FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, MAR 17: Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said on Thursday that he has advised Prime Minister Imran Khan to impose Governor's rule in Sindh.

Talking to the media in Islamabad, he accused the Sindh government of "buying and selling" lawmakers' votes, terming it a "conspiracy against democracy".

"We are not sending police to Sindh House as they (dissident PTI lawmakers) went to Sindh House because of their greed for money," he said, adding that the matter was between the lawmakers and their constituents.

He claimed that the PTI MNAs had been "attracted by money", saying it was a very good thing that they had been "exposed".

The interior minister said the session of the National Assembly could be called on March 21 while the government has announced holidays in the capital on March 21, 22 and 23 in view of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit.

"After March 25, it will be Sheikh Rashid, the media and Imran Khan's support. There will be a sea of people on the 27th," he said referring to the PTI's planned rally at Islamabad's D-Chowk.

Earlier today, at least five dissident MNAs from the ruling PTI, who are staying at the Sindh House in Islamabad, came out in the open, with Raja Riaz and Malik Nawab Sher Waseer saying they would vote on the no-confidence motion tabled against the prime minister in "accordance with their conscience".

TV footage showed several other lawmakers from the ruling PTI — including MNAs Noor Alam Khan and Basit Bukhari — staying at the facility, giving a clear indication which side they were tilting towards in the upcoming vote that will decide the fate of the prime minister.

Riaz, who is a member of the Jahangir Tareen group, spoke to Geo News senior anchor Hamid Mir and said there were around 24 PTI lawmakers staying at the Sindh House, citing fears of government action against them similar to the March 10 raid by police on Parliament Lodges.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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Munaza Kazmi

You must have dreamed in your life, of a place in the middle of gigantic mountains, under the dark blue sky filled with numerous sparking milky ways, floating clouds touching your skin, air filled with pleasing smell of wild flowers, the sound of water making its way from the curvy stones, the orchids loaded with fruit laden trees, heavenly birds flying in the green pastures and the spectacle of beautiful and rarest of creatures within your reach. MAGIC!!!

I always talk the real magic, the one that is hidden a little far away.

Today am talking about Khaplu, also named as “Shyok Valley” and “Little Tibet” is a wonderful valley that serves as the administrative capital of the Ghanche District of Gilgit-Baltistan, in northern Pakistan. 

Lying 112 kilometer east from Skardu, however it was the second-largest kingdom in old Baltistan of the Yabgo dynasty. 

The valley sprawls along the River Shyok, a tributary of Indus River, next to the ancient trade route to Ladakh.

Also Read: Faisalabad Serena Hotel, a Class of Punjab

With its colorful and vibrant pastures, the awesome views of rivulets, sight of world’s highest and most dangerous mountains, and architectural heritage, Khaplu is an unrivaled tourist attraction of Pakistan.

A magical land always comes with fairies, that obviously the local people are not less then, the most compassionate, beautiful and loving…and a Palace.

Khaplu Palace built in 1840 by the Yabgo Raja Daulat Ali Khan, is the finest surviving example of a royal residence in Baltistan, a provincial autonomous region in Pakistan’s north east, and missing mosaic of our jigsaw. 

The beautiful palace was constructed with the help of then Kashmiri and Balti craftsmen and combines the local architectural style with influences from neighboring regions including Tibet, Kashmir, Ladak and Central Asia.

However, it is said, the site of the palace was chosen, by rolling a large stone down from a nearby cliff; where the stone came to a stop, the palace was built. 

For over 100 years it remained the seat of the local ruler and his descendants continued to live there even after their kingdom was abolished. The last Raja of Khaplu who lived in the house died in 1983 and the palace began to fall into a state of dilapidation after.

Luckily, in year 2005 Aga Khan Trust for Culture started restoration works; a process that took 6 years. Hence, in 2011, the restored Serena Khaplu Palace was opened as a 21 rooms heritage hotel under Serena Hotels. It has since won numerous awards including a UNESCO Heritage Conservation Award.

Serena Khaplu Palace, a brilliant experience of lifetime, starting from beautifully appointed accommodations to a diverse range of activities and excursions that capture the history, culture and natural beauty of Khaplu.

Stepping into the Palace and you will be travelling back in the time, into the world of tranquility, serene atmosphere, an air of royal and elegance, sincere and compassionate faces always ready to assist. 

The sweetness of the breeze that still I can feel coming from the fruit laden orchids, the architecture, the furnishing, the art work of then craftsmen till date speaking clearly the tales of the past and yes, the history…

ALSO READ: A Destination From The Past

The magical journey starts through a stay in a precisely renovated 200-year-old palace, considered one of the finest existing examples of a royal residence in Baltistan. 

Then, an onsite museum that reflects the life patterns of Royals and give an understanding of how developed and experienced they were, since most of the parts of palace have been preserved and kept in its original form, with the same furnishing and then Raja’s belonging showcasing, ranging from art of clothing, paperwork, kitchen utensils some made in a way to detect the poison, spinning wheel, the proper storage and lighting system and a lot more. 

Moreover, it is one of the best in Gilgit – Baltistan, featuring several lounges offering stunning views of the valley below. Also, with Palace’s own fruit trees and organic vegetable garden, the Palace provides the guests with an opportunity to taste some of the best cuisine in the region.

Embracing the layout and character of a traditional Raja Palace, Serena Khaplu Palace is a place of tranquil courtyards and fruit gardens around which 21 rooms and suites some dating back to the 1840’s, are arranged. 

ALSO READ: Tranquility of Hunza

Where you will find roofs wood-beamed, and interiors showcase locally inspired antiques, fabrics and cultural artefacts. 

The Palace offers six historical accommodations – Two Royal Suites, Two Heritage Suites and Two Standard Rooms – that are positioned in the original Old Palace (YabgoKhar), each offering an exclusive and authentic experience steeped in royal culture. 

The more contemporary Garden House contains 13 guest rooms and two suites equipped with modern amenities. Moreover, these rooms offer private terraces and views of the surrounding Thoqsikhar (Old Yabgo Fort, Khaplu Pastures and traditional settlements of Khaplu). 

Each room has been tastefully decorated with handmade textiles and antique objects. However, keep in mind all rooms are non-smoking.

ROYAL SUITES. The Palace’s two Royal Suites as I have mentioned above, are equipped with a king bed covered with snow white linens, an anteroom and an adjoining baithak; a private sitting. 

The Raja Suite features a “Shah-e-Nasheen,” and the Rani Suite features an airy balcony decorated with wooden latticework and a beautiful baithak. Each suite is decorated with antiques and local artefacts.

Standing in the balcony of Rani suite you can have amarvelous view of surrounding mountains, rivulets and the beautiful valley.

SARFA KHAR RESTURANT

The tranquil SarfaKhar, it is like a time machine, traveling to the past. Designed with much diligence in a traditional rustic Pakistani style, in order to deliver the memorable experience. 

SarfaKhar Restaurant offers a delightful menu of freshly prepared Balti, Pakistani, and continental dishes.

The Restaurant also offers an elaborate a la carte menu, outdoor snacks and a special BBQ in their lush green Garden, where you would find yourself surrounded by flower and butterflies of every kind and color and mountains towering over you. 

However, I would recommend you to must try their Walnut Tart and Buck-wheat pan cakes.

KHATAMBAND LOGGIA

Located in the Old Palace (YabgoKhar), Khatamband Loggia, where then Royals have their court, preserved in its original form and color offering a unique experience of elegance and a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. 

The Loggia serves local cuisine for snack time and has a capacity for six guests at a time, a perfect place for Family Time.

You can always find experienced guide for day out, let’s say visiting 1370’s Chaqchan Mosque, a Tibetan-style village, trekking Masherbrum Mountain or the Hushay Valley, one of the marvelous, unforgettable and worth discovering land awaiting.

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Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences (Bahria University Islamabad, 2020). She’s a travel writer, an author, & co-author of scientific contributions in national & international publications. Her main areas of research include tourism & quality management.

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Karachi, MAR 16: The Sindh government is delighted to announce the launch of the Sindh Super League, a league providing sporting activity and employment to the youth of Sindh and the rest of Pakistan.

"On behalf of the Sindh government and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, I am delighted to announce the Sindh Super League," said Special Assistant Sindh Sports Department Arbab Lutfullah at the inauguration ceremony held at a local hotel here in Karachi.

The league will begin on March 20 and continue till April 2. All matches will be held at People's Stadium in Lyari, Karachi.

The Sindh Super League is part of the Sindh government's focus on sports in every district. It is the first step in our endeavour to organize sporting activity in every district of the province," said Lutfullah.

The convenor of the Sindh Super League is former captain of the Pakistan national team, Kaleemulllah Khan.

"This tournament will help Pakistani footballers not just find competitive action but also provide them with financial benefits that they were deprived of," said Kaleemulllah. "As a former captain I realize the problems being faced at the grassroots level and this tournament will help our footballers and coaches return to sporting activity."

TPT & Live360 will be broadcast production partners for the event and TransGroup will support the league with its marketing and sponsorships. The league will be broadcast on Geo Super. Two matches will be played each day. The inauguration ceremony will be held on March 20 at 7.30pm followed by kickoff at 8.30pm.

"We invite everyone, from all walks of society, to come to the stadium and cheer on Pakistani footballers and encourage their efforts," said Kaleemulllah.

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 16: BARDASHT, a non-profit, non-governmental organization aimed at improving social welfare joined hands with Huawei Pakistan for the collection and donation of food items for women and children of Afghanistan.

Ms. Neelum Toru, President Bardast, Roohi Shah, philanthropist and member Bardasht, Dr. Humaira Gillani, Finance Secretary Bardasht and Mr. Austin Shao, Ahmed Jehanzeb Malik, Director Public Relations Huawei were present at the occasion along with other representatives from both organizations.

President of Bardasht, Ms. Neelum Toru stated at the occasion, “Bardasht has already been working with Huawei Pakistan for social contribution for a long time and we always appreciate their support in the aid of the poor Children and Women of Afghanistan.”

Mr. Cheng, bureau chief of People's Daily Pakistan also have attended this occasion. He highly commented on Huawei's efforts on supporting Afghanistan people. As Staple food supply is in imminent shortage in Afghanistan, it is important for international society to stand with Afghanistan people and take such real actions.

BARDASHT is a non-profitable, non-governmental organization registered under Social Welfare Agencies Ordinance of 1961. The Head Office is based in Islamabad whereas it has branch offices in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and Gilgit. It helps the underserved through strategic interventions in health, education and skill development.

Huawei Pakistan has been striving towards reducing the gap, whether it comes to poverty or the digital divide since it first came to Pakistan almost 24 years ago. This has been done through CSR events, ICT academies across the countries, to name a few examples.

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Islamabad, MAR 15: Today Microsoft hosted an insightful discussion on the opportunity educators have to reimagine education for the post-COVID world. During the discussion, Microsoft Education Industry Lead Angela Nganga explored the various ways Microsoft is supporting educators to harness the value of education technology in hybrid learning. Nganga was joined by Khadija Amer, a representative from Microsoft customer Punjab Group of Colleges (PGC), Kaan Cetinturk, CIO & Director, Information Management & Technology Department, and Moritz Bilagher, Acting Director of Education, both from UNRWA Jordan, who shared their experiences of working with Microsoft technologies. 

Digital tools support immersive education 

Education fast became another casualty of COVID-19. A year into the pandemic, UNICEF reported that over 168 million children across the globe were still unable to attend school due to lockdown closures. Of those children, 9 million were in the Middle East and North Africa.  

This level of disruption shone a spotlight on the lack of resilience in our global education system. We must be able to teach our children despite future disruptions and in a way that arms them for success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution and beyond. To do that, policy makers and educators will need to reimagine education. 

UNICEF, ISTE, UNESCO, and the World Bank have recognized the importance of digital tools in this effort, as the tools can provide a flexible, personalized approach for students. “At Microsoft, we too believe in this power of digital tools, which can transform educational systems and support schools, teachers, and students,” says Nganga. 

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine education in a post-COVID world. We can take the hard-won lessons of the pandemic and use this knowledge to create a future-proof education system that serves our children and protects their future,” she adds.

Using educational analytics to inform educational strategies

Modern teaching and learning make the most of new and immersive ways to explore curricula. This reimagined education system nurtures a ‘growth mindset’ in students, emphasising future-ready skills to help them thrive in jobs not yet invented. Such a system is unafraid to use new technologies and new forms of assessment to gauge student progress. It’s a reimagining that Microsoft has brought to life through its K-12 Education Transformation Framework. 

With tools such as Education Insights for Teams, educators have one place to get real-time analytics of participant progress and activity within a class team. At a glance, they can proactively track student progress, get the data they need to shape the student experience, and ensure they are meeting social and emotional as well as academic needs. The goal is never to replace the expertise of skilled teachers. AI and analytics scale and augment that expertise, freeing teachers to apply their skills in the most effective ways.

“By using data and analytics in the hybrid classroom, educators can gain unique insights into their students’ successes and struggles, and then tailor individual interventions to maximise the children’s learning opportunities,” says Khadija Amer, Director, Punjab Group of Colleges.

“Making educational opportunities more widely available using technology and a reimagined education system offers the chance for children and young people across the region to access quality education and empowers them to pursue future success,” says Moritz Bilagher, Acting Director of Education, UNRWA Jordan. 

Microsoft supports education equality

Microsoft understands that a holistic digital transformation strategy is a crucial to ensuring successful outcomes for both students and educators. That’s why through its Project Constellation, the company is working with its partner-systems to develop a set of technical resources that will empower them to build capacity and pursue education analytics at a much faster pace. 

Project Constellation is a collaboration between education systems dedicated to advancing the use of education analytics and AI in order to maximize learning outcomes. The goal is to build an international community with common approaches to education analytics and AI. These resources are made available publicly through an open-source community called Open Education Analytics on Github. Together, members of Project Constellation are setting the foundation for the future of broad capacity-building in education analytics across the education sector.

Helping educators implement systemic transformation

Modern teaching and learning makes the most of new and immersive ways to explore the curriculum. It nurtures a growth mindset in students, emphasizing future-ready skills to help them thrive in jobs not yet invented. It’s unafraid to use new technologies and new forms of assessment to gauge student progress. The Microsoft Education Transformation Framework is an effective, flexible platform for education transformation, with the framework offering communities of practice, software and professional development.

“Through our strategic partnership with Microsoft, we have had great success implementing hybrid and blended learning for students via Teams, ensuring a secure and seamless access to all our platforms through Microsoft’s identity solutions and security policies, upskilling our IT teams and educators on the latest technologies, and benefitting from the power of Azure to host, manage, and secure our apps,” says Kaan Cetinturk, CIO & Director, Information Management & Technology Department at UNRWA Jordan. 

“The key to a transformed learning system is understanding students’ strengths and weaknesses – whether academic, emotional or social, to offer learning opportunities that resonate with them. Microsoft aims to empower education systems around the world to provide students with the best learning opportunities and improve student learning outcomes, through shared knowledge and technical resources,” says Nganga.

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 15: The Embassy of Japan held two Japanese Calendars Exhibitions 2022 in Islamabad in cooperation with the MEXT Alumni Association of Pakistan (MAAP), the Quaid-e-Azam University and the National Skills University.

The exhibition at the Quaid-e-Azam University was inaugurated by WADA Mitsuhiro, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan together with the Vice-Chancellor of the Quaid-e-Azam University Dr. M Ali and other guests on March 15th. Another exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. IWASAKI Ryuji, Cousellor, the head of Cultural Section together with the Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Dr. Mukhatar and other guests on March 8th. 

Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari, the President of the MAAP and other members attended both ceremonies. MAAP is the organization of former Japanese Government Scholarship alumnus in Pakistan.

The Japanese Calendars Exhibition is an annual feature of the cultural activities and is very popular among the people of Pakistan. This year, around 65 calendars have been put on display in the exhibition with the cooperation of Japan Calendars Association and various Japanese companies. The calendars exhibited showcase a vibrant depiction of the Japanese heritage and cultural identity by reflecting images from traditional to contemporary area such as arts, sports, automobiles, nature, heritage and architecture of Japan.

Ambassador WADA, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony said that the purpose for holding this exhibition is to introduce various facets of Japan to the people of Pakistan as a variety of calendars have been put on display which represent the beauty as well as the true life image of Japan. 

He emphasized the significance of this year's exhibition being held twice in Islamabad for the first time by mentioning that this is very good development as more and more Pakistani students can feel Japan so close at this exhibition. 

This development surely will resonate the celebration of the 70th anniversary, said the Ambassador. The Ambassador also appreciated the support and cooperation extended by the MAAP, the Quaid-e-Azam University and National Skills University for holding this beautiful exhibition. 

Most of the calendars being displayed at the exhibition are produced by private Japanese companies, and are printed on recycled paper which is a fine example of Japan’s efforts to be eco-friendly.

As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan, the Embassy of Japan together with the Pakistani partners is holding a variety of activities to commemorate the historic relations aiming to promote people-to-people interactions and mutual understanding among the peoples of our two nations.

2nd Japanese calendar exhibition inaugurated at National Skills University 

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 15 (Raja Furqan) - The 1st convocation of Muslim Youth University (MYU) was held at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. President Dr Arif Alvi was the guest of honour at the event.

While addressing the convocation, the president said unless women were not made equal partners in economic struggle, the country could not witness real prosperity.

The president also urged providing opportunities to women in the domain of online, e-business and part-time jobs to keep them intact with their professions.

He said immense openings were available for youth in the shape of the Kamyab Jawan programme and other financial assistance schemes offered by banks. President Alvi emphasized creating public spaces for women to ensure their emancipation and empowerment.

He called upon the graduates to benefit from these opportunities and excel in their professional fields. Dr Alvi emphasized upon the graduates to demonstrate honesty, integrity, and empathy in their lives, adding that knowledge without humanity had no significance.

He said the world was ignoring the norms of humanity by closing its doors upon migrants, however mentioned that Pakistan in line with the morals of empathy remained steadfast in hosting the refugees from Afghanistan for decades.

The president gave away medals to the graduates who attained positions in their respective disciplines. While addressing the participants, the pro-vice-chancellor, MYU Dr Hassan Waseem expressed his gratitude to the guest of honour and congratulated the students and their parents, and wished them a prosperous future who had been equipped with productive, creative and inventive professional skill sets. The Pro VC also lauded the faculty's efforts for securing research projects.

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 15: Pakistan’s cellular and digital services leader, Zong 4G, has now come up with a powerful ‘Weekly Pro’ Package for digitally savvy customers. Offering the biggest data option in the industry, the Weekly Pro Package will allow subscribers to enjoy unmatched data and voice connectivity without any restrictions.

The Weekly Pro Package gives customers 40 GB of all-purpose data, 250 Other network minutes, and unlimited Zong minutes and SMSs at the promotional Load price of PKR 399 only. 

The Package brings ultimate convenience and unrivalled connectivity to the customers for the entire week, allowing them to work, play and always stay connected seamlessly. The Package is in line with Zong’s proactive approach in understanding and addressing the varied connectivity needs of its customers across different segments of the country.

“The Weekly Pro Package is part of our ‘Let’s Get Digital’ motto and addresses the heavy data needs of our power users. We realize that people are increasingly depending on their connectivity and data for work – especially in the wake of Covid-19. The Weekly Pro Package turns their handsets into a connectivity powerhouse.”  shared Zong’s official spokesperson.

As a customer-centric company, Zong aims to uplift its customers’ experience to newer heights. Through its most advanced digital solutions, Pakistan’s leading telecommunication network is innovating to provide sought-after solutions, services, and offers to its customers and promises to continue doing so in the future.

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BAKU/KARACHI, MAR 14: This week Pakistan International Airlines will start operating flights to Baku from two Pakistani cities Karachi and Lahore. The Azerbaijani national air carrier also plans to launch flights from Baku to Lahore, a working meeting between AZAL President Jahangir Asgarov and Pakistani ambassador to Azerbaijan Bilal Hayee.

At a meeting with the Pakistani ambassador, the sides exchanged views on the agenda of mutual cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in the field of civil aviation, and long-term plans to increase passenger traffic. The parties noted that the anti-epidemic measures have made it possible to improve the current situation with COVID-19.

Jahangir Asgarov noted that the opening of direct flights will serve as an additional incentive for the development of tourism and business relations between the two countries. According to ambassador Bilal Hayee, regular flights will give a new impetus to the development of political, economic, and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

At a meeting between AZAL President Jahangir Asgarov and Bulgarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Nikolay Yankov, the sides exchanged ideas, forecasts, and visions of the current situation in the field of civil aviation and measures taken by the airlines of the two countries to overcome the anti-epidemic restrictions. At the meeting, Jahangir Asgarov and Nikolay Yankov discussed prospects for resuming flights between Sofia and Baku.

According to the President of AZAL, the fifth and seventh degrees of airspace freedom operate at all Azerbaijani airports. These degrees allow all foreign air carriers to operate flights from Azerbaijan to 40 countries in Europe, North America, Australia, and Southeast Asia without any restrictions, Jahangir Asgarov said.

According to ambassador Nikolay Yankov, mutually beneficial and close cooperation will further serve to develop business and cultural ties between the two countries.

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Courtesy report.az

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 14: The gathering was organized to honour the English Journalists at the Head Office of AAA Associates. 

The English Journalists players met with the Chairman AAA Associates Fawad Bashir, MD AAA Associates Lt. Col. Shahzad Ali Kiani (r), CEO AAA Builder Mr. Farooq Bashir, Country Head AAA Associates Mr. Umer Shaukat and Head of Communication AAA Associates Mr. Shazad Sikandar.

Kits were awarded to the English team, and souvenirs were exchanged between AAA Associates and England Journalists Cricket Team as a token of remembrance. The London Media Cricket Club was briefed with the projects launched and delivered by AAA Associates in Pakistan particularly in Rawalpindi/Islamabad.

AAA Associates Chairman Mr. Sheikh Fawad Bashir expressed his gratitude and said, “AAA Associates has always supported sports on all levels. Hosting foreign players depict a positive image of the country to the world and we vouch to project that image to the world.”

Addressing the guests, Managing Director AAA Associates Lt. Col. Shahzad Ali Kiani (r) emphasized on the need of organizing events and said, “Such sporting events inculcate a sense of fraternity and humanity across borders. 

They help boost sports tourism and also provide employment opportunities.”

Players of the London Media Cricket Club had come to Pakistan for a planned Tour to play 3 friendly cricket matches at Sialkot, Lahore and Rawalpindi. 

The match scheduled with AAA Associates was unfortunately cancelled due to rain. However, the events and visit opened the door to many such sporting exchanges in near future.

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KARACHI, Mar 13: Renowned religious scholar Maulana Tariq Jameel has prayed for the success of Prime Minister Imran Khan ahead of voting on the no-confidence motion against him.

As per details, PTI lawmakers from Sindh including, Opposition Leader in Sindh Assembly, Haleem Adil Sheikh and MPA Saeed Afridi called on Maulana Tariq Jameel in Karachi and requested him for special prayers for the failure of the no-trust move.

The meeting that took place yesterday in Karachi was confirmed by PTI MPA in Sindh Saeed Afridi through a Twitter message.

MPA Saeed Afridi Tweeted a photo of the meeting and wrote that it was a privilege meeting the renowned religious scholar in Karachi today.

The MPA further said Maulana Sahab has prayed a lot for the success of Prime Minister Imran Khan and religious scholars like him are the assets of our country.

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