Day: January 20, 2023

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Amendments to blasphemy laws create further room for persecution 

Lahore, January 20, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expresses its deep concern over the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Act 2023, which was passed unanimously in the National Assembly on 17 January. While the stated aim of this bill is to curb sectarianism, HRCP believes it is likely to exacerbate the persecution of Pakistan’s beleaguered religious minorities and minority sects.

The proposed legislation increases the punishment for using derogatory remarks against holy persons-including the Prophet (PBUH)’s family, wives and companions, and the four caliphs-from three years with a fine to imprisonment for life ‘which will not be less than ten years’. The bill also makes the offence non-bailable, thereby directly violating the constitutionally guaranteed right to personal liberty under Article 9.

Given Pakistan’s troubled record of the misuse of such laws, these amendments are likely to be weaponized disproportionately against religious minorities and sects, resulting in false FIRs, harassment and persecution. Moreover, increasing the penalty for alleged blasphemy will aggravate misuse of the law to settle personal vendettas, as is often the case with blasphemy allegations. At a time when civil society has been calling for amendments to these laws to prevent their abuse, strengthening this punishment will do the exact opposite.

For more information, contact:
Chairperson,
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Aiwan-i-Jamhoor, 107-Tipu Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore-54600
Tel: +92-42-35864994
Fax: +92-42-35883582
Email: hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Website: www.hrcp-web.org

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CM Chaudhry Parvez Elahi chaired a consultative meeting with PTI leaders

Lahore, January 20, 2023 (PPI-OT):Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi chaired a consultative meeting at his office in which Speaker Punjab Assembly Muhammad Sibtain Khan, Sen. Shibli Faraz, Raja Basharat, Hashim Jawan Bakht and Mehmood-ul-Hassan were present. The participants exchanged views about the nomination of the caretaker chief minister and the political situation. The committee set up for the caretaker CM informed about the lack of cooperation from the opposition.

The chief minister expressed disappointment over the opposition’s non-serious stance on the nomination of the caretaker CM and the controversy it has caused. He deemed the opposition’s stance incomprehensible and a reflection of political incompetence. He urged those who are using the nomination for political gain to be ashamed of their actions. The chief minister emphasized that the nomination was made with an open heart, in the best interest of the nation, and that the opposition’s negative attitude is delaying the process for no valid reason.

He praised the committee members, Raja Basharat, Mian Aslam Iqbal and Hashim Jawan Bakht, as seasoned politicians who sincerely want negotiations but, unfortunately, the opposition has not reciprocated the same. Parvez Elahi emphasized the need for a caretaker chief minister who can handle the affairs of the caretaker government transparently and effectively.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

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CM Chaudhry Parvez Elahi lays foundation stone of Arfa Twin Towers project

 

Lahore, January 20, 2023 (PPI-OT):Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi announced Arfa Twin Towers Project in Lahore and laid the foundation stone of another mega project of Punjab. CM was given a briefing about the Arfa Twin Towers Project. CM apprised that state-of-the-art Arfa Twin Towers Project will be established on the adjacent land with Arfa Karim IT Park. Initial cost of this project has been estimated at Rs. 12 billion. CM apprised that the Punjab government is already constructing a hospital on the old vegetable market land adding that motive behind Arfa Twin Towers Project is to promote software industry. The software industry will provide employments to the youth persons.

CM stated that the 17-storyed twin towers will not only provide a shelter for the technology echo system but will also prove to be beneficial in generating a revenue. Offices of national and international companies will be established in Arfa Twin Towers. CM highlighted that the technology echo system holds the importance of a backbone for the economy of various countries. CM underscored that Pakistan cannot afford to lag behind in the IT field adding that it is his dream that latest facilities like Silicon Valley should be provided in the IT sector. Yousaf Badozai, Chairman P and D Board, Commissioner Lahore Division, Secretary Finance, Secretary C and W, DG LDA, Chairman PITB, DG E-Governance, DG IT Solutions, DG Protocol Ansar Nazir and concerned officials were also present on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

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Pakistan will make a great progress under the flag of Imran Khan, everyone should pray for his health and long life: CM Chaudhry Parvez Elahi 

Lahore, January 20, 2023 (PPI-OT):Chief Minister Punjab Chaudhry Parvez Elahi said that Pakistan will make great progress under the flag of Imran Khan. CM apprised that more than five years work has been done in the last more than five months. Time has arrived to strengthen the hands of Imran Khan. Imran Khan all the time thinks to bring a positive change in the life of a common man. We all should pray for the health and long life of Imran Khan adding that leadership is in the strong hands of Imran Khan. Imran Khan prepared an excellent team in every sector including overseas. CM Parvez Elahi while addressing the cheque distribution ceremony among the Bar Associations stated that the Sharif family ruled over the country for such a long period of time but cannot buy a vegetable by visiting alone.

CM maintained that service to the religion was the vision of Imran Khan on which we vigorously worked. According to the vision of Imran Khan the Punjab government incorporated Aqeeda-e- Khatam-e-Nabuwat (PBUH) in the marriage certificate and also established Khatamun Nabiyeen (PBUH) University. Nazra and Quranic translation was declared mandatory for the students and without reciting no one can become a doctor, engineer or a lawyer. CM said that through Quran-e-Kareem Portal perversion and disgrace to the Quran Kareem will be eliminated through an automated mechanism. The book on which Khatamun Nabiyeen (PBUH) is not written before the Holy Name of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) will be confiscated. He said that if the grievances of a common man are not timely redressed then the question is raised on the system.

The respect to the judiciary is highly essential as after Allah Almighty only courts can grant justice. CM highlighted that since 2002 to date whenever he was given an opportunity then he always worked for the well- being of the lawyer’s community. Offices of Advocate General and Prosecution were being established. Public Defender Act was being presented to redress and advocate the problems of a common man. The lawyers are being provided health facilities through the health cards. CM Parvez Elahi informed that cancer disease is also treated free of cost through Imran Khan’s health card programme. He said that latest medical machinery like CyberKnife and linear accelerator are being provided in the divisions. Emergency1122 made a record of quick response in minimum possible time.

Cheques amounting to Rs. 20 crores were being distributed on behalf of the Punjab government to the Supreme Court Bar, Punjab Bar, High Court Bar, District and Tehsil Bars. Khurram Shahzad Virk, Amir Saeed Raan, Barristor Ali Zafar, Hassan Niazi, Ahmed Owais, Jaffar Bukhari, Akhtar Javed and others participated in the ceremony.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

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Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, meetings with Saudi ministers, officials and Pakistani community 

Karachi, January 20, 2023 (PPI-OT):Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Sajid Hussain Turi went to Saudi Arabia on a five-day official visit where he held detailed meetings with Saudi ministers and various officials. Bilateral relations and the export of Pakistani manpower to Saudi Arabia were discussed in detail in the meetings. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, the Deputy Minister of Saudi Arabia, Adnan Al Naeem, warmly welcomed the federal minister at Riyadh Airport. The purpose of the visit is to create maximum employment opportunities for labourers, skilled and highly trained professional Pakistanis.

Federal Minister Sajid Hussain thanked the Saudi Deputy Minister Adnan Al Naeem and said that he is feeling happy and satisfied on reaching Saudi Arabia and the purpose of his visit is to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and the people of Saudi Arabia. The need for strength is to be met. He said that Saudi Arabia is a destination for thousands of Pakistanis and is the center of the entire Muslim Ummah in terms of religion.

Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Tori visited the Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh where Pakistani Ambassador Amir Khurram Rathore gave him a detailed briefing about the various departments of the embassy. On this occasion, the Federal Minister said that Pakistan attaches great importance to deep and brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia which are based on common religion, devotion and mutual respect. He said that the current government is trying to further strengthen Pakistan’s long-standing and deep fraternal relations with Saudi Arabia and further strengthen mutual economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

He urged the embassy staff to solve the problems of overseas Pakistanis on a priority basis and provide them with all kinds of facilities. He emphasized that solving the problems of overseas Pakistanis on a priority basis is the prime responsibility of his ministry and embassy. Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Tori while addressing the dinner in his honor said that he is proud of overseas Pakistanis who are playing an important role in the country’s economy. He said that overseas Pakistanis are not only feeding their children by working hard away from the country, but are also strengthening the country’s economy through extensive foreign exchange. He said that he is well aware of the problems of overseas Pakistanis and is working day and night to solve all their problems. He assured the overseas Pakistanis that they are always with them for their rights and they can contact them whenever they want.

Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi visited the office of Technical and Vocational Training Corporation of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, where he had a detailed meeting with the Governor, Dr. Ahmed bin Fahd Al Fahd. In the meeting, there was a detailed discussion and agreement on employment opportunities for Pakistanis, increasing exports of Pakistani manpower to Saudi Arabia and increasing cooperation in technical training of workers. Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Tori said that Pakistan is ready to meet the growing need of manpower in Saudi Arabia and he is trying to get more Pakistanis to come to Saudi Arabia after getting training in various technical fields.

Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi also visited Takmal’s headquarters in Riyadh, where top Saudi officials apprised him of Takmal’s objectives, which aim to provide technical training to raise labor standards. Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Tori thanked the Saudi government for initiating the completion of Pakistan, which he inaugurated a few months ago at the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad. He said that through completion, not only the technical skills of the workers will improve, but it will also become easier to find workers from the Pakistani market.

Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Tori met the Pakistani community in Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah and assured them of full cooperation from his ministry. He urged the Pakistanis living abroad to respect the laws of the host countries and refrain from doing anything that would bring the country into disrepute. He said that the instructions of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are to take full care of the rights and welfare of overseas Pakistanis and workers.

In various meetings, the federal minister offered Saudi authorities to provide Pakistani labor and engineers and technicians and said that Pakistan is ready to provide full cooperation to meet all types of manpower in Saudi Arabia. He offered full cooperation of his ministry to the Saudi authorities to export manpower from Pakistan.

Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Tori appreciated the hard work and efforts of the Pakistani ambassador, diplomatic staff and community welfare attachés in Saudi Arabia. He thanked the Saudi government and Saudi Embassy in Pakistan for the hospitality and excellent arrangements during the visit. He said that Pakistan is proud of its brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia. At the end of the visit, Federal Minister Sajid Hussain Turi performed Umrah and visited the Holy Prophet’s grave. He prayed for the country’s security and development.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk

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Syed Nair Hussain Bukhari, Secretary General of Pakistan People’s Party expressed deep sorrow and grief in his condolence message on the death of senior journalist Syed Zameer Nafis

Karachi, January 20, 2023 (PPI-OT):Secretary General of Pakistan People’s Party Syed Nair Hussain Bukhari has expressed deep sorrow and regret in his condolence message on the death of senior journalist Syed Zameer Nafees and said that Syed Zameer Nafees was a practicing journalist.

Hearing the news, Nir Bukhari was deeply shocked and said that Zameer Nafees’ column writing and parliamentary journalistic services will be remembered for a long time. Expressing condolences on the death of Syed Zameer Nafees, we have prayed for patience and patience for the late Syed Zameer Nafees.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk