FARUKH SHEHZAD

Brussels, NOV 30: Russia will pay a “high price” if it uses force against Ukraine, and the West has already shown that it can wield economic, financial and political sanctions against Moscow, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.

“There will be a high price to pay for Russia if they once again use force against the independence of the nation, Ukraine,” Stoltenberg told reporters as he arrived for a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Riga, Latvia.

“We have different options and we have demonstrated over the years, in reactions to Russia‘s previous use of military force against Ukraine, that we can sustain heavy economic and financial sanctions, political sanctions.

“And also the fact that we have increased our presence here in the region, both in the Black Sea region but also in the Baltic region, in the air or land and at sea, is a direct reaction to the Russian military incursion into Ukraine, the illegal annexation of Crimea.”

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Courtesy Anews

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MOSCOW, NOV 30: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said Russia would be forced to act if its ‘red lines’ on Ukraine were crossed by NATO, saying Moscow would view the deployment of certain offensive missile capabilities on Ukrainian soil as a trigger.

Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow, Putin said he hoped common sense would prevail on all sides, but that he wanted NATO to be aware of Russia’s own concerns about its own security linked to Ukraine.

“If some kind of strike systems appear on the territory of Ukraine, the flight time to Moscow will be 7-10 minutes, and five minutes in the case of a hypersonic weapon being deployed. Just imagine,” said Putin.

“What are we to do in such a scenario? We will have to then create something similar in relation to those who threaten us in that way. And we can do that now.”

Putin said Russia had just successfully tested a new sea-based hypersonic missile which would be in service at the start of the new year. He said it had a flight time of 5 minutes at nine times the speed of sound.

“Creating such threats (in Ukraine) poses red lines for us. But I hope it doesn’t come to that. I hope that a sense of common sense, responsibility for both our countries and the world community will prevail,” said Putin.

Earlier on Tuesday, the United States and Britain warned Russia over any new military aggression against Ukraine as NATO met to discuss why Russia had moved troops closer to its southern neighbour.

Russia has rejected suggestions it is poised to launch an attack on Ukraine as fear-mongering and has said its troop movements are purely defensive in nature.

Putin said Russia had legitimate concerns.

“The Russian Federation is also experiencing certain concerns about the fact that large-scale exercises are being conducted near its borders, including unplanned ones, as was the case quite recently in the Black Sea, when strategic bombers … were flying 20 km from our border … There are precision weapons, there may also be nuclear weapons,” Putin said.

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Courtesy Anews

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 30: The Huawei Pakistan Ecosystem Partner Summit 2021 was held. All Huawei partners across Pakistan joined the event, exchanged success stories and explored new business opportunities in a Win for All Ecosystem. The summit focused on future strategies, policies and incentives programs.Attique Khawaja, CEO of Computer marketing company, Usman Tariq, CEO Tecknotra, Sharjil Alam, COO Communicators Globe, Qaiser Sarwar, and COO NHT were all in attendance along with other partners. 

They discussed how the development of Wi-Fi 6, 5G, and AI technologies are enabling significant advancement in the application, network, and coverage of enterprise campuses.Huawei enterprise business group launched two remarkable solutions “HoloSens IVS 1800” & “Huawei IdeaHub” to leverage innovative technologies to help partners and customers cope with the challenges due to the pandemic.

5G and AI being the backbone of Huawei Product & Solution Development, Today, Huawei has more than 50 partners working in Pakistan.Huawei channel policies and incentive programs for the partners talk about the continuous investment in by Huawei for its Partners through comprehensive training can help to grow business together.

The “Outstanding performance Awards” for the concluding year were announced which included four different categories; Distributor Award, Professional Capability Awards, Excellent Individual Award and Excellent Partner Award. Qaiser Sarwar, COO NHT stated, “It was wonderful arrangement, the virtual environment was innovative and kept us engaged.

NHT & Huawei are strategic partners & learning today about future plans of Huawei, gives our confidence a real boost to further strengthen the cooperation. We are thankful for appreciation from Huawei to declare NHT best partner in Pakistan, we are committed to keep our engagement on top with Huawei as well.”

Attique Khawaja stated, “The event was very organized and the overall atmosphere of the partner eco-system was so enthusiastic that it has motivated the very spirit of our self-belief to work more and more with Huawei and to achieve such great goals.”

Usman Tariq also shared his views, “Good event. True use of Technology in doing these type of Seminars and events.”

Huawei’s partners have stood firm with the company and trusted on their ability to sustain supply, delivery, and services for the customers.

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 30: Former chief justice of Gilgit-Baltistan Rana Shamim on Tuesday distanced himself from an affidavit attributed to him in which allegations of collusion were levelled against another former jurist Mian Saqib Nisar, telling the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that he had not yet examined the ‘leaked’ document.

Shamim made the remarks during the hearing on show-cause notices issued over an investigative report that highlighted Shamim’s alleged accusation against Nisar of colluding to deny bails to top PML-N leadership before general elections 2018.

The report published on Nov 15 in The News by journalist Ansar Abbasi, quoted Shamim as saying in an alleged affidavit that he witnessed Nisar relaying instructions to a high court judge to not release the father-daughter duo in the corruption references against them.IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah had subsequently taken notice of the report and later issued show-cause notices to Abbasi, editor-in-chief of Jang Group Mir Shakeel-ur-Rehman, The News editor Aamir Ghouri as well as Shamim under the Contempt of Court Ordinance.

All four respondents were in the court but only Rehman, Ghouri and Abbasi had submitted their written responses.

At the outset of today’s hearing, Justice Minallah remarked that the case was related to “my court and its accountability”, adding, “along with media freedom, this case is also about the independence of the judiciary.”

Justice Minallah asked Shamim whether he had submitted his response, to which the latter replied that the court should ask his lawyer about it.

He added that there had been a tragedy in his family and requested the court to schedule the next hearing after December 12.

The IHC chief justice, however, gave Shamim seven days to submit his written response.

Shamim was previously represented by his son Ahmed Hassan Rana, an advocate of the Supreme Court. However, he later changed his legal counsel to Latif Afridi.

“I have not yet seen the [published] affidavit,” the ex-GB judge informed the court, referring to the document in the report carried by The News.

It may be mentioned here that The News report had said that Shamim confirmed the contents of the leaked affidavit both on a phone call with the correspondent, as well as a message.

When Justice Minallah asked what purpose Shamim’s affidavit would serve and whether he had given it to a newspaper, the former judge responded, “My affidavit is sealed in a locker in the UK. I don’t know how it was leaked.”

The IHC judge again pressed Shamim, asking him whether he had or hadn’t given his affidavit concerned to the newspaper. “You must have recorded the affidavit for some purpose,” the judge remarked, questioning why Shamim had written the affidavit three years after the alleged incident.

When Shamim requested the court to give him more time to submit his response on account of the chehlum of his brother and sister-in-law, the judge remarked, “This is also a serious matter. You should justify yourself.”

Matter of the ‘original’ affidavit

Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan, who was also present in today’s hearing, requested the court to direct Shamim to present the “original” affidavit in the IHC.

“Maybe his son leaked the affidavit,” he contended, referring to Ahmed.

Shamim responded that he had only one son who was usually present in Islamabad, reiterating that he had not seen the leaked affidavit himself.

At this, Justice Minallah directed Shamim to submit his signed affidavit in court.

When Shamim sought time to submit the affidavit, the AGP countered that the document was not 10 years old.

“This case is related to Article 19 and Article 19-A of the Constitution. The media’s role is secondary, responsibility lies on Rana Shamim.”

The former GB chief justice repeated his statement that he had not seen the affidavit, adding that he had been in a village and had read the report in a newspaper.

“Does he not remember [what happened on] November 10? If he has not written [the affidavit], who has?” the AGP questioned. “Every day is very important,” he added, referring to Shamim’s requests for more time.

Justice Minallah also directed the other three respondents — Jang group editor-in-chief, editor of The News and senior journalist Abbasi — to provide copies of their written responses to the amici curiae, observing that the court wanted the matter to proceed in a transparent manner.

The IHC chief justice remarked that he does “not believe in contempt of court”, adding that judges should be held in higher regard.

“Rana Shamim’s statement today has further complicated the case. Judges should not be used for political narratives,” he further observed.

When Shamim informed the court that it would be “very difficult” to get the original affidavit from the UK by December 7, Justice Minallah said the attorney general would help the ex-judge in this regard.

He directed Shamim to submit both his response as well as the affidavit by December 7 and adjourned the hearing till that date.

Rehman informed the court that he had to appear for a hearing in connection with a National Accountability Bureau (NAB) case against him on that date. The judge then directed him to submit an application for exemption from proceedings.

Following the hearing, Shamim was bombarded with questions by journalists at the IHC to which he only responded with “no comments please.”

Court takes notice

During the last hearing on Nov 16, the IHC chief justice had directed the respondents to submit their replies to the show-cause notices within seven days. It had also directed them to appear in person at the next hearing to be held on Nov 26. However, the Nov 26 hearing was later cancelled.

The court had appointed the Pakis­tan Bar Council’s vice chairman, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists’ president, Advocate Faisal Siddiqui and Reema Omer as amici curiae in the matter.

“The attorney general for Pakistan or the advocate general for Islamabad Capital Territory, as the case may be, shall prosecute the alleged contemnors,” the court order said.

IHC Chief Justice Minallah, under the Contempt of Court Ordinance, had taken notice of the report, which claimed that in 2018 Nisar influenced judicial proceedings to prolong the detention of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz following their conviction in the Avenfield apartments reference. The allegations were made by Rana Shamim.

Rana Shamim has ‘direct relations’ with Nawaz: son

A day after the investigative report was published, Ahmed Hassan Rana, Shamim’s son, had revealed that the ex-GB judge has had long-standing relations with the PML-N supremo and his party in the capacity of an officer-bearer as well as lawyer.

His father has remained “in direct touch” with Nawaz and even met the PML-N supremo in England before the pandemic, Ahmed had shared.

Speaking on Geo News programme Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath, Ahmed had acknowledged that Justice Shamim had also served as the vice-president of PML-N Sindh in the past and was Nawaz’s lawyer in the Memogate scandal case.

During that show, Ahmed had also read out a text from Shamim in which the former judge stated that he had not released the affidavit in question to any journalist, and that it may have been “leaked” from the office of the notary public in London who attested the document.

Appearing on ARY News show Off the Record, Ahmed, who was Shamim’s lawyer at the time, had told anchor Kashif Abbasi that he had not seen the actual affidavit, and only saw pictures of it.

Regarding the timing of the affidavit, Ahmed had said he was not aware of the details and had yet to discuss this with his father as his lawyer.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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• I will sincerely pursue my duties to further develop the existing friendly relationships with Pakistan, says WADA 

ISLAMABAD, NOV 30: WADA Mitsuhiro, the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan has expressed greetings during a media talk on Tuesday in Islamabad.

He said that It is my pleasure to contribute to the development of Japan-Pakistan relations especially at this very important time and to work in this wonderful country which has a rich history, culture and also very warm-hearted people.

Next year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan since our cordial relationship began in 1952. On this remarkable opportunity, I will sincerely pursue my duties to further develop the existing friendly relationships in various fields such as politics, economy, culture, and defence cooperation. Your kind support will be much appreciated.

I would like to revisit what we have accomplished in the past as long-time true friends and trusted partners.

Development cooperation between the two countries had started back in 1954 and to date, Japan has been the second largest donner for Pakistan on a cumulative basis after the United States. We are committed to provide support to Pakistan for its socio-economic development and the effect of utilizing Japan's strengths toward the development of Pakistan and the region will continue.

Business cooperation is also a very important area for further development. In 2020, the amount of export of some Pakistani products including fresh mangoes, dates, salt and shrimps to Japan stood at a record high. Moreover, Japanese companies located in Pakistan have established long-standing business relations with Pakistan and contributed to Pakistani economic development through large amounts of investment and employment.

Exchange of people in various fields has also promoted our relationship. Unfortunately, the movement of people and economic activities have been restricted to a great extent in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I, nevertheless, continue to devote myself to enhance people-to-people exchange by utilizing all possible means, including online. 

Here, a special notice should be made to the Pakistani athletes who competed at their best in the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games even during the COVID-19 situation in the summer of 2021.

Last but not least, my motto is as easily accessible and user-friendly embassy as possible. All our staff members, while listening to your feedback, will continue to make efforts in this regard.  Our door is always open to any suggestions or requests you may have for us.

As Ambassador, I will work hard to further cordial Japan and Pakistan relationships. Let’s invite you to make joint efforts for further strengthening the stable, vibrant and prosperous Japan-Pakistan relations. I appreciate your support and cooperation.

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 30: CABI in Pakistan has increased its capacity to fight against threats of invasive species by establishing a quarantine facility at its Regional Bioscience Centre, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

The new quarantine facility will help to prevent the growth and spread of parthenium weed and new invasive threats in future, by providing appropriate facilities to enable investigation of effective imported biological control options to manage the invasive pests.

While inaugurating the quarantine facility Chairman PARC Dr Ghulam Muhammad Ali lauded the step taken by CABI and said that this new facility in Pakistan will be the foundation on initiation of a classical biological programme in Pakistan. It is need of the time to build the capacity of our national scientists on the protocols of quarantine procedures and research.

Dr. Babar E. Bajwa, Senior Reginal Director, Asia narrated that this quarantine facility is IPPC PEQ-2 level facility which is first of its kind in Pakistan. It will allow scientists to investigate a range of biocontrol options for invasive species management in country.

Followed by the inauguration ceremony, CABI conducts virtual road show event entitled ‘Bio-Protection Consultations in Pakistan – a hybrid event’ at CABI Regional Bioscience Centre, Rawalpindi. The aim of the event to engage the stakeholders in consultations for introduction and application of biological-based pest management approaches in country.

CABI facilitate the process which should lead to closer collaboration between Pakistan and a number of selected biocontrol manufacturers from Europe and China. Pakistan, currently, has yet to register a single commercial biological control product however this will change in the future and this initiative should help contribute to the process. 

To materialize this, CABI, PARC, PCPA and Crop Life join hands to improve investment in crop protection in Pakistan. Speakers were of the view that registration of biocontrol products will generate millions of dollars business and create opportunities for investors and businessmen.

Chairman PARC briefly described Pakistan’s agriculture policy in the context of crop health and current-status and implementation of pest management approaches in a number of different crops in country. 

Dr. Bajwa said on the event that this is a two-way learning process which provides an opportunity for national agriculture system to revamp their crop protection strategy by encouraging biocontrol products.

He also highlighted that digital exhibition rooms were created and offered to the biocontrol manufacturers so that they would be able to introduce their company operations and distribution of their products to the participants.

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MOSCOW, NOV 29: Russia will definitely respond to the latest expulsion of its diplomats from the United States, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Monday.

Ties between Moscow and Washington are languishing at post-Cold War lows. Russia’s ambassador to the United States said late on Saturday that 27 more Russian diplomats and their families were being expelled from the United States and would leave on Jan. 30.

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Courtesy Anews

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Chittagong, NOV 29: Pakistan reached 109-0 in their second innings at stumps on the fourth day chasing a target of 202 in their first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Monday.

Both openers Abid Ali (56) and Abdullah Shafique (53) completed their fifty as the visitors came within 93 runs of victory after bowling out the hosts for 157 earlier in the day.

Earlier, the visitors were 38-0 at tea with Ali batting on 20 along with Shafique (18), after Shaheen Afridi’s 5-32 helped them restrict the Tigers in the second innings earlier in the day.

Resuming on 39-4, Bangladesh looked down and out once they lost Mushfiqur Rahim in the first over of the day, before Liton — who struck a hundred in the first innings — hauled the hosts back to respectability with 59 off 89 balls. Afridi trapped Liton leg-before and then had Abu Jayed out for a duck to complete his fourth five-wicket Test haul, before off-spinner Sajid Khan, who finished with 3-33, wrapped things up by dispatching Taijul Islam.

The hosts had got off to a positive start with Mushfiqur hitting a boundary off the first ball of the morning, bowled by Hasan Ali.

But two balls later he left the wrong delivery and departed for 16 after Hasan struck off-stump.

Das joined overnight batsman Yasir Ali to prevent further collapse.

Just when they looked ready to prosper, Afridi’s low bounce hit the helmet of Yasir, who retired hurt after making 36.

Liton survived on 26 when he was given out, caught at short leg off Sajid Khan. The replay showed that the ball only hit his pad and was going down the leg.

Sajid was rewarded for his persistence as he trapped Mehidy Hasan leg before for 11.

Substitute Nurul Hasan replaced Yasir after Mehidy’s dismissal and barely survived a strong caught-behind appeal just before lunch.

Nurul heaved one at long-on to Faheem Ashraf off Sajid after the break, getting dismissed for 15, and Pakistan took little time to take the remaining wickets.

Bangladesh have failed to defeat Pakistan in any of their 10 previous encounters.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 29: Zong 4G, Pakistan's digital leader, has launched the ‘Multan Dhamaal Offer’ to better serve its clients in underserved areas. The offer exemplifies Zong's proactive customer-centric attitude, which has helped it become Pakistan's leading network.

Residents of Multan will be able to get 5 GB of Internet, 1,000 On-Net Minutes, 30 Off-Net Minutes, and 1,000 SMS for just PKR 80 per week through the Multan Dhamaal Offer.

Zong subscribers in Multan can take advantage of the deal by dialing *9900# or visiting a Zong franchise near them. The My Zong App can also be used to subscribe to the offer. Users on other networks can change their numbers to Zong by calling the helpdesk at 0314-3334455 or visiting a store or Zong franchise near them.

Zong's official spokesperson stated, "We have led the market in introducing products and services that are based on the ever-evolving customer needs. It is our customers’ trust in us that has propelled us to the forefront of digital change in the country." 

“We proactively work for the digital enablement of Pakistanis across the country, shaping and supporting their digital lifestyles,” the spokesperson added.

Zong has also offered unique offers for Bahawalpur, Nowshera, Attock, Kamra, Hazro, and Bannu, in addition to the Multan Dhamaal Offer. In addition, the company has introduced a slew of incredible international roaming deals, allowing thousands of Pakistanis to stay in touch with their loved ones when travelling overseas.

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As she received visiting lawmakers from Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, Tsai said it was the first time the parliaments of all three Baltic States had formed a joint delegation to visit Taiwan.

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Courtesy Anews

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Ashgabat, NOV 28: President of Pakistan Arif Alvi has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the liberation of Azerbaijani lands and restoration of territorial integrity.

I highly appreciate his contribution to this work,” said President of Pakistan Arif Alvi, speaking at the 15th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization.

He congratulated Azerbaijan on the victory in the Patriotic War.

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Courtesy report.az

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