FARUKH SHEHZAD

ISLAMABAD, APR 1: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that a “powerful” country had been “angered” by his visit to Russia in February and had questioned his decision to go ahead with the two-day tour amid Russia-Ukraine tensions.

He did not name the country in his speech at the Islamabad Security Dialogue. The premier noted that the unnamed country’s ally, India, was importing oil from Russia at a time when the West was trying to impose sanctions in the aftermath of the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.

“Today, I read the British foreign secretary’s statement that they can’t say anything to India as it has an independent foreign policy. So what are we then?” he asked, adding that the blame lay with Pakistan.

“No country is respected unless it stands on its own two feet.”

During his speech, the premier also praised India for its independent foreign policy that was centred around its people. “They protect their independent foreign policy.”

He began his address by highlighting the importance of the event. “In our minds, security was defined as military [might],” he said, adding that it was, in fact, “multi-dimensional”.

He said that the biggest “insecurity” for a nation is when there is a small island of wealthy citizens surrounded by a sea of underprivileged. “A country which does not have inclusive prosperity will always remain insecure.”

He regretted the fact that many were unable to understand the concept of Riyasat-i-Madina. “They think that I talk about Riyasat-i-Madina to garner votes and use Islam for political purposes.”

Commenting on the state of Madina, he called it a “unique” model where the people were uplifted to become a great civilisation. “This is a part of history, not mythology,” he said, adding that this model was the very definition of national security.

“They proved that when a nation takes care of its weakest people, that is real security […] security follows when every citizen owns their country,” he said, adding that the military could only give you “limited security”.

Turning towards Pakistan, the premier labelled “unequal development” in Pakistan as the biggest reason for the country’s insecurity. “A small elite laid capture to our resources and did not allow its competition to succeed.”

He went on to say that the same elite also introduced an English medium education system which meant that good jobs would only go to those who spoke the language. PM Imran further said that this also had an impact on the health and justice system, where only the affluent were being catered to.

The prime minister also held the absence of rule of law as the reason behind the country’s insecurity, stating that no country could truly progress or reach its potential without it. He noted how the same was enforced in the state of Madina.

“I want to be a part of a state that gives me justice, where my rights, life and property are protected,” he said.

Giving an example from history, he said that conquerors from the North would travel straight to Delhi facing little to no resistance. “They faced no resistance because the people did not have a stake in the system. It was a feudal system,” he said that the person at the top ruled over the people.

Finally touching upon an independent foreign policy, he said that the policy at the time of independence “made sense”. “We were bankrupt, we did not have resources and had refugee problems.”

But our dependency on foreign aid caused the most damage to the country, he said. “We did not bother to discover the potential that God had given us. A person reaches his true potential when he faces resistance,” he said, giving the example of a muscle atrophying when it is not in use.

“When a nation starts thinking we can’t achieve anything without aid, it can’t succeed,” he said, adding that an independent foreign policy was inextricably linked with a nation’s progress.

‘Sacrificed own country for another’s interest’

Talking about the Afghan ‘jihad’, the prime minister said that Pakistan had never evaluated what it had lost and what it had gained through its participation.

“We never evaluated whether we got involved in order to help the Afghan people or whether it was for obtaining foreign aid,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s losses far outweighed the foreign aid that was given.

He went on to say that after 9/11, Pakistan changed its stance on resistance against foreign occupation terming it as “terrorism”.

“We violated our own principles,” he said, noting the economic devastation and labelling of Pakistan that followed soon after.

“We sacrificed our own country for the benefit of another […]. That is why I believe that a country without an independent foreign policy does not have any respect in the world and cannot protect the interests of its people.”

He went on to say that the objective of the PTI government was to draft an independent foreign policy and to stop the country from becoming part of a particular camp. “We tried to keep our foreign policy independent, one that is only affected by what is good for Pakistan’s 220 million people,” he said, adding that the country had never received the amount of international respect given during the last three-and-a-half years.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly criticised the prime minister’s speech, stating that he was “shocked at the way Imran Khan had endangered the global interests of the country”.

“His recurring praise for [Narendra] Modi’s foreign policy is an insult to the sacrifices of valiant Kashmiris braving Hindutva. Among other things, the damage done to our foreign policy is incalculable,” he said.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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KARACHI, APR 1: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted on Friday that there are chances of sighting of Ramadan moon on the evening of April 2, Saturday.

The weather department said the sunset on Saturday will take place at 6:45pm in Karachi and the crescent could be seen until 7:57pm. The moon’s age will be 31 hours and 48 minutes at the time of the sunset, it added.

A meeting of the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will take place in Peshawar on April 2, Saturday, to sight the moon of Ramadan. The meeting will be chaired by Chairman Reut-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azaad.

 Zonal committees will also meet in their respective regions for the sighting of the moon. Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had announced April 2 as the expected date for the sighting of the new moon, marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

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ISLAMABAD, APR 1: In pursuit of service excellence and facilitating Pakistanis in every possible way, Zong 4G – Pakistan’s cellular and digital services leader – now provides its International Direct Dialing (IDD) subscribers to make their own IDD bundle.

Called ‘Zong IDD Mera Apna Bundle’, the offer allows Zong’s IDD users to create their own international direct dialling bundles initially for Saudi Arabia MOBILY Network Only, followed by more destinations to be made part of the offer for Zong 4G Subscribers. 

Both prepaid and postpaid subscribers of Zong 4G can now choose destinations, minutes, and validity (on bill run for postpaid) as per their needs through the ‘Zong IDD Mera Apna Bundle’.

“Being the leaders of ICT-powered digital transformation in the country, we know the changing connectivity needs of the customers and move proactively to address them,” shared Zong’s official spokesperson.

“Customers are the heart of everything we do and we are aware of the digital needs of our subscribers. The ‘Zong IDD Mera Apna Bundle’is a testament to our customer-centric approach and has been designed to facilitate our IDD customers better and ensure they never get out of touch with their loved ones or work.”

Zong’s motto ‘Let’s get digital’ resonates well in the ‘Zong IDD Mera Apna Bundle’ which gives supreme flexibility to users to create their international bundles. and meet their connectivity needs. 

To avail the offer, visit Zong 4G website or download the My Zong App or dial 310 (3101 for Corporate Customers) – 051 111 222 111 for assistance.

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LAHORE, APR 1: Captain Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq hit tons as Pakistan chased their record ODI score at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Chasing a mammoth 349-run target, the Men-in-Green were comfortably over the line with six wickets in hand.

The platform was set by openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, who provided a brilliant 118-run stand. They scored just over run a ball to keep the required run-rate within reach.

Their innings was a clear indication that Pakistan learned from their mistakes, which they made in the first ODI earlier this week.

After smashing seven boundaries and two sixes for his 67 off 64 balls, Fakhar walked back to the dugout after being undone by a beautiful delivery from Marcus Stoinis.

However, it didn’t stop Imam-ul-Haq, who was joined by Babar at the crease, to score his second ton of the three-match series on Thursday.

He became the first Pakistan batter to score a back-to-back century against Australia. The left-hander played some classical shots in his 106-run innings facing only 97 deliveries. Imam struck six fours and three maximums.

The pair made a 111-run stand for the second wicket of just 92 deliveries.

The Pakistan captain played a crucial role in Pakistan’s record-shattering win. The prolific runs getter looked in a sublime touch from the first ball he faced under the floodlights.

He answered the critics once again with his scintillating batting, as he scored a record-breaking century at his home ground. He scored 114 off 83 deliveries at an impressive strike-rate of 139.02.

Babar struck 11 boundaries and a six for his 15 ODI ton. He became the quickest ever to reach 15 ODI hundreds (83 innings) three less than South Africa legend Hashim Amla (86 innings).

He was dismissed by Nathan Ellis.

Mohammad Rizwan played a cameo off 23, while the finishing touches were provided by Khushdil Shah (27 not out) and Iftikhar Ahmed (11 not out).  Pakistan crossed the winning line in 49 overs.

For Australia, Adam Zampa claimed two wickets while Ellis and Stoinis picked up a wicket each for the winnings side.

Earlier, Top-order batter Ben McDermott and opener Travis Head starred as Australia set a mammoth 349-run target after being asked to bat by Babar Azam.

The duo made a brilliant 162-run stand for the second wicket after Australia captain Aaron Finch was removed on a golden duck by Shaheen Shah Afridi in his first over at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Head continued his brilliant form with the bat in the top order as he scored a quick 89 off just 70 deliveries. The left-hander smashed six boundaries and five maximums.

Meanwhile, McDermott, who scored his maiden ODI half-century against in the first ODI at the same venue, continued to impress with the bat as he went on to score his maiden ton.

The right-hander walked back to the dugout after scoring 104 off 108 balls with the help of 10 boundaries and four maximums.

Marnus Labuschagne (59 off 49) also went on to score his fourth ODI half-century. He was removed by Khushdil Shah.

Marcus Stoinis, who struggled with the bat in the first ODI, made good use of the opportunity as he went on to score 49 off 33 balls to guide Australia to 348/7 in their allotted 50 overs.

Shaheen Shah Afridi was the star of the show with the ball as he claimed figures of four for 63 in his 10 over spell. He was well supported by Mohammad Wasim Jr, who claimed two wickets for 56 runs.

The series is level at 1-1 with the decided is set to be played on April 2 at the same venue.

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Courtesy samaaenglish.tv

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ISLAMABAD, APR 1: The National Security Committee (NSC) decided on Thursday to issue a "strong demarche" to a country, that it did not name, over a 'threat letter' — purportedly showing evidence of a foreign conspiracy to oust the PTI-led government — terming it "blatant interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan".

The meeting of the NSC, which is the highest forum for coordination on security issues, was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan. It was attended by ministers for defence, energy, information and broadcasting, interior, finance, human rights, planning, development and special initiatives, chairman joint chiefs of staff committee, services chiefs, national security adviser and senior officers.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), NSA Moeed Yusuf briefed the committee about the "formal communication of a senior official of a foreign country" to Pakistan's ambassador in that country in a formal meeting which was subsequently conveyed.

"The committee expressed grave concern at the communication, terming the language used by the foreign official as undiplomatic," the statement said, adding that the meeting concluded that it amounted to "blatant interference in the internal affairs of Pakistan by the country in question".

It termed the interference "unacceptable under any circumstances".

"The committee decided that Pakistan will issue a strong demarche to the country in question both in Islamabad and in the country's capital through proper channel in keeping with diplomatic norms," according to the statement.

The meeting's participants also endorsed the federal cabinet's decision to take the parliament into confidence about the letter in an in-camera session that was held today at Parliament House. However, the opposition did not attend it, according to Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar.

The development comes a day after the premier shared the letter with his cabinet members in a hurriedly called meeting, which was not attended by PTI's two major allies — Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) — despite being invited. It has been learnt that the letter was shown to the cabinet members on a TV screen.

PM Imran also called a selected group of TV anchors and informed them that "the language of the letter was threatening and arrogant" and that Pakistan would face dire consequences if the no-confidence motion failed.

However, the premier did not show the letter to the media.

This rush to share the 'secret letter' with the cabinet and some journalists came after it became clear that the prime minister had lost his majority in the National Assembly (NA) following the MQM-P's decision to support the joint opposition in the no-trust resolution against the prime minister.

A key ally of the PTI government in the Centre, the MQM-P has seven seats in the NA and after its decision to part ways with the government, the opposition has gathered the support of 177 MNAs, five more than the 172 required to gain a majority.

Yesterday, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) met PM Imran twice after which some ministers claimed that neither the premier had been asked to resign nor would he opt for it.

The 'threat letter' first surfaced on Sunday during PTI's public rally, where the PM brandished it as evidence of a "foreign conspiracy" to oust him, asking his party dissidents, as well as disgruntled allies, to change their minds and avoid becoming part of a "foreign plot" against him.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had told Dawn yesterday that PM Imran had decided to present the 'secret letter' during an in-camera session of the NA or a joint session of parliament, however, no date for when such a session would be called was given.

In a tweet, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar had stated: "If the parliamentary leaders from the government and the opposition side agree, the issue of the sensitive letter can be discussed at an in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security."

The National Assembly session will resume today at 4pm after a recess of three days, with debate on the no-trust resolution on the agenda. Voting on the resolution is expected to take place on April 3.

The letter

In the PTI's public meeting in Islamabad on Sunday, the premier had pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and waved it at the crowd, claiming it was evidence of an "international conspiracy" being hatched to topple his government.

"Foreign funding is being used to change the government. Money is coming from abroad and people inside the country are being used. Some of them are unaware they are being used and some are intentionally using this money against us," he had alleged.

In a joint press conference on Tuesday, Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar and Information Minister Chaudhry said the prime minister had agreed to present the letter to Chief Justice of Pakistan Umar Ata Bandial.

"If someone has doubts, the prime minister says if necessary, and for the people's satisfaction, he is ready to present the letter to the chief justice of the SC, as he enjoys a good reputation," Umar said, adding that only three to four people, including him, had seen the letter.

"The letter has been shared with the top civil and military leadership and only two or three cabinet members," he added.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 31: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday addressed the nation days ahead of voting on a no-trust resolution against him in the National Assembly that will decide his fate.

"Today, I have to talk something important about the country's future," the prime minister said in his opening remarks. "I decided to do this address live because Pakistan is at a defining moment and we have two paths ahead of us."

"But before that, I want to tell you that why a person like me entered politics. I am a fortunate person whom Allah had blessed with everything, including fame and wealth. I am from the first generation that was born in a free country.

"Pakistan is five years older than me. My parents were born during times of slavery. They made me realise that I was lucky to have been born in a free country because in slavery you cannot rise above a certain level. Khuddari is a sign of a free nation."

The prime minister explained why he had entered politics in the 1990s following a successful cricket career. "I entered politics because I came to the conclusion that Pakistan can never be the country that Allama Iqbal dreamt of and Quaid-e-Azam struggled for even in poor health," he said. "The main purpose pf Pakistan was to become an Islamic welfare state, which traces back to the state of Madina.

"When I started politics, I included three things in my party's manifesto. Justice, which means law is the same for the powerful and the weak. Humanity because there is kindness in an Islamic state, and third, Khuddari because a Muslim nation cannot be a slave."

The prime minister continued: "Had Allah not blessed me with faith, I would [not have] entered politics. I was mocked for 14 years and people repeatedly asked me why did I enter politics. I came into politics because of an ideology.

"Since I joined politics, I have always said that neither will I bow down before anyone and nor will I let my nation bow down. It means I will not let my nation be a slave to anyone. I have never backed down from this stance."

"I decided the day I became the prime minister that our foreign policy will be independent, which means it will be for Pakistanis. It doesn't mean that we wanted enmity. When I got the government I said that we will not have any foreign policy that is not in our favour."

The prime minister then discussed the 'threat letter' that purportedly shows "evidence" of a foreign conspiracy to oust his government. In what appeared a slip of tongue, he named the United States as the country behind the threat.

"I am here today because on March 8 or 7, the United States ... not the US ... we got a message. For a free country, a message like this is [not only] against its prime minister but is also against the country [itself]."

"They knew beforehand that a no-trust move was coming. The no-trust motion was not even submitted [at the time]. It means that they (the opposition) was connected with these people abroad, They say they are angry with Pakistan ... they make this excuse. They say they will forgive Pakistan if Imran Khan loses in no-trust move, but if the move fails, Pakistan will have to go through a difficult time."

"In an official document it was said that 'if Imran Khan remains the prime minister, our ties will suffer and you will face difficulties.'"

"I am telling my nation today that this is our status. We are a nation of 220 million and another country — and they are not giving any reason — [is issuing threats]. They said that Imran Khan decide to go to Russia on his own even though the Foreign Office and the military leadership was consulted.

"Our ambassador told them that the decision [to visit Russia was made after consultations] but they are denying it and saying that 'it was only because of Imran Khan and that our ties cannot be good if he stays.' What they are actually saying is that they have no issue with the people who will replace Imran Khan.

"The most disturbing thing is that they (foreign forces) have links with the people through whom the conspiracy happened, They are stooges, and stooges means loyal slaves."

The prime minister was originally expected to address the nation yesterday. However, the address was postponed without providing any reason.

The development comes as the prime minister is facing a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly. Yesterday, the MQM-P — the government's main ally in the Centre — announced that it would support the joint opposition in the no-trust resolution.

The MQM-P has seven seats in the NA and after its decision to part ways with the government, the opposition has gathered the support of 177 MNAs, five more than the 172 required to gain a majority.

In the face of the opposition's onslaught, PM Imran has also made allegations of a "foreign conspiracy" being responsible for efforts to oust him.

At a public meeting held on Sunday, the premier had pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and waved it at the crowd, claiming it was evidence of an “international conspiracy” being hatched to topple his government.

On Wednesday, this letter was shared with members of the federal cabinet in a hurriedly called meeting, which was not attended by the MQM-P and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) despite being invited. The letter was shown to the cabinet members on a TV screen.

PM Imran also called a selected group of TV anchors and informed them that "the language of the letter was threatening and arrogant" and that Pakistan would face dire consequences if the no-confidence motion failed.

However, the premier did not show the letter to the media.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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ISLAMABAD, MAR 31: The crucial National Assembly session to debate the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, which resumed after a three-day recess on Thursday, was adjourned minutes after it began.

Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, who presided over the session, adjourned the session till 11:30am on Sunday.

At the beginning of the session, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Babar Awan moved a motion to adjourn the session so the assembly hall could be used for the Parliamentary Committee on National Security's meeting that was scheduled to be held at 6pm.

However, the motion was rejected after voting.

Subsequently, the speaker opened the floor for questions, however, the opposition MNAs continued to insist that the speaker call for a vote on the no-confidence motion today amid chants of "go Imran go".

Terming the opposition's attitude "non-serious", Suri adjourned the session till Sunday when the vote on the no-confidence motion is expected to take place.

He also announced that the meeting of the parliamentary committee would be held in Committee Room No 2.

The resolution against the embattled premier was tabled by the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on March 28 and it was approved for debate the very same day.

According to a 24-point agenda of the session today, the debate on the no-trust motion against the PM is fourth in order.

Yesterday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said Prime Minister Imran Khan had decided to present a 'secret letter' — purportedly containing details of a "foreign conspiracy" to topple his government — during an in-camera session of the NA or a joint session of parliament, however, no date for when such a session would be called was given.

The premier hopes that after becoming aware of the alleged letter's contents, his party dissidents, as well as disgruntled allies, would change their mind to vote in favour of the no-trust resolution.

Yesterday, the premier had shared the letter with the cabinet members in a hurriedly called meeting, which was not attended by its two major allies — Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) — despite being invited.

The premier had also called a selected group of TV anchors and informed them that "the language of the letter was threatening and arrogant" and that Pakistan would face dire consequences if the no-confidence motion failed.

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Courtesy Dawn News

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LAHORE, MAR 31: Australia were 163-2 at the end of 25 overs in the second one-day international at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday after being invited to bat first by hosts Pakistan.

Ben McDermott and Marnus Labuschagne were at the crease for the visitors at the halfway mark of their innings after opener Aaron Finch was adjudged out leg before wicket on just the third ball of the match.

Travis Head, who amassed 89 runs after his century in the series opener, was caught out by Shaheen Shah Afridi off Zahid Mehmood's ball in the 25th over.

Australia are unchanged from the side that won Tuesday's first of three matches by 88 runs.

Pakistan brought back pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has recovered from a knee injury, dropping Hasan Ali.

The final ODI will be on Saturday, also in Lahore.

Teams:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-Ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Zahid Mahmood, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Saud Shakeel

Australia: Aaron Finch (captain), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben McDermott, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Adam Zampa

Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK) and Ahsan Raza (PAK)

TV umpire: Asif Yaqoob (PAK) Match referee: Muhammad Javed Malik (PAK)

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Courtesy Dawn News

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