country towards prosperity: Shehbaz

Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing a political gathering in Lahore, has said that Nawaz Sharif is coming back to Pakistan not seeking revenge but to lead the country towards prosperity, progress and development.

Addressing a gathering of party workers on Wednesday, Shehbaz said that his elder brother and party supremo's return is aimed at serving the people of Pakistan and putting the country back on track towards prosperity and growth.

Nawaz, the three-time prime minister, has been in self-imposed exile in London since November 2019 owing to health reasons. He was disqualified for life in 2017 by the Supreme Court for not declaring a receivable salary.

Commenting on the performance of the Nawaz-led PML-N government, Shehbaz said that the three-time premier came into power at a time when the country faced long hours of load-shedding. In only four years Nawaz Sharif rooted out load-shedding, he added.

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Asking the party workers to get ready to welcome Nawaz to highlight the injustice done to him, Shehbaz said that the people of Pakistan — due to the ouster of Nawaz — were "in fact deprived of progress and development".

Commenting on the performance of the Nawaz-led PML-N government, the former PM said that his brother came into power at a time when the country faced long hours of load-shedding. In only four years Nawaz Sharif rooted out load-shedding, he added.

"During Nawaz Sharif's tenure [as prime minister] flour was at Rs35 per kilogramme," the PML-N president said while comparing economic indicators and inflation during Nawaz's previous term as premier with that of now. "I will work with Nawaz Sharif [...] to put the country back on track for development and growth."

Recalling the PML-N supremo's achievements, Shehbaz said that his brother — despite then-US president Bill Clinton's telephone call — conducted six nuclear tests in response to India's atomic tests.

The country's progress and development were halted, Shehbaz said while terming the 2018 general elections as "rigged".

Nawaz to address political gathering at Minar-e-Pakistan

It is pertinent to know that the former three-time prime minister will return to Pakistan on October 21 and address a public gathering at 6pm at Minar-e-Pakistan on the same day, senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah revealed on Tuesday.

Nawaz's legal team has completed preparations to seek protective bail from the court ahead of his arrival.

According to party sources, the new plan was devised following discussions among the party's top officials, including former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz, and Vice President Hamza Shehbaz.

Initially, Shehbaz, Maryam, and other party leaders were scheduled to speak at the event as well, but it has since been determined that Nawaz will be the only one to do so.

Nawaz would unveil a narrative to the PML-N workers in his address, sources said adding that the move was suggested by Chief Organiser Maryam.